Buses and public transport in Uzbekistan

For a visitor, public transport in Uzbekistan is cheap but not always easy: routes are often shown only in Uzbek or Russian, timetables are rare, and the historic centres of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are compact enough to walk. The most useful systems are the Tashkent metro and, between cities, the train. Buses come into their own for local trips and for travellers on a tight budget.

The Tashkent metro, opened in 1977, was the first in Central Asia. It has several lines and is fast, clean, cheap and safe. It is also an attraction in itself: many stations are decorated with marble, chandeliers, mosaics and ceramics, each on a theme, such as cosmonauts, poets or cotton. Photography in the metro, once forbidden, is now allowed.

Pay with a transport card or, increasingly, a contactless bank card or a QR code at the gates; rules have changed in recent years, so check at the station. Signs are in Uzbek, and announcements in Uzbek and sometimes Russian; it helps to know the name of your station. See things to do in Tashkent.

All cities have buses, and many also have minibuses (marshrutkas), often small Damas vans or larger minibuses, which run on fixed routes and stop on request. Tashkent has a large fleet of modern buses; in smaller cities, services are simpler.

Paying: in Tashkent, buses use transport cards or contactless payment; in other cities, payment may be in cash to the driver or conductor. Fares are very low.

Finding routes: route numbers and main stops are shown on the front of the vehicle. Online maps and local apps show some routes in big cities. Ask locals: people are usually happy to help.

Intercity buses run from bus stations (avtovokzal) to regional cities and towns. They are cheap but slower than trains, and comfort varies from modern coaches to older buses. Departures are more frequent in the morning. They are useful for routes without a convenient train, for example to smaller towns.

For most tourist routes, the train is better: the Afrosiyob connects Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara quickly, and trains run to Khiva, the Fergana Valley, Termez and Nukus. See trains in Uzbekistan.

• Samarkand: the main monuments are spread out; walk between the Registan, Bibi-Khanym and Siab bazaar, and take a taxi to Shah-i-Zinda, Ulugbek’s observatory or Afrosiyob. Buses and marshrutkas run along the main avenues.
• Bukhara: the old town is best explored on foot. Buses and taxis are useful mainly for the station in Kagan and sights on the outskirts.
• Khiva: Ichan-Kala is small and pedestrian; you will not need public transport inside the walls.

• Short city trips: a taxi via a ride-hailing app is cheap and much easier. See taxis in Uzbekistan.
• Between cities without a good train: a shared taxi is usually faster than a bus.
• With luggage, children or a tight schedule: a private car with driver. See our transfer service.
• Long distances to the west or south: a domestic flight.

• Have the name of your destination written in Uzbek or Russian.
• Keep small notes and coins for cash fares.
• Buses can be crowded at rush hour; keep an eye on your belongings.
• Give up your seat to older people; it is expected.
• Carry your passport on intercity journeys; it may be checked.