Uzbekistan Transport

Air
Uzbekistan Airways (HY), operates four flights each week from London to Tashkent, and also provides service from a number of other cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US, as well as from most cities in Central Asia.

Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is situated south of the city and is the country’s most important airport. Facilities include a bureau de, duty-free shops, bars and restaurants.

Buses operate service to the centre every 10 to 20 minutes, with a travel time of 30 to 60 minutes. Trains also connect the airport with the centre, with a travel time of 10 to 20 minutes. Taxis are readily available.

Road
Uzbekistan is connected by road with all neighbouring countries, although the border with Afghanistan can be crossed only by nationals of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Travellers are advised to exercise caution around the Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan border, as some violent incidents have been reported. If you wish to travel by road, hiring a car with a driver for long journeys is recommended.

Bus
Bus services are available to all neighbouring countries, although the border between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is sometimes closed, making this route unreliable. Long-distance buses depart from the bus station in Tashkent, which is located near the Metro.

Rail
Tashkent is a main connecting point for all rail services in Central Asia. Routes lead west to Ashgabat, in Turkmenistan; south to Samarkand and on to Dushanbe, in Tajikistan; east to Bishkek, in Kyrgyzstan, and Almaty, in Kazakhstan; and north to Moscow. In the east of the country, there is a spur line to the Ferghana Valley, which leads to Osh, in Kyrgyzstan. In Almaty, it is possible to connect to China.

Air
Uzbekistan Airways (HY) operates flights to all domestic destinations in Uzbekistan on a regular schedule. Airports served include Tashkent, Andijan, Karshi, Navoi, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand and Termez.

Train
Tashkent has the only underground service in Central Asia, with 19 miles of track, and 23 stations. Serving the main population centres of the country, there is a service to Bukhara, the Ferghana Valley and Nukus, Samarkand and Termez. Tashkent has two railway stations: North and South. The Trans-Caspian Railway crosses the country coming in from Chardzhou, in Turkmenistan with stops at Kagan (near Bukhara), Samarkand and Dzhizak, where a branch provides service to Tashkent. Passengers are advised to keep valuables out of sight, and to not leave their compartment unattended. Rail tickets can be purchased at the Hotel Locomotif or at the OVIR office at the train station.

Bus
Tashkent has regularly scheduled bus, tram and trolley service. Buses also provide connections with all the cities and major towns in Uzbekistan and are inexpensive and fairly reliable.

Car
Uzbekistan has a reasonable road network, with traffic driving on the right. Although cars can be hired, it is most common to hire a car with a driver.

Taxi
Taxis and cars for hire are readily available in all cities and major towns. Although it is safer to use only officially marked taxis, many are unlicensed. It is advised to agree a fare in advance and not to share a taxi with strangers. Tours can be arranged and cars can be hired by the trip and by the hour, day or week.