Arrival & Transport

Flight Connections

The Islam Karimov International Airport Tashkent (TAS) is the gateway to Uzbekistan. Direct connections from the German-speaking area:

• Uzbekistan Airways: Direct flights from Frankfurt (5.5h). The national airline has made great strides in recent years — modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners, acceptable service. Prices: 250–500€ return.
• Turkish Airlines: Via Istanbul to Tashkent (with a stopover, approx. 8–10h total). Often the cheapest option (from 200€ return). Excellent service.
• Aeroflot / S7: Via Moscow. Cheap, but longer travel time and a Russian transit visa may be required.
• Wizz Air: Cheap connections from various European cities, sometimes from 100€ one-way. Seasonal.

Airports in Uzbekistan: Besides Tashkent, Samarkand (SKD), Bukhara (BHK), and Urgench/Khiva (UGC) also have airports with national connections. International direct flights to Samarkand are increasing.

From the Airport to the City Center

Tashkent Airport is only 12 km south of the center. Transfer:

• Yandex Go / MyTaxi: Via app, 3–5€, 20–30 minutes. The best option.
• Bus 77: Airport express, 0.15€. Stops at the Minor metro station.
• Official airport taxis: Book at the counter in the arrivals hall, fixed price 5–8€.

Uzbekistan's rail network is the most convenient and exciting way to travel the country. The star: the Afrosiyob — a Spanish Talgo high-speed train that connects the main cities.

Afrosiyob (High-Speed)

The Afrosiyob is clean, punctual, air-conditioned, and comfortable. Economy is completely sufficient. Book tickets 10–14 days in advance online at railway.uz or via the Uzrailway app. The trains are popular and quickly booked out — especially in high season!

Sharq & Regional Trains

Slower and cheaper alternative on the same routes. Sharq (Tashkent–Samarkand: 3.5h, 3–5€) is a good budget option. For the Bukhara–Urgench/Khiva route, there is no Afrosiyob — here a night train runs (8–10h, sleeper from 5€).

Buying Train Tickets

• Online: railway.uz or Uzrailway app. Payment with international credit card possible. Ticket is displayed as an e-ticket on the smartphone.
• At the station: At the counters, with passport. Often long queues — online is better.
• Important: Bring your passport! It is checked during train control.

Shared Taxis (Sammeltaxis)

Shared taxis are the backbone of Uzbek long-distance transport — everywhere trains do not run. They work like this: At bus stations, drivers stand and call out destination cities. When 4 passengers are together, they set off. Prices are negotiated per seat. It is cheap, spontaneous, and a great way to meet locals.

• Samarkand–Bukhara: 4–6€/person, 3–4h
• Bukhara–Khiva: 8–12€/person, 6–7h
• Tashkent–Samarkand: 3–5€/person, 4h

Tip: You can also rent the whole car (pay for 4 seats) and leave immediately — especially useful for two or three people.

City Taxis

In all cities: use Yandex Go or MyTaxi. Fair prices, no bargaining needed, GPS tracking. A city ride in Tashkent costs 1–3€. In Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, distances are so short that a taxi is rarely needed.

Buses & Marshrutkas

Marshrutkas (minibuses) are the cheapest option for intercity travel — but also the most uncomfortable. Tight, hot, no fixed schedules. Suitable for short distances (e.g., Urgench–Khiva), for long distances trains or shared taxis are better.

Rental Cars

Generally possible, but not recommended. Reasons: chaotic driving style, poor roads outside main routes, lack of signage in English, and insufficient insurance coverage. The Afrosiyob train and shared taxis are more comfortable and stress-free.