✈️ How to Get There
Getting to and around Uzbekistan
✈️ Flying to Uzbekistan
Main Airport
Islam Karimov International Airport (TAS) — Tashkent's main international gateway, about 12 km south of the city centre. Renovated and modern, with an efficient terminal. Most travellers to Uzbekistan enter here.
Regional Airports:
- Samarkand Airport (SKD) — direct flights from some European cities, useful for flying in and starting the Silk Road circuit immediately
- Urgench Airport (UGC) — gateway to Khiva, 23 km away. Being upgraded in 2026 to handle growing tourist traffic
- Bukhara Airport (BHK) — occasional international and domestic flights
- Fergana Airport (FEG) — domestic flights to the eastern Fergana Valley
💡 Insider Tip
Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and flydubai offer good connections to Tashkent from most European cities, typically via Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai. Uzbekistan Airways (UZ) operates direct flights from London, Frankfurt, Paris, and several Asian hubs. Compare prices — connecting via Istanbul is often the cheapest option.
🚘 From Tashkent Airport to the City
Taxi (Recommended)
Official taxis wait outside arrivals. Agree on a price before getting in: city centre should be 50,000–80,000 UZS ($4–6). Use Yandex Go (app) from inside the airport for transparent pricing — typically cheaper than negotiated fares.
Metro
Tashkent Metro runs close to the airport (Yunusobod line). Not directly connected to the terminal but reachable by a short taxi ride. Tickets cost 1,400 UZS (about $0.11). Fast and clean, but requires a bag search at each station.
Bus
Bus #67 runs from the airport to the city. Cheap but slow and crowded — not ideal with luggage. Journey time 30–50 minutes depending on traffic.
🚉 Train Travel — The Best Way to Get Around
Uzbekistan's Afrosiyob high-speed train is the star of any Silk Road itinerary. Clean, punctual, comfortable, and remarkably affordable. The classic circuit runs:
- Tashkent → Samarkand: 2 hours, from about 95,000 UZS ($7) economy
- Samarkand → Bukhara: 1 hour 30 minutes, from about 85,000 UZS ($7)
- Bukhara → Khiva (Urgench): now served by a new high-speed connection as of 2026, cutting journey time from 15 hours to under 8 hours from Tashkent
Book tickets at eticket.railway.uz — English interface available. Tickets go on sale 30 days in advance. Popular trains sell out in peak season (April–May, September–October) — book as early as possible.
🚁 Train Booking Tip
You need a passport number to buy tickets. Print or screenshot your e-ticket — you'll need it at the station. Economy class is perfectly comfortable for short routes. Business class adds legroom and a meal.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most nationalities need an e-visa. Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and many others can apply online before travel. The e-visa costs around $20, is valid for 30 days single entry, and is processed within 3–5 business days.
Some nationalities (including CIS countries) can enter visa-free. Always check your specific passport requirements before booking flights.
Check visa requirements for Uzbekistan →🚗 Getting Around Uzbekistan
High-Speed Trains (Best Option)
Afrosiyob trains connect the four main Silk Road cities quickly and cheaply. See the train section above. This is the recommended way to move between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.
Shared Taxis & Minibuses (Marshrutka)
For routes not covered by trains or for more flexibility, shared taxis operate between all major cities. They depart when full, are faster than buses, and cost 2–3 times the train price. Arrange via your hotel or at the main bazaars.
Yandex Go (City Taxis)
The essential app for getting around cities. Works in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Prices shown upfront, payment by card or cash. Far more reliable and cheaper than street taxis. Download before arrival.
Domestic Flights
Uzbekistan Airways operates domestic flights between Tashkent and Fergana, Termez, Nukus. Useful for reaching far eastern or western regions. Not necessary for the main Silk Road circuit.
🚗 Getting Around in Cities
Historic city centres in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are very walkable — most major sights are on foot. Use Yandex Go for longer distances or reaching sites outside the old towns. Bukhara's old city is entirely pedestrian-friendly.
🚙 Renting a Car
Renting a car is possible but less recommended for most visitors. Roads between cities can be in poor condition, signage is in Uzbek and Russian, and traffic in cities is chaotic. A driver-guide hired through your hotel is a better and surprisingly affordable option.
When a Car Makes Sense
- Exploring rural areas or off-the-beaten-path sites
- Day trips from Samarkand to Shakhrisabz (80 km)
- Reaching remote sites in Karakalpakstan (Aral Sea region)
Compare Rental Cars
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book train tickets early: Afrosiyob trains sell out in peak season. Book 30 days in advance at eticket.railway.uz
- Fly into Tashkent, out of Samarkand (or vice versa): Saves backtracking and is often similarly priced
- Buy a local SIM card at the airport: Data is very cheap — essential for Yandex Go
- Exchange currency at licensed exchange offices: Better rates than banks or hotels. Don't exchange on the street
- Eat where locals eat: Street plov, samsa, and lagman cost 15,000–30,000 UZS ($1–2.50). Restaurant prices are 3–5x more