Almaty to Khorgos: private car to the China border
Khorgos is the main road crossing between Kazakhstan and China, about 350 km and 4 h 45 min east of Almaty. A private car with an English-speaking driver takes you from your Almaty hotel to the Kazakh Nur Zholy checkpoint for $260 per car (sedan, up to 3 guests), $320 in a minivan, $380 in a Land Cruiser and $520 in a Sprinter. Kazakh cars do not cross into China, so the handover is at the border: you walk into the checkpoint with your bags.
- Distance≈350 km
- Drive≈4 h 45 min, highway most of the way
- HandoverKazakh Nur Zholy checkpoint, Khorgos
- Waitingdrop-off, no waiting
- Pricefrom $260 per car
Almaty to Khorgos: private car to the China border: price per car
| Car | Per car one way | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Toyota Camry or similar | $260 | $130 | $87 | — | — |
| Minivan up to 6 Hyundai Staria / Toyota Alphard or similar | $320 | $160 | $107 | $80 | $53 |
| 4x4 up to 4 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado / 300 | $380 | $190 | $127 | $95 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter | $520 | $260 | $173 | $130 | $87 |
English-speaking driver included. Prices in US dollars, updated 20 October 2026.
How does the border handover work?
Kazakh cars do not drive into China and Chinese cars do not drive into Kazakhstan on this crossing for passenger trips. Your driver takes you to the passenger entrance of the Kazakh Nur Zholy checkpoint, helps with the bags to the door and leaves once you are inside. On the Chinese side, arrange your onward car from Horgos in advance.
What should I know before crossing?
- Many nationalities need a Chinese visa; Chinese citizens can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days per stay (90 days in 180). Check the current rules for your passport.
- The crossing can close on some public holidays of either country. We check the schedule for your date.
- Carry cash in tenge or dollars for the first hours; card terminals at the border are unreliable.
Stops on the way
The road passes Zharkent, 30 km from the border, with its 19th-century Chinese-style mosque, a 30-minute stop that is included. If you want Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai Lakes on the way, take the 2-day Khorgos – Charyn – Kolsai trip instead of a straight transfer.
What’s included
- Private car with an English-speaking driver
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Help with bags to the checkpoint door
- A 30-minute stop in Zharkent
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
- Pay by card online or to the driver
Not included
- Visas and border fees
- Your onward car in China
- Meals
VISAMastercard Fixed price, licensed and insured driver, secure card payment by Stripe.
Questions
How much is a private transfer from Almaty to Khorgos?
$260 per car for a sedan for up to 3 guests, $320 for a minivan for 6, $380 for a Land Cruiser and $520 for a 16-seat Sprinter. Fuel, tolls and an English-speaking driver are included.
Can the car cross into China?
No. Kazakh-registered cars cannot take passengers into China at Khorgos. We drop you at the Kazakh Nur Zholy checkpoint and you cross on foot and by the border shuttle.
How long does the drive take?
About 4 h 45 min for roughly 350 km, mostly on the highway, plus any stop in Zharkent.
What if the border takes longer than expected?
Not an issue on this direction: you are dropped off at the checkpoint.