Even though Kazakhstan is landlocked, it is still possible to travel abroad by sea. Kazakh travel blogger Sayakhatshi Kuat crossed the Caspian Sea on a cargo ferry from the Azerbaijani port of Alat to Kuryk, Kazakhstan, and shared a detailed review of the trip on his YouTube channel.
According to Kuat, the port of Alat — located 60 km south of Baku — can be reached either by taxi or public transport, depending on a traveler’s budget. He himself took buses No. 149 and No. 195 to the village of Kotal, then walked about one kilometer to the port.
At the port, travelers can purchase tickets and even exchange currency, but anyone needing an overnight stay may have to walk back to Kotal, where accommodation is available.
The cost of crossing the Caspian Sea depends on the cabin type: a two-berth cabin costs $80, a four-berth $70, a six-berth $60 and transporting a car costs $200.
Kuat traveled on the ferry «Azerbaijan,» which entered service in 2021. The 154.5-metre-long vessel can carry up to 100 passengers and up to 56 railcars or approximately 50 trucks. There is no fixed schedule for the ferry; departures depend on weather and cargo volume. This is a major inconvenience for travelers in a hurry. During Kuat’s trip, loading began in the evening, and the ship set sail only the next morning. The average journey takes around 18 hours and the 400-kilometer route passes through the central Caspian Sea.
During the voyage, Kuat shared a four-berth cabin with tourists from Germany and Italy, noting that the atmosphere on board was calm and friendly.
Passengers also do not need to worry about food. The ferry provides free breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in a clean and pleasant canteen.
The arrival point, the port of Kuryk, is located 70 km from Aktau. It has a 466-metre-long pier and a water depth of up to eight meters, allowing it to accommodate large vessels.
In his vlog, Sayakhatshi Kuat highlighted that the sea route offers a unique opportunity to see the Caspian Sea from a new perspective, enjoy the relaxed pace of travel and gain impressions impossible to experience by any other mode of transport.
This spring, Azerbaijani transport and logistics expert Rauf Agamirzayev proposed launching a high-speed passenger service between Baku and Aktau. According to him, such a route could strengthen connections between the two countries, offer a cheaper alternative to air travel and stimulate regional tourism.
In September, regular maritime cargo traffic began operating across the Caspian Sea from Kazakhstan for the first time. The route is expected to run eight to nine times per month, and by 2027, the fleet will be expanded with four additional ferries.
