Tashkent to Termez: plane, train or car

Termez lies on the Amu Darya, on the border with Afghanistan, in the far south of Uzbekistan. It is the place to discover the country’s Buddhist past, with monasteries and stupas from the Kushan era, as well as important Islamic shrines. Because it is far from Tashkent, the choice of transport matters.

Termez airport has daily or near-daily flights from Tashkent, taking about 1.5 hours. The airport is a few kilometres from the city centre; a taxi takes 10–15 minutes. Flying is the best choice if your time is limited. A common plan is to fly from Tashkent to Termez and travel north overland to Samarkand, or the reverse. Check current schedules, as flights change by season.

Passenger trains link Tashkent and Termez via Samarkand and Karshi, including overnight sleeper trains that take around 14–16 hours. Sleeping compartments are comfortable, and travelling overnight saves a hotel night. Some faster services run on parts of the route; check current timetables.

Tickets go on sale about 45 days in advance, and you need your passport. Our train ticket service can help; see also trains in Uzbekistan. Trains also connect Termez with Samarkand directly, a useful option if you are already there.

The road from Tashkent to Termez is about 700 km. Driving it in one day is possible but very long. It is much better to break the journey in Samarkand, reached from Tashkent by the fast Afrosiyob train, then drive south.

From Samarkand, the road to Termez, about 370 km and 6–7 hours, is one of the most scenic in Uzbekistan. It crosses the Takhtakaracha pass to Shakhrisabz, Timur’s birthplace, then continues south through the mountains near Boysun, with gorges, villages and the ancient pass known as the Iron Gates, before descending to the hot plain of the Amu Darya. With stops, it makes a full and rewarding day, and you arrive in Termez in the evening.

A private car with driver is the best way to enjoy the route. Our transfer service offers cars and minivans for it.

• Short on time: fly in both directions, or fly one way.
• Want to see the south: fly to Termez, then drive north via Boysun and Shakhrisabz to Samarkand.
• On a budget or love trains: the overnight sleeper.
• Travelling in summer: fly, and plan sightseeing for the early morning; the road and trains are long and hot.

Many travellers add Termez to a classic route: Tashkent → Samarkand → Shakhrisabz → Boysun → Termez → fly back to Tashkent.

Termez has the hottest summers in Uzbekistan: avoid June–August if you can, and see Termez weather for the best months. The city is close to the Afghan border, and some areas along the river are restricted; carry your passport and follow local rules. The main sites are safe and open to visitors. See things to do in Termez and how to get to Termez.

The sights of Termez are spread out around the city: the Archaeological Museum in the centre, the shrines of al-Hakim at-Termizi and Sultan Saodat to the north-west, and the Buddhist sites of Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa near the river. A car with driver or taxis are the best way to see them in one or two days. Some sites near the border require permission arranged in advance; a local guide can help.