From high-speed comfort to Soviet-era sleeper trains, here’s everything you need to know about taking the train to travel around Uzbekistan.
Whether you’re hopping on a modern high-speed Afrosiyob or settling into a Soviet-style sleeper carriage, train travel in Uzbekistan is efficient, affordable, and offers a fascinating glimpse into local life.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect, how to book, and share my own experiences travelling by train in Uzbekistan.
Also read: Uzbekistan Itinerary | 10 Days Of Silk Road Cities & The Aral Sea
Why Travel by Train in Uzbekistan?
Travelling by train in Uzbekistan makes a lot of sense. It’s often faster and safer than long-distance taxis or buses, and much more relaxing. You avoid the hassle of internal flights and still cover long distances in comfort.
The scenery is mostly desert, but watching it pass by from your window is all part of the journey. Best of all, train tickets are affordable and can be easily booked in advance online.
Types of Trains in Uzbekistan
There are three types of trains you can take to travel around Uzbekistan. Let me break them down for you below.
Afrosiyob: High-Speed and Modern
The pride of Uzbek Railways, Afrosiyob trains run between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. These are modern Spanish-built high-speed trains with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and clean cabins.
Taking the Afrosiyob train is by far the fastest and most popular option for these routes — and also the one that sells out the quickest.
Note: Khiva is not yet serviced by the Afrosiyob, although signs at the station (in June 2025) suggest it’s coming soon.
Sharq: Slower, but Scenic
We didn’t use the Sharq at all, because for us the train times didn’t coincide with our Uzbekistan travel plans. But it’s another decent intercity option between major hubs. The Sharq is slower than the Afrosiyob but generally seen as reliable and comfortable.
Sleeper Trains (Пассажирский): Classic Soviet Style
Uzbekistan’s older trains are still widely used, including long-distance sleepers. These typically come in different classes:
- 1st class (SV): 2-person cabin
- 2nd class (Coupe): 4-person cabin
- 3rd class (Sleeper): open carriage with bunks (not covered in this article)
We took sleeper trains twice: once during the day from Bukhara to Khiva, and once overnight from Bukhara to Tashkent.
The comfort level was decent on both, though the night train’s air conditioning wasn’t working — something to keep in mind when travelling in warmer months.
How to Book Train Tickets
Best Option: Uzbek Railways App
I booked all our train tickets using the official Uzbek Railways app, which worked flawlessly. It’s much easier than their website, which often has glitches and trouble processing international payments. You can use your Visa or MasterCard to pay for your tickets.
➡️ Download the Uzbek Railways app here for iPhone or Android.
Alternative: 12go.asia
Another reliable option is 12go.asia, especially useful if the app doesn’t work for you or if you prefer a site you’re already familiar with. 12go.asia has a user-friendly interface, and if you already have an account you won’t have to register for an account with Uzbek Railways.
Avoid Buying at the Station
I would strongly advise against buying tickets last-minute at the station. Trains — especially the Afrosiyob — tend to sell out days or even weeks in advance.
Booking tip: Tickets are released about 6 weeks in advance. Mark your calendar and book as soon as possible!
Train Routes We Took to Travel Around Uzbekistan (With Personal Impressions)
We used three different trains during our time in Uzbekistan that made travel around the country a breeze:
- Afrosiyob: Samarkand → Bukhara (Economy Class) | A smooth and comfortable journey. Everything from the air conditioning to the cleanliness of the carriage was top-notch.
- Daytime Sleeper Train: Bukhara → Khiva (2nd Class, 4-Person Cabin) | This was actually a Soviet-era sleeper train running during the day. The air conditioning worked well, and it was great to lie down or sit comfortably during the five-hour ride. It arrived around 1pm in Khiva, which was ideal.
- Night Train: Bukhara → Tashkent (1st Class, 2-Person Cabin) | This one was a bit warmer — the a/c wasn’t working properly. Still, the bedding was fine, and the train ran on time. We had booked an extra night at a hotel in Tashkent, so we could check in straight away after arriving around 7am.
What to Expect at the Stations
As you travel around Uzbekistan you’ll find that most train stations are modern and functional. A special mention goes out to the train station in Samarkand, where I hope the architect won a design prize. Furthermore, you can expect:
- Light airport style baggage scanning before you’re allowed into the train station
- Shops selling snacks, sandwiches, and bottled drinks (prices are slightly inflated but reasonable)
- Basic seating areas
- Ticket and ID checks before entering the platforms
Tip: Toilets at the station are best avoided. Use the restroom at your hotel before heading out. You’ll thank yourself later.
What to Expect Onboard Uzbekistan Trains
Trains vary a little depending on the route and train type, but here’s what to generally expect:
- Power sockets are available in the cabins (handy for charging phones overnight)
- Toilets on board vary in cleanliness — they were never too awful, but not spotless either. Bring a roll of toilet paper just in case
- Restaurant cars should be available on each train, although we didn’t see any. Admittedly though we didn’t look for it either. From other reports I read they should be selling some basic dishes and tea
- Vendors came on board during the Bukhara–Khiva train to sell snacks (samsas), but not much else
- Baggage on board can be stored in the racks above your head, or at the entrance (Afrosiyob). On the sleeper trains there’s space to store your baggage in the cabin’s designated space
Bring your own food and water, especially if you’re travelling a long distance or on a night train. And yes — bring extra water in case the air conditioning fails to stay hydrated.
Tips for Train Travel in Uzbekistan
- Book in advance, especially for the Afrosiyob
- Use the official Uzbek Railways app, or 12go.asia as a backup
- Travel insurance is essential, especially if visiting remote areas. Readers of Next Journey Ahead get 5% off Heymondo travel insurance that covers Uzbekistan.
- Bring snacks and water — don’t rely on vendors or restaurant cars, especially for water
- Use the hotel bathroom before going to the station
- Print or download your ticket — just in case your phone battery dies, or you lose connectivity at the station
- Stay connected in Uzbekistan with eSIM: Sign up for Saily here, fill out my referral code MARTIN84627 at check-out to get 5 USD off your first eSIM purchase.
- Set expectations for the sleeper trains — they’re very comfortable, but not luxury
- Skip 3rd class if you’re looking for a more comfortable or private journey
Also read: Uzbekistan Travel Tips | What You Need To Know Before You Go
Final Thoughts on Train Travel in Uzbekistan
Train travel in Uzbekistan is one of the best ways to experience the country. It’s convenient, surprisingly comfortable, and offers an authentic way to connect the Silk Road cities.
Whether you’re speeding across the desert on the Afrosiyob or rocking to sleep in a Soviet-style cabin, the trains are an experience in themselves. Plan ahead, pack some snacks, and enjoy the ride.
Got any questions about train travel in Uzbekistan? Feel free to leave a comment below, or reach out to me on Instagram. And if you love travel content like this, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. I’ll keep you updated with new posts, tips, and itinerary ideas.
Planning your trip? Check out my latest posts below for Central Asia and Uzbekistan for more inspiration and practical advice.
- 15 Incredible Things to Do in Uzbekistan You Shouldn’t Miss
- Uzbek Food Guide | 13 Traditional Dishes to Try on Your Trip
- Uzbekistan Train Travel Guide | What to Know Before You Go
- Visiting the Aral Sea & Karakalpakstan | A 2-Day Trip from Khiva
- What to Do in Khiva | Exploring Uzbekistan’s Open-Air Museum
- What to Do in Bukhara | A Guide To The Soul Of The Silk Road
- Samarkand Travel Guide | Uzbekistan’s Stunning Silk Road City
- What to See and Do in Tashkent | One Day in Uzbekistan’s Capital
- Where to Stay in Uzbekistan | My Favourite Hotels & Guesthouses
- Uzbekistan Itinerary | 10 Days of Silk Road Cities & the Aral Sea
- Uzbekistan Travel Tips | What You Need to Know Before You Go
