Tashkent to Urgench: plane or train

Urgench is the regional capital of Khorezm, a modern city on the lower Amu Darya. It has few monuments of its own: the medieval capital of the same name, Gurganj, lies across the border in Turkmenistan as Kunya-Urgench. But for travellers, Urgench matters because it has the airport and a main railway station for Khiva, one of the most beautiful old cities of Central Asia. Most people who "go to Urgench" are really going to Khiva.

Urgench International Airport has several daily flights from Tashkent, taking about 1.5 hours. It also has some international routes, mainly to Russia and, seasonally, to other countries. Flights are busy in spring and autumn; book early and check the checked-baggage allowance, which can be smaller on some domestic fares.

Flying is the best way to save time on a trip to the west of Uzbekistan. A classic route is to travel overland from Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, then fly back from Urgench to Tashkent, or the reverse.

Overnight trains run from Tashkent to Urgench and Khiva via Samarkand and Bukhara, taking around 14–16 hours. Sleeper compartments make the journey comfortable, and you save a hotel night. Faster day services have been introduced on parts of the line; train types and times change, so check what runs on your dates.

Note that many trains continue to Khiva station, close to the old city, which is often more convenient than getting off in Urgench. Tickets go on sale about 45 days ahead; you need your passport. Our train ticket service can help; see also trains in Uzbekistan.

The airport and the station in Urgench are about 30–35 km from Khiva. The transfer takes 35–40 minutes by car along a straight road through the cotton fields of the oasis.

• Pre-booked transfer: the easiest option, especially for late-night arrivals; the driver waits with a name sign.
• Taxi: available at the airport; agree the fare before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app if it works.
• Trolleybus: a slow but cheap trolleybus line has linked Urgench and Khiva; it is not practical with luggage.

See Urgench airport to Khiva for more details. Our team is based in Khiva and can meet you at the airport; see our transfer service.

Most travellers stay in Khiva, inside or near the walls of Ichan-Kala, where the atmosphere is much better. Urgench has modern hotels, useful if you have a very early flight or business in the city, but there is little to see. With the short transfer, staying in Khiva and travelling to the airport on the day of departure is easy. See where to stay in Khiva.

From Urgench, roads lead north to Nukus, about 3 hours away, and the desert fortresses of ancient Khorezm. The border with Turkmenistan is close: the crossing at Shavat–Dashoguz leads to Kunya-Urgench, with a Turkmen visa arranged in advance. For the rest of the route east, see Bukhara to Khiva.

• Booking a hotel in Urgench thinking it is Khiva: they are different cities; check the address.
• Arriving late without a transfer: taxis are fewer after midnight; book a pick-up.
• Leaving no buffer for the return flight: allow at least 40 minutes for the drive from Khiva plus check-in time.
• Not checking which station your train uses: many trains stop at both Urgench and Khiva; getting off at Khiva saves the transfer.