MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Bukhara

How to Get to Bukhara

Bukhara Central Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Travel Guide

Air Travel Essentials

Major Airport & Airlines

Bukhara International Airport (Bukhara Airport, BKH) serves Bukhara. It is a relatively small airport located close to the city center, making transfers quick.

Flight Information

  • Uzbekistan Airways, the national carrier, offers regular domestic flights between Bukhara and Tashkent. It also operates some international flights straight to Bukhara, mainly from destinations like Moscow and Istanbul.
  • A limited number of other foreign carriers also offer direct flights to Bukhara, mainly connecting from cities in Russia (e.g., Aeroflot) and Turkey (e.g., Turkish Airlines).
  • The most common domestic route is the frequent connection between Bukhara (BKH) and Tashkent International Airport (TAS), which takes approximately one hour.

Seasonal Flights & Transfers

Flight prices, both international and domestic, are generally higher during the peak tourist seasons (April-May and September-October).

Travel Considerations

  • Booking flights well in advance is recommended to secure better rates, especially for intercity flights within Uzbekistan.
  • During the low seasons (summer and winter), you may find more competitive prices and availability.
  • Bukhara Airport is small with basic facilities (duty-free, cafe, currency exchange). Plan accordingly, as it does not offer extensive amenities.
  • Taxi is the most common way to getting from Bukhara Airport to your city accommodation. Taxis are readily available. Agree on the fare beforehand. Using ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go can offer transparent pricing.

Airport Transfers

Taxis are the most convenient way to get from Bukhara Airport to the central area. A typical fare is 20,000-40,000 UZS.

Booking Advice

Booking flights well in advance is recommended, especially for intercity flights within Uzbekistan, as they can sell out quickly.

Direct Flights

Direct international flights to Bukhara are mainly from a few cities in Russia and Turkey. Most international travelers fly into Tashkent first.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

  • High-Speed Afrosiyob Train: Connects Bukhara to Samarkand (1.5-2 hours) and Tashkent (3.5-4 hours). Most popular and efficient. Book well in advance.
  • Sharq Train: A slower, conventional train service also connecting Bukhara to Samarkand and Tashkent, a more budget-friendly option.
  • Night Trains: Available for longer journeys, like Bukhara to Urgench (for Khiva), offering sleeper compartments.
  • Kagan Station: Bukhara's main train station is in Kagan, about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the central area. A short taxi ride (15-20 minutes) is needed.

Bus & Minivan Options

  • Long-distance buses: Available but generally slower, less comfortable, and less popular for international tourists compared to trains for intercity travel.
  • Minivans (marshrutkas) and shared cabs: Operate long-distance routes. They offer more flexibility regarding departure times but provide less comfort than trains.
  • Road conditions: Major intercity roads are generally paved and in decent condition. Secondary roads and downtown streets can have potholes.
  • Safety concerns: Local driving can be aggressive, with less adherence to traffic laws. Night driving is hazardous due to poor lighting and unlit vehicles.

Self-Driving & Border Crossings

Self-Driving

Self-driving is not commonly recommended for travelers in Uzbekistan. Road conditions can vary, local driving styles are often aggressive, and navigating without local language skills can be challenging. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally needed if you decide to drive.

Tajikistan Border

The "Sarazm" border crossing, near Penjikent in Tajikistan, is frequently used by travelers. It is approximately 60 kilometers from Samarkand. From Samarkand, you could require a high-speed train or a shared taxi to Bukhara.

Turkmenistan Border

The "Farap" border crossing, near Turkmenabat in Turkmenistan, is the main crossing point for travelers between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This crossing is approximately 60 km from Bukhara. Entry into Turkmenistan needs a valid visa.

Sea/River Arrivals

Not Applicable

This section is not applicable to Bukhara.

Reason

  • Bukhara is a landlocked city located in a desert region.
  • There are no sea or navigable river routes for transportation to or from Bukhara.
  • The Lyab-i Hauz is a historic pond, not a navigable waterway for transport.

Specialized Transport

Unique local transport types are not present in Bukhara.

Local Infrastructure

  • No cable cars or funiculars exist in Bukhara.
  • The city's flat topography and historical character do not need such infrastructure.
  • Walking is the main mode of exploration within the Old City.

Departure Timing - Air

For international flights from Bukhara Airport (BKH), arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights to Tashkent, 1.5-2 hours is generally adequate.

Departure Timing - Train

If departing by train from Kagan station, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure. You will show your passport and train ticket to enter the platform area.

Exit Fees

There are no specific exit fees or taxes levied on travelers departing Uzbekistan from Bukhara Airport or train stations. Your flight or train ticket typically includes all necessary charges.

Airport/Station Facilities

Bukhara Airport BKH

Bukhara Airport (BKH) offers basic waiting areas, check-in counters, plus a tiny cafe or duty-free shop.

Amenities

  • Cafe for snacks and drinks.
  • Small duty-free shop.
  • Currency exchange services.

Kagan Train Station

Kagan Train Station features waiting rooms, ticket counters, and small kiosks.

Facilities

  • Comfortable waiting rooms.
  • Ticket counters for purchasing or confirming tickets.
  • Small kiosks where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

Hotel Registration

Electronic Process

Most hotels handle foreign visitor registration electronically, simplifying your visit.

Physical Slips

If you were manually given any physical registration slips, ensure they are in order.

Departure Check

These physical slips are rarely checked upon departure anymore, simplifying your exit.

Travel Considerations

For a seamless departure, plan to arrive at the airport or train station with sufficient time, accounting for any potential queues or checks.