How to get from Tashkent to Samarkand

Cultural & Heritage · Urban & Cultural · Uzbekistan · Samarkand · Tashkent

Tashkent to Samarkand is one of Central Asia’s easiest and most rewarding journeys. The flagship Afrosiyob high-speed train is fastest, classic “Sharq”/regular trains are great value, flights work if you’re connecting, and budget travelers can use intercity buses or shared taxis. Here’s how to choose, book, and connect smoothly.

At A Glance (Tashkent to Samarkand)

Mode Duration Best For
🚄 Afrosiyob High-Speed Train (Tashkent → Samarkand) ~2h 5m – 2h 15m Fastest, most comfortable
🏷️ Cost: ~UZS 180k–350k (class/date) » compare trains
🚆 Sharq / Regular Intercity Train ~2h 45m – 3h 45m Cheaper seats, more departures
🏷️ Cost: ~UZS 120k–250k » see schedules
✈️ Flight (TAS → SKD) + City Transfer ~50m flight + 20–40m to center Same-day flight connections
🏷️ Cost: ~UZS 500k–1.6m one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚌 Intercity Bus / Shared Taxi ~4.5–6.5h (traffic-dependent) Lowest cost / late availability
🏷️ Cost: ~UZS 80k–160k » compare buses & vans
🚐 Private Car / Driver (Door-to-Door) ~3.5–4.5h Families, lots of luggage, custom stops
🏷️ Cost: ~UZS 900k–2.5m per vehicle » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Buy early for weekends/holidays: Trains can sell out; compare and reserve on 12Go (Tashkent→Samarkand trains).
  • Ride-hailing: Yandex Go and inDriver work well in both cities; for fixed intercity pricing try GetTransfer.
  • Luggage storage: If your check-in is late/early, consider central hotels or stations; third-party storage networks are limited (check Radical Storage if listings appear).
  • Where to stay: Book near Registan or Gur-e Amir for sightseeing—compare on Booking.com Samarkand.

🚄 Option #1 — Afrosiyob High-Speed Train (Fastest, Easiest)

Fast Reserved seats Popular—book early

  • Overview: Modern Spanish-built trains run multiple times daily Tashkent → Samarkand with comfortable Ekonom/Business classes and snack service.
  • How to book (with price): ~UZS 180k–350k depending on class/date. Compare schedules and buy e-tickets on 12Go. Official: Uzbekistan Railways (UZ Temir Yo’llari).
  • Pros: Fast, punctual, city-center to center. Cons: Peak dates sell out; arrive early for boarding.

Step-by-step: Afrosiyob

  1. Get to Tashkent Central Railway Station (Toshkent Vokzali) by taxi/Yandex Go (allow 20–40 minutes from central hotels).
  2. Buy/confirm your e-ticket via 12Go; arrive ~30–45 minutes early for security and platform access.
  3. Board the Afrosiyob, find your reserved car/seat; light snacks and power sockets available on most sets.
  4. Arrive at Samarkand Railway Station; take a taxi/Yandex Go (10–20 minutes) to Registan-area hotels.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tashkent & Samarkand Stations)

  • Tashkent station: Signed as “Toshkent Vokzali”; taxis/Yandex Go and metro nearby.
  • Samarkand station: Taxi stand outside; Yandex Go widely used, cash or card per app.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #2 — Sharq / Regular Intercity Trains (Great Value)

Budget-friendlier More seats Slightly slower

  • Overview: Comfortable conventional trains (e.g., Sharq) connect the same stations with longer but still easy trips; good if Afrosiyob is sold out.
  • How to book (with price): ~UZS 120k–250k. Compare departure times/seating on 12Go.
  • Pros: More availability, cheaper; windows open for photos on some stock. Cons: Trip ~30–90 minutes longer; older carriages on some runs.

Step-by-step: Regular Trains

  1. Reach Tashkent Central by metro/taxi; allow a buffer for security checks.
  2. Purchase e-ticket via 12Go or at the station ticket hall (bring passport/ID).
  3. Board your assigned car; keep valuables with you and note carriage number on your ticket.
  4. Arrive at Samarkand Station; use Yandex Go/inDriver to your hotel or sites like Registan and Shah-i-Zinda.

Getting to the main embarking points (Same stations)

  • First/last mile: Yandex Go and inDriver are the easiest ways to reach both stations.
  • Accessibility: Ramps present at main entrances; request staff help if needed.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #3 — Flight TAS → SKD (Best for Tight Connections)

Fast airtime Works with same-day arrivals Airport transfers

  • Overview: Short hops link Tashkent International Airport (TAS) to Samarkand International (SKD). Once in SKD, taxis/Yandex Go reach the old town in ~20–30 minutes.
  • How to book (with price): ~UZS 500k–1.6m one-way. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
  • Pros: Ideal if you’re connecting from an international flight. Cons: Check-in/security time can offset the speed vs. train.

Step-by-step: Flight TAS→SKD

  1. Head to TAS by taxi/Yandex Go; arrive 2 hours before departure.
  2. Book and check in via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; proceed through security and boarding.
  3. Land at SKD; use the official taxi rank or request Yandex Go to Registan-area hotels (20–30 minutes).
  4. For private meet-and-greet, request a car on GetTransfer.

Getting to the main embarking points (TAS & SKD)

  • TAS departures: International and domestic terminals share access roads; allow extra time at peak hours.
  • SKD arrivals: Small terminal; ATMs/taxis at exit, Yandex Go works well.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #4 — Intercity Bus / Shared Taxi (Cheapest, More Time)

Budget Frequent Traffic-dependent

  • Overview: Regular buses and shared taxis (minivans/sedans) connect Tashkent bus terminals with Samarkand. Ask locally for the earliest departure with fewest intermediate stops.
  • How to book (with price): ~UZS 80k–160k paid in cash. Some listings appear on 12Go (buses & vans), but many seats are first-come at the terminal.
  • Pros: Cheap, many departures daily. Cons: Comfort varies; luggage space limited in shared cars.

Step-by-step: Bus / Shared Taxi

  1. Reach the Tashkent bus terminal (ask your hotel which is currently used for Samarkand runs—routes can shift).
  2. For buses, buy a ticket at the counter; for shared taxis, ask for “Samarkand” and confirm price/seat before boarding.
  3. Expect 1–2 rest stops; keep small cash and snacks/water.
  4. Arrive at Samarkand bus station; take a short taxi/Yandex Go to your hotel or the Registan area.

Getting to the main embarking points (Bus terminals)

  • Tashkent boarding: Use taxi/Yandex Go/inDriver; allow time for finding the correct bay.
  • Samarkand arrival: Local taxis and Yandex Go wait outside the station.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #5 — Private Car / Driver (Door-to-Door, Most Flexible)

Door-to-door Custom stops Higher cost

  • Overview: Charter a sedan/MPV for a direct run or a leisurely day with stops (Jizzakh viewpoints, roadside chaikhanas). Pick your pickup time and address.
  • How to book (with price): From ~UZS 900k–2.5m per vehicle. Compare fixed quotes and vehicle sizes on GetTransfer. For short in-city hops, use Yandex Go or inDriver.
  • Pros: Easiest with kids/elderly or lots of bags. Cons: Costlier than train; still traffic-dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Car / Driver

  1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and luggage count on GetTransfer.
  2. Confirm inclusions (fuel, tolls if any, waiting time) and vehicle type (sedan/MPV).
  3. Share your live location on pickup day; plan 1–2 comfort stops en route.
  4. Arrive at your Samarkand hotel; settle payment as agreed (cash/card per provider).

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

  • Tashkent pickup: Hotels, apartments, or TAS airport.
  • Samarkand drop: Any hotel/landmark (Registan, Siab Bazaar, etc.).
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Tashkent to Samarkand)

Train or flight—which is better?
For most travelers the Afrosiyob is faster door-to-door and more comfortable; flights make sense if you’re connecting from/to other flights the same day.

How early should I arrive for the train?
Aim for 30–45 minutes to clear the station’s security and find your platform/car.

Is there food on board?
Afrosiyob usually has a snack trolley/café car; bring water and small cash. Regular trains often have vendors at stops.

Can I bring big luggage?
Yes—carry-on fits overhead/at carriage ends. Keep valuables with you and label larger bags.

What’s the best area to stay in Samarkand?
Near Registan (walkable to the main monuments) or around Siab Bazaar; compare options on Booking.com.

Do I need my passport for tickets?
Yes—carry a passport or national ID used to book; it may be checked with your e-ticket.

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