Turkestan is about 160 km north of Shymkent — accessible by taxi (2 hours) or high-speed rail (45 min) for longer layovers.
Things to do at Shymkent International Airport (CIT)
Shymkent International AirportCIT
At the airport
Things to do in Shymkent International Airport
Shymkent is Kazakhstan's third-largest city, sitting near the ancient Silk Road city of Turkestan — home to the magnificent Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum (UNESCO), one of Central Asia's greatest architectural monuments. The mausoleum's turquoise ribbed dome, dating from Tamerlane's commissions in the 14th century, rivals anything in Samarkand. Shymkent's own Kok-Tobe hill and the Central Bazaar give a taste of Kazakh urban life.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Shymkent International Airport
- Taxis to Shymkent city center take about 20–30 minutes from the airport.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at CIT
2 Sanctifly partner lounges at Shymkent International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestSky Hall Lounge
At Shymkent International Airport (CIT) in Shimkent, Kazakhstan, the Sky Hall Lounge is located in the International Terminal on the airside, making it a convenient airport lounge option once you’ve cleared formalities. After you pass passport control, remain in the secure departures area and take either the escalator or the elevator up to the 3rd floor to reach the lounge. This straightforward location is ideal for travelers who want to settle in comfortably after immigration and before their international flight, without needing to leave the airside area. If you’re planning travel through Kazakhstan via Shymkent International Airport, head upstairs to the 3rd floor after passport control to find the Sky Hall Lounge in the International Terminal.Book Now
100 points per guestSky Hall Lounge
Sky Hall Lounge is located airside in the Main Terminal at Shymkent International Airport (CIT) in Shimkent, Kazakhstan. To find this airport lounge, complete your check-in and proceed through security control as part of your travel journey. Once you are through security and in the airside departures area, look to your left—Sky Hall Lounge is positioned on the left-hand side after security. This convenient location makes it easy to stop in and relax, refresh, or get work done before your flight from Shymkent International Airport.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.