Travel to Uzbekistan
Flying to Uzbekistan
Most international visitors arrive in Uzbekistan by air, with Tashkent International Airport (TAS) serving as the main gateway. The airport handles the majority of long-haul and regional flights and acts as the primary hub for onward travel within the country. Smaller international airports in Samarkand, Bukhara and Urgench also receive a limited number of direct flights, particularly from neighbouring countries and selected regional hubs.
Uzbekistan Airways is the national carrier and operates an extensive network of international routes, linking Tashkent with destinations in Europe, the Middle East, East Asia and South Asia. Airlines flying to Uzbekistan include Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air Astana, Azerbaijan Airlines, Korean Air, China Southern Airlines and several Russian and regional carriers. Seasonal and charter flights may also operate to historic cities such as Samarkand and Urgench.
Direct flights are available from a growing number of cities, though many journeys still involve a transfer via hubs such as Istanbul, Dubai, Doha or Almaty. Flight schedules continue to expand as tourism develops, and connections from Europe and Asia are becoming increasingly frequent. On arrival, airport procedures are generally straightforward, and ground transport into city centres is readily available.
Flight times:
From London to Tashkent: 7 hours (direct).
Travel by rail
International train services link Uzbekistan with several neighbouring countries, reflecting its long-standing role as a regional transport hub. Rail connections exist with Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, with services typically running to and from Tashkent. Trains from Kazakhstan are among the most commonly used by travellers, offering links to cities such as Almaty and beyond.
International train travel can be slower than flying but offers a scenic and culturally interesting way to arrive, particularly for those travelling overland through Central Asia. Schedules, comfort levels and border formalities vary by route, and advance booking is recommended, especially during peak travel periods.
Driving to Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan can be entered by road from all of its neighbouring countries, and overland travel is a practical option for visitors already travelling within Central Asia. The country shares borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Major roads connect Uzbekistan with regional capitals and trading centres, and border posts are generally well established, though procedures and waiting times can vary.
Popular border crossings include those between Tashkent and southern Kazakhstan, which are widely used by travellers arriving from Almaty, as well as crossings linking the Ferghana Valley with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Entry from Turkmenistan is also possible, often used by travellers continuing towards Iran or the Caspian region. All travellers should ensure they have the correct visa and vehicle documentation before attempting to cross by road.
Getting to Uzbekistan by boat
Uzbekistan is a landlocked country and has no access to the sea. There are no international ferry services or cruise ship routes serving the country.
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