If you’re hoping to visit Samarkand from Tashkent or vice versa then you’re in the right place. Between us we have done this journey over 20 times!
In this post we will share with you 5 ways to travel between Tashkent and Samarkand.
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Tashkent to Samarkand: Quick Answer
The best way to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand is by speed train. It takes only two hours, 18 minutes and it’s a comfortable ride across the countryside of Uzbekistan.
You can book tickets on the official website here or the more user-friendly 12go website here.
Tickets often sell out so if the speed train is full then try booking one of the slower, cheaper trains such as the Sharq train. It’s also possible to fly there with Uzbekistan Airways.
A private taxi is more expensive but can be the only option if the trains and flights are sold out. You can book a private transfer here.
A slower but cheaper alternative is to go by bus but tickets are difficult to secure in advance.
If you have an Uzbek phone number you can book a ticket online here. If not you’ll have to go to the bus station but note that staff are unlikely to speak English.
For a day trip to Samarkand from Tashkent, the best way is to book an official tour which includes high speed train tickets, door-to-door transfers, and a full guided tour plus lunch with an expert local guide.
Contents:
- One Day Samarkand Tour From Tashkent
- Tashkent – Samarkand by Train
- Tashkent – Samarkand by Car
- Tashkent – Samarkand by Plane
- Tashkent – Samarkand by Bus
- Summary
Most Comfortable Option: Samarkand One Day Tour Departing From Tashkent
This is the perfect option for those on a short trip or those who want all of the hassle taken out of their holiday so that they can relax and enjoy the experience.
Everything from booking train tickets, traveling between tourist attractions and making sure you’re in the right place at the right time is taken care of allowing you to travel worry-free.
The guided tour includes all of the city’s main Silk Road tourist attractions such as the Registan, Bibi Khanum Mosque, and Gur-Emir Mausoleum with enough time to enjoy an all-inclusive lunch.
With a maximum group size of 10, you’ll feel comfortable and have the freedom to take your time savoring the city’s unique architecture without any sense of being rushed.
What’s included?
- Hotel pickup from Tashkent
- Return high speed train tickets to Samarkand
- Samarkand tourist attraction guided tour
- All-inclusive lunch
How to Travel by Train Between Tashkent and Samarkand
The cheapest way to book the train between Tashkent and Samarkand is to do it online on the official website here.
You’ll need to sign up to the official website in order to use it for which you’ll need an Uzbek SIM card. You can also log in via a Google, Facebook or Telegram account.
It’s not the slickest website in the world so if you have issues signing up or paying then 12Go is the better option. It’s slightly more expensive but is much easier to use.
They also offer 1st class tickets when the official website appears to have sold out.
You can book with 12go here.
Uzbekistan has several types of trains, the fastest being the Afrosiyob bullet train. Other options include the slower Sharq and Nasaf trains, as well as overnight long-haul ‘passenger’ trains (Пассажирский in Russian).
If possible, take the modern Afrosiyob, as other trains take 3 to 4 hours or longer. You can choose your seat, and cabins come in different classes.
Tickets prices start from 270,000 for economy class up to 450,000 for a first class ticket.
You can buy tickets at train stations, but without an Uzbek or Russian speaker, it may be difficult.
Bring cash and passports for all travelers, as ID is required. Trains often sell out days or weeks in advance, so book early.
Important Things to Know
- Traveling by train in Uzbekistan is a formal affair and the security is like an airport’s.
- Make sure to bring your passport as you will not be able to enter the train station without it.
- You will need to go through body scanners and also have your luggage scanned before you can enter the train station. Leave your wallet and phone on the table as you pass through the body scanner.
- Afrosiyob tickets come with snacks and a free coffee or tea. There’s also an on-board restaurant.
- Don’t forget your ticket!
RELATED POST: Best Areas to Stay in Samarkand
Getting to Tashkent Train Station (North)
There are two train stations in the city: Tashkent North and Tashkent South. Confusingly, both of these two stations are located South of the city.
The main train station is Tashkent North and the majority of trains to Samarkand leave from here. If you’re traveling on the Afrosiyob train then you’ll be traveling from Tashkent North train station. Occasionally they do change stations however, so check your ticket.
You can travel to Tashkent train station by metro and the name of the metro is simply Tashkent or Toshkent Station. Alternatively if getting a taxi they will drop you off outside of the station, just a couple of minutes walk from the entrance.
RELATED POST: Top Things to Do in Tashkent
Tashkent – Samarkand By Car
Traveling between Tashkent and Samarkand by car will give you a very different experience. Driving in and out of Tashkent and Samarkand cities you’ll notice the landscape change from green to stony and mountainous as much of the land between the cities is arid.
At around 4 hours, it’s not the fastest way to travel but makes for a more intimate experience. The city of Jizzakh lies in between Tashkent and Samarkand and is a convenient location to stop off for a break.
One important downside to this is that roads in Uzbekistan are not known to be the safest in the world so make sure you book with a trusted and experienced driver.
The cheapest way to find a driver is to head to the Kulyuk area just South of Tashkent International Airport. This option is for the savviest travelers as you’ll have to negotiate a price with the driver who is unlikely to speak any English. For a shared taxi you might be able to negotiate $10 per passenger.
Alternatively you can book online in advance here. It’s more expensive this way but the car is more comfortable and it saves you the hassle of negotiating a price.
Tashkent – Samarkand by Plane
There are flights between Tashkent and Samarkand available almost every day and if you book in advance it can be incredibly cheap. One way ticket prices start from around $15 and go up to $60+ depending on time of year and extra baggage.
Official flight times are 1 hour 25 minutes although you’ll actually be in the air for less than an hour.
You can book via a site like Skyscanner but going directly to the Uzbekistan Airways website will generally yield better and cheaper results.
For domestic flights you’ll need to make sure you’re at the airport at least 1 hour in advance.
RELATED POST: Ultimate Guide to Travel in Uzbekistan
Tashkent – Samarkand By Bus
Traveling between Tashkent and Samarkand by bus is the cheapest way. At roughly $4, this is certainly a cheap albeit uncomfortable way to make this journey. The trip will take between 4 to 5 hours but due to the timing and inconvenience, we don’t recommend this method.
To travel between Tashkent and Samarkand by bus you’ll need to buy the tickets at the bus stations. Tashkent bus terminal is in the South West of the city and Samarkand Central Bus Station is North of Samarkand just outside Samarkand International Airport.
Alternatively you can book online in English here.
Traveling Between Tashkent and Samarkand Summary
- Samarkand Guided Tour Day Trip: If you want an expert-led journey with insider insights, this is the way to go! Join a guided tour departing from Tashkent, and let the seasoned professionals take care of everything while you soak in the wonders of Samarkand.
- High-Speed Afrosiab Train: Need a quick and comfortable ride? Hop aboard the Afrosiab train! You’ll reach Samarkand in no time, enjoying the scenic views and a smooth journey on this high-speed train.
- Take to the Skies: Short on time? Consider catching a flight between the cities. Flying gives you the convenience of reaching your destination swiftly, allowing more time for exploration.
- Private Car: For a longer but novel journey across the Uzbek landscape try negotiating with a local driver. Get in touch with us via our contact page if you need help with this.
- Budget-Friendly Bus Adventure: Traveling on a serious budget? The bus route offers a more economical option. It’s not the easiest way to travel but you’ll get to enjoy the scenic beauty of Uzbekistan along the way.
Whichever method of travel you decide upon make sure you make the most of the beautiful city of Samarkand with its unique history and architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far is Samarkand from Tashkent?
The distance between Tashkent and Samarkand is roughly 167 miles or 268km as the crow flies. In terms of driving, the shortest route between the two cities is 193 miles or 310km or roughly a 4 to 5 hour drive depending on conditions.
How Long Does it Take to Get from Tashkent to Samarkand?
The fastest way to travel between Tashkent and Samarkand is by plane which takes roughly 1 hour. However when considering the extra distance to both airports plus longer waiting time, the quickest door-to-door travel method is the Uzbek speed train Afrosiyob (2 hours, 8 minutes).
What’s the Best Way to Get to Samarkand from Tashkent?
The most convenient way to travel between Tashkent and Samarkand is undoubtedly by speed train. It’s quick, comfortable and easy to book and you can relax with a tea or coffee whilst enjoying the countryside views.
Since the speed train is such a popular option for both tourists and locals it often sells out in advance. The best alternative method would be to go by plane or take one of the slower Uzbek trains which take 3 to 4 hours.
Alternatively, try here for a day trip from Tashkent including hotel pickup, train tickets, plus a guided tour.