Transport Tower The Lighter
Astana's iconic 'lighter' shaped skyscraper, a modern architectural marvel offering unique photo opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Transport Tower The Lighter
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Astana's iconic 'lighter' shaped skyscraper, a modern architectural marvel offering unique photo opportunities.
"It's beautiful on the outside, of course, I don't know what's inside."
📸 Capture the 'Lighter' Shape
The unique design is best appreciated from various angles. Try to get shots that highlight its iconic 'lighter' form.
🚗 Public Transport is Key
Parking is scarce. Opt for buses or taxis to easily reach the tower without hassle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Lighter' Architecture
Exterior
Admire the distinctive 'lighter' shape of this iconic building, a symbol of modern Astana.
Panoramic City Views
Observation Deck (if accessible)
Experience breathtaking views of Astana from above, showcasing the city's unique urban design.
Modern Astana's Skyline
Surrounding Area
See the Transport Tower as part of Astana's impressive and futuristic skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Transport Tower
Understanding Access and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the 'Lighter' Shape
The unique design is best appreciated from various angles. Try to get shots that highlight its iconic 'lighter' form.
🚗 Public Transport is Key
Parking is scarce. Opt for buses or taxis to easily reach the tower without hassle.
🏢 Interior Access Limited
Remember, it's a government building. Focus on the stunning exterior architecture.
🏙️ Explore the Modern City
The tower is a great starting point to explore Astana's futuristic cityscape.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the 'Lighter' Shape
The unique design is best appreciated from various angles. Try to get shots that highlight its iconic 'lighter' form.
🚗 Public Transport is Key
Parking is scarce. Opt for buses or taxis to easily reach the tower without hassle.
🏢 Interior Access Limited
Remember, it's a government building. Focus on the stunning exterior architecture.
🏙️ Explore the Modern City
The tower is a great starting point to explore Astana's futuristic cityscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Transport Tower's striking 'lighter' exterior, a unique architectural icon in Astana. While interior access is restricted due to its function as a government building, its visual presence is a significant draw. The lack of dedicated parking is a minor inconvenience for those arriving by car.
"It's beautiful on the outside, of course, I don't know what's inside."
Опаты
"This building is popularly called "the lighter". And once it burned."
Олег Олежечка
"There are no permanent parking spaces, not designed for visiting"
Уалиев Айжаркын
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Transport Tower is accessible by public transport. Buses are a common way to get around Astana, and you can find routes that pass near the tower. Ride-sharing apps are also popular and convenient.
Unfortunately, there are no permanent parking spaces designated for visitors at the Transport Tower. It's best to plan for public transport or use ride-sharing services.
For exploring Astana, including the Transport Tower, consider using the city's bus network or ride-sharing apps. The new LRT (Light Rail Transit) system is also expanding and will offer another convenient option.
Depending on your starting point in Astana, walking might be an option, but the city is quite spread out. Public transport is generally more efficient for reaching the tower.
The Transport Tower is located within the city of Astana, not directly at the airport. You will need to take transportation from the airport to reach the tower.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need tickets to visit the Transport Tower as it is primarily an exterior landmark and government building. Access inside is restricted.
As the Transport Tower is a government building, there are no public visiting hours for the interior. You can admire its architecture from the outside at any time.
Generally, you cannot go inside the Transport Tower as it houses government offices. Visitors typically admire its unique 'lighter' design from the exterior.
There is no entrance fee to view the Transport Tower from the outside. It's a public landmark to be appreciated visually.
Official tours for the interior of the Transport Tower are not typically available due to its function as a government building. However, city tours might include it as a point of interest.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is admiring the unique 'lighter' architecture from the outside. If an observation deck is accessible, you can enjoy panoramic views of Astana.
It's famously nicknamed 'Zazhigalka' (the lighter) and is one of Astana's distinctive modern architectural landmarks.
The Transport Tower is a safe landmark to visit from the exterior. As with any urban area, be aware of your surroundings.
For photography, early mornings or late afternoons during the golden hour offer the best light to capture the tower's unique design.
The Transport Tower is situated in a modern part of Astana, surrounded by other contemporary buildings. Exploring the wider cityscape will reveal many other architectural marvels.
📸 📸 Photography
Experiment with different vantage points to capture the 'lighter' shape. Shots from slightly further away can emphasize its scale within the city.
Since interior access is generally not permitted, photography is limited to the exterior of the Transport Tower.
The tower is a year-round attraction. However, consider visiting during seasons with clear skies for optimal photographic conditions.
Look for open spaces around the tower that allow you to frame it against the sky or other modern buildings in Astana.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the entire structure, while a telephoto lens can help isolate details. A tripod is recommended for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Astana's 'Lighter'
Many visitors are drawn to the tower's unusual form, often comparing it to a giant lighter. This unique characteristic has made it a popular subject for photographers and a must-see for tourists exploring the capital. The surrounding area also showcases Astana's futuristic urban planning, with other contemporary structures contributing to the city's avant-garde skyline. Understanding its nickname and its place within the city's architectural narrative adds depth to the visitor experience.
Navigating Astana: Public Transport and Beyond
For those who prefer flexibility, ride-sharing apps are widely used and offer a convenient way to travel between destinations. While parking can be a challenge, especially near popular landmarks like the Transport Tower, these public transport options ensure you can explore the city without the stress of finding a parking spot. Many travelers find that combining these modes of transport provides the best experience, allowing them to see various parts of Astana, from its modern architectural marvels to its cultural sites.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit