How to get from Samarkand Airport to Registan Square

Landing at Samarkand International Airport (SKD) and heading straight for the blue-tiled majesty of Registan Square? This guide breaks down every realistic way to get from the arrivals hall to the heart of Samarkand’s old town, with costs, timings, and step‑by‑step directions.

At A Glance (Samarkand Airport to Registan Square)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚕 Taxi or Ride-hailing (Airport → Registan)	~20–30 minutes door-to-door	Most travelers, late arrivals, bulky luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~30,000–60,000 UZS per car (≈US$2.5–5), depending on time of day and vehicle size; you can also pre-book a fixed-price ride or use a ride-hailing app like Yandex Go.
🚐 Pre-booked Private Transfer (Meet & Greet)	~20–30 minutes, direct hotel drop-off	First-time visitors, families, guaranteed pickup
🏷️ Cost: from ~US$20–30 per car via specialist providers and tour platforms such as airport transfers or local agencies.
🚌 Public Bus or Marshrutka (Budget Route)	~35–60 minutes including walk/change in town	Budget travelers, light luggage, daytime flights
🏷️ Cost: ~2,000–3,000 UZS per ride within the city (contactless card cheaper than cash); airport buses run roughly 06:00–21:00 according to the airport’s official transport information.
🚗 Rental Car / Self-Drive	~20–30 minutes driving, plus pick-up & paperwork	Road-trippers planning to explore Samarkand region
🏷️ Cost: from ~US$35–60 per day with major brands at the airport; compare options on Booking.com car rental or directly with providers.

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & most convenient: Go for a taxi or ride-hailing app if you’re arriving late, have heavy bags, or just want to step out of the terminal and be at Registan in 20–30 minutes.
• Low-stress arrival with a name sign: If you prefer to have everything arranged in advance (especially on a tight schedule), a pre-booked private transfer with meet-and-greet is the most relaxing option.
• Cheapest way into the city: Daytime arrivals with light luggage can use the public bus or marshrutka. It’s slower and involves a short walk or quick hop by taxi at the end, but it’s extremely cheap.
• Best if you’re touring beyond Samarkand: Travelers planning to drive to Bukhara, Shahrisabz, or rural sights may prefer a rental car from the airport or city branches so they can keep full control of their schedule.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book your flight and first-night stay together: Use a meta-search like Booking.com Flights to get to Samarkand, then reserve a hotel within walking distance of Registan Square so your first taxi ride is short and inexpensive.
• Check if your hotel includes airport pickup: Many Samarkand hotels offer complimentary or paid transfers; you’ll see this highlighted on pages listing Samarkand hotels with airport shuttle. Confirm the pickup point and driver contact on the morning of arrival.
• Use ride-hailing apps when possible: Yandex Go is widely used in Uzbekistan and helps you avoid haggling over price; you can estimate the cost from the airport to Registan before you even land. Have mobile data (eSIM or local SIM) ready to go.
• Pre-book if you land very late or very early: For red-eye flights, book a private transfer via platforms like GetYourGuide airport transfers or transfer specialists so you’re not reliant on the number of taxis waiting outside.
• Know your bus option as backup: During the day, city buses and marshrutkas connect the airport with the railway station and central areas; they run roughly every 10–20 minutes and cost just a handful of som when you pay with a contactless card.
• Plan onward intercity journeys in advance: If you’re combining Samarkand with Tashkent or Bukhara, you can compare trains, buses, and cars on 12Go Asia, which aggregates Uzbekistan Railways tickets and other options.
• Think about luggage logistics: If you’ll be checking out but flying late, ask your hotel to store bags; in Tashkent and other larger cities, you can also look for luggage storage partners through services like Radical Storage.
• Consider two wheels or a car for exploring further: For broader trips around Uzbekistan, you can book rental cars via Booking.com car rental or arrange motorbikes and scooters in other regional hubs through platforms like BikesBooking.

🚕 Option #1 — Taxi or Ride-hailing (Most Convenient)

Low hassle Door-to-door 24/7 availability

• Overview: Walk out of arrivals, hop into a licensed taxi or Yandex Go, and ride directly to Registan Square. The journey is usually 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
• Typical price: Expect roughly 30,000–60,000 UZS per car for the 8–10 km ride, depending on car type and exact location of your hotel near Registan. Official desks and larger SUVs cost more, but you’re still looking at just a few US dollars.
• How to book: Inside the arrivals hall you may find an airport taxi counter quoting fixed rates, while outside the terminal there is a taxi rank. Many visitors now simply request a car through Yandex Go or similar ride-hailing apps for transparent pricing and GPS-tracked routes.
• Using pre-booked platforms: If you want a named driver and car class guaranteed in advance, you can reserve a ride through services such as GetTransfer in Samarkand, which lets you choose vehicle size and see prices upfront.
• Pros: Easiest and fastest; no changes or walking with luggage; operates around the clock; ideal if you’re new to Uzbekistan or arriving with family.
• Cons: Slightly more expensive than the bus; occasional touts may offer unofficial rides at inflated prices—stick to licensed taxis, the airport desk, or a ride-hailing app.

Step-by-step: Taxi or Ride-hailing from Samarkand Airport

1. Clear passport control and customs, then exit into the arrivals hall. Make sure you have some local cash (UZS) from an ATM or exchange counter for small payments and tips.
2. Decide whether you’ll use the airport taxi counter, the taxi rank, or a ride-hailing app like Yandex Go. If using an app, connect to the airport Wi‑Fi or activate mobile data.
3. For the taxi counter, tell staff your destination (for example, “Registan Square” or your hotel’s name) and confirm the fare before accepting a ticket or receipt.
4. For ride-hailing, drop the pin at “Samarkand International Airport” as your pickup point and “Registan Square” or your hotel address as destination. Check the estimated fare and vehicle type before confirming.
5. Exit the terminal and follow signs toward taxis/parking. Meet your driver at the agreed point (often just outside arrivals or in the short-stay parking lot).
6. During the ride, you can follow your route on your map app. Registan Square is well known, so even non‑English‑speaking drivers recognize the name.
7. Ask to be dropped at your exact accommodation or at one of the streets bordering Registan; some streets directly around the square may be partly pedestrianized, so short walks of 1–3 minutes are normal.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi / Ride-hailing)

• Airport pickup zone: As you exit customs, follow the crowd out of the terminal; taxis typically wait directly in front of arrivals or in the adjacent short-term car park. Ignore anyone insisting you follow them to the car park without clearly stating the price.
• Using ride-hailing apps: In the app, choose the clearly marked “Samarkand International Airport” location and watch where your driver is on the map. Some apps will also show the car’s number plate and colour so you can identify it easily.
• Hotel drop-off: Around Registan, ask your driver to stop on a main street rather than in the square itself; hotels and guesthouses will usually give you a landmark such as “near Registan Palace” or “north of the square” to show the driver.
• Paying: Cash in UZS is preferred by street taxis; apps usually let you register a card, but many visitors still pay the driver in cash at the end of the ride.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Pre-booked Private Transfer (Meet & Greet)

Fixed price Driver waiting for you Great with kids & big bags

• Overview: Arrange a driver in advance who tracks your flight, meets you in the arrivals hall with a sign, and drives you straight to your hotel near Registan Square. Travel time is still around 20–30 minutes, but all logistics are handled for you.
• Typical price: Many transfer companies price Samarkand airport–city rides around US$20–25 for a sedan and a bit more for minivans, with child seats and extra luggage available on request.
• How to book (with price): You can book a dedicated airport transfer through platforms like Samarkand airport transfers on GetYourGuide or via local agencies that specialise in Uzbekistan transport. Prices vary by vehicle class, time of day, and extras such as English-speaking drivers.
• Hotel-organised pickups: Many hotels around Registan will arrange a private transfer if you ask when booking; in some cases it’s included or discounted, especially in mid‑range and upscale properties you’ll find on Samarkand accommodation listings.
• Pros: Someone is waiting for you even if your flight is delayed; no language barrier to explain your destination; good for groups, families, and travellers with mobility needs.
• Cons: More expensive than a regular taxi; you need to book ahead and sometimes pay a deposit or full prepayment.

Step-by-step: Pre-booked Private Transfer

1. Choose a provider: Compare offers from local agencies, your hotel, and online platforms like GetYourGuide transfers or other transfer specialists serving Samarkand.
2. Enter your details: Provide your flight number, arrival time, number of passengers, and destination (hotel name or full address near Registan Square). Add requests such as child seats or extra luggage space if needed.
3. Confirm price & payment: Check what’s included (tolls, parking, waiting time) and whether you pay online in advance or in cash to the driver.
4. Receive your voucher: Keep the confirmation email or voucher handy on your phone; it will state the meeting point (for example, “arrivals hall after customs” or a specific signboard).
5. Arrival day: After exiting customs, look for your driver holding a sign with your name or your company’s logo. If you don’t see them immediately, wait at the designated meeting point or call the number on your voucher.
6. Drive to Registan area: Sit back and relax; your driver will usually know the old town street network and can drop you as close to your hotel’s entrance as road closures allow.

Getting to the main embarking points (Private Transfer)

• Meeting your driver: Most operators wait just outside the customs exit in the arrivals hall. Check your voucher for a phrase like “Meeting point: Arrival gate” and the driver’s phone or WhatsApp number.
• Delays and waiting time: Transfers generally include a certain amount of free waiting time after scheduled landing. If immigration takes longer, message your driver via the app or contact number.
• Drop-off in the Registan area: Ask your driver to show you the nearest landmark (“north entrance of Registan”, “main gate”) so you can easily orient yourself when exploring on foot later.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Public Bus or Marshrutka (Cheapest)

Very low cost Local experience Daytime only

• Overview: Samarkand’s airport is linked to the city by regular municipal buses and marshrutkas that run between the terminal, the central bus station, and Samarkand railway station. From there, it’s a short taxi or tram ride, or a 15–20 minute walk, to Registan Square.
• Routes & schedule: Official airport information notes that several city buses and marshrutkas operate roughly 06:00–21:00 between the airport and central Samarkand, with travel time of about 15–25 minutes to the station area depending on traffic.
• Tickets & price: City buses in Samarkand use a flat fare system; expect to pay around 2,000 UZS with a transport or bank card or around 3,000 UZS in cash for a single ride within city limits.
• How to pay: Tap a contactless bank card or local transport card on the validator inside the bus. If you pay the driver in cash, have small notes ready.
• Pros: By far the cheapest way into the city; good if you enjoy using local transport and don’t have heavy luggage.
• Cons: Not ideal late at night or very early morning; possible crowding at peak times; signage may be in Uzbek/Russian only, so offline maps and a bit of preparation help a lot.

Step-by-step: Public Bus or Marshrutka from the Airport

1. After exiting arrivals, walk out of the terminal and look for the bus stop in front of the airport. There is usually a clearly marked shelter or sign where city buses and minibuses stop.
2. Check the bus number and destination displayed on the front of the vehicle. You are aiming for services heading toward Samarkand railway station or the central bus station, which are convenient points to continue on to Registan Square.
3. Board through the front or middle door and validate your ride by tapping your card on the onboard validator, or pay the driver/conductor in cash.
4. Follow your progress on an offline map app (download Samarkand offline before you land). Get off near the railway station, central bus station, or a stop that brings you reasonably close to Registan.
5. From there, either walk 15–20 minutes to Registan Square, following signs or your map, or take a short taxi or ride-hail for the final 5–10 minutes.
6. For the return trip, reverse the route: make your way back toward the station or a main avenue and board a bus heading to the airport, leaving enough time for check‑in and security.

Getting to the main embarking points (Bus / Marshrutka)

• Airport bus stop: Located just outside the terminal entrance/exit area. Look for a marked bus stop and wait where locals are gathering for city buses.
• Central hubs in town: The bus or marshrutka will usually pass near Samarkand railway station or other central stops where many passengers alight; from these, Registan is within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
• Riding with luggage: Try to avoid peak commuter hours if you have large suitcases; keep your bag close and avoid blocking doors.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Rental Car / Self-Drive (For Road-trippers)

Flexibility Good for day trips Requires confident driving

• Overview: If you plan to explore beyond Samarkand—villages, viewpoints, and nearby cities like Bukhara—a rental car can make sense. The drive airport → Registan Square takes about 20–30 minutes on well‑paved urban roads.
• Where to rent: International brands such as Sixt and other operators have branches at Samarkand Airport, downtown, and at the railway station, so you can pick up a car right after you land or after a few days in the city.
• Typical price: Expect around US$35–60 per day for a small car, plus fuel and any insurance add‑ons. You can compare prices and locations easily on Booking.com car rental in Uzbekistan.
• Pros: Full control over your schedule; easy to combine airport transfer with excursions to places like Shah-i-Zinda or the countryside without returning to your hotel first.
• Cons: Local driving style and traffic may feel assertive; finding parking close to Registan can take a few minutes; international driving permit and insurance may be required.

Step-by-step: Rental Car / Self-Drive

1. Book in advance: Reserve a car online before arrival through your preferred rental company or via Booking.com’s car rental search, choosing Samarkand Airport (SKD) as the pick-up location.
2. Pick up at the airport: After clearing customs, follow “Car Rental” signs to the desks or meeting point; present your passport, driver’s licence (and IDP if required), and booking confirmation.
3. Inspect the car: Walk around the vehicle with staff, note any existing damage, ask about local rules (seatbelts, speed limits, parking), and check that navigation or smartphone mount/charging options work for you.
4. Drive toward the city centre: Use your favourite map app for directions from “Samarkand International Airport” to “Registan Square”; main roads are generally straightforward and well signposted.
5. Park near Registan: Look for official parking lots or guarded spaces a short walk from the square; avoid blocking narrow lanes or hotel entrances.
6. Return day: If you’re flying out of Samarkand, leave enough time for refuelling and the vehicle inspection before your flight.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Cars)

• Airport rental desks: Located in or near the arrivals hall; if your company doesn’t have a visible desk, they may meet you with a sign and walk you to the car in the car park.
• City & station branches: Some travellers prefer to get a taxi from the airport to their hotel and pick up the car later from a city or railway-station branch to avoid first-time city driving in the dark.
• Fuel & tolls: Petrol stations are available on main roads; pay in cash or card depending on station. There are no complicated toll systems for the short airport–city run.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Samarkand Airport to Registan Square)

What’s the easiest way to get from Samarkand Airport to Registan Square?
For most visitors, a taxi or ride-hailing app is the simplest: you step out of arrivals, request a car, and ride 20–30 minutes directly to your hotel near Registan. If you like everything pre-arranged, a pre-booked private transfer with meet-and-greet takes away all stress.

How much does a taxi from the airport to Registan cost?
You’ll typically pay around 30,000–60,000 UZS for a standard taxi or ride-hail from Samarkand International Airport to accommodation close to Registan Square, depending on traffic, time of day, and car size. Agree the fare in advance for street taxis, or rely on app-based pricing for more transparency.

Is there public transport from Samarkand Airport into the city?
Yes. Public buses and marshrutkas connect the airport with central Samarkand and the railway station during the daytime, generally between about 06:00 and 21:00. You’ll usually get off near a central stop, then walk or take a short taxi ride to Registan Square.

Should I pre-book a transfer or just take a taxi on arrival?
If your flight arrives in the middle of the day, it’s usually fine to take a taxi or use Yandex Go on arrival. For very late or very early flights, families, or big groups, pre-booking via a transfer company or through your hotel is worth it—you get a fixed price and a driver waiting even if your flight is delayed.

Can I use ride-hailing apps in Samarkand?
Yes. Yandex Go and similar apps operate in Samarkand and are widely used by both locals and visitors. They provide estimated prices and routes in advance, which is especially handy for airport trips where you may not yet be familiar with local taxi fares.

Where should I stay near Registan Square?
Many hotels and guesthouses cluster within walking distance of Registan. When comparing options, look for mentions of “old town” or “Registan” in the description on sites like Samarkand stays on Booking.com; several highly rated properties also offer airport pickup or can book taxis for you.

How can I connect this with other Uzbekistan cities?
From Samarkand, you can continue to Tashkent, Bukhara, or Khiva by high-speed train, regular train, or long-distance car/van. To compare timings and tickets in one place, many travellers use aggregators like 12Go Asia’s Tashkent–Samarkand listings, alongside the official railway and airline sites.