How to Travel Uzbekistan by High-Speed Train: Afrosiyob Guide

Uzbekistan's Afrosiyob high-speed train connects Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara with speed and comfort, and it is the way most visitors travel between the Silk Road cities. Since 2026 a second high-speed train also runs from Tashkent to Khiva. This guide explains the routes, journey times, how to book and what to expect on board.

Key facts

• Train: Afrosiyob, Uzbekistan's high-speed service, built by the Spanish manufacturer Talgo; up to 250 km/h.
• Route: Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara.
• Khiva: served by a separate high-speed train, the Jaloliddin Manguberdi (since 2026).
• Journey times (as of October 2026): Tashkent–Samarkand about 2 to 2.5 hours; Tashkent–Bukhara about 4 hours.
• Tickets: on sale usually 60 days before departure on eticket.railway.uz or the Uzbekistan Railways app.
• Classes: Economy, Business and VIP.
• Fares: set by Uzbekistan Railways; they change by class and date — we include current fares in your trip quote.

Why Travel by Afrosiyob High-Speed Train?

For the classic route, the train is usually the fastest option from city centre to city centre: no airport transfers, no check-in queues, and a journey of two to four hours instead of a long day on the road. The carriages are air-conditioned, the seats are comfortable, and from the window you see the cotton fields, villages and desert edge between the cities.

For travellers with limited time, the Afrosiyob makes it possible to see Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara in a few days — for example on a Samarkand day trip from Tashkent.

Afrosiyob Routes and Timetable

The Afrosiyob runs on the main line Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara, with several departures a day. Exact times change with the season, so always check the timetable on the official website before you plan the day.

Tashkent – Samarkand: about 2 to 2.5 hours

The busiest leg. Morning trains let you spend a full day in Samarkand, and evening trains bring you back to Tashkent the same day.

Tashkent – Bukhara: about 4 hours

The line runs through Samarkand, so the same trip can easily be split into two legs with a stay in Samarkand.

Samarkand – Bukhara: about 1.5 to 2 hours

The shortest leg and an easy morning or afternoon transfer.

Trains to Khiva

The Afrosiyob does not go to Khiva. Since 2026 Khiva has its own high-speed train from Tashkent, the Jaloliddin Manguberdi; it runs less often than the Afrosiyob, so book it first when you plan a trip that includes Khiva.

When the Afrosiyob is full: the Sharq train

The Sharq is a classic air-conditioned day train on the same Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara line. It takes about an hour longer to Samarkand, and it is a good alternative when the Afrosiyob is sold out.

How to Book Afrosiyob Tickets

Tickets usually go on sale 60 days before the travel date, and the most popular trains — weekends, holidays, spring and autumn — can sell out soon after. For fixed dates, book as early as you can. For step-by-step help, see our Afrosiyob tickets and booking guide.

Online Booking

Book on the official website eticket.railway.uz (switch to English at the top) or in the Uzbekistan Railways app. Enter each passenger's name and passport number exactly as in the passport; you receive an e-ticket with a QR code.

At the Station

Tickets are also sold at the ticket offices of the main stations. Bring the passport of every traveller.

Through Travel Agencies

A travel agency or tour operator such as TravelBliss can book your seats as soon as sales open and plan the guide and transfers around the train times.

Onboard Experience

• Seats: Economy has a 2+2 layout; Business and VIP have wider seats in a 2+1 layout.
• Comfort: air-conditioned carriages and luggage racks large enough for suitcases.
• Food and drinks: the train has a café-restaurant car.
• Views: fields, villages and the edge of the desert between the cities.

Travel Tips for Afrosiyob

• Arrive early: be at the station at least 30–40 minutes before departure; tickets and bags are checked before you reach the platform.
• Check the station: Tashkent has two large stations, the main station and Tashkent South, about 7 km apart — the station is on your ticket.
• Keep your passport at hand: it is checked together with the QR code.
• Plan the last mile: Samarkand station is more than 6 km from Registan Square; arrange a transfer.
• Pack light: one main suitcase per person is easiest on the racks.
• Book the return: buy the return leg at the same time as the outward one.

Why Afrosiyob Is Perfect for Tourists

• Time-saving: the main Silk Road cities are only hours apart.
• Comfortable: modern trains, three classes and a café car.
• Simple: e-tickets on your phone and central stations in every city.
• Flexible: several departures a day make it easy to combine with guided tours.

Plan Your Train Journey with TravelBliss

We book train tickets as soon as sales open, meet you at the station with a guide or driver, and arrange a private car when the train is full. Popular train-based trips are the 2-Day Bukhara and Samarkand Tour by Train, the Samarkand One Day Tour from Tashkent and Bukhara and Samarkand from Tashkent in 4 Days. Prices depend on the number of travellers, the season and the train class — see the tour pages or contact us.