Khiva to Bukhara (450km): 4 Ways by Train, Bus, Flight & Car

Khiva to Bukhara Distance & Travel Options

Khiva to Bukhara Road Map

Khiva to Bukhara Overnight Train Map

Khiva and Bukhara are located in western Uzbekistan, separated by a long stretch of desert and steppe. The distance between the two cities is about 450 kilometers (280 miles) by road, which explains why travel time varies depending on the transport you choose.

In practical terms, you have four main ways to travel from Khiva to Bukhara:

Train – the most popular option, offering direct routes and a good balance of comfort, time, and price
Car / private transfer – flexible and direct, ideal for small groups or travelers who want control over stops
Bus or shared taxi – the cheapest choice, but slower and less predictable
Flight – the fastest in the air, though limited in frequency and requiring travel via Urgench Airport

In the sections below, we'll break down each option in detail — including travel time, comfort level, cost range, and who it's best for — so you can easily decide which way works best for your Khiva to Bukhara journey.

Khiva to Bukhara Train - 6 Hours, 2 Departures Daily

For most travelers, the train is the best and easiest way to travel from Khiva to Bukhara. It's direct, affordable, and far more comfortable than long road travel across the desert.

There are direct trains running between Khiva Railway Station (just 1km east of Khiva Old Town's east gate) and Bukhara (usually arriving at Bukhara or Bukhara-2/Kagan Station).

Tashkent to Khiva overnight train

Uzbekistan Overnight Train Sleeper Cabin

Khiva to Bukhara Train Time &Schedule

Khiva to Bukhara train journey takes around 6 hours, depending on the train type, and typically runs once or twice a day.

Below is the train time and schedule based on official railway data for January 2026. Times may vary slightly by season, but the overall pattern remains stable.

Train No.	Departure (Tashkent)	Arrival (Bukhara)	Travel Time	Days
056Ф	~18:00	~00:21	6 h 21 m	Fri / Sat / Sun
126Ф	~15:15	~21:22	6 h 07 m	Daily

Inside the train, you'll find several seat classes, ranging from soft sleeper berths to more basic seating. Even in standard classes, trains are generally clean and safe, making this a reliable option for first-time visitors to Uzbekistan.

Large luggage is allowed, and there are no strict size checks, which is a big plus for long-haul travelers.

Here is the tickt price:

6-berth Sleeper for 157,100 UZS, ≈$13
4-berth Coupe for 210,660 UZS, ≈$18

However, train tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons (spring and autumn). Booking a few weeks in advance is strongly recommended.

Good to know:

Station names may appear in Cyrillic when booking online
Passport details are required for ticket purchase
If trains are sold out online, local stations sometimes release limited seats closer to departure

Overall, if you want a stress-free, scenic, and well-priced way to travel from Khiva to Bukhara, the train is hard to beat.

Uzbekistan Overnight Train Coupe Cabin

Uzbekistan Overnight Train SV Cabin

Khiva to Bukhara by Private Car – Safe, Comfortable & Hassle-Free

If you prefer door-to-door comfort and complete peace of mind, traveling from Khiva to Bukhara by private car is an excellent option.

Around the ancient city of Khiva, you'll find plenty of private cars and shared taxis offering long-distance transfers, and prices can usually be negotiated on the spot. However, comfort, vehicle condition, and reliability can vary.

Choose Private Car from Asia Odyssey Travel - Mercedes-Benz Vehicle

For a smoother experience, we recommend choosing Asia Odyssey Travel's Khiva to Bukhara private transfer.

The journey is arranged in a Mercedes-Benz 11-seater executive vehicle, designed for long-distance travel across the desert. The car is fully air-conditioned, with spacious seating and generous luggage space, making it ideal for families, small groups, or travelers with suitcases.

Seats are adjustable and comfortable enough for resting or sleeping, which makes the roughly 6-hour drive feel much easier than it sounds. Best of all, this is a hotel-to-hotel service — no stations, no waiting, no language barriers, and no need to coordinate multiple transfers.

Private Transfer with AOT in Uzbekistan

What Does the Road Journey Look Like?

Once you leave the ancient walls of Khiva behind, the scenery quickly opens into wide desert and steppe landscapes, where the horizon feels endless and the sky seems unusually big.

Villages are sparse, traffic is light, and the sense of distance gives you a real feel for how Silk Road travelers once crossed this region.

One of the most memorable moments comes when the road passes near the Amu Darya River — one of Central Asia's great rivers. On one side lies Uzbekistan; on the opposite bank is Turkmenistan, visible across the water.

Along the way, you'll see cotton fields, grazing livestock, roadside teahouses, and small settlements, offering brief glimpses into everyday rural life.

By the time domes and minarets begin to appear on the horizon, Bukhara smiles at you.

Recommended Tours:

6 Days Classic Uzbekistan Tour: Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand

Khiva to Bukhara Bus - Cheap but Simple, Not Recommeded for First Timers

If you're traveling on a tight budget and don't mind a long, no-frills road trip, there is a bus option between Khiva and Bukhara — though it's basic compared with trains or private cars.

From what local travelers report, you can buy a bus ticket right near the train station exit in Khiva for about 100,000 UZS (≈ $8–9).

The departure is usually in the afternoon (around 3 PM), and the bus arrives in Bukhara late at night (around 10 PM) after a roughly 7-hour journey.

You'll be sitting with locals on a standard Uzbek bus, so comfort is minimal but the price is hard to beat for the distance.

Bus in Uzbekistan

Khiva to Bukhara Flight – Is There One?

Many travelers search for "Khiva to Bukhara flight", but in reality, flying between the two cities is not a common or practical option.

Khiva itself does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Urgench International Airport, about 35–40 minutes by car from Khiva. From there, flights to Bukhara may exist occasionally, usually operated by Uzbekistan Airways — but they are limited in frequency, sometimes only a few days per week, and schedules can change seasonally.

While the flight time is short (around 1 hour in the air), the total travel time often isn't much faster once you factor in:

Transfer from Khiva to Urgench Airport
Early airport arrival and security checks
Waiting time and potential schedule changes

In addition, flight tickets are significantly more expensive than trains or road travel, making this option less appealing for most travelers.

Bottom line:

Flying is technically possible in some periods, but it's rare, costly, and inconvenient compared with other options. For this route, train or private car remains far more reliable and traveler-friendly.

Urgench Airport near Khiva

How to Travel Back (Bukhara to Khiva)

Traveling back from Bukhara to Khiva is straightforward, with options very similar to the outbound journey. Both the train and private car take around 6 hours, making it easy to plan your return within a single day.

How to Choose? Car or Train?

If you're traveling light, comfortable navigating foreign transport systems, and have experience traveling independently, booking a train ticket yourself can be a good choice. Trains are affordable and reliable, but tickets may sell out, and station logistics can take some getting used to.

For travelers with large luggage, children, or elderly family members, or for those visiting Uzbekistan for the first time, a private car transfer is often the safer and more relaxing option. Asia Odyssey Travel's private car service offers hotel-to-hotel transfers, spacious vehicles, and a stress-free experience — no ticket lines, no language barriers, and no schedule worries.

In short, choose the train for independent, budget-friendly travel, and a private car for comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

How to Plan Khiva to Bukhara Trip

Ark of Bukhara

Chor Minor, Bukhara

For most travelers, 4 days is just right to experience both Khiva and Bukhara without rushing. The pace feels relaxed, the travel day is well placed, and you get enough time to enjoy each city's unique character.

Day 1: Arrive in Khiva – Explore the Ancient City

Arrive in Khiva as early as possible and spend the afternoon inside Ichan Kala, the UNESCO-listed old city.

Wander past mudbrick walls, turquoise-tiled minarets, and historic madrasahs, including Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark, and Juma Mosque with its forest of wooden columns.

In the evening, climb to a rooftop or city wall viewpoint to enjoy sunset over the old city, when Khiva glows in warm golden light.

Day 2: Deeper Khiva Experience → Train to Bukhara

In the morning, return to the old city for a slower, deeper visit, or choose a hands-on cultural experience such as traditional wood carving, miniature painting, or local crafts.

After lunch, take the afternoon train to Bukhara, a comfortable journey of about 6 hours. Arrive in the evening and check in to your Bukhara hotel.

Day 3: Full Day Exploring Bukhara

Spend the day discovering the heart of Bukhara's old town. Highlights include the lively Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the elegant Chor Minor (Four Minarets), and the monumental Po-i-Kalyan Complex, where minarets and madrasahs define the city skyline.

Bukhara feels more lived-in than Khiva, with teahouses, courtyards, and hidden lanes around every corner.

Day 4: More Bukhara → Onward Travel

Continue exploring in the morning with visits to the Ark of Bukhara, Bolo Hauz Mosque, and the peaceful Ismail Samani Mausoleum, one of Central Asia's architectural masterpieces.

Recommended Tours:

8 Days Uzbekistan Silk Road Tour - Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara & Samarkand

In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Samarkand, extending your Silk Road journey eastward.

Uzbekistan High Speed Train Business Class

Uzbekistan High Speed Train

Extend to Samarkand (Highly Recommended)

If time allows, Samarkand is the natural next stop — and the high-speed train makes it easy.

Day 5: Samarkand Sightseeing

Explore iconic landmarks such as Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Samarkand's scale and grandeur feel very different from both Khiva and Bukhara.

Day 6: Samarkand → Tashkent

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Samarkand, then take the afternoon high-speed train to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

Day 7: Tashkent Half-Day Tour & Departure

Spend your final hours exploring Tashkent's highlights — metro stations, local bazaars, and historic quarters — before your departure.

This route creates a smooth, logical Silk Road journey:

Khiva → Bukhara → Samarkand → Tashkent, balancing history, culture, and easy transportation — ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.

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6 Days Zhangjiajie Tour from Singapore: Direct Flight to Zhangjiajie Mountains & Towns

Explore Uzbekistan's Silk Road Heritage Sites with Asia Odyssey Travel

This closing section is here to help you take the next step from planning to traveling.

As a locally connected travel agency, Asia Odyssey Travel works directly with experienced Uzbek guides, professional drivers, and our own trusted vehicle teams, ensuring your journey across Uzbekistan is safe, smooth, and well-organized—from airport pickup to your final farewell.

Beyond Uzbekistan, we also offer Central Asia multi-country tours, seamlessly combining Uzbekistan with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—ideal for travelers who want to experience the Silk Road in its full regional depth.