How to get from Urgench Airport to Khiva Itchan Kala

Planning how to get from Urgench International Airport (UGC) to Khiva’s UNESCO-listed Itchan Kala? This guide compares taxis, train combos, and the local trolleybus so you can choose the right balance of comfort, cost, and local flavor.

At A Glance (Urgench Airport to Khiva Itchan Kala)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚕 Airport Taxi / Yandex Go / Private Transfer	~30–40m door-to-door	Fastest, simplest, late arrivals
🟷️ Cost: ~US$10–15 per car (approx. 120,000–180,000 UZS) for a standard taxi or Yandex Go; pre-booked private transfers from ~US$20–30 » pre-book airport transfer | compare private cars
⚔️ Taxi + Train (Urgench Station → Khiva)	~15–20m taxi + 30m train + 10–15m taxi/walk	Train lovers, predictable timing
🟷️ Cost: Train ~US$8–12 in economy + short taxis (~US$2–6 each way). Check schedules and tickets on » 12Go (Urgench→Khiva) | Uzbek Railways e-tickets
🚌 Taxi + Trolleybus/Bus (via Urgench Central Market)	~15–20m taxi + ~1h bus	Cheapest ride, local feel
🟷️ Cost: Taxi from airport to Central Market ~US$2–5, trolleybus or bus to Itchan Kala ~US$1–2 total.
🛍️ Hotel / Tour-Organised Transfer	~40–60m door-to-door	Hands-off planning, groups, lots of luggage
🟷️ Cost: ~US$15–30 per car arranged via hotel or tour platform » see transfer options | bundle with tours

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & most convenient: Choose Option #1 — Taxi / Yandex Go / Private Transfer if you want to step out of arrivals and go straight to the mud walls of Itchan Kala with minimal hassle, especially at night or with heavy luggage.
• Cheapest & most local: If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind extra changes, Option #3 — Taxi + Trolleybus/Bus is usually the least expensive and lets you ride with locals.
• Most structured & predictable: Travellers who like fixed schedules and trains will enjoy Option #2 — Taxi + Train, a neat combo of short road hops and a 30-minute rail ride into Khiva.
• Hassle-free for families or tours: If you’d rather have someone meet you with a name sign and maybe include guiding in Khiva, go with Option #4 — Hotel / Tour-Organised Transfer.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Arrange flights and hotels first: Fly into Urgench (UGC) and stay inside or just outside Itchan Kala. Compare flight deals on platforms like Trip.com or Booking.com Flights, then lock in a riad-style stay inside the walls via Khiva listings.
• Cash is king, but cards help: ATMs are available at or near the airport and in Khiva. Keep some Uzbek som for taxis, buses and kiosks; Yandex Go rides can often be paid by card in-app if your bank card works locally.
• Use Yandex Go for transparent pricing: Install the Yandex Go app before you land; it operates in both Urgench and Khiva and gives you an upfront price for most taxi rides.
• Book trains ahead in peak season: Seats on the Urgench–Khiva line can sell out on busy holiday dates. Use the official Uzbek Railways e-ticket system or a reseller like 12Go to secure a seat.
• Think about luggage logistics: If you have a long stopover in Tashkent or another hub before or after Khiva, global luggage networks like Radical Storage can be handy so you’re not hauling suitcases while sightseeing.
• Slow travel & bikes: Khiva itself is walkable, but if you love pedalling you can check if any regional providers or global platforms such as BikesBooking list bicycles or scooters in nearby Uzbek cities.
• Keep an eye on seasonal changes: Timetables for trains and trolleybuses can change; always verify the latest schedule a few days before you travel, especially in winter.

🚕 Option #1 — Taxi or Yandex Go (Fastest, Most Convenient)

Door-to-door Good at any hour Must agree price / use app

• Overview: Walk out of Urgench International Airport and hop into a classic yellow taxi, a Yandex Go car, or a pre-booked private transfer. The ride to Itchan Kala is about 35 km and usually takes 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Typical price: Airport taxis and Yandex Go rides to the old town are often around US$10–15 (roughly 120,000–180,000 UZS) for the whole car, slightly more for larger vehicles or late-night trips.
• How to book (with price):
  • On arrival: Follow signs to the taxi rank outside arrivals and negotiate a fixed fare before getting in, or open the Yandex Go app for a metered, app-quoted price.
  • In advance: Reserve a private car online via platforms like GetYourGuide airport transfers or GetTransfer, which typically start around US$20–30 per car depending on vehicle class.
  • Alternatives elsewhere in Uzbekistan: In other cities you might also use global services such as Welcome Pickups; around Khiva and Urgench specifically, Yandex Go plus local taxis usually offer better coverage.
• Pros: Fastest and most flexible; available even for very late or early flights; door-to-door drop-off right at Ota Darvoza (West Gate) or your hotel inside Itchan Kala.
• Cons: Slightly pricier than public transport; you need some cash in som if you’re not using an app; a bit of haggling may be required with unmetered taxis.

Step-by-step: Taxi or Yandex Go from the Airport

1. After landing at Urgench, clear immigration and customs, then exit into the arrivals hall.
2. Withdraw or change some cash at an ATM or exchange if you don’t already have Uzbek som.
3. Outside the terminal, decide whether to book via the Yandex Go app (recommended for transparent pricing) or take a classic taxi from the rank.
4. Show your driver the destination: “Itchan Kala, Ota Darvoza” (the west gate) or your hotel’s address inside the walled city.
5. Confirm the price before setting off if you’re not using an app; agree on whether the fare is in USD or UZS.
6. Sit back and enjoy the 30–40 minute drive over the flat Khorezm steppe until the ochre walls of Itchan Kala appear ahead.
7. Ask to be dropped as close as possible to your accommodation; within the walls, many streets are pedestrian, so expect a short walk with your bags.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport taxi rank & Yandex pickup)

• Airport taxi rank: As you exit the small terminal building, the official taxis usually wait immediately in front. Ignore “over-eager” touts and go straight to clearly marked cars, or ask airport staff to point you to the official line.
• Yandex Go pickup: If using the app, drop the pin on the public car park in front of arrivals and check the license plate before getting in.
• Drop-off in Khiva: Most drivers will know “Ota Darvoza” (West Gate) and “Itchan Kala”; from there, you can walk to most guesthouses inside the walls in under 10 minutes.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #2 — Taxi + Train (Urgench Station to Khiva)

Comfortable ride Fixed schedule One extra change

• Overview: From the airport, take a short taxi or Yandex Go to Urgench railway station, ride the train to Khiva station (~30 minutes), then finish with a short taxi or stroll to Itchan Kala.
• Travel time: Allow about 1–1.5 hours in total: ~15–20 minutes to reach Urgench station, a 30-minute train ride, and another 10–15 minutes from Khiva station to the city walls.
• How to book (with price):
  • Tickets: Standard-class seats are usually around US$8–12. Check timetables and buy e-tickets directly via Uzbek Railways official booking or compare options on 12Go.
  • Seats and classes: Short regional trains often have simple seated cars; rare long-distance services might include sleepers if you’re coming from further afield.
  • Connecting taxis: Budget US$2–4 each way for taxi/Yandex Go between the airport and Urgench station, and US$1–3 from Khiva station to your hotel.
• Pros: Comfortable and scenic; avoids the sometimes-bumpy trolleybus; you’ll experience the local rail network with a relatively short hop.
• Cons: You must fit your arrival time to the train schedule and make two short road transfers; not ideal if your flight lands very late or very early.

Step-by-step: Taxi + Train

1. From the arrivals exit, hail a taxi or Yandex Go and head to Urgench railway station.
2. Arrive at the station 20–30 minutes before departure to find your platform and carriage.
3. Show your e-ticket (on phone) or printed ticket and board the train to Khiva.
4. Enjoy the short 30-minute ride across the flat steppe, often passing villages and fields.
5. At Khiva station, exit the building and either grab a taxi/Yandex Go or, if you’re travelling light, walk towards the towering minarets and the west gate of Itchan Kala (around 2 km).
6. Enter Itchan Kala through Ota Darvoza and make your way to your guesthouse or hotel inside the walls.

Getting to the main embarking points (Urgench & Khiva railway stations)

• Urgench railway station: A straightforward drive from the airport; simply tell your taxi “Vokzal Urgench”. There are usually several trains daily connecting Urgench and Khiva.
• Khiva railway station: Located just outside the historic centre; taxis and Yandex Go cars wait outside when trains arrive, and the walk into town is flat and easy if you have minimal luggage.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Taxi + Trolleybus / Bus (Cheapest, Most Local)

Very low cost Local experience Slower & less comfortable

• Overview: Take a short taxi from the airport to Urgench Central Market, then hop on the trolleybus (often line 2) or a local bus towards Khiva and Itchan Kala. This route is the most budget-friendly but takes longer than a direct taxi.
• Travel time: Expect roughly 1–1.5 hours: ~15–20 minutes from the airport to the market, then ~1 hour on the trolleybus or bus into Khiva.
• Costs: The airport→market taxi is usually only a few US dollars, and the trolleybus/bus fare is typically around US$1–2 equivalent per person.
• Pros: The cheapest way to travel; great for meeting locals and experiencing a unique, old-school trolleybus line between Urgench and Khiva.
• Cons: Can be crowded and warm in summer; services are less frequent in the evening and may not operate late at night; you must mind your stop near Itchan Kala.

Step-by-step: Taxi + Trolleybus / Bus

1. From the airport exit, take a taxi or Yandex Go to Urgench Central Market (bazaar), mentioning that you want the trolleybus/bus to Khiva.
2. At the market, look for the trolleybus stop or ask locals for the bus to Khiva or Itchan Kala; buses and trolleybuses generally display their routes on the front.
3. Board the trolleybus or bus, pay the small fare in cash (exact change is helpful) and keep an eye out for the approach to Khiva.
4. Get off near the walls of Itchan Kala; often, the bus will stop close enough that you can see the huge brick fortifications and gates.
5. Walk through the nearest gate (Ota Darvoza or another gate depending on where you alight) and make your way to your accommodation in the old town.

Getting to the main embarking points (Urgench Central Market)

• Urgench Central Market (bazaar): A major local hub where minibuses, trolleybuses and shared taxis congregate; taxis from the airport will know it as “Bazar” or “Markaziy bozor”.
• Trolleybus/bus stops: Look for overhead electric wires and trolleybus stops near the market; if in doubt, ask for the vehicle going to “Khiva” or “Ichan Kala”.
• Arrival in Khiva: Once you see the massive walls and minarets, you’re close; hop off and walk towards the main gate or your hotel.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛍️ Option #4 — Hotel / Tour-Organised Transfer (Hassle-Free)

Pre-arranged Ideal for families Higher cost per ride

• Overview: Many Khiva guesthouses and tour companies offer pre-arranged transfers from Urgench Airport directly to your hotel in or near Itchan Kala. A driver meets you at arrivals holding a sign, helps with bags, and takes you straight to your door.
• Travel time: Usually around 40–60 minutes, depending on airport traffic and any waiting time for other passengers if you’re on a shared shuttle.
• How to book (with price):
  • Through your hotel: When reserving a room (for example via Booking.com Khiva stays), ask if they offer an airport pickup; rates are often around US$15–25 per car.
  • Via tour platforms: Book a dedicated transfer on GetYourGuide, or build your transfer into a multi-day Uzbekistan tour or Khiva walking tour through sites like Klook’s Khiva Essentials Tour.
• Pros: Removes all stress around arrival; great if you’re travelling with kids, older relatives, or lots of luggage; you know the price in advance.
• Cons: More expensive than hailing a taxi on the spot; if your flight is heavily delayed, you’ll need to coordinate with the operator about waiting time and possible surcharges.

Step-by-step: Hotel / Tour-Organised Transfer

1. When booking your Khiva accommodation or tour, add an airport pickup and provide your flight number and arrival time.
2. On arrival at UGC, pass through immigration and customs, then look for your driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall.
3. Confirm your hotel name and that the agreed price matches your booking.
4. Load your luggage into the vehicle and enjoy a direct ride to your accommodation; transfers often drop you right at Ota Darvoza or another gate if your hotel is fully inside the pedestrian area.
5. Settle the fare in cash or by card depending on what you agreed during booking.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel & tour pickups)

• Airport meeting point: Normally just outside the security doors in the arrivals hall; check your voucher for exact instructions.
• Return transfers: Ask your hotel to book a car back to the airport the day before departure, or schedule one through the same platform you used for arrival.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Urgench Airport to Khiva Itchan Kala)

What is the easiest way to get from Urgench Airport to Itchan Kala?
For most travellers, the easiest option is a direct taxi or Yandex Go from the airport to the gates of Itchan Kala; it’s fast, simple, and works well even for late-night arrivals.

How long does the journey usually take?
A direct taxi or hotel transfer takes about 30–40 minutes in normal traffic. If you combine a taxi with the train or trolleybus, expect closer to 1–1.5 hours including transfers.

Is there public transport between Urgench and Khiva?
Yes. From Urgench Central Market, trolleybuses and buses run towards Khiva and Itchan Kala, typically taking about an hour. From the airport you still need a short taxi or Yandex Go ride to the market first.

Is there a train I can use from the airport?
The airport itself has no station, but trains run between Urgench and Khiva. Take a taxi from the airport to Urgench railway station, then ride the 30-minute train to Khiva and finish with a short taxi or walk to the old town.

How much does a taxi cost from Urgench Airport to Khiva?
Most visitors report paying around US$10–15 (roughly 120,000–180,000 UZS) for a standard car from the airport to a hotel inside or just outside Itchan Kala, with similar prices in reverse.

Can I use ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go?
Yes. Yandex Go operates in both Urgench and Khiva, and many travellers use it to reach or leave the airport. It usually offers slightly cheaper, clearly priced rides compared to negotiating with a street taxi.

Is it safe to travel this route at night?
Generally yes. Late-night flights are common and there are usually taxis waiting outside the terminal. For extra peace of mind, pre-book a hotel or tour transfer or use a Yandex Go car so you know the driver and price in advance.

Should I book a transfer in advance or just grab a taxi?
If you land during the day and are comfortable with a bit of haggling, taking a taxi or Yandex Go on arrival is fine. If you prefer a smoother arrival, are travelling as a group, or arrive very late, pre-booking a hotel or tour-organised transfer is worth the extra cost.