How to Get to Samarkand. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports and Airlines

Flying offers the fastest way to Samarkand. Samarkand International Airport (SKD) serves as the main direct access point. Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is the largest gateway to Uzbekistan.

Air Travel Facts

SKD has undergone significant renovations, providing a modern experience.
TAS has a wider range of international connections, often leading to a domestic connection to Samarkand.
Uzbekistan Airways operates many flights, with other international airlines (Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi) increasing direct SKD routes.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Direct international flights to SKD are increasing, mainly from Istanbul, Dubai, and Moscow. Connecting via Tashkent or a major hub remains a common, often cost-effective, method.

Airport Amenities & Transfers

Airfares climb during peak tourist seasons (April-May, Sep-Oct) and around major holidays. Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner assist in finding options.
SKD offers currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, cafes, and Wi-Fi.
Taxi is the most convenient transfer from SKD; agree on fare or use Yandex Go. Public buses are a budget option.

Samarkand International Airport SKD

Main airport for direct entry to Samarkand, recently modernized.

Tashkent International Airport TAS

Largest and busiest airport, main international gateway to Uzbekistan.

Peak Season Travel

Higher demand for flights and accommodation during spring and autumn.

Transfer Details from SKD

Taxi Convenience

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal.
Agree on a fare before starting the journey.
Use a ride-hailing app like Yandex Go for fixed pricing.
A ride to the city center takes 15-20 minutes.

Public Bus Option

A more budget-friendly option, though less frequent directly from the airport.
Suited for those with light luggage and patience.
Inquire locally about specific bus routes from the airport.
Look for clear signage at the airport for public transport options.

Airline Options

Uzbekistan Airways

The national carrier, operating flights to and from Tashkent, and international destinations.

International Airlines

Turkish Airlines (from Istanbul), FlyDubai (from Dubai), Aeroflot (from Moscow), Wizz Air Abu Dhabi (from Abu Dhabi).

Flight Booking Tools

For best deals, try Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for comparing prices.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Trains represent a popular and efficient travel method between major Uzbek cities.

Afrosiyob High-Speed Train

The most popular and efficient way to travel between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Shakhrisabz.
Modern, comfortable, and punctual; booking well in advance is highly recommended.
Tickets are purchasable online via the official Uzbekistan Railways website or at train stations.

Border Crossings & Buses

Uzbekistan shares land borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. The "Sarazm" crossing near Samarkand is popular for Tajikistan connections.

Buses & Self-Driving Notes

Long-distance buses and shared taxis connect Samarkand to various towns.
Self-driving is not common or widely recommended due to road conditions and local driving styles.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your national license is necessary if you drive. DiscoverCars.com can help with rentals.

Other Train Options

Other train services complement the high-speed options, offering different paces and routes across the country.

Sharq & Night Trains

Sharq Train: A slower but comfortable alternative for similar cities.
Night Trains: Available for longer distances (e.g., to Khiva via Urgench), offering sleeper compartments.
A good option for covering long distances overnight, saving on accommodation costs.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions vary; major highways are generally fair to good, but secondary roads can be poor. Local driving styles may be assertive.

Safety Tips on Roads

Night driving is generally not recommended due to poor lighting and unmarked obstacles.
Traffic police presence is common; verify your documents are in order if driving.
Expect livestock on roads outside urban areas.

Border Crossing Reminders

Meet all necessary visa and entry requirements for both Uzbekistan and the neighboring country.
Verify the operational status of border points before travel.
Expect security checks and potential queues at border crossings.

The "Oybek" crossing is near Tashkent for those entering from Tajikistan.
Multiple crossings exist with Kazakhstan, often used for travel to Almaty or Shymkent.
Rarely are special permits needed unless traveling to specific border zones.

Sea/River Arrivals

Geographical Reality

Uzbekistan holds the status of a double-landlocked country, meaning it has no direct access to oceans or seas. This geographical fact shapes all international arrival and departure methods.

Implications for Travel

No sea or river arrival options exist for international travelers.
All international arrivals occur via air travel.
Alternatively, travelers may enter or exit via land border crossings.

Alternative Access

Given the lack of direct water access, air and land routes serve as the only viable entry and exit points for international visitors.

Preferred Travel Modes

Air travel (to SKD or TAS) is the quickest method.
High-speed trains (Afrosiyob) connect major cities, offering a comfortable overland option.

Landlocked Status

Uzbekistan is a double-landlocked country.

Main Routes

Air and land border crossings are the sole international entry/exit points.

No Water Access

No international sea or river arrivals are possible.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

There are no specific exit fees or taxes for tourists departing Uzbekistan by air or land, beyond what is typically included in your airline ticket price. Any airport taxes are usually incorporated into your fare.

Departure Advice

For international flights from SKD, arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
For train departures (Afrosiyob), arrive at Samarkand train station at least 30-45 minutes before.
Prepare your passport, boarding pass/ticket, and any exit documentation.

Airport & Station Facilities

Samarkand International Airport (SKD) and Samarkand Train Station offer facilities to assist departing travelers.

Available Amenities

SKD has basic waiting areas, cafes for snacks and drinks, and duty-free shops.
Wi-Fi is typically available at SKD for passenger use.
Samarkand Train Station features waiting rooms, ticket offices, and small kiosks.

General Departure Advice

Customs Declaration

If you had a customs declaration upon entry, keep it accessible for departure.

Timeliness

Lines can occasionally be unpredictable, so allocate ample time.

Train Punctuality

Trains are punctual, and boarding gates close shortly before scheduled departure.

Smooth Departures

Always reconfirm your flight or train schedule a day before departure.

How to Get to Samarkand