Shared taxis in Uzbekistan

Shared taxis are one of the most common ways for Uzbeks to travel between cities. Drivers gather at a stand for a particular destination and call out the name of the city. Each passenger pays for one seat. When the car is full, usually four passengers in a sedan, or more in a minivan, it leaves.

There is no timetable. In the morning on busy routes, a car may fill in minutes; in the afternoon or on quiet routes, you may wait an hour or more. Most departures are in the morning.

Shared taxi stands are usually:

• Near bus stations and bazaars.
• At the edge of town on the road towards the destination.
• Outside railway stations, for nearby towns.

Locations change, so ask your hotel or guesthouse where cars for your destination leave from. In Tashkent, there are different stands for different directions, for example for the Fergana Valley or for Samarkand.

• Tashkent – Fergana Valley: a classic shared-taxi route over the Kamchik pass, about 4–5 hours. See Tashkent to Fergana.
• Tashkent – Samarkand: possible, but the train is faster and more comfortable. See Tashkent to Samarkand.
• Bukhara – Khiva / Urgench: across the desert, about 6–7 hours. See Bukhara to Khiva.
• Urgench – Nukus: about 3 hours. See Khiva to Nukus.
• Samarkand – Shakhrisabz: over the Takhtakaracha pass, about 1.5–2 hours.
• Nukus – Muynak: for the Aral Sea ship cemetery. See Nukus to Muynak.

You pay per seat. The price is usually fixed by custom for each route, but foreigners may be quoted more; ask other passengers or your hotel what is normal, and agree the price before you put your luggage in the car.

You can buy more than one seat: for example two seats for yourself, so you have more room, or all four seats so the car leaves immediately. Buying the whole car effectively turns it into a private taxi, but without the flexibility to stop for sightseeing.

Shared taxis are usually ordinary sedans or minivans. The front seat is the most comfortable and sometimes costs a little more. Luggage goes in the boot, which is often partly occupied by a gas cylinder, as many cars run on compressed gas; large suitcases may not fit, so ask before you agree.

Some drivers drive fast. Wear your seat belt, and do not hesitate to ask the driver to slow down. Cars stop at fuel stations and sometimes at roadside cafés on long routes. Women travelling alone may prefer the front seat or to travel with other women.

There are police checkpoints on many roads: carry your passport and have it ready.

• Shared taxi: cheap, frequent on busy routes, a good way to meet local people. But you wait for the car to fill, have little space and cannot stop at sights.
• Private car with driver: door-to-door, departs when you want, stops for photographs and sightseeing, more space for luggage. Better for families, groups and anyone who wants to see places on the way. See our transfer service.

For city journeys, see taxis in Uzbekistan. For an overview of buses, see buses in Uzbekistan.

• Go in the morning, when cars fill quickly.
• Have the name of your destination written in Uzbek or Russian.
• Keep small banknotes to pay the exact amount.
• Bring water and snacks for long routes.
• Agree where the driver will drop you; on request, many will take you to your hotel for a small extra fee.