Shymbulak to Almaty airport by private car
From Shymbulak to Almaty airport is about 45 km and 1–1.5 hours, and a private car costs from $80 per car with skis and boards inside: $100 for a minivan, $135 for a 4x4, $175 for a Sprinter. As of October 2026 private petrol and diesel cars may not drive above Medeu, so the driver usually meets you at the lower gondola station at Medeu after you ride down; we confirm the exact meeting point the day before. Pickups between 23:00 and 06:00 add $15.
- Distance≈45 km: Medeu → ALA ≈37 km
- Drive1–1.5 h; add 30 min in snow
- Meeting pointMedeu gondola station (or the resort, if the road is open)
- Night 23:00–06:00+$15
Shymbulak to Almaty airport by private car: 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 | $80 | $40 | $27 | — | — |
| Minivan up to 6 Hyundai Staria / Toyota Alphard or similar | $100 | $50 | $33 | $25 | $17 |
| 4x4 up to 4 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado / 300 | $135 | $68 | $45 | $34 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter | $175 | $88 | $58 | $44 | $29 |
English-speaking driver included. Prices in US dollars, updated 20 October 2026.
How does the pickup work with the road closure?
Ride the gondola down to Medeu with your bags; the driver waits at the lower station drop-off area and helps carry skis and suitcases to the car. If the rules change and cars may drive to the resort again, he collects you at your Shymbulak hotel. The gondola does not run at night, so for a night flight from ALA, spend the last evening in the city and book the city to airport car.
When should I leave for the airport?
Allow 1–1.5 hours from Medeu to Terminal 2, more on Friday evenings and snow days, plus 3 hours before an international flight. The arrival the other way is Almaty airport → Shymbulak at the same price.
What’s included
- Meeting at Medeu with help for skis and bags
- Room for skis and boards
- Fuel and parking
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
- Pay online by card or pay the driver
Not included
- Gondola ticket
- Meals
VISAMastercard Fixed price, licensed and insured driver, secure card payment by Stripe.
Questions
How much is a transfer from Shymbulak to Almaty airport?
$80 for a sedan, $100 for a minivan, $135 for a 4x4 and $175 for a Sprinter, per car, one way.
Can the car collect me at the Shymbulak hotel?
Only if the road above Medeu is open to our cars on your date; otherwise the meeting point is the Medeu gondola station.