+852 9345 4083
Take China Group Tours in 2026 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
How Far is Tashkent from Almaty? (1,050km Distance + Route Map)
Tashkent sits about 1,050 kilometers (650 miles) southwest of Almaty. If you look at a map, Tashkent is directly south and slightly west of Almaty. The route crosses the southern part of Kazakhstan through several cities.
From Almaty, you'll pass through Taraz (about 400km from Almaty), then Shymkent (the last major Kazakh city before the border, roughly 700km from Almaty). After crossing the border near Saryagash, you enter Uzbekistan and continue southwest to Tashkent.
How to Get from Almaty to Tashkent: Train vs. Flight vs. Bus
| Transport | Travel Time | Price Range | Comfort | Border Check | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Talgo) | 17h 38m (overnight) | $40-$110 | High (beds available) | On board, 1-2 hours total, checked twice | Budget travelers who value comfort, adventure seekers |
| Flight | 1.5h flight (4-5h total with airports) | $70-$170 | Medium | At airport immigration | Time-sensitive travelers, business trips |
| Bus | 18-22 hours | $25-$40 | Low (beds avilable | Must get off bus, may switch buses at border | Ultra-budget travelers, backup option |
Option 1: Almaty to Tashkent by Talgo Train (Recommended for DIY Travelers)
We see this topic all the time on travel forums. DIY travelers are always asking about the train from Almaty to Tashkent. It is the undisputed star of this route.
Many tourists are eager to experience it. Plus, it offers a great bonus: since it is an overnight train, you save the cost of a hotel for one night.
Train Schedule: Is There a Daily Train?
Yes! This is the best news for travelers in 2026. In the past, this train only ran every other day, which made planning difficult. According to the latest updates from the official railway systems, the train now runs daily.
- Train Number: Usually Train 201 or 001.
- Departure: It leaves Almaty-2 Station at 7:20 PM (19:20).
- Arrival: It arrives in Tashkent the next day at 12:58 PM (12:58).
- Total Duration: 17 hours and 38 minutes.
Almaty to Tashkent Train Price & Seat Classes: 1st Sleeper, 2nd Sleeper & Seating-only
| Seats | Layout | The Bed | Amenities | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lux | A private cabin for 2 people | Bunk beds (one upper, one lower) | Small sink, small table and an armchair | From $74.55 |
| Coupe | Shared cabin for 4 people | Two upper bunks and two lower bunks | Small table | From $50.70 |
| Seat | Regular chair | - | Basic | From $26.50 |
1st Class Sleeper (2-berth compartment) costs approximately $75-$110. You get a private compartment with just two beds (upper and lower bunk), a lockable door, air conditioning, a small table, and a private washbasin inside your cabin.
The beds are comfortable with clean sheets, a pillow, and a blanket provided. If you're traveling as a couple or want privacy, this is excellent value.
2nd Class Sleeper (4-berth compartment) runs about $50-$70 and is the sweet spot for most budget travelers. You share a lockable compartment with three other passengers.
Each person gets one bed (two upper, two lower bunks), and while it's more social than 1st class, it's still comfortable enough to get proper sleep. The compartments are clean, and you'll often meet interesting local families or other travelers.
Seat (sitting-only) is the budget option at around $25-$35. These are regular seats that don't recline much, arranged in an open carriage. For an overnight journey lasting more than 17 hours, I honestly can't recommend this option unless you're extremely tight on money.
Border Crossing on the Train: Do You Have to Get Off?
This is the question everyone worries about, so let me give you the complete picture. No, you don't get off the train. The border officials come through the carriages while you stay in your compartment.
Kazakh Exit (Saryagash): Around mid-morning (often 10:00 AM), the train stops at a station called Saryagash.
This is the final stop in Kazakhstan. Border guards will board the train carrying portable passport scanners. They will come to your cabin, check your passport, stamp you out, and leave. This process takes about 1 hour.
The Buffer Zone: The train will move slowly for about 10 to 15 minutes to cross the physical border line.
Uzbek Entry (Keles/Tashkent): The train stops again. Now, Uzbek immigration officers board. They will stamp your passport for entry.
Officers might ask to see inside your luggage. Occasionally, they will bring a police dog through the corridor to sniff for drugs or contraband. Do not be alarmed; this is standard procedure. Just stay calm and polite
How to Book Almaty to Tashkent Train Tickets (Online & Offline)
Online Booking: The official website is tickets.kz or the national railway site railways.kz. You can switch the language to English. Be aware that these websites can be "picky" with foreign credit cards.
Offline Booking: You can buy tickets in person at Almaty-2 Station. You must bring your physical passport for every passenger. Go to the "Kassa" window and show them your destination and date.
Option 2: Flying from Almaty to Tashkent (1.5-Hour Flight)
If you're short on time or the train doesn't fit your schedule, flying is quick and reliable. There are approximately 3-5 direct flights daily between Almaty and Tashkent, operated mainly by Air Astana and Uzbekistan Airways.
Ticket prices range from about $70 to $170 depending on how far in advance you book and the season. The actual flight time is just 1.5 hours, though with check-in, security, and baggage claim, you're looking at 4-5 hours door-to-door.
Getting to and from the Airports
Almaty International Airport is located about 15-20 kilometers from the city center, which takes 25-35 minutes. You can take bus route 92 from the city center, though it takes 45-60 minutes with stops. Most travelers take a taxi—using the Yandex.Taxi app costs $5-8.
On the Tashkent side, the airport sits about 12 kilometers south of the city center, a 20-30 minute drive. Tashkent now has a metro connection to the airport (opened in 2024) and takes about 30 minutes to reach the city center. Taxis are also cheap—$4-7 via Yandex.
Option 3: Almaty to Tashkent by Bus (Budget/Backup Option)
This is a popular backpacker alternative costing around 10,200 Tenge. Tickets are sold at Sayran Bus Station (Ticket Windows 3, 4, or 5). Since this route is popular, buy your ticket 2 days in advance. We recommend the 18:00 departure from Platform 6.
The Bus Experience: These are sleeper buses. You must take off your shoes upon entering (bags are provided). There are USB charging ports, but the Wi-Fi rarely works.
- Seat Hack: Ask specifically for a Lower Bunk (Odd numbers). Avoid seat numbers 29 and above, as these are large "community beds" at the back of the bus where you sleep shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers.
The Border Crossing: You will cross the border early morning (around 6:30–7:30 AM). After walking through immigration with your luggage, you must wait on the Uzbek side for your bus to drive through.
This can take 1 to 2 hours. If your bus takes too long, you can sometimes ask other bus drivers if they have space to take you to the city center.
Alternative Route: Train/Flight to Shymkent + Taxi
This is a route often used by locals when direct tickets are sold out. If you cannot find a train to Tashkent, look for a ticket to Shymkent, a major city in southern Kazakhstan. There are many daily trains and flights from Almaty to Shymkent.
Take a shared taxi from Shymkent train station to the "Zhibek Joly" border crossing. This takes about 1.5 hours. Walk across the border. Once in Uzbekistan, take a taxi for the short 20km drive into Tashkent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Long is the Train from Almaty to Tashkent?
The trip takes approximately 17.5 hours. The train makes stops at 8 stations along the way.
Do I Need a Visa from Almaty to Tashkent?
For most western passports (USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia), both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan offer Visa-Free travel for up to 30 days. You simply get a stamp at the border. Always check your specific nationality requirements before traveling.
Can I Buy the Train Ticket at the Station on the Same Day?
Technically yes, but I strongly recommend against it. The train often sells out 3-7 days in advance during tourist season (May-September). If you show up hoping to buy a same-day ticket, you might find only expensive 1st class available or no tickets at all. Book ahead.
Is there Wi-Fi on the Almaty to Tashkent Train?
Sometimes, but it is very weak and unreliable. Do not count on it.
Our Advice: Make sure to download your movies, music, or books before you leave Almaty. Your phone signal will also be poor on the train. We suggest bringing a physical book to help pass the time during the long journey.
Unlock the Central Asia with Asia Odyssey Travel
Don't let complex borders and language barriers hold you back. Asia Odyssey Travel takes care of transport, permits (including Turkmenistan LOI), and English-speaking guides. You just show up and enjoy. Check out our tours:
- ✅ Central Asia Group Tours – The best-value way to explore the Silk Road in intimate small groups (max 16 travelers) with premium comfort.
- ✅ 5-Stans Grand Tours – The ultimate 19-20 day epic journey covering all five nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
- ✅ Central Asia Tour Packages – Choose from 40+ expertly crafted itineraries, ranging from nature-focused trekking to historic cultural deep dives.
Data in submission...
