Getting There & Away: Khiva

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Air travel presents the quickest way to reach Khiva from international destinations.

Air Details

Urgench International Airport (UGN) is the closest, 30 km from Khiva.
Uzbekistan Airways operates daily domestic flights from Tashkent (TAS).
No direct international flights to Urgench; connect via Tashkent.

Airport Transfers & Tips

Domestic flights to Urgench remain frequent year-round, but prices can appear higher during peak tourist seasons.

Arrival & Departure

Taxis are readily available outside Urgench Airport; negotiate fare (5-10 USD to Khiva).
Shared taxis (marshrutkas) offer a cheaper option from the main road.
Some hotels Arrange pre-arranged transfers for convenience.

Flight Booking

Book domestic flights from Tashkent to Urgench in advance, especially during peak season (Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner).

Airport Facilities

Urgench Airport is a small facility with basic amenities like cafes and currency exchange.

Arrival Time

Arrive at Urgench Airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your domestic flight.

Border Crossing Information

Uzbekistan's Borders

Uzbekistan shares land borders with Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
Most tourist border crossings occur with Tajikistan or Kazakhstan.
Research specific border crossing requirements if combining trips to neighboring countries.
Border crossing information is not directly relevant for Khiva itself.

Regional Connectivity

Always check current border status and entry/exit policies.
Ensure all necessary visa and travel documents are in order for cross-border travel.
Consult with tour operators for guidance on complex border procedures.
Plan sufficient time for border formalities, which can be unpredictable.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Khiva has a modern train station with direct connections to Bukhara and Tashkent. Book tickets via E-ticket.railway.uz in advance.

Bus & Shared Taxis

Buses and shared taxis (marshrutkas) connect Khiva/Urgench with other major cities. They can Offer more flexibility than trains.

Self-Driving

Self-driving Receives no common recommendation due to varying road conditions and local driving styles. An International Driving Permit (IDP) Is a consideration.

Sea/River Arrivals

Not Applicable to Khiva

This section does not apply to Khiva.

Facts

Khiva and Uzbekistan are landlocked countries.
No sea or major river arrivals are relevant for tourism.
All access to Khiva is via air or land transportation.

Travel Context

Travel Planning Implications

Focus travel planning on flights to Urgench or train routes from other Uzbek cities.
Ground transport options like taxis and shared marshrutkas are main for local movement.
The desert landscape underscores the importance of efficient land routes for historical trade.

Landlocked Status

Khiva is deep within a landlocked country, making water routes irrelevant for international travel.

Main Access

Train and air remain the only viable options for reaching Khiva from outside the region.

Historical Routes

Historically, Khiva thrived as a Silk Road land-based trade hub, not a water port.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for air or land departures from Uzbekistan. The cost of international flights typically includes any airport taxes.

Departure Procedures

Urgench Airport (Domestic): Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before flight.
Tashkent International (International): Arrive 2 to 3 hours before flight.
Khiva Train Station: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Prepare for your departure from Khiva to facilitate a hassle-free exit from Uzbekistan.

Departure Facilities

Urgench Airport: Basic check-in, security, small waiting area.
Khiva Train Station: Modern facility with waiting hall, ticketing, restrooms.
No extensive shopping or dining options at Urgench Airport.

Transfer Options for Departure

To Urgench Airport

Taxis are readily available outside the Khiva train station or by hotel arrangement.

To Urgench Train Station

Use local taxis or shared marshrutkas for the short journey from Khiva.

Pre-Booked Transfers

Confirm hotel transfers for convenience, especially for early morning departures.

Departure Reminder

Arrive at Urgench Airport 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights. This grants sufficient time for check-in.

Getting There & Away