Bukhara Central Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Travel Guide
Bukhara does not have a metro or tram system, unlike Tashkent. The main forms of public transport available to residents and visitors are:
Buses: These operate on fixed routes throughout the city. They are generally older vehicles and can be crowded, especially during peak hours. They offer an extremely budget-friendly way to travel longer distances. Marshrutkas: These are small, privately owned mini-vans that follow set routes. They are faster and often more numerous than buses for many routes. Marshrutkas are a popular choice among locals for their flexibility. Passengers can often flag them down anywhere along their route and pay upon boarding or exiting. They provide a more local experience.
For exploring the Old City, walking is the most efficient and enjoyable method. The historical center is compact and best appreciated on foot.
For destinations further afield, like the Kagan train station or the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, it is often easier and more convenient to use a taxi or a ride-hailing app like Yandex Go.
If you decide to use marshrutkas, know your destination landmark and be willing to ask locals for help. They are usually helpful.
Not commonly recommended for tourists as a result of demanding street conditions and local driving styles. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is lawfully needed.
Rentals are virtually non-existent for tourists in Bukhara. These vehicles are not a common transport mode for visitors.
No formal city-wide sharing programs. Some guesthouses might offer rentals for quieter areas, but cycling on busy roads is not generally recommended.
No specific specialty vehicle options are available for self-rental by tourists. Tour operators may arrange private minibuses or cars with vehicle pilots for group tours.
Walking offers the best way to experience Bukhara's Old City. Its compact nature makes pedestrian exploration ideal.
Formal hop-on-hop-off bus services are not available in Bukhara. Large tour groups typically use their own chartered buses for transport between sites.
This is not applicable to Bukhara. As a landlocked desert city, Bukhara has no significant lakes, rivers, or waterways that support boat taxis or other water transportation for tourism.
No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique transport types can be found in Bukhara. The city's flat topography and historical character do not need such infrastructure.
Bukhara's charm lies in its timeless atmosphere and ancient architecture. Embrace walking through its historic core to truly immerse yourself in its beauty.
Always carry small denominations of local currency for convenience.
