How to get from Khiva to Tashkent
Khiva’s desert citadel to Tashkent’s modern skyline—this classic Silk Road hop is easy if you choose the right combo: a comfortable night train, a fast flight via nearby Urgench, or a budget shared taxi. Scan the table, then follow the step-by-steps to lock in the smoothest ride.
At A Glance (Khiva to Tashkent)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train (Overnight sleeper or day train combo) | ~15–17 h overnight (direct/seasonal) or ~10–13 h with transfers | Comfort, no airports, budget beds |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$12–35 (seat/sleeper class). For timetable ideas and sample routes, search regional rail on Trip.com. | ||
| ✈️ Flight via Urgench (UGC→TAS) + short Khiva–UGC transfer | ~1 h 40 m flight + ~1 h ground transfers | Fastest overall, light luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–120 one-way (season/promo). Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com (Khiva/Urgench→Tashkent). | ||
| 🚐 Shared Taxi / Marshrutka (via Urgench–Navoi–Tashkent corridors) | ~12–16 h (route/traffic) | Cheapest, frequent departures |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$20–40 per seat. For a guaranteed private car, price out rides on GetTransfer (Khiva). | ||
| 🚖 Private Transfer (door-to-door) | ~12–14 h (breaks en route) | Families, bulky luggage, photo stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$180–350 per vehicle (size/season). Compare quotes on GetTransfer. | ||
| 🚗 Self-Drive (highway via Bukhara/Samarkand or A-380) | ~12–15 h driving (overnight split recommended) | Road-trippers, multi-stop itineraries |
| 🏷️ Cost: Rental from ~US$35–60/day + fuel. Check cars in Tashkent (one-way returns often easiest) on Booking.com Cars (Tashkent). | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Flight via Urgench—great if you’re tight on time or connecting onward the same day.
- Cheapest & Comfy: Overnight train—sleep your way into the capital with a proper berth.
- Budget/On-the-fly: Shared taxi—departures throughout the day; basic but flexible.
- Door-to-door comfort: Private car—no changes, customizable photo/meal stops.
- Itinerary builders: Self-drive—add Bukhara/Samarkand nights on the way.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Where to sleep: Stage close to departure/arrival—compare stays near Itchan Kala or TAS airport on Booking.com (Khiva) and Booking.com (Tashkent).
- Tickets & timings: Trains and flights sell out on weekends/holidays—lock them early via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Cash & SIM: Carry some UZS for taxis/snacks; cards work increasingly in big cities but not everywhere.
- Luggage storage: Sightseeing with bags? Browse options in major hubs via Radical Storage (availability varies by city).
- Ride-hailing: Yandex Go is the go-to in many Uzbek cities; for intercity certainty, use GetTransfer.
🚆 Option #1 — Train (Overnight Sleeper or Day Train Combo)
Comfort Budget-friendly No airport transfers
- Overview: Depending on season/schedule, ride a direct overnight sleeper from Khiva Railway Station to Tashkent, or take a short hop to Urgench/Nukus and connect to a faster service eastbound. Sleepers offer 4-berth (kupe) and 2-berth (SV) cabins plus seated classes.
- How to book (with price): Expect ~US$12–35 depending on class. Check availability and sample times on Trip.com, then pick your preferred berth.
- Pros: Overnight saves a hotel night; relaxing and social. Cons: Not daily for every direct service; bring snacks and water.
Step-by-step: Train
- Choose your target date and cabin class (2-berth SV, 4-berth kupe, or seat).
- Book your ticket online (e-ticket) via Trip.com or buy at the station a day prior.
- Arrive at Khiva Railway Station 30–40 minutes early with ID; print or download your e-ticket.
- Board, stow bags, and settle in; conductors check passports shortly after departure.
- In Tashkent, use Yandex or an official taxi to your hotel (have address in Uzbek/Russian saved).
Getting to the main embarking points (Khiva Railway Station)
- By taxi/Yandex: 10–20 minutes from Itchan Kala hotels; confirm fare before starting or use the app.
- On foot: From the West Gate area, allow ~25–35 minutes; pleasant in cooler hours.
✈️ Option #2 — Flight via Urgench (UGC→TAS) + Khiva–UGC Transfer
Fastest Carry-on easy Best for tight schedules
- Overview: Drive ~35 km from Khiva to Urgench Airport (UGC), then fly to Tashkent (TAS). Multiple carriers run near-daily services (seasonal variations possible).
- How to book (with price): Fares range ~US$35–120. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com (UGC→TAS). Prebook your Khiva→UGC transfer on GetTransfer for early departures.
- Pros: Quickest city-to-city; more daylight for sightseeing. Cons: Airport transfers both ends; baggage fees vary by fare.
Step-by-step: Flight via UGC
- Book UGC→TAS on your preferred time window; add luggage if needed.
- Arrange a car from Khiva hotel to Urgench Airport (~45–60 minutes).
- Arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure; carry printed/phone boarding pass and passport.
- Land at Tashkent (TAS); use Yandex or airport taxis to the city (20–30 minutes to central hotels).
Getting to the main embarking points (Urgench Airport)
- Hotel pickup: Ask reception to fix a pre-dawn car if you have a morning flight.
- App ride: Yandex works for Khiva–UGC; verify the pin is the correct terminal entrance.
🚐 Option #3 — Shared Taxi / Marshrutka (Cheapest & Flexible)
Lowest cost Frequent Basic comfort
- Overview: Hop a shared taxi or marshrutka first to Urgench, then onward legs toward Samarkand/Bukhara/Tashkent corridors. Vehicles leave when full; quickest if you start early.
- How to pay (with price): ~US$20–40 total per seat (negotiation common). For a private guaranteed car and known price, request quotes on GetTransfer.
- Pros: Cheapest, lots of departures. Cons: Tight seating, variable safety/AC; multiple changes possible.
Step-by-step: Shared Taxi / Marshrutka
- From Khiva, take a short taxi to the Urgench shared-taxi stand or main bus station.
- Join a car headed toward Tashkent (direct rare) or to Bukhara/Samarkand/Navoi then change.
- Confirm price and destination before boarding; keep small UZS notes.
- Swap vehicles as directed by drivers; keep your bag within sight during stops.
- Arrive in Tashkent; use Yandex to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Khiva/Urgench Stands)
- From Khiva old town: Quick Yandex/taxi to the Urgench stands; ask hotel for the current, most reliable bay.
- Early start: Best selection 06:30–09:30; bring snacks/water.
🚖 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Door-to-Door, Custom Stops)
Door-to-door Family-friendly Flexible routing
- Overview: A driver collects you at your Khiva hotel and takes you straight to Tashkent—with optional detours in Bukhara or Samarkand.
- How to book (with price): ~US$180–350 per vehicle depending on class/season. Get instant offers on GetTransfer.
- Pros: Zero changes, clean car, photo stops. Cons: Longer day than flying; costlier than train.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Enter pickup (Khiva hotel) and drop (Tashkent hotel) plus any stops (e.g., lunch in Bukhara).
- Confirm car size (bags), child seats, and pickup time (early beats traffic/heat).
- Ride point-to-point; pay per booking terms; tip optional for excellent service.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel Lobby)
- Be ready: Bags tagged and water packed; share your live location if using a local SIM.
🚗 Option #5 — Self-Drive (Multi-Stop Silk Road Road Trip)
Freedom Scenic detours Experienced drivers
- Overview: Combine Khiva→Bukhara→Samarkand→Tashkent over 2–5 days. Highways are improving, but expect mixed surfaces and checkpoints.
- How to plan (with price): Rentals from ~US$35–60/day + fuel/deposit. Compare fleets and one-way returns in Tashkent on Booking.com Cars (pick up/return where inventory is best).
- Pros: Ultimate flexibility, sunrise/sunset at sites. Cons: Long hours; city parking/traffic; check local rules and insurance coverage.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Secure a car with full insurance and clear one-way policy (if returning in Tashkent).
- Plan overnights (e.g., 1N Bukhara, 1N Samarkand); prebook hotels on Booking.com (Bukhara) and Booking.com (Samarkand).
- Carry cash, offline maps, and documents; keep fuel topped up between long stretches.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car Hire)
- Pickup city: Most fleets concentrate in Tashkent; consider reversing the route (TAS→Khiva) if inventory is limited in Khiva.
FAQ (Khiva to Tashkent)
Is there a daily direct train from Khiva to Tashkent?
Schedules vary by season; many travelers use an overnight sleeper on available days or connect via Urgench/Nukus to faster services.
What’s the absolute fastest option?
Flying UGC→TAS with a short Khiva–Urgench car ride typically beats all other modes.
How early should I book in peak season?
At least 1–2 weeks ahead for flights/sleepers (more for weekends/holidays).
Are shared taxis safe?
They’re common and generally fine, but comfort varies; choose daytime departures, sit up front if carsick, and keep valuables with you.
Can I store luggage if I have a long layover?
Major-city luggage storage partners are listed on Radical Storage (check availability for your exact city/area).
Where should I stay near the stations/airport?
Stay inside or near Itchan Kala for Khiva charm; in Tashkent, districts around Amir Timur Square are central—compare options on Booking.com (Khiva) and Booking.com (Tashkent).