Top Travel Options in Uzbekistan

While camel caravans may be a rarity in Uzbekistan today, the allure of embarking on an adventure in a train or truck still captures the imagination as you explore this historic land.

Visitors can choose from a variety of transportation methods, ranging from the breathtaking Soviet-era elegance of Tashkent’s metro to overnight trains traversing the vast Central Asian steppes.

By mixing trains, shared taxis, and car rentals, you can journey along the ancient Silk Roads from Khiva to Bukhara or trace the paths of Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great to legendary sites like Bactria and the Fergana Valley. Truly, the journey from A to B in Uzbekistan is a part of the adventure.

Whether you’re traveling with locals on a train or shared taxi, or opting for a private tour or self-driving, these are the ultimate ways to explore Uzbekistan.

Travel the Silk Road by train

For many travelers, crossing Uzbekistan by train is a must-do experience, especially as part of a grand trans-Asia rail adventure from the Kazakh steppes to the deserts of western China. The train network spans the entire country, linking Nukus in the far northwest to the capital, Tashkent, and extending to the Fergana Valley and Termiz near the Afghan border. It's an incredibly romantic way to explore this beautiful land.

There are two main types of trains available. Modern, high-speed trains built in Spain offer airplane-style seating and run from Tashkent to Samarkand and Bukhara; choose between the speedy Afrosiyob trains (2½ hours) and the slightly slower Sharq services (3 hours). Additionally, express trains connect Tashkent with Kokand, Margilon, and Andijon in the Fergana Valley. These services are undoubtedly the best way to travel between Uzbekistan's key Silk Road attractions.

The second type of train includes the slower, long-distance services, featuring Soviet-era carriages that move at a leisurely pace. These trains are ideal for overnight journeys, connecting Tashkent with Bukhara (8 hours), Khiva (14 hours), Nukus (22 hours), and Termiz (15 hours). There's even a 23-hour service from Khiva to Andijon, spanning the entire country.

Travelers can select from two-berth compartments (SV class), four-berth compartments (kupe), or open-plan carriages (platskartny). The beds may not be luxurious, but they offer sufficient comfort. Opting for a kupe is generally the best choice for most, as it provides a level of privacy and saves on accommodation costs. Be sure to bring snacks and drinks to share with fellow passengers as you drift off to sleep to the rhythmic clatter of the train rolling across the steppe.

Make sure to book your train tickets as early as possible (up to 45 days in advance), preferably online or through the convenient Uzbekistan Railways app (available for Android and iOS). If that's not an option, you can purchase tickets at the VIP counter in the railway station or at city train ticket offices.

Mix with locals in a shared taxi

For shorter intercity trips, taking a seat in a shared taxi is the easiest way to travel. Groups of drivers gather at designated taxi stands in most cities; once all four passenger seats are filled, the ride begins—often at thrilling speeds. For added comfort, try to get the front seat. If you're traveling as a couple, consider renting all three seats in the back for a more spacious experience.

Knowing a few phrases in Russian or Uzbek and being aware of the approximate fare before getting into a shared taxi can help prevent overcharging. There are useful shared-taxi routes connecting Bukhara to Khiva and linking the cities of the Fergana Valley, as well as a convenient route from Samarkand to Shakhrisabz through the mountains. Shared taxis are also the most efficient way to travel between land borders and nearby towns.

Experience the Wonders of the Tashkent Metro

The remarkable Soviet-era metro system in Tashkent was built following the 1966 earthquake by the same team responsible for Moscow’s famous ornate metro. It's the most efficient way to navigate the sprawling capital and a tourist attraction all on its own, featuring stations adorned with breathtaking designs. Expect to see psychedelic space themes at the Kosmonavtlar (Cosmonaut) station and Central Asian patterns at Alisher Navoi. Photography is now permitted in all stations.

Individual tickets cost under US$0.15, no matter the distance, allowing for unlimited travel across stations as long as you don’t exit the system. The three lines intersect at three major stations, with a new fourth line partially operational.

Navigate the city with a marshrutka

The term marshrutka, derived from Russian, means 'route' and refers to any minibus that follows a designated path, as well as slightly larger intercity vans. You’ll spot these compact vehicles speeding through urban areas, serving as a practical option for local sightseeing—if you can figure out their routes. However, be prepared for a tight squeeze inside.

Utilize Uzbekistan's taxi apps for convenience

Official taxis in the city are identifiable by their company logo or a black-and-white checkered sign on the dashboard, though many private cars operate unofficially as taxis. It's advisable to agree on a fare before getting in, but overall, prices are reasonable. Always opt for official taxis or book one, especially if you're traveling late at night.

If you have a smartphone with a local SIM card, you can download the Yandex Go, Yango, or MyTaxi apps after arriving in Uzbekistan (these apps cannot be downloaded from outside the country). This allows you to use Uber-like services to book fixed-rate taxis, making it easier than haggling in Russian with an unwilling driver. The app will display the fixed fare before you enter the vehicle, and you can pay with a card or cash.

Buses are becoming an obsolete mode of transport

Overall, buses are the least enjoyable way to travel around Uzbekistan. Long-distance coaches tend to be slow and unreliable, and finding one can be a challenge. However, local bus routes in larger cities are more practical; for example, Tashkent has introduced a new fleet of electric buses.

Cycling in Uzbekistan is only for the most determined riders

While some adventurous long-distance cyclists make their way through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are generally more favored as cycling destinations. Riding between cities in Uzbekistan can be quite challenging due to the summer heat and issues with registration when camping.

Rent your own car and driver for a relaxing private tour...

Finding private drivers for city tours or day trips is quite easy, whether you're interested in the popular route from Samarkand to Shakhrisabz or from Khiva to the desert fortresses of Karakalpakstan. Any B&B or travel agency can connect you with a trustworthy driver; multi-day trips can also be arranged with enough advance planning.

...or take the wheel yourself for an authentic Silk Road experience

You can now rent a car without a driver from companies like RentCar.uz and the international firm Sixt, allowing you to navigate the iconic route to Samarkand on your own. An international driving permit isn’t necessary, but be prepared to leave a substantial cash deposit.

Hop on an Uzbekistan Airways flight to save time

Uzbekistan Airways offers various domestic routes, with safety standards that align with most international airlines. Daily flights from the Tashkent hub to Nukus and Urgench are particularly convenient, along with services to Bukhara and other destinations.

Tickets can be purchased online through most international ticketing websites or at any aviakassa (ticket office) throughout the city. A one-way flight from Tashkent to Nukus or Urgench can be as low as US$60, taking under two hours, in contrast to a 13-hour drive.

Transportation accessibility in Uzbekistan

Local providers have limited experience in accommodating travelers with disabilities. Coupled with the complex layouts of historic cities like Bukhara and Khiva, this can pose challenges for those with limited mobility. However, some provisions have been made: for instance, the modern Afrosiyob train service from Tashkent to Samarkand and Bukhara features a designated area with secure anchorage for wheelchairs and an accessible toilet nearby.

For the best experience, consider hiring a minivan or taxi (or book all seats in a shared taxi) and place your folding wheelchair in the back. At regional airports, passengers typically board and disembark using movable stairs, making domestic air travel unsuitable for those with mobility challenges.