Trains in Uzbekistan: A Practical Guide

For most travellers, the train is the best way to move between Uzbekistan’s main cities. It is fast where it matters, comfortable, reasonably priced and avoids long highway drives. The national operator, Uzbekistan Railways, runs several types of service.

Types of trains

Afrosiyob high-speed trains

Afrosiyob trains run between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, with some services extending further. Tashkent to Samarkand takes around two hours, and Samarkand to Bukhara is a similarly short hop. Carriages are modern, with reclining seats, luggage racks, air conditioning and a snack service. There are usually economy and business classes, and sometimes a VIP option.

Sharq and other day trains

Sharq and similar fast trains cover the same corridor at a slightly slower speed and are a good alternative when Afrosiyob is sold out. Seats are comfortable and assigned.

Overnight and long-distance trains

Overnight trains connect Tashkent with Urgench, Khiva, Nukus and other regional centres. Compartments come in classes ranging from four-berth coupes to more private options. Bedding is provided. A night train can save a hotel night and a day of travel, but many travellers prefer a domestic flight for the longest legs.

Typical routes for visitors

• Tashkent to Samarkand: the most popular leg; high-speed services several times a day.
• Samarkand to Bukhara: short and easy, often in the late afternoon.
• Bukhara to Khiva: rail options exist, but many programs use a private car through the desert for flexibility and a stop at the Amu Darya.
• Khiva or Urgench to Tashkent: overnight train or domestic flight.

See our Silk Road itinerary for how these legs fit together.

Tickets

Tickets go on sale a limited number of days before departure and are issued in the passenger’s name and passport number. They can be bought:

• on the official Uzbekistan Railways website or app;
• at station ticket offices, with your passport;
• through your tour operator as part of your program.

In April, May, September and October, and around public holidays, convenient Afrosiyob departures can sell out quickly once sales open. On our programs, we book train tickets as soon as sales open for your dates and adjust the route if a train is full.

At the station

• Arrive at least 30 to 40 minutes before departure. Stations have airport-style security at the entrance, with bag scanners and passport checks.
• Keep your passport and ticket ready; staff check both before boarding.
• Platforms may only open shortly before departure, so wait in the hall until boarding is announced.
• Tashkent has more than one main station; check which one your train uses.

On board

• Luggage goes on racks above seats or in spaces at the end of the carriage. Large suitcases fit, but travel light if you can.
• Carriages can be cold from air conditioning in summer; keep a light layer handy.
• Food and drinks are sold on high-speed trains, and bringing your own snacks is normal.
• Toilets are clean on modern trains. On older overnight services, bring wet wipes.

Trains or private car?

Trains are best for the Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara corridor. A private car makes sense for day trips such as Shakhrisabz, for the desert crossing to Khiva, for groups with lots of luggage, and when train times do not fit the program. Most of our itineraries combine both. Our Bukhara and Khiva tour is an example.

Book a program with rail transfers

Send us your dates and preferred route. We will build a program with train and road transfers that fit your schedule, book tickets when sales open, and send you a quote.