Aktau Airport serves the coastal city on the Caspian Sea in western Kazakhstan, approximately 25 km from the city center.
It is the access point to Caspian beaches and to the desert landscapes of the Mangyshlak Peninsula, including spectacular canyons and rock formations in the interior.
How to get to Aktau Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SCO
Parking near Aktau Airport
The parking facility managed by the airport is located in front of the terminal.
Rates reflect the typical standards of the region.
How to get to Aktau from SCO
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Aktau Airport
Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for exploring the coast and desert hinterland.
Driver's license, passport, and credit card are the required documents; the IDP is almost always asked for.
Hotels near Aktau Airport
City centre and seafront
27-30 km from the airport, 20-31 minutes by taxi depending on the exact hotel; no train, only taxis or rental cars.
Best for: Those who want the sea and the city centre on the same walk, with the city's upscale hotels just minutes from the seafront.
- Just minutes on foot from the Caspian Sea and the Second World War memorial
- Restaurants, parks and the city centre within walking distance, without depending on a taxi in the evening
- The transfer from the airport is among the longest in the city, over 20 minutes with no alternatives
- In winter the seafront is quiet and several venues close during the low season
Recommended hotels
- Holiday Inn Aktau by IHG In the 4th microdistrict, less than 1 km from the Caspian Sea and close to the offices of several oil companies; gym and meeting rooms for business travellers. View availability
- Renaissance by Sulo A 4-minute walk from the sea and 8 from the Second World War memorial; 116 rooms, two restaurants and an outdoor pool with loungers, opened in 2005. View availability
Resorts on the coast
20-50 minutes by car from the airport depending on the resort, along the coast south of the city; a taxi or an organised transfer is always needed, there's no direct public transport.
Best for: Multi-day stays between a private beach and a water park, for those who don't need to stay close to the city centre.
- Private beaches and pools designed for families, away from the traffic of the centre
- The TETYSBLU water park is included for Rixos guests, useful for filling the days with children
- Isolated from city life: reaching the centre of Aktau always requires a 20-30 minute taxi ride
- Prices noticeably higher than city properties, according to reviews
Recommended hotels
- Rixos Water World Aktau - Theme Park Free Access All-inclusive resort on Warm Beach, about 20 km from the centre of Aktau; entry to the TETYSBLU water park included, with over 30 attractions. View availability
- Holiday Inn - Aktau - Seaside by IHG In the 15th microdistrict, about a hundred metres from the beach and with its own jetty for swimming; 69 rooms, designed for both relaxation and small corporate events. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is appropriately sized for its role as a regional hub, with increased tourist traffic in summer.
To be safe: allow 2 hours before departure for flights.
Map of Aktau Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What are the Mangyshlak canyons?
Spectacular geological formations in the desert hinterland near Aktau, including the famous Bozzhira canyon: they are usually visited on an organised excursion given how remote the area is.
Q. Does Aktau have beaches on the Caspian Sea?
Yes, the city sits right on the sea and several hotels offer beach access, making it a summer destination for Kazakhs themselves.
Q. Is it worth exchanging currency at Aktau airport?
Only the minimum amount for the taxi or initial expenses: the best exchange rates are found at banks in the city centre. If you are heading straight to the Mangyshlak canyons in the hinterland, bring enough cash anyway, since ATMs become scarce away from Aktau.
Q. Is it worth renting a car in Aktau?
Yes, for exploring the coast and part of the hinterland; for the more remote canyons, an organised excursion with a guide who knows the area well is still recommended.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights