How to get from Bukhara Airport to Bukhara Old Town

From Bukhara International Airport (BHK), it’s only about 5 km to the blue-tiled madrasas of Bukhara Old Town, and you can cover it by taxi, ride-hailing, public bus, or pre-booked transfer in under 30 minutes.

At A Glance (Bukhara Airport to Bukhara Old Town)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚕 Taxi or Yandex Go (BHK → Old Town)	~10–15 minutes from curb to Old Town	First-time visitors, late arrivals, door-to-door comfort
🏷️ Cost: ~20,000–40,000 UZS (~US$2–4) for standard taxi/Yandex Go; from ~US$25–40 per car for pre-booked transfer » pre-book taxis | airport transfer options
🚌 Public Bus #1 / #100	~20–30 minutes (+ waiting time)	Budget travellers, light luggage, local experience
🏷️ Cost: ~2,000–3,000 UZS per person (under US$0.50 equivalent)
🚐 Pre-booked Private Transfer or Hotel Car	~10–20 minutes door-to-door	Families, groups, lots of luggage, flight delays
🏷️ Cost: From ~US$25–45 per car (up to 3–7 passengers) depending on vehicle class » private transfers | quote via GetTransfer
🚗 Self-Drive Car Rental	~10–15 minutes driving	Road trips to Samarkand/Khiva, full flexibility
🏷️ Cost: From ~US$35–45/day for economy cars, plus fuel and deposits » compare rentals | alt. car hire

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & most convenient: Choose taxi or Yandex Go if you want to be dropped directly at your riad or guesthouse with zero stress, especially after dark or with bulky luggage.
• Cheapest: The public buses #1 and #100 are by far the lowest-cost way into town and still reasonably quick if you’re not arriving very late at night.
• Most comfortable door-to-door: If you like having everything arranged before landing, go for a pre-booked private transfer with meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall.
• Best for onward road trips: Travellers driving on to Samarkand, Khiva, or the Nurata mountains can pick up a car and follow the self-drive rental option so you’re fully independent from day one.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Booking flights to Bukhara: If you’re still planning your arrival, compare fares into Bukhara International Airport using tools like Booking.com Flights or Trip.com’s Bukhara flight search.
• Choosing accommodation in the Old Town: Staying within walking distance of Lyabi-Hauz or the Ark makes airport transfers shorter and cheaper; you can browse Old Town guesthouses and boutique hotels on Booking.com Bukhara stays.
• Using ride-hailing apps: Download Yandex Go (or Yango) once you have a local SIM; set “Bukhara International Airport” as pickup and your riad as drop-off to get a very clear price before you ride.
• Pre-booking transfers: For peace of mind—especially if you land late or travel with kids—book a private transfer in advance via platforms like GetYourGuide Bukhara transfers or GetTransfer in Bukhara. In other Uzbek hubs such as Tashkent, services like Welcome Pickups offer similar pre-booked rides.
• Planning trains & onward journeys: If you’re continuing by train after a night or two in the Old Town, you can compare Bukhara train schedules and tickets (for routes to Khiva, Urgench, Samarkand or Tashkent) on 12Go Asia and related Central Asia listings.
• Car & bike rental: For multi-day road trips, compare car hire across Uzbekistan on Booking.com car rental or Klook car rentals. Adventure travellers sometimes add motorbike or quad rentals in nearby Central Asian hubs via BikesBooking.
• Luggage storage between flights or trains: If you’re transiting via Tashkent and don’t want to drag big bags while sightseeing, consider dropping luggage with a storage network such as Radical Storage locations in Tashkent before continuing on to Bukhara.
• Cash & small bills: Keep small UZS notes handy (10,000–20,000 UZS) for buses and local taxis—card payments are still uncommon outside big hotels and some ride-hailing trips.

🚕 Option #1 — Taxi or Yandex Go (Fast & Flexible)

Door-to-door Great at night Still very affordable

• Overview: The quickest and simplest way from Bukhara Airport to the Old Town is a regular taxi or ride-hailing app (Yandex Go/Yango). The ride is about 5 km and usually takes 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.
• How to book (with price): You can either walk to the taxi stand outside arrivals and agree a fare (aim for about 20,000–40,000 UZS into the Old Town) or order via the Yandex Go app for transparent pricing. If you prefer to pre-book before flying, request a set-price car via GetTransfer’s Bukhara taxis or similar services.
• Pros: Fast, direct, available almost 24/7, no need to worry about bus schedules. Cons: Need some cash; occasional haggling with street taxis; slightly pricier than the bus (though still cheap by international standards).

Step-by-step: Taxi or Yandex Go

1. After clearing customs, exit the arrivals hall and follow signs for the taxi stand just outside the terminal.
2. If you’re using a regular taxi, show your driver the exact address of your hotel (or “Lyabi-Hauz” if you’re staying nearby) and agree the price before getting in.
3. If you’re using Yandex Go, connect to airport Wi‑Fi or your SIM data, set “Bukhara International Airport” as the pickup point and your Old Town hotel as drop-off, then confirm your ride and wait at the designated pickup area shown in the app.
4. Check the car’s plate and driver details match the app (for Yandex) or your booking voucher (for pre-booked transfers) before you get in.
5. Enjoy the short drive into town; most routes approach the Old Town from the north or east, dropping you within a few minutes’ walk of the main sights.
6. Pay in cash at the end of the ride (most Yandex rides in Bukhara are still cash-based) and keep small notes ready to make things easier.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi rank & pickup zones)

• Airport taxi stand: Located just outside the arrivals exit—follow the stream of passengers; official taxis may be marked, while many rides are in regular cars.
• Ride-hailing pickup: For Yandex Go/Yango, the app will show the pickup pin near the terminal exit; stand somewhere obvious and check the license plate before boarding.
• Drop-off in Old Town: Most drivers know Lyabi-Hauz, the Ark, and Kalon Minaret; if your guesthouse is in a narrow alley, expect to be dropped on a nearby main street and walk a minute or two.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Public Bus #1 / #100 (Cheapest, Local Experience)

Ultra-budget Local flavour Less luggage-friendly

• Overview: City buses #1 and #100 shuttle between the airport and central Bukhara, stopping within walking distance of the Old Town. The journey usually takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and intermediate stops.
• How to pay (with price): Tickets are typically bought directly from the driver or conductor when boarding. Expect to pay roughly 2,000–3,000 UZS per person; try to have small notes ready.
• Pros: By far the cheapest option, a good way to see everyday Bukhara and mingle with locals. Cons: Less convenient with large suitcases, signage is mostly in Uzbek/Russian, and service may be sparse late at night.

Step-by-step: Public Bus from the Airport

1. Exit the arrivals hall and look for the bus stop just outside or near the airport access road; ask airport staff for “bus number one” if unsure.
2. Confirm with the driver or conductor that the bus is going to the city center/Old Town area (show “Lyabi-Hauz” or your hotel address on your phone).
3. Board the bus, keep your luggage close to you, and pay the fare when asked—cash only.
4. Watch your progress on an offline map app (like Google Maps offline) so you know when you’re close to your stop near the Old Town.
5. Get off at the nearest central stop and walk the remaining 5–10 minutes to your accommodation through the atmospheric lanes.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport bus stop & city stops)

• Airport bus stop: Located near the terminal exit along the access road; buses #1 and #100 should show route numbers on the front.
• City center stops: Ask the driver for the closest stop to “Old City” or “Lyabi-Hauz”; many visitors get off near the historic core and walk from there.
• Ticket tips: Have small bills ready and consider writing your destination on a piece of paper in Cyrillic/Latin to show staff if there’s a language barrier.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Pre-booked Private Transfer (Most Comfortable, Hassle-Free)

Meet & greet Great with kids Fixed price

• Overview: A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a sign and takes you directly to your hotel in the Old Town, with the fare agreed and paid online ahead of time. Ideal after a long international flight or if you’re travelling in a group.
• How to book (with price): Expect rates from around US$25–45 per car depending on vehicle type and time of day. You can compare offers for Bukhara airport transfers on platforms such as GetYourGuide (Bukhara transfers) or pre-arrange a car with GetTransfer and local tour operators.
• Pros: No haggling, driver tracks your flight, big vehicles for families or large luggage. Cons: More expensive than grabbing a local taxi or bus; you must book ahead and sometimes pay in a foreign currency.

Step-by-step: Using a Pre-booked Transfer

1. Before your trip, reserve a transfer online with your flight number, arrival time, and hotel address in Bukhara Old Town.
2. Receive your confirmation voucher and driver contact details; save these offline on your phone.
3. On arrival, clear immigration and customs, then look for your driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall.
4. Confirm the destination and any child seats or extra luggage you pre-booked, then follow the driver to the parking area.
5. Ride directly to your hotel; most Old Town streets are narrow, so larger vehicles may drop you on the nearest accessible street before you walk a short distance.
6. Settle any remaining balance or tip in cash (if applicable) and confirm the pickup time if you’ve booked a return transfer back to the airport or train station.

Getting to the main embarking points (Meeting your driver)

• Arrivals hall meeting point: Most transfer companies meet just outside the secure zone where passengers exit into the public arrivals area.
• Parking area: Private cars and minibuses usually wait in the short-stay car park a short walk from the terminal entrance.
• Old Town drop-off: Make sure your booking includes your precise hotel name and a nearby landmark (for example, “near Lyabi-Hauz”) so the driver can navigate directly.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive Car Rental (For Road-Trip Lovers)

Maximum freedom Good for onward journeys Requires confident driving

• Overview: Renting a car lets you go from the airport to your Old Town stay and then continue under your own steam to Samarkand, Khiva, or smaller countryside sites. The drive from the airport to central Bukhara is short and straightforward, but Old Town lanes are tight.
• How to book (with price): Daily rates for economy cars start from roughly US$35–45/day plus insurance and deposits. You can compare offers from international and local agencies around Uzbekistan through platforms like Booking.com car hire in Uzbekistan or global search tools such as Klook’s car rental hub.
• Pros: Total control over your schedule, easy day trips to nearby sights, convenient if you’re a group. Cons: City driving and parking can be stressful, you’ll need to navigate in Uzbek/Russian signage, and rental paperwork (deposits, insurance) can take time.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive from the Airport

1. Pre-book a rental car online and confirm whether pickup is at the airport, in the city, or via shuttle transfer.
2. At Bukhara Airport, follow signs to the rental counter or meet the representative at the arrivals exit as per your booking instructions.
3. Complete paperwork, inspect the car thoroughly (take photos of any existing scratches), and confirm that you have a spare tire and emergency tools.
4. Use offline navigation (Google Maps, Maps.me) to plot a route to the Old Town; aim for landmarks such as Lyabi-Hauz or the Ark to get your bearings.
5. Park on a main street at the edge of the Old Town, as some alleyways are too narrow or restricted for cars; ask your hotel for the nearest recommended parking area.
6. When departing Bukhara later, you’ll already have your car, making trips to the train station, airport, or other Silk Road cities simple.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental pickup & parking)

• Airport pickup desk: If your rental company has a desk at Bukhara Airport, it will usually be in or near the arrivals hall; otherwise, a representative will meet you with keys and your contract.
• Parking near Old Town: Look for larger streets just outside the densest historic lanes; many hotels can point you to nearby paid or informal parking spots.
• Fuel & navigation: Fill up outside town where stations are larger, and download offline maps ahead of time; mobile coverage is generally good along main routes.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Bukhara Airport to Bukhara Old Town)

What is the easiest way to get from Bukhara Airport to the Old Town?
For most travellers, the easiest option is a short taxi or Yandex Go ride; you’ll be in the Old Town in about 10–15 minutes if traffic is light. See Option #1 for details.

How much should I expect to pay for a taxi?
A fair on-the-spot price from the airport to most Old Town hotels is roughly 20,000–40,000 UZS depending on time of day, traffic, and your exact address. Using a ride-hailing app makes the price clearer up front.

Is there a bus from Bukhara Airport into the city?
Yes. City buses #1 and #100 run between the airport and central Bukhara. They are extremely cheap but less convenient with heavy luggage or in very hot/cold weather; see Option #2.

Do ride-hailing apps work well in Bukhara?
Yandex Go (and its variant Yango) is widely used in Uzbekistan and generally works well in Bukhara as long as you have mobile data. You still usually pay the driver in cash at the end of the ride.

Should I book a transfer in advance or just use local taxis?
If you’re arriving late at night, with kids, or carrying a lot of gear, reserving a private transfer via providers like GetYourGuide’s Bukhara transfers or GetTransfer can be worth the extra cost for peace of mind. Otherwise, local taxis or Yandex Go are usually fine and very inexpensive.

Can I walk from the airport to the Old Town?
Technically the distance is walkable for very keen hikers, but the route is not designed for pedestrians, passes along busy roads, and offers little shade. It’s much more comfortable and safer to use one of the transport options above.

Where should I stay in Bukhara to minimise transfer time?
Look for accommodation in or near the Old Town, especially around Lyabi-Hauz or the Ark, so any taxi or bus from the airport will drop you within a short walk of your door. You can compare central options on Booking.com Bukhara.

How can I arrange tours once I’ve reached the Old Town?
Once you’re settled, you can join walking tours, hammam experiences, or day trips booked through your guesthouse or via platforms like GetYourGuide in Bukhara or Klook’s Uzbekistan experiences.