Tashkent to Samarkand: train, car or plane

Almost every trip to Uzbekistan includes the journey from Tashkent, where most international flights arrive, to Samarkand, the city of the Registan and Timur. The two cities are about 300 km apart, and the railway between them is the backbone of the country’s tourist routes. For most travellers, the train is the fastest, most comfortable and most reliable option.

The Afrosiyob, Uzbekistan’s high-speed train, named after the ancient site of Samarkand, runs several times a day between Tashkent and Samarkand, with some services continuing to Bukhara and beyond. The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, at speeds of up to around 250 km/h on the best stretches.

The trains are modern and air-conditioned, with assigned seats in economy and business class (and sometimes a VIP compartment), luggage space, toilets and a snack or drinks service. Departures are punctual.

Afrosiyob trains are popular and often sell out in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). Tickets usually go on sale around 45 days before departure; book as soon as your dates are fixed.

The Sharq express and other regular day trains also run between the cities. They take about 3.5–4 hours and are cheaper. Carriages have seats or compartments, depending on the train. They are a good option if the Afrosiyob is full, or if you prefer a slower journey with views of the steppe, cotton fields and the mountains to the south. Overnight trains towards Bukhara, Khiva or Termez also stop in Samarkand, sometimes at inconvenient hours.

Tickets can be bought online through the official Uzbekistan Railways website and app, at stations, or through agencies. You need your passport details to buy a ticket, and your passport to board. Foreign cards are not always accepted online; if you have trouble, a local agent can book for you. Our train ticket service can help, including checking availability for your dates. For more detail, see our guide to trains in Uzbekistan.

In Tashkent, most trains to Samarkand leave from Tashkent Central (Tashkent Vokzal) station, though some depart from the South (Yuzhny) station; check your ticket. Arrive at least 30 minutes early: there is a security check and passport control at the entrance.

Samarkand station is in the north-west of the city, about 6–7 km from the Registan; a taxi takes 15–20 minutes. Ride-hailing apps work well, or agree a fare before getting in.

The road from Tashkent to Samarkand runs south-west through the steppe of Syrdarya and Jizzakh, past the Gates of Tamerlane gorge, and takes about 4–5 hours without long stops. A private car with driver is more flexible than the train: you can leave when you like, carry luggage easily and stop on the way. Shared taxis leave from the Tashkent stands when full; they are cheaper but less comfortable. Our transfer service offers cars, SUVs and minivans for the route.

There are flights between Tashkent and Samarkand, taking under an hour, but with check-in and airport transfers they rarely save time compared with the Afrosiyob. Flying makes sense mainly if you are connecting directly to an international flight. Samarkand also has international flights from several countries, so some travellers arrive there directly.

• Short on time or travelling light: the Afrosiyob.
• Afrosiyob sold out: Sharq or regular train, or a car.
• Family or group with luggage: a private car or minivan.
• Want to stop on the way: a car with driver.

Many travellers continue from Samarkand to Bukhara: see Samarkand to Bukhara. For arrival details, see how to get to Samarkand.