How to get from Tashkent to Khiva

Cultural & Heritage · Urban & Cultural · Uzbekistan · Khiva · Tashkent

Tashkent to Khiva is a classic Silk Road hop. Your main choices are the comfortable train (overnight sleeper or limited high-speed services), a quick flight to Urgench plus a short road transfer, a budget night bus/shared taxi, or a private car/driver for maximum flexibility. Pick based on time, comfort, and whether you want to arrive right inside the Ichon-Qala old town.

At A Glance (Tashkent to Khiva)

Mode Duration Best For
🚆 Train (Overnight Sleeper / Limited High-Speed) ~14–16h sleeper (direct) • ~12–14h with changes Comfort, budget, city-center to city-center
🏷️ Cost: ~UZS 180k–550k one-way (class/date) » compare trains
✈️ Flight (TAS → Urgench UGC) + 35–45m Transfer ~1h30 flight + ~0.5–1h road Fastest overall, limited time
🏷️ Cost: ~UZS 600k–1.6m+ one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚌 Night Bus / Shared Taxi ~16–20h (route/traffic) Lowest cost if time-rich
🏷️ Cost: ~UZS 150k–300k one-way (operator/season) » compare buses
🚐 Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door) ~13–15h (scenic breaks) Families, door-to-door, photo stops
🏷️ Cost: ~US$220–400 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Book ahead for peak months: Spring/autumn sell out; compare on 12Go and Trip.com.
  • Stations & airports: Tashkent’s main rail hub is central; Khiva station is near Ichon-Qala. Urgench Airport is ~35 km from Khiva.
  • Cash & snacks: Card acceptance is improving, but carry some UZS for station kiosks and en-route stops.
  • Transfers & local rides: Yandex Go is common in cities; for fixed intercity pricing, use GetTransfer.
  • Staying overnight? Browse Tashkent or Khiva stays on Booking.com (Tashkent) and Booking.com (Khiva).

🚆 Option #1 — Train (Overnight Sleeper or Limited High-Speed)

Comfortable City-center Fixed schedule

  • Overview: Overnight sleepers run Tashkent→Khiva/Urgench with 2-berth/4-berth options; some days feature faster services (check current timetables). Trains arrive close to old town compared with flying.
  • How to book (with price): ~UZS 180k–550k depending on class/date. Compare and pay online via 12Go (trains). Official: Uzbekistan Railways ticketing at eticket.railway.uz.
  • Pros: Sleep while you travel; easy city-center arrival. Cons: Limited daily frequency; high-speed days vary.

Step-by-step: Train

  1. Choose your train (sleeper or faster service if available) and class on 12Go or eticket.railway.uz; purchase e-ticket.
  2. Get to Tashkent Central Railway Station by taxi/Yandex Go ~30–60 minutes before departure with passport.
  3. On board, keep valuables with you; snacks/tea are often available, but bring water and breakfast for arrival.
  4. Arrive at Khiva Railway Station (or Urgench if your train terminates there) and take a short taxi to Ichon-Qala hotels.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tashkent Central / Khiva)

  • Tashkent Central Station: Central location; ride-hailing and hotel taxis know it well.
  • Khiva Station: A few minutes by taxi from the walled city; many hotels offer pickups.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight to Urgench (UGC) + Short Transfer to Khiva (Fastest)

Quickest Multiple days/week Airport transfer needed

  • Overview: Fly Tashkent (TAS) → Urgench (UGC), then continue ~35 km by taxi or prebooked car to Khiva (30–45 minutes).
  • How to book (with price): From ~UZS 600k–1.6m+ one-way (airline/season). Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Official: Uzbekistan Airways schedules on uzairways.com.
  • Pros: Saves a full day; great if your itinerary is tight. Cons: Slightly higher cost; add a short road leg.

Step-by-step: Flight + Transfer

  1. Search fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; choose a time that lands before dusk for easier transfer.
  2. Get to Tashkent International Airport (TAS) 2–2.5 hours early by taxi/Yandex Go.
  3. Land at Urgench (UGC); meet a prebooked car via GetTransfer or hire a taxi at arrivals for Khiva.
  4. Drive ~30–45 minutes to your hotel near Ichon-Qala; many properties arrange airport pickups on request.

Getting to the main embarking points (TAS & UGC)

  • TAS departures: Allow time for security; there are ATMs and cafés landside/airside.
  • UGC arrivals: Small airport with straightforward exits; fixed-price taxis common.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Night Bus / Shared Taxi (Cheapest, Longest)

Budget Frequent departures Basic comfort

  • Overview: Long-distance buses and shared taxis connect Tashkent with Khiva/Urgench overnight, with rest stops along the highway. Expect simple seats and variable A/C.
  • How to book (with price): Typically UZS 150k–300k one-way. Check departures on 12Go (buses) or buy at stations/agency kiosks the day before.
  • Pros: Cheapest way; many daily departures. Cons: 16–20 hours; limited legroom and sleep quality.

Step-by-step: Night Bus / Shared Taxi

  1. Confirm departure station in Tashkent (ask hotel/agency); purchase a ticket or reserve a seat via 12Go when available.
  2. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for check-in and luggage loading; keep valuables with you.
  3. Overnight ride with rest stops; carry water, snacks, and a light layer for A/C.
  4. Arrive at Khiva/Urgench bus area; take a short taxi to your accommodation in Ichon-Qala.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tashkent Bus Station / Khiva-Urgench)

  • Tashkent bus station: Use taxi/Yandex Go; confirm the exact terminal and bay with your operator.
  • Khiva/Urgench arrival: Expect early-morning drops; taxis are on hand for the last mile.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door, Most Flexible)

Custom timing Stops & photos Higher cost

  • Overview: Charter a sedan/MPV for a direct Tashkent→Khiva run or break the journey with detours (desert viewpoints, Amu Darya, local chaikhanas). Great for families or lots of luggage.
  • How to book (with price): From ~US$220–400 per vehicle depending on size/season. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer. For city rides at each end, Yandex Go works well.
  • Pros: Zero transfers; door-to-door ease. Cons: Long day of driving; costlier than train/bus.

Step-by-step: Private Car/Driver

  1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and luggage details on GetTransfer; choose vehicle size and departure time.
  2. Confirm inclusions (fuel, tolls, waiting time) and share your live location for pickup day.
  3. Plan 2–3 comfort/meal stops; arrive in Khiva before dark if possible.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

  • Pickup: Any Tashkent hotel/airport; drivers can also meet at the rail station after an inbound train.
  • Drop: At your Khiva hotel or the Ichon-Qala gates; many streets inside old town are pedestrian—confirm access.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Tashkent to Khiva)

Train or flight—what’s better?
Train offers great value and city-center arrival; flight to Urgench is fastest and ideal if your time is tight.

Does the high-speed train run daily?
Faster services are limited and can be seasonal; check current timetables when booking.

How far is Urgench Airport from Khiva?
About 35 km; expect 30–45 minutes by taxi or prebooked car.

Are buses comfortable for this route?
They are basic but workable on a budget; it’s a very long overnight ride—bring layers, snacks, and patience.

Where should I stay in Khiva?
Inside or just outside Ichon-Qala for atmospheric evenings. Compare options on Booking.com (Khiva).

Can I combine Khiva with Bukhara/Urgench by rail?
Yes—many travelers route Tashkent→Bukhara→Khiva or vice-versa. Search multi-leg tickets on 12Go (Uzbekistan trains).

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