Getting around the city
The historic centre is compact enough to walk between the main sights. For longer hops there are ride-hailing apps, buses and a tram; since April 2025 paying by card is cheaper than cash.
Practical information
Getting to Samarkand
The high-speed Afrosiyob train runs from Tashkent in roughly 2 hours 10 minutes, and the international airport is just 6 km from the centre. Plus intercity buses, shared taxis and the border crossing to Tajikistan.
By train: the Afrosiyob and others
The easiest way to reach Samarkand is the Afrosiyob high-speed train. Its Spanish-built Talgo 250 sets reach 250 km/h and cover the 344 km from Tashkent in about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the service. From Bukhara it is around an hour and a half. There are several departures a day; the Sharq and the overnight passenger trains are slower but cheaper. Since May 2026 high-speed services have continued beyond Bukhara to Urgench and Khiva — check the current timetable before you travel.
Tickets are sold on the official Uzbekistan Railways site, eticket.railway.uz, and its app, using your passport details. In spring and autumn Afrosiyob seats go fast, so book as soon as sales open. Tashkent has two main stations, so check which one is printed on your ticket. Bags and passports are checked at the entrance; arrive at least 30–40 minutes early. Samarkand station lies 4–5 km northwest of the Registan — 10–15 minutes by taxi, and a tram line also runs into the centre.
By air: Samarkand International Airport
The airport (SKD) is 6 km from the city centre. Its new terminal opened on 18 March 2022, its roofline shaped like an open book in homage to Ulugh Beg's astronomical tables. In 2025 it handled more than 1.5 million passengers, with 24 airlines flying scheduled services to 30 destinations.
Besides Tashkent, there are direct flights to Istanbul, Moscow and other Russian cities, Dubai, Almaty and Baku, some of them seasonal only. Routes change often, so check with the airlines. A taxi to the centre takes 15–20 minutes; a ride-hailing app shows the fare upfront.
By bus, shared taxi and over the border
Buses and shared taxis connect Samarkand with Tashkent, Bukhara, Navoi, Karshi and Shahrisabz. Seats in a shared taxi are sold individually, or you can hire the whole car; agree on the price before setting off. The shortest road to Shahrisabz climbs over the Takhtakaracha Pass, which can be closed by snow in winter.
For Tajikistan (Panjakent), the Jartepa–Sarazm border crossing lies some 40–45 km east of Samarkand. Check Tajik visa rules and the crossing's opening hours before you go.
Sources (7)
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail_in_Uzbekistan
- eticket.railway.uz/
- samarkandairport.com/en/press-center/press-releases/2025-results/
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samarkand_International_Airport
- journalofnomads.com/trains-in-uzbekistan-railways/
- caravanistan.com/uzbekistan/center/samarkand/transport/
- bordercrossinghub.com/jartepa-sarazm-samarkand-penjikent-region-tajikistan-border-crossing
Details may change — please check before you visit.
Practical information
Before you go
Visas and registration
Citizens of many countries can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, and most others can apply for an e-visa. Hotels register you automatically; if you stay in a private home, you must register within three days.
Money, cards and tipping
The currency is the Uzbek som. Visa and Mastercard work in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, but bazaars, teahouses and street taxis run on cash. ATMs are plentiful in the centre.
Phones, internet and Wi-Fi
A local SIM card takes a few minutes to set up with your passport and is by far the cheapest way to stay online. 4G is solid in town but fades in the mountains. Staying longer than 30 days means registering your phone's IMEI.
Climate and when to go
Samarkand sits around 700 metres above sea level, with hot, dry summers and cool, relatively wet winters. The best months to visit are April–May and September–October.
Safety and emergency numbers
Samarkand is considered a safe city for visitors, though pickpockets work the crowded spots. The single emergency number is 112, and a dedicated Safe Tourism call centre answers on 1173.
Etiquette and local customs
Samarkand's people are warm and welcoming, but shrines come with their own rules on dress, photography and greetings. A few simple habits will make your visit all the more rewarding.
Where to stay
Family guesthouses in the historic centre, larger hotels in the leafy 'new town' or the Silk Road Samarkand resort on the city's edge — the right choice depends on your trip and your budget.
Food: what and where to eat
Samarkand plov, the city's famous tandoor-baked bread, samsa and shashlik — the local food is a reason to visit in itself. Here's what to know about teahouses, bazaars and restaurants.
Health, pharmacies and drinking water
No vaccinations are required to enter Uzbekistan, and there is no malaria. The main concerns are drinking water, food hygiene and the summer heat. Sort out travel insurance before you go.
Accessible travel
Samarkand is slowly becoming easier to get around: the Registan has ramps and the newer districts are flat. But the historic monuments are full of steps, uneven paths and thresholds, so plan ahead.
