Tashkent to Bukhara: train, plane or car

Bukhara lies about 570 km south-west of Tashkent by road, and Samarkand lies roughly on the way. Most visitors therefore travel Tashkent → Samarkand → Bukhara, spending a few days in each city. But if your itinerary goes straight to Bukhara, or you visit Samarkand at the end of the trip, a direct journey is easy.

Several Afrosiyob trains a day run from Tashkent through Samarkand to Bukhara. The direct journey takes about 4 hours. Carriages are modern, with assigned seats in economy and business class, air conditioning and a snack service.

This is the most popular route in Uzbekistan, and tickets often sell out in spring and autumn. Tickets usually go on sale around 45 days in advance. You need your passport to buy and board. Our train ticket service can help, and our guide to trains in Uzbekistan explains classes and booking.

The Sharq express and other regular trains take around 6–7 hours to Bukhara. They are cheaper and a good fall-back if the Afrosiyob is full.

Overnight trains towards Bukhara and Khiva also run from Tashkent, with sleeping compartments. Leaving in the evening and arriving in the morning saves a hotel night, though arrival times can be very early. Check current timetables, as services change.

In Tashkent, trains leave from Tashkent Central or South station; check your ticket and arrive 30 minutes early for security checks.

Bukhara station is in Kagan, about 15 km from the old city. A taxi takes 20–30 minutes; use a ride-hailing app or agree the fare first. Many hotels arrange pick-ups. See how to get to Bukhara.

Flights between Tashkent and Bukhara airport take about 1 hour 10 minutes, with several flights a day in high season. Bukhara airport is close to the city, about 15 minutes by taxi from the old town. Flying is useful if you arrive in Tashkent late, want to go straight to Bukhara, or the trains are sold out. Including check-in and transfers, the total time is similar to the Afrosiyob.

The road from Tashkent to Bukhara runs via Jizzakh, Samarkand and Navoi, about 570 km, and takes 7–8 hours without long stops. A private car with driver is a good option if you want to stop at Samarkand for lunch, or on the way at the Rabati Malik caravanserai or the ceramic workshops of Gijduvan. For a direct journey, the train is quicker and less tiring. See our transfer service.

• Booking too late: the Afrosiyob between Tashkent and Bukhara is one of the busiest trains in the country. In spring and autumn, book as soon as tickets go on sale, about 45 days ahead.
• Going to the wrong station: check whether your train leaves from Tashkent Central or South station.
• Skipping Samarkand by accident: if you have the time, break the journey for two or three days; it costs nothing extra on the train and adds the Registan, Gur-Emir and Shah-i-Zinda to your trip.
• Underestimating the station transfer: Bukhara’s station is in Kagan, not in the old city; plan for the taxi ride on arrival and departure.
• Luggage on domestic flights: cheaper domestic fares may have a smaller checked-baggage allowance; check before booking.

• Most travellers: Afrosiyob train, ideally with a stop of a few days in Samarkand.
• Arriving late or short of time: fly.
• On a budget: Sharq or regular train.
• Group with luggage, or want to stop on the way: car with driver.

Planning the whole route? See Tashkent to Samarkand, Samarkand to Bukhara, Bukhara to Khiva, and our 7-day itinerary.