Tashkent to Khiva: plane, train or car

Khiva lies in the oasis of Khorezm, in the far west of Uzbekistan, more than 1,000 km by road from Tashkent. Between them lie Samarkand, Bukhara and the Kyzylkum desert. That is why most itineraries include Khiva either at the beginning (fly in, then travel east overland) or at the end (travel west overland, then fly back).

Khiva has no airport of its own; the nearest is Urgench International Airport, about 30–35 km away. There are several flights a day from Tashkent, taking about 1.5 hours. From the airport, a taxi or transfer to Khiva takes 35–40 minutes. See Urgench airport to Khiva.

Flying is the best choice if time is limited. Flights are popular in spring and autumn; book early, and check luggage allowances on domestic fares.

Overnight trains run from Tashkent to Khiva (and Urgench), via Samarkand and Bukhara, taking around 14–16 hours. Sleeping compartments with four berths (kupe) or two berths in some trains make the journey comfortable, and you save a night in a hotel. Cheaper open-plan sleeping cars (platzkart) are also available.

Bring snacks and water; some trains have a restaurant car or a tea service. Khiva station, opened in 2018, is a short distance from the walls of Ichan-Kala. Faster day services have been introduced on parts of the route; train types and times change, so check what runs on your dates. Book early through Uzbekistan Railways or our train ticket service; see trains in Uzbekistan.

The classic way to reach Khiva is to travel west in stages: Tashkent to Samarkand by Afrosiyob train (2–2.5 hours), Samarkand to Bukhara (1.5–2 hours), then Bukhara to Khiva by train or car across the desert (6–7 hours). Spending a few days in each city, you see the highlights of Uzbekistan along the way, then fly back from Urgench to Tashkent.

Driving all the way from Tashkent to Khiva in one go is a very long day of 13–15 hours, and not recommended. If you want to travel by car, break the journey in Samarkand and Bukhara, or use the car only for the Bukhara–Khiva desert leg. Our transfer service offers cars with drivers for every leg.

• Planning a round trip from Tashkent: going to Khiva and back the same way wastes time. Fly one way and travel overland the other.
• Booking the flight too late: flights to Urgench fill up in April–May and September–October; book as soon as your dates are fixed.
• Thinking Khiva has an airport: flights land in Urgench, 35–40 minutes away; arrange your transfer in advance if you arrive late at night.
• Allowing only one night: Khiva is small, but the long journey means you need at least two nights to enjoy it, and more if you add Nukus or the desert fortresses.

• Short on time: fly Tashkent → Urgench, and travel back east overland, or the reverse.
• On a budget or love trains: the overnight sleeper.
• Classic tour of a week or more: overland via Samarkand and Bukhara, then fly back.

A common pattern is fly in to Urgench, start with Khiva, then travel east by train to Bukhara and Samarkand and finish in Tashkent, which avoids backtracking. See our 7-day and 10-day itineraries.

Most hotels in Khiva are inside or near the walls of Ichan-Kala. Some streets in the old city are pedestrian-only, so your driver may stop at a gate. Allow at least one full day and two nights in Khiva. See how to get to Khiva for more, and where to stay in Khiva. Our team is based in Khiva and can meet you at the airport or station.