Trains in Uzbekistan: Afrosiyob, Routes and Tickets

How to travel by train in Uzbekistan — the high-speed Afrosiyob, slower and overnight trains, journey times between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, and how to buy tickets.

Trains are the easiest and most comfortable way to travel between Uzbekistan's cities. The network is run by the national company Uzbekistan Railways (O‘zbekiston temir yo‘llari), and the fast trains are modern, clean and punctual.

Types of trains

Afrosiyob — the high-speed train

The Afrosiyob is Uzbekistan's high-speed train, built by Talgo. It runs from Tashkent to Samarkand and then on to Bukhara or to Karshi. Seats are comfortable, there is air conditioning and a snack trolley, and it is the train most travellers use.

• Economy class — comfortable reclining seats, more than enough for a 2-hour trip.
• Business and VIP classes — wider seats, more legroom and a light meal.

Sharq and other day trains

Sharq and similar express trains cover the same lines more slowly and stop more often. They are cheaper and a good option when the Afrosiyob is sold out.

Overnight trains

Overnight trains with sleeping cars connect Tashkent with Urgench and Khiva, Nukus and Termez. You can choose a coupé (a closed four-berth compartment) or the cheaper platzkart (an open sleeping car). A night train saves a hotel night and a day of travel.

Journey times

Times are approximate and depend on the train:

• Tashkent – Samarkand: about 2–2.5 hours by Afrosiyob, 3–4 hours by slower trains.
• Samarkand – Bukhara: about 1.5–2 hours by Afrosiyob.
• Tashkent – Bukhara: about 4 hours by Afrosiyob.
• Bukhara – Khiva: about 6–7 hours.
• Tashkent – Khiva / Urgench: an overnight journey.
• Tashkent – Kokand / Margilan / Fergana: about 4–5 hours over the Kamchik pass.
• Tashkent – Termez: an overnight journey.

How to buy tickets

1. Online: the official site and app of Uzbekistan Railways sell tickets for all trains. You need your passport details, and you can pay with an international card.
2. At the station: ticket offices at every station sell tickets for cash or card. Bring your passport.
3. Through an agency or your hotel: many agencies and hotels buy tickets for you for a small fee — useful when online payment fails.

The ticket is linked to your name and passport. Keep it on your phone or printed, together with your passport, for the check at the platform.

Prices

Fares depend on the train, class and season. As a guide, an economy seat on the Afrosiyob from Tashkent to Samarkand cost around 300,000 so‘m in 2026, and to Bukhara around 500,000 so‘m. Slower trains are noticeably cheaper. Check the current price when you book.

At the station

• Arrive 30–40 minutes early. All stations have airport-style security: bags go through a scanner and passports are checked before you reach the platform.
• Boarding starts about 15–20 minutes before departure; the carriage attendant checks your ticket and passport.
• Main stations: in Tashkent most fast trains leave from the Tashkent Central (Tashkent Vokzal) station; some trains use the Southern station, so check your ticket.
• Station cafés are basic; bring water and snacks for longer trips.

Trains or flights?

For Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara the train is usually faster than flying once you count the airport time. For Khiva, Nukus and Termez, a domestic flight saves a long journey — many travellers take the train one way and fly back from Urgench to Tashkent.

Plan your route

See how the trains fit into a full trip in our Uzbekistan itinerary, and read the destination guides for Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.