As the country goes to the polls to elect Kurultai representatives for the first time, travel by public transport in Almaty is free for one day, for everybody.
The Department of Traffic Management and Passenger Transport made the announcement that travel on buses, trolleybuses, and the Metro will be free for the entire day on 23 August, 2026.
The decision was largely made to help citizens travel with ease on the day of the country’s major elections, hailed as a historic moment by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, but guests in the southern capital are also able to use public transport for free until the last service this evening.
Meanwhile, a similar decision has been made in the capital, with public transport in Astana also free today.
We remind visitors to Almaty that to use public transport, payment is required on any other day, but there are various simple ways to do this and the services are very affordable.
Purchasing an Onay card is ideal for those planning to make several trips. The balance on the card can be topped up at any Qiwi terminal, as well as via banking apps, and at Onay offices.
For regular users of buses, trolleybuses, and the Metro, monthly travel passes can be purchased, while for any single journey, fares can be paid via QR code, either in the native application or using online banking.
Cash payment is forbidden on most services and discouraged on others, so planning in advance is advisable, with the following services able to assist.
