Construction continues on another segment of the country's major roadway, with funding in place.
Head's Up: A Toll Blast Awaits on the 91-Kilometer Stretch between Balkhash and Burylbaital!
Are you ready for some toll-taking excitement? Gear up, my friend, because a 91-kilometer stretch of the Balkhash-Burylbaital highway in Kazakhstan is gearing up to hit you in the wallet for the next two decades! That's right, folks, this republican-level automobile road is going toll-road in a big way.
So, how much will it cost to cruise through this scenic Kazakhstani route? Well, the Ministry of Transport has the details, and it ain't cheap!
If you're tooling around in a personal car, get ready to drop:
- 300 tenge (post-payment) or 260 tenge (pre-payment) for the full trip.
- For buses under 16 seats or cargo vehicles under 2.5 tons, the toll will set you back:
- 760 tenge (post-payment) or 650 tenge (pre-payment).
- Mid-size vehicles like buses under 32 seats or cargo vehicles under 5.5 tons will pay:
- 1,500 tenge (post-payment) or 1,280 tenge (pre-payment).
- If you're rocking a big bus with more than 32 seats or a cargo vehicle that can handle an auto train up to 10 tons, the toll is:
- 2,250 tenge (post-payment) or 1,910 tenge (pre-payment).
- For cargo vehicles with a capacity from 10 to 15 tons, the toll will leave you:
- 3,020 tenge (post-payment) or 2,570 tenge (pre-payment) lighter in the wallet.
- And if you're hauling over 15 tons, including those Plus-sized trailers and semi-trailers, prepare to shell out:
- 3,760 tenge (post-payment) or 3,200 tenge (pre-payment).
But fret not, dear traveler! Alternative routes are available to bypass the toll road. Take the circuitous route via Balkhash – Karaganda – Karakaraul – Ayaqoz – Taldykorgan – Koktal – Chundzha – Kokpek – Almaty – Kurchum – Burylbaital. Just keep in mind that every mile you drive adds up, especially when you're on the road!
Whew! Toll collections got to be something, huh? Well, Kazakhstan's toll road network is raking in the dough. The chairman of the board of "KazAvtoZhol," Darhan Imanashev, recently announced that a whopping 48 billion tenge was collected from toll roads in Kazakhstan in 2024. And in 2025, the company's eyes are set on doubling this amount to an eye-watering 100 billion tenge!
Instagram and
So far this year, Kazakhstani drivers have made more than 12 million trips on toll roads, but it seems like the tolls are just getting started!
Want more automotive news to satisfy your insatiable curiosity? Follow us on our Instagram and TikTok accounts for a constant stream of updates.
Remember, friends, always double-check toll rates before hitting the road, and happy travels!
Important: The costs mentioned here are estimated and may vary. Confirm toll rates from official channels like the KazAvtoZhol website or local toll booths before embarking on your journey.
Helpful Travel Tip: If it's your first time navigating toll roads in Kazakhstan, you might find the "TollRoad" app or kiosks handy. They help drivers choose between pre-payment for slight discounts or paying post-payment at toll booths or online portals after travel.
- What's the cost for a pre-paid trip on the Balkhash-Burylbaital toll road? It's 260 tenge for a personal car.
- In the Republic of Kazakhstan, the toll road network appears to be a significant source of revenue, with over 48 billion tenge collected in 2024 and a goal of doubling that amount by 2025.
- If you're looking for an alternative route to avoid tolls on the Balkhash-Burylbaital highway, consider the circuitous route via Balkhash – Karaganda – Karakaraul – Ayaqoz – Taldykorgan – Koktal – Chundzha – Kokpek – Almaty – Kurchum – Burylbaital.
- For those embarking on a journey, it's recommended to verify toll rates from reliable sources like the KazAvtoZhol website or local toll booths, as the costs mentioned are approximate.
