Bukhara International Airport guide

Many travellers reach Bukhara by train, but the railway station is in the town of Kagan, about 15 km away. Bukhara airport, by contrast, is on the eastern edge of the city, only a short drive from the old town with its domes, madrasahs and the Lyabi-Hauz pool. For travellers with little time, flying in or out of Bukhara can be very convenient.

Domestic: flights from Tashkent take about 1 hour 10 minutes, with several flights a day in high season. Other domestic connections are limited.

International: Bukhara has had routes from Moscow and other Russian cities, Istanbul, and seasonal or charter flights from Europe and elsewhere. Routes change by season; check current schedules.

The Afrosiyob train from Tashkent takes about 4 hours, so flying saves time mainly if you arrive in Tashkent late or are short of days. See Tashkent to Bukhara and our guide to domestic flights in Uzbekistan.

The terminal is small and arrival is usually quick. After passport control and baggage claim, you will find taxis waiting outside. There are ATMs and exchange counters, though fewer than in Tashkent; carry a little cash for the taxi. SIM cards are easier to buy in the city; see SIM cards and internet. For entry rules, see Uzbekistan visa and entry rules.

• Taxi: the ride to the old town takes about 15 minutes. Agree the fare before you get in.
• Ride-hailing apps: usually work in Bukhara and give fair prices.
• Pre-booked transfer: convenient for late arrivals and families. See our transfer service.

Many guesthouses are on narrow lanes in the old town where cars cannot enter; your driver will stop at the nearest street, and the guesthouse staff can help with luggage.

Arrive 1.5 hours before domestic flights and 2.5–3 hours before international ones. There is a security check at the entrance. Facilities after security are limited, so eat beforehand. Because the airport is so close to the old town, you can enjoy a last morning walk around Lyabi-Hauz before leaving.

Some international flights land in Bukhara late at night or very early in the morning. Taxis are fewer at these hours, and many family guesthouses in the old town lock their gates at night. Tell your guesthouse your arrival time in advance and ask whether someone can wait for you, or book a transfer whose driver will bring you to the door. If you arrive before check-in time, ask for early check-in or a room for the morning.

• Flying in or out of Bukhara: quick and close to the old town, but flights are fewer and cost more than the train.
• The train from Kagan: frequent, comfortable and usually cheaper; allow 20–30 minutes for the taxi to the station.

A popular plan is to arrive in Bukhara by train from Samarkand, continue by train or car to Khiva, and fly back to Tashkent from Urgench. See Samarkand to Bukhara, Bukhara to Khiva and how to get to Bukhara.

• In spring and autumn, book flights early; they are often full.
• Check baggage allowances on domestic tickets; some cheaper fares include little or no checked luggage.
• Summer in Bukhara is very hot; a late-afternoon flight arrival avoids the midday heat.
• Keep your hotel registration slips until you leave Uzbekistan.
• If your flight is delayed, the old town is close enough to wait in a café rather than at the airport.