Tashkent International Airport guide

Most international visitors arrive at Tashkent International Airport, named after Islam Karimov, the country’s first president. It is the hub of Uzbekistan Airways and is served by airlines from Turkey, the Gulf, Europe, Russia, Central Asia and Asia. The airport lies on the southern edge of Tashkent, only about 6 km from the centre, so getting into the city is quick.

Facilities have been modernised in recent years, though the airport can feel busy at peak times, especially at night, when many international flights arrive and depart.

1. Passport control: have your passport ready, and your visa or e-visa if you need one. Many nationalities can enter visa-free; check the current rules before you travel.
2. Baggage claim: luggage is sometimes slow on busy nights.
3. Customs: foreign visitors bringing in larger sums of cash may need to declare them; follow the current rules shown at the airport. Keep any declaration form you are given until you leave.

Registration: foreigners must be registered with the authorities during their stay; hotels do this automatically. See our guide to the Uzbekistan visa and entry rules for details.

The airport has an international terminal and a domestic terminal. Domestic flights, for example to Urgench, Bukhara, Samarkand, Nukus or Termez, usually depart from the domestic terminal, which is in a different building with a separate entrance. If you are connecting from an international to a domestic flight, allow plenty of time: you will need to collect your luggage, pass customs, and travel between the terminals by taxi. Always check which terminal your flight uses.

Cash: there are currency exchange counters and ATMs in the arrivals area. The local currency is the Uzbek som (UZS). Exchange a small amount for your first taxi and meals; rates in the city are similar.

SIM cards: mobile operators such as Ucell, Beeline, Mobiuz and Uzmobile sell SIM cards with data packages, often at counters in arrivals. You need your passport to register a SIM. A local SIM is very useful for ride-hailing apps and maps.

Ride-hailing: apps such as Yandex Go work in Tashkent and are the easiest way to get a fair price. Order once you have a local SIM or airport Wi-Fi.

Taxi: taxis wait outside arrivals. Agree the price before getting in, or use an official taxi counter if available. Avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal with very high prices.

Pre-booked transfer: the most comfortable option for late-night arrivals, with a driver waiting with a name sign. See our transfer service.

City buses: some city buses serve the airport, but they are not practical with luggage.

The journey to the centre takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic flights.
• There is a security check at the entrance to the terminal, before check-in, which can create queues.
• Keep your hotel registration slips, as they may be requested when you leave.
• The duty-free area and cafés after passport control are limited; eat before if you have time.

From Tashkent, most travellers continue to Samarkand by high-speed train, or fly west to Urgench for Khiva. Tashkent’s main railway station is about 15 minutes by taxi from the airport. See our guides to domestic flights, trains in Uzbekistan and how to get to Tashkent.

• Late-night arrivals are common; book your first hotel night and transfer in advance.
• Keep small banknotes for the taxi.
• Download offline maps before you travel.
• If your luggage is delayed, report it at the airline’s desk before leaving the baggage hall.