The Ultimate Guide to Uzbekistan Trains & Transport

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Coming from Europe, we weren’t sure what to expect from Uzbekistan’s transit system. We quickly discovered a major catch for us, the spontaneous travelers: you have to plan ahead.

Because Uzbek trains are the most reliable and convenient way to travel, high-speed tickets in particular sell out weeks in advance. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about navigating the country, how to book your tickets, and a breakdown of every other transport option available so you can plan your trip as smoothly as possible.

→ For a broader look at logistics and top highlights, check out our complete Uzbekistan Travel Guide, or dive straight into our Uzbekistan Itinerary Guide to map out your days.

Uzbekistan Trains: High-Speed vs. Soviet Nostalgia

For most routes, the rail network is your best and most convenient option. Tickets can be booked via the official Uzbekistan railway platform, or 12Go Asia, and there are a few options to choose from:

The Afrosiyob Train (High-Speed)

It connects Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. It’s sleek, modern, comfortable, and sells out almost instantly the second new tickets open up. You should aim to book these the moment your travel dates are locked in.

The Sharq & Regional Trains

If you miss out on the Afrosiyob train tickets or want a cheaper, more local experience, then take the slower trains. The journeys take slightly longer, but the atmosphere feels more authentic. We traveled on both and we admit we loved the slower, nostalgic pace just as much.

Jaloliddin Manguberdi

A brand-new high-speed line cuts down the long commute between Tashkent and Khiva down to just 7.5 hours.

It doesn’t run daily: It departs Tashkent for Khiva on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and returns from Khiva on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Economy tickets cost around 780,000 UZS (~€57.35 / $65 USD), while VIP class jumps to about 1,800,000 UZS (~€132.30 / $150 USD). Though it wasn’t operating yet when we visited, it’s a huge time-saving alternative to the classic overnight sleeper.

How to Book Uzbekistan Train Tickets

1. Via the Official Uzbek Railways Website

Tickets officially drop 60 days in advance at 10:00 AM Uzbekistan time (GMT +5). If you want a seat on the high-speed Afrosiyob or the new Jaloliddin Manguberdi, you’ll need to act relatively fast during peak season.

Step 1: Head to the official railway website, and enter the route and dates.

Step 2: Search what’s the train and time availability based on your preference. Next to the train label and code you will find how many seats are available for Economy and Business class (or Sitting for the Sharq train or Sleeper/Coupe for the sleeper trains) and their respective cost.

Step 3: Register using your Google account if you don’t have a local Uzbek mobile number.

Step 4: Select your carriage, seat, and enter passenger details.

Step 5: Proceed to payment. International payments can be hit-or-miss for foreign tourists. It took us a few attempts but we eventually managed to book our tickets using a Mastercard and a Visa Revolut card. They are our go-to debit cards for all purchases online.

2. Via 12Go Asia

If you’re having trouble with the official railway platform, you can book through 12Go Asia.

❗️ Keep in mind that when you’re buying tickets via third party websites, it’s best if you book early so you have an advance reservation and give 12Go Asia enough time to purchase a ticket on your behalf.

3. At the Train Station

If you have a flexible itinerary and are already in Uzbekistan, you can buy tickets directly at the local train station ticket office. Do this only if you’re already in the country and see availability online.

If you’re traveling at high season I don’t recommend waiting until you arrive in the country to book your Uzbekistan train tickets.

Domestic & International Flights

While trains handle most tourist hubs, flying makes sense for long distances, specifically the trek to Khiva if you’re short on time. I’d suggest you compare prices with the new Jaloliddin Manguberdi train first though.

If you’re flying in from the Caucasus or the region, look into Centrum Air, an Uzbek low-cost carrier. We flew with them from Tbilisi to Tashkent and had a great experience. We also noticed that within a year it expanded its network by a lot which is a good sign.

Shared Taxis (For the Off-Beat Routes)

If you’ve traveled through Eastern Europe or former Soviet republics, you’ll recognize local marshrutkas. These minivans connect towns along set routes and can be flagged down anywhere along the way, provided there are empty seats.

Just raise your arm, hand cash to the driver, and you’re good to go. Usually found near major train stations, they aren’t luxurious, but they add a fun, adventurous twist to your transfer days.

Private Transfers

In case it is needed, you can always arrange a private car to and from the major cities in Uzbekistan. Check out GetYourGuide or Viator to book door to door transfers. Your hotel can also help you to find a reliable driver for your trip.

City transport: Metro & Cheap Rides

Skip Google Maps in Uzbekistan as it’s not very accurate and reliable.

Instead, download the Yandex Maps app (Google Play / Apple). That will give you access to public transport info, and the possibility to easily call a taxi.

When it comes to capital transit, here is what you need to know:

• Tashkent Metro (€0.25/ride): These stations are stunning underground art museums. At the entrance, you might get oulled for a security check of your backpack but this is completely normal. The best part? You can skip ticket lines by tapping any contactless international Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay directly on the turnstile glass.

• Yandex Go App: Central Asia’s version of Uber. Taxis are everywhere and cost a fraction of European prices. Download it before you leave, but keep in mind you need a working SIM card or local phone number to register and activate it (we used our home country’s phone numbers).

Conclusion

Hopefully by now you know exactly what to do and where to look for your tickets! With a bit of planning ahead, riding Uzbekistan trains becomes one of the most seamless and rewarding parts of the journey. All aboooooard for the Silk Road!