How to get to Termez

Termez airport is a few kilometres from the city centre, with daily or near-daily flights from Tashkent, taking about 1.5 hours, and occasional international routes. Flying is the quickest option if your time is limited; a common plan is to fly to Termez from Tashkent and continue overland to Samarkand, or the reverse. Taxis from the airport to the centre take about 10–15 minutes. Check current schedules, as flights change by season.

Termez is connected to the railway network, with passenger trains to Tashkent, via Samarkand and Karshi, including overnight sleeper trains that take around 14–16 hours from Tashkent. Some faster services run on parts of the route. Travelling overnight in a sleeper compartment is comfortable and saves a night in a hotel. Book tickets in advance and bring your passport. The station is in the city; a taxi to the centre is short.

The road from Samarkand to Termez is about 370 km and takes around 6–7 hours. It is one of the most scenic drives in Uzbekistan:

1. Over the Takhtakaracha pass to Shakhrisabz, Timur’s home town, with the ruins of the Ak-Saray palace.
2. South through Guzar and into the mountains of the Baysun-Tau, past the dramatic gorge of the Iron Gates (Darband), a historic narrow pass on the route between Samarkand and India.
3. Through the mountain town of Boysun, known for its traditional culture.
4. Down into the hot plains of Surkhandarya and on to Termez.

Breaking the journey with a night in Shakhrisabz or Boysun makes it more relaxed. A private car with a driver is the most comfortable option; shared taxis also run between Samarkand, Karshi and Termez.

• From Bukhara: about 450 km via Karshi and Guzar, 7–8 hours by car, or by train via Karshi.
• From Karshi: about 260 km, 4–5 hours by road; Karshi has an airport and rail connections.
• From Tashkent by road: about 700 km, a long day’s drive; flying or the train is much better.

Afghanistan: the Friendship Bridge across the Amu Darya at Termez–Hairatan, opened in 1982, is mainly used for freight and rail traffic. Crossing into Afghanistan is not a normal tourist route; check your government’s travel advice before considering any travel there.

Tajikistan: the border crossing near Sariosiyo (Saryasia), north-east of Termez on the road to Tursunzoda and Dushanbe, links southern Uzbekistan with Tajikistan. Check the current status, opening hours and visa requirements before planning.

Parts of the area along the Amu Darya are a border zone, where some archaeological sites, such as Kara Tepa, can be visited only with advance permission.

The city centre is compact, but the archaeological sites and shrines are spread out on the outskirts, from the Amu Darya to the countryside. The best way to see them is with a car, driver and guide for a day. Taxis are cheap and available through ride-hailing apps. See things to do in Termez.

• Season: spring and autumn are best; summer temperatures often exceed 40 °C.
• Passport: carry it at all times; there are police and border checkpoints on the roads in the south.
• Photography: do not photograph military installations, border posts or the bridge.
• Plan ahead: arrange permissions for border-zone sites in advance; we can help.
• Combine: Termez fits well into a route from Samarkand through Shakhrisabz and Boysun, returning to Tashkent by air or train.