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.
Practical information
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.
On foot: distances between the sights
Old Samarkand is made for walking. From the Registan to Gur-e-Amir is about 900 metres, or 10–15 minutes. The pedestrianised Tashkent Street links the Registan with the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a stroll of 700–800 metres. From Bibi-Khanym, past the Siab Bazaar and the Hazrat Khizr Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda is another fifteen minutes on foot.
The Ulugh Beg Observatory is roughly 4 km from the Registan and the Afrasiab Museum 1.5–2 km beyond Shah-i-Zinda, so a taxi makes sense for both. The Silk Road Samarkand complex and the Eternal City lie 7–8 km east of the centre, 15–20 minutes by car. In summer, pick shady streets and carry water.
Taxis and ride-hailing
The go-to app is Yandex Go: drop a pin, see the fare upfront, no haggling. Payment is usually in cash or by local card; foreign cards don't always link, so keep some som on you. If you flag a cab in the street, agree on the price before getting in. For day trips into the region — Urgut, the Imam al-Bukhari complex, Amankutan — hiring a driver for the day works well; settle the waiting time and total fare in advance.
Yandex Maps, 2GIS and Google Maps all help with navigation. Locals often give directions by landmark rather than street address — 'behind the Registan', 'next to the Siab Bazaar' — so the surest approach is to show your driver a pin on the map or the name of your hotel.
Buses, electric buses and the tram
Buses, electric buses and a modern tram serve the city. The tram opened in 2017 and now runs two lines over 11.4 km, linking the railway station with the centre. Since 15 April 2025 a ride costs 2,000 som when paid by bank card or ATTO transport card, and 3,000 som in cash. Route numbers and timetables change, so check a maps app before setting out.
In the warm months you may also find app-based shared e-scooters, though fleet size and service areas vary. Local drivers are assertive: cross only at marked crossings.
Sources (6)
- qalampir.uz/en/news/samark-andda-avtobus-va-tramvay-uchun-yulkira-narkhi-oshdi-117532
- uzdaily.uz/en/public-transport-fares-increased-in-samarkand/
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trams_in_Samarkand
- atto.uz/en/passengers
- silkroad-samarkand.com/resort/eternal-city/
- 4traveler.me/en/travel/samarkand/eternal-city-samarkand
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.
