Guide to train travel, Astana – Degelen (Kurchatov) – Semey (Semipalatinsk)

Ben Crowley

Oct. 18, 2025

Kazakhstan's expansive landscapes and dynamic rail network make train travel an efficient and scenic way to connect its far-flung cities. From the gleaming skyline of Astana, to the Soviet post-industrial oddity that is Semey, with a stop at Degelen station for access to Kurchatov, this route offers a blend of convenience and discovery. Covering about 700 kilometres, the trip takes 12-17 hours depending on the service. Whether eastward to Semey or westward back to Astana, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZh) provides reliable, comfortable options that cater to both budget travellers and those seeking upscale amenities.

The Route

The Astana-Semey line is a key segment of Kazakhstan's Trans-Kazakhstan railway, threading through golden steppes, industrial hubs, and the Irtysh River basin. Departing from Astana's Nurly Zhol station, the train veers east, passing Karaganda's mining landscapes after about 3-4 hours. The terrain opens into vast, windswept plains dotted with solar farms and nomadic herds, evoking the country's timeless allure.

Degelen station emerges around the 10-12 hour mark, serving as the gateway to Kurchatov, the former closed city central to the Soviet nuclear program at the Semipalatinsk Polygon Nuclear Test Site. This quiet stop, amid rugged Degelen Mountains riddled with test tunnels, offers a poignant detour for history buffs – museums in Kurchatov detail the site's legacy, now a symbol of disarmament. From here, it's a 2-3 hour continuation to Semey, crossing arid valleys and arriving at a station bustling with local life. Semey, with its riverside promenades, Stronger Than Death memorial, and, Young Pioneer miniature railway, feels worlds away from Astana's futurism.

The reverse route from Semey mirrors this path, with Degelen as a fleeting, evocative pause before the long haul to Astana's iconic Bayterek. Total distance is approximately 740 km.

Schedule

KTZh operates multiple daily trains on this corridor, with schedules available for up to 6 months in advance. Direct Astana-Semey services run 4-6 times weekly, departing mornings or evenings for daytime or overnight options. For Degelen specifically, service frequencies run at 4-7 times weekly.

Astana to Semey via Degelen Timetable

Semey to Astana via Degelen Timetable

On Board Experience

Gone are the days of purely Soviet-era rails. KTZh's fleet is modern and charming, featuring contemporary amenities, making Astana-Semey trips a pleasure. Choose from platskartny (open-plan dorms, 52-54 bunks, from $10), kupe (secure 4-berth compartments with fresh linens and AC, $15-25), or premium 2-berth sv (spalny vagon) cabins ($30-50) for privacy and perks like personal reading lights. Trains now feature power outlets in every berth, and free wi-fi pilots expanding from Astana-Almaty routes.

The dining car is the real highlight: expect well-stocked menus of Kazakh staples like beshbarmak (horse meat noodles), shashlik skewers, and fresh salads, plus international options. Prices $5-15 per meal. Along the route, vendors at stops offer local treats like kurt (salted cheese balls).

Toilets are western-style and clean, with hot water on demand.

How to buy tickets?

KTZh's system is foreigner-friendly, with e-tickets streamlining the process. The official site, www.railways.kz, and apps like "KTZh Tickets" support English while being functional and easy to use.

Guests need to search the required route, in this instance Astana to Degelen/Semey, select class, and pay, with both Visa and Mastercard being accepted. Tickets can be presented on your phone or printed out. You can also use third party websites such as www.tickets.kz or www.12Go.asia which offer seamless English interfaces, real-time availability, and no markups.