Traveling by car to Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport often seems to be the most convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are flying with your family. However, when planning a trip, many people forget about an important organizational point - paying for parking services. System automated control Entry and exit services operate around the clock, but the nuances of tariffs can take an inattentive driver by surprise.
In this article, we will look in detail at how to pay for parking at Astana airport, what methods of depositing funds exist, and how to avoid overpayments. Modern technologies make it possible to pay for services remotely, which significantly speeds up the check-out process and reduces the risk of queues at the barrier.
It is worth noting that parking rules and tariff plans may be updated, so it is always important to have information on current prices at hand. By properly planning your parking costs, you can avoid unpleasant surprises when returning from vacation and focus on enjoying your trip.
Parking zones and their features
The airport territory is divided into several functional zones, each of which has its own characteristics and pricing policy. Understanding the difference between them will help you choose the best option for your needs. The main division is between short-term and long-term parking.
Short-term zone, or P1, located directly in front of the terminal. This is an ideal choice for those who see off or meet passengers, as well as for business trips lasting several hours. There is an hourly rate, which becomes less profitable for a long stay.
Long term parking known as P2 or Economy Parking, is located at a distance from the terminal, but provides a free shuttle to the entrance to the airport building. For travelers leaving their car for two days or more, this is the most economical solution. Tariffs here are calculated on a daily basis, which allows you to significantly save your budget.
It is important to correctly estimate the time of your absence. If you're away for a week, the hourly rate at the terminal will cost you a pretty penny, while the daily rate at a remote site will be fixed and predictable. Always check the signage when entering so as not to drive into the wrong zone.
Tariffs and cost calculation
The cost of parking services is based on the time the vehicle spends at the airport. The system records the time of entry and exit, automatically calculating the total amount. Different coefficients may apply for different categories of vehicles.
Below is a table with approximate tariffs to help you navigate the costs. Please note that prices may be indexed, so the final amount will be displayed on the board at check-out or in the mobile application.
| Parking type | First hour | Every subsequent hour | Maximum per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short term (P1) | 500 ₸ | 500 ₸ | 5 000 ₸ |
| Long-term (P2) | 500 ₸ | 500 ₸ | 2 500 ₸ |
| Motor vehicles | 200 ₸ | 200 ₸ | 1 000 ₸ |
There is also a concept grace period. Usually the first 15-20 minutes in the parking lot are free. This time is allocated for disembarkation of passengers or a quick meeting. If you meet this interval, no payment will be charged.
Always keep your parking ticket or record the time of entry on your phone - in case of a system failure, this will help prove the duration of parking and avoid overpayment.
For owners of electric vehicles, special conditions may apply, including the possibility of charging. However, the standard parking fee in this case most often remains the same, unless a special free space is provided at the charging station.
Payment methods for parking
Modern airport infrastructure offers many payment methods to make the process as comfortable as possible for the driver. You don’t have to look for an exchanger or a cash terminal, as they dominate non-cash payments.
You can pay for parking directly at the exit barrier using a bank card or through a contactless payment system NFC. The terminals accept cards from all major payment systems. This is the fastest way if you don't want to waste time on preliminary operations.
An alternative and often more convenient option is to pay via mobile application or web parking portal. To do this, you need to scan the QR code located on the counters in pedestrian areas or on parking meters and enter the car number. The system will show accrued debt and allow you to pay it off online.
- 📱 Mobile banking: through the applications of Kaspi, Halyk or other banks in the section "Fines and payments" -> "Parking".
- 💳 Parking meters: Self-service terminals located in pedestrian areas and near elevator groups accept cards and cash.
- 🚗 On the road: payment terminals directly in front of the barrier for those who prefer to pay at the last minute.
Pre-payment via phone allows you to drive to the exit without stopping if the system recognizes the car number as paid.
☑️ Checklist before leaving the parking lot
Online payment and mobile services
Digitalization of services has made it possible to introduce convenient services for remote parking management. Smartphone use is becoming the de facto standard for frequent flyers. This not only saves time, but also allows you to control costs in real time.
To make a payment, you only need a car number and Internet access. By entering data in the bank application or on a specialized website, you see the exact amount to be paid. After a successful transaction, the barrier will open automatically when approaching the exit area, since the system video analysts counts the license plate.
⚠️ Attention: When paying online, always wait for SMS confirmation or a successful payment screen. If you paid for the service, but the barrier does not open, do not try to “ram” it - contact the support service operator, whose number is indicated on the counter.
Some services allow you to extend your parking time remotely. If your flight is delayed, you can add hours of parking while you're already on the plane or in the arrivals area so that your seat will already be paid for at your gate. This eliminates the need to search for a terminal with luggage in hand.
What to do if the online payment did not go through and the money was debited?
In case of a system failure and double debiting or incorrect operation of the barrier, save screenshots of the transaction. Contact the parking technical support service through the airport contact center. Typically, funds will be refunded or parking will be manually canceled within 3-5 business days.
Benefits and free parking
The legislation and internal rules of the airport provide for categories of citizens and situations when parking is provided free of charge or at a discount. This is an important aspect that not all drivers know about, which leads to unnecessary expenses.
First of all, free parking is provided to participants of the Great Patriotic War and persons equivalent to them. To receive the benefit, you must register the appropriate status at the parking administration or through special terminals by presenting your ID.
There are also tariff plans for residents or airline employees that require a monthly subscription fee. For ordinary passengers, the main way to save money is to use transfer parking with a long absence. The first 15 minutes, as mentioned earlier, are also free for everyone.
- 🎖️ Veterans: full fee waiver upon presentation of identification.
- ⏱️ Short stop: up to 15-20 minutes free of charge for disembarkation/pick-up.
- ♿ People with disabilities: often there are preferential conditions or special seats closer to the entrance.
To obtain preferential conditions, registration of the car number in the database is often required. This can be done at the information desk in the terminal or through the call center. Ignoring the registration procedure may result in automatic charging of the full cost.
Saving and safety tips
When leaving your car at the airport, you must be sure not only of its financial viability, but also of the safety of the vehicle. Long-term parking requires preparation, especially in winter, when temperatures in Astana can drop critically low.
It is recommended to leave your car in long-term parking lots with security, even if they are located further from the terminal. Such areas are equipped with video surveillance systems and are patrolled. Saving on parking in an unsecured place near your home can lead to much higher repair costs.
When choosing between cheap airport parking and official parking, always give preference to the official area with video surveillance - the risk of car theft or damage in illegal parking is much higher.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the battery charge level. Prolonged idle time can drain the battery, especially if the car has alarms with GSM modules or trackers that consume energy. Ideally, remove the terminal or use a special storage charger if the parking lot provides such a service.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave valuables, documents or money in a visible place in your car. Even in a secure parking lot, there is a risk of burglary. Place all items in the trunk before arriving at the terminal.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to pay for parking with a foreign bank card?
Yes, the terminals at Astana airport accept cards from international payment systems (Visa, Mastercard). However, there may be technical restrictions on the part of issuing banks. It is recommended to have cash in tenge or a local bank card as a backup option.
What happens if I lost my parking ticket?
Modern airport parking lots use a license plate recognition (LPR) system. A ticket may not be required if the camera recorded your entry. If a ticket is required to exit, contact the parking security service to restore the entry time data.
Is there a maximum payment amount per month?
Yes, for long-term parking there is the concept of a “monthly subscription” or maximum amount (cap). After reaching a certain amount (for example, the cost of 30 days), further time may not be charged or charged at a reduced rate. Check the current limits at the information desk.
How fast is the shuttle service from parking lot P2?
Shuttle buses run at intervals of approximately 10-15 minutes. Travel time to the terminal takes about 3-5 minutes. Take this time into account when planning your departure, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with children.