Itineraries
Uzbekistan by train: a rail itinerary
A route through Uzbekistan almost entirely by train, from Tashkent to Samarkand and Bukhara on the Afrosiyob high-speed train, across the Kyzylkum to Khiva, and an optional trip to the Fergana Valley, with journey times, booking tips, a 9-day plan and practical advice.
You can travel Uzbekistan almost entirely by train. Take the Afrosiyob from Tashkent to Samarkand (about 2–2.5 hours) and on to Bukhara (about 1.5 hours), then a train across the Kyzylkum to Khiva (about 6–7 hours). Return by overnight sleeper or fly from Urgench. Add the Fergana Valley by train through the Kamchik tunnel.
Why travel by train?
Uzbekistan’s railways connect all the main tourist cities, and for many visitors the train is the best way to travel. The high-speed Afrosiyob is modern, punctual and comfortable, and links the city centres of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara faster than flying once airport time is included. Slower Sharq and regular trains, overnight sleepers and the line across the desert to Khiva complete the network.
Travelling by train is also a way to see the country: cotton fields and orchards, the steppe and mountains, the Kyzylkum desert and the Amu Darya. For an introduction, see trains in Uzbekistan.
The route at a glance
| Leg | Train | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tashkent → Samarkand | Afrosiyob / Sharq | 2–2.5 h / 3.5–4 h |
| Samarkand → Bukhara | Afrosiyob / Sharq | 1.5 h / 2–2.5 h |
| Bukhara → Khiva | Day or night train | 6–7 h |
| Khiva → Tashkent | Overnight sleeper (or fly from Urgench) | 14–16 h |
| Optional: Tashkent ↔ Fergana Valley | Day train via Kamchik tunnel | 4–5 h |
Train types and timetables change; check current services before booking.
A 9-day rail itinerary
Day 1 – Tashkent. Arrive and explore: the Khast Imam complex, the Chorsu bazaar and the metro. See things to do in Tashkent.
Day 2 – Afrosiyob to Samarkand. Take the morning Afrosiyob (about 2–2.5 hours). Afternoon: the Registan and the Gur-Emir. See Tashkent to Samarkand.
Day 3 – Samarkand. The Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym, the Siab bazaar, Afrosiyob and Ulugbek’s observatory.
Day 4 – Train to Bukhara. Morning in Samarkand, then the Afrosiyob or Sharq to Bukhara (1.5–2.5 hours). Evening at Lyabi-Hauz. See Samarkand to Bukhara.
Days 5–6 – Bukhara. The Poi-Kalyan, the trading domes, the Ark, the Samanid mausoleum, Chor Minor and the outskirts. See things to do in Bukhara.
Day 7 – Across the desert to Khiva. The train crosses the Kyzylkum and the Amu Darya (6–7 hours) and arrives at Khiva station, next to the walls of Ichan-Kala. See Bukhara to Khiva.
Day 8 – Khiva. Explore Ichan-Kala: Kalta Minor, Kunya-Ark, the Juma mosque, Tash-Hauli and the Islam Khodja minaret. See our Khiva itinerary.
Day 9 – Back to Tashkent. Take the overnight sleeper from Khiva (about 14–16 hours), or save time by flying from Urgench (about 1.5 hours). See Tashkent to Khiva.
Adding the Fergana Valley
Add 2–3 days at the start of the trip: take the day train from Tashkent through the Kamchik tunnel to Kokand, Margilan or Fergana (4–5 hours). Visit Kokand’s palace, Rishtan’s ceramic workshops and Margilan’s silk factory, then return by train to Tashkent. See Tashkent to Fergana and our Fergana Valley itinerary.
Life on board
Travelling by train is a good way to meet people. On the Afrosiyob, passengers are mostly business travellers, families and tourists; the journey is quiet and comfortable, with a trolley selling drinks and snacks. On the slower trains and sleepers, the atmosphere is more social: families share food, tea is poured from samovars or thermos flasks, and you may be offered bread, fruit or sweets. Accepting a little is polite, and offering something in return is appreciated.
On overnight trains, bedding is provided, and the conductor (provodnik) of each carriage checks tickets and can help. Toilets are basic on older trains. Bring slippers, a light jacket for the air conditioning, water, snacks and something to read. Keep valuables with you.
From the window, you will see the cotton fields of the Syr Darya, the Zeravshan valley, the steppe and, between Bukhara and Khiva, the dunes of the Kyzylkum and the wide Amu Darya.
Booking tickets
- Tickets usually go on sale around 45 days before departure.
- Book early for spring and autumn, especially the Afrosiyob and trains to Khiva.
- You need your passport details to buy tickets and your passport to board.
- Buy online on the official Uzbekistan Railways site or app, at stations, or through an agent. Foreign cards are not always accepted online.
Our train ticket service can check availability and book tickets for every leg of your route.
Classes and comfort
- Afrosiyob: economy and business class seats, sometimes a VIP compartment; air conditioning and a snack service.
- Sharq and regular day trains: seats or compartments, depending on the train.
- Sleepers: four-berth compartments (kupe), two-berth compartments on some trains, and open-plan carriages (platzkart). Bedding is provided.
Bring water and snacks on long journeys; some trains have a restaurant car.
Stations and transfers
- Tashkent: trains leave from Central or South station; check your ticket.
- Samarkand: the station is 15–20 minutes by taxi from the Registan.
- Bukhara: the station is in Kagan, about 15 km from the old town; allow 20–30 minutes.
- Khiva: the station is next to the walls of Ichan-Kala.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early for the security check. See taxis in Uzbekistan.
Tips
- Keep your passport and ticket handy; they are checked at the entrance and on the train.
- Luggage space is limited on the Afrosiyob; travel with a medium-sized suitcase.
- Do not plan very tight connections: delays are rare but possible.
- Combine train and car where it makes sense, for example to stop at Rabati Malik or a yurt camp near Aydarkul.
- The best seasons are April–May and September–October.
Frequently asked questions
Can you travel around Uzbekistan by train?
Yes. Trains link Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, the Fergana Valley, Termez and Nukus.
How long is the train from Bukhara to Khiva?
About 6–7 hours across the Kyzylkum desert.
When should I book train tickets in Uzbekistan?
As soon as they go on sale, about 45 days ahead, especially in spring and autumn.
Rules, timetables and prices change. We check this page regularly, but always confirm entry requirements with official sources before you travel.
