Getting Around Uzbekistan
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Tashkent and Silk Road cities. Rural: Rent a car for Fergana Valley exploration. Deserts: Shared taxis and buses. For convenience, book airport transfers from Tashkent to your destination.
Train Travel
Uzbekistan Railways Network
Efficient rail system connecting major cities along the Silk Road with high-speed Afrosiyob trains.
Cost: Tashkent to Samarkand $4-25, journeys 2-3 hours on high-speed lines.
Tickets: Buy via Uzbekistan Railways app, website, or station counters. E-tickets available.
Peak Times: Avoid summer weekends for better availability and prices.
Train Tickets & Classes
Economy, business, and VIP classes available; multi-journey discounts for frequent travelers.
Best For: Long-distance travel between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara; saves time over buses.
Where to Buy: Official app, stations, or authorized agents with passport required.
High-Speed Afrosiyob
Afrosiyob connects Tashkent to Samarkand and Bukhara at speeds up to 250 km/h.
Booking: Reserve 1-2 months ahead for peak season, seats fill quickly.
Main Stations: Tashkent North, Samarkand, with connections to regional lines.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for flexible exploration of remote sites like Khiva or Aral Sea. Compare rental prices from $30-60/day at Tashkent Airport and major cities.
Requirements: International driver's license, passport, deposit; minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, verify inclusions.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads, some checkpoints require small fees.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic on narrow roads, police checks common.
Parking: Free in rural areas, paid lots $1-3/day in cities like Tashkent.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations widespread at $0.50-0.70/liter for petrol, $0.40-0.60 for diesel.
Apps: Use Maps.me or Google Maps offline for navigation in remote areas.
Traffic: Congestion in Tashkent rush hours, potholes on rural roads.
Urban Transport
Tashkent Metro
Ornate Soviet-era metro with 4 lines, single ticket $0.15, day pass $1, efficient for city center.
Validation: Buy tokens at stations, no inspections but security checks at entrances.
Apps: Tashkent Metro app for maps, timings, and multilingual guides.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Tashkent and Samarkand, $2-5/day with apps like Nextbike or local services.
Routes: Flat terrain in cities, dedicated paths along canals and parks.
Tours: Guided bike tours of historical sites in Bukhara and Khiva available.
Buses & Marshrutkas
Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) cover cities and intercity routes affordably.
Tickets: $0.20-0.50 per ride, pay conductor or use exact change.
Shared Taxis: Common for short trips, $1-3, flag down or use apps like Yandex Go.Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, old towns in Samarkand or Bukhara for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for spring (April-May) and fall harvest festivals.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for variable weather in mountains.
- Amenities: Check for AC in summer, WiFi, and proximity to bazaars before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G coverage in cities and along main roads, 3G in rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Ucell, Beeline, and Uzmobile offer prepaid SIMs from $5-10 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, phone shops, or markets with passport registration required.
Data Plans: 5GB for $8, 10GB for $15, unlimited for $20/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and tourist sites; public hotspots in Tashkent squares.
Public Hotspots: Train stations and bazaars offer free access, but speeds vary.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for browsing and maps.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Uzbekistan Time (UZT), UTC+5, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Tashkent Airport 10km from city center, taxi $10-20 (20 min), Yandex Go $5-10, or book private transfer for $15-30.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations ($2-5/day) and airport lockers in major cities.
- Accessibility: Trains have some ramps, but ancient sites like Registan have steps; plan accordingly.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains with carrier ($5 fee), confirm with guesthouses in advance.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on trains for $3 off-peak, free if folded and carried onboard.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Uzbekistan
Tashkent Airport (TAS) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Tashkent Airport (TAS): Primary international gateway, 10km from city with taxi and bus links.
Samarkand Airport (SKD): Domestic and some international flights, 5km from center, taxi $5.
Bukhara Airport (BHK): Regional airport with limited flights, convenient for western Uzbekistan.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for spring travel (April-May) to save 20-40% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Almaty or Istanbul and connect via train for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Uzbekistan Airways, FlyArystan, and Air Astana serve domestic and regional routes.
Important: Include baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online 24-48 hours before, airport procedures can be lengthy.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, fees $1-3, use major banks to avoid extra charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels and shops, cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in Tashkent, but limited; apps like Uzcard for locals.
- Cash: Essential for bazaars, taxis, and rural spots; carry $50-100 in small USD or UZS notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid street changers; official banks preferred.