Samarkand Tourist Map: Location, Attractions & Itinerary

Samarkand Location Map: Where is Samarkand on a Map

Samarkand Location on Uzbekistan Map

Located in southeastern Uzbekistan, Samarkand lies in the fertile Zerafshan River valley—a sharp contrast to desert-set Bukhara. This rich landscape is one reason the city flourished for centuries as a center of trade, science, and culture.

Samarkand also sits on the heart of Uzbekistan's "Golden Triangle". Head west, you'll meet Bukhara, the spiritual Silk Road city; head north, you'll meet Tashkent, the modern capital.

Geographically and historically, Samarkand connects them all, making it an essential stop rather than an optional one.

Samarkand City Map: Your Arrival and Orientation Guide

This is where practical planning really matters.

A city-level map of Samarkand immediately reveals an important truth: this is not a single compact old town. Understanding this early will save you time, energy, and frustration.

Samarkand City Layout with Airport & Stations on Map

Understanding Samarkand's City Layout

Viewed at the city scale, Registan Square sits at the symbolic center of Samarkand. To its northeast lies Ancient Afrasiyab, a large archaeological zone that acts as a natural dividing line across the city.

Using Ancient Afrasiyab as a reference point, Samarkand falls into two broad halves:

Northwest of Ancient Afrasiyab: Modern Samarkand

This is the newer, more developed part of the city.

Southeast of Ancient Afrasiyab: Historic Samarkand

This is the core sightseeing area and the heart of most visits.

Key Arrival Points on Samarkand City Map in the Mordern Area

Samarkand International Airport (SKD)

Located just outside the city, about 15–25 minutes by car from most hotels and the historic areas.

Samarkand Railway Station

This is a crucial detail many first-time visitors miss. The main train station is NOT near the Registan. It sits about 15–20 minutes' drive from the historic core, so transport is essential upon arrival.

Asia Odyssey Travel's private transfers seamlessly connect the airport, train station, and hotel—so you start exploring immediately instead of negotiating taxis or decoding directions after a long journey.

Samarkand Tourist Attractions Map: The Three Majestic Clusters

This is the heart of Samarkand—and the heart of this guide.

Top Samarkand Tourist Attractions on Map

The city's wonders make the most sense when viewed as three majestic clusters. Each tells a different chapter of Samarkand's story.

Cluster 1 (Blue): The Shining Blue Wonders

Sacred architecture and living Silk Road traditions

This cluster forms the most visually striking and atmospheric part of Samarkand, where dazzling tilework meets everyday local life.

Shah-i-Zinda: A breathtaking corridor of turquoise-tiled mausoleums known as the "Tomb of the Living King." Every step feels like walking through a jewel box of history.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque: Once among the largest mosques in the world, built under Tamerlane's ambition.

Siab Bazaar: A living Silk Road market where locals shop for bread, spices, fruit, and nuts—perfect for soaking up everyday life.

This area is highly photogenic and emotionally powerful, blending spiritual heritage with daily rhythms of the city.

Cluster 2 (Gold): The Registan & Commercial Heart

Imperial power and architectural grandeur

Registan Square: One of the most iconic squares in the Islamic world, framed by three grand madrasahs: Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilya-Kori Madrasah

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum (Tamerlane's Tomb): The final resting place of Tamerlane, crowned by a stunning ribbed blue dome and rich interior decoration.

This cluster is monumental, symbolic, and essential for understanding Samarkand's imperial past.

Registan Square, Samarkand

Cluster 3 (Green): The Legacy of Tamerlane & His Grandson

Archaeology, science, and quiet reflection

Set farther northeast on the map, this cluster reveals a deeper, older layer of Samarkand, beyond its medieval splendor.

Afrosiyob Museum: Showcasing ancient Samarkand, including famous wall paintings that predate the Islamic city.

Ulugbek's Observatory: The remains of a 15th-century astronomical masterpiece, where Ulugbek calculated star positions with astonishing accuracy—centuries ahead of Europe.

Khoja Daniyor Mausoleum: A peaceful pilgrimage site associated with the biblical prophet Daniel, revered across different faiths.

This area is quieter and more spacious, ideal for travelers interested in history, archaeology, and science.

The Asia Odyssey Travel Advantage: A map shows you where these places are. An expert guide explains what they mean—deciphering tile inscriptions, sharing legends of conquest and curses, and bringing Ulugbek's scientific genius vividly to life.

Samarkand Hotel Map: Best Places to Stay on Map

Choosing where to stay in Samarkand is much easier when you look at the city on a map. This hotel map highlights the most convenient areas to stay, depending on your travel style and how you plan to explore the city.

Samarkand Hotel Areas on Map

Area 1: Registan & Historic Core - Best for First-Time Visitors

On the map: Central Samarkand, around Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Siab Bazaar.

Staying near the Registan places you within walking distance of the city's most famous landmarks and the liveliest part of Samarkand.

Hotels here range from boutique guesthouses to mid-range options. Streets can be busy during the day, but evenings are atmospheric and calm.

Area 2: Gur-e-Amir & University District - Balanced Location with Good Value

On the map: Southwest of the Registan, around Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum.

This area sits between the historic core and modern Samarkand, making it a practical compromise location.

You'll usually need short taxi rides, but distances are manageable and traffic is light compared to larger cities.

Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Samarkand

Gur Emir Mausoleum, Samarkand

Area 3: Shah-i-Zinda & Northern Samarkand - Quiet and atmospheric

On the map: North of the historic core, near Shah-i-Zinda and the Afrosiyob area.

This area offers a calmer experience, close to one of Samarkand's most beautiful sites.

Dining and shopping options are limited, so transport is needed to reach the Registan area.

Area 4: Modern Samarkand & Railway Station - Best for transit and convenience

On the map: West of the historic center, near the railway station.

This area suits travelers arriving late, departing early, or prioritizing easy transport connections.

You'll rely on taxis to reach historic sights, typically a 15–20 minute drive.

Recommended Tours:

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

Samarkand Transportation Map: Your Transit Hub in Uzbekistan

Below is a clear, traveler-friendly breakdown of how Samarkand connects with Bukhara, Tashkent, Khiva, and Shahrisabz, including all main transport options and realistic travel times.

Samarkand Connections with other cities on Uzbekistan Map

Samarkand ↔ Tashkent

The distance between Samarkand and Tashkent is about 300 km. There are three main travel options:

Way	High-Speed Train	Regular Train	Car / Private Transfer
Travel Time	~2 hours	~3–4 hours	~4–5 hours
Note	Fast, frequent, and the most popular	Slower but more budget-friendly	Good for flexibility or countryside views

Samarkand to Tashkent Map

Samarkand–Tashkent is one of the easiest intercity journeys in Central Asia, making Samarkand perfect as a midpoint or starting city.

Samarkand ↔ Bukhara

The distance between Samarkand and Bukhara is about 270 km. You have three main ways to travel between the two cities, clearly shown on the transportation map.

Way	High-Speed Train	Regular Train	Car / Private Transfer
Travel Time	~1.5 hours	~2.5–3 hours	~4–5 hours
Note	Fastest and most comfortable option	Slower but more budget-friendly	Ideal if you want stops along the way

Samarkand to Bukhara Uzbekistan Map

This short and smooth connection is why Samarkand and Bukhara are almost always paired together on classic itineraries.

Samarkand ↔ Khiva

The distance between Samarkand and Khiva is about 560 km. Travel options include:

Way	Overnight or Day Train	Car / Private Transfer
Travel Time	~10-13 hours	~12–14 hours
Note	Sleeper trains help save a hotel night	Long but scenic; best split over two days

Samarkand to Khiva Map

Because of the distance, many travelers use Samarkand as a central hub and plan Khiva as the final stop of their Uzbekistan journey.

Samarkand ↔ Shahrisabz

Samarkand to Shahrisabz Map

Shahrisabz is Tamerlane's hometown, just over the mountains. The distance between Samarkand and Shahrisabz is about 90 km.

There is no train service on this route, making road transport the only realistic option. It takes about 2-3 hours to travel by overland.

Most travelers visit Shahrisabz as a day trip from Samarkand.

Samarkand Travel Map - How to Plan Samarkand Tour with Map

Option 1: 6-Day Uzbekistan Triangle Tour

Route: Tashkent → Bukhara → Shakhrisabz → Samarkand → Tashkent

6-Day Uzbekistan Triangle Tour on Uzbekistan Map

This compact route focuses on the historical heart of the country while keeping travel distances efficient.

Tashkent – Arrival and introduction to modern Uzbekistan
Bukhara – High Speed Train to Bukhara. Ancient mosques, madrasahs, and a well-preserved old city
Shahrisabz – Drive from Bukhara to Tamerlane's birthplace, reached via scenic mountain roads
Samarkand – Continue Driving to Samarkand. Imperial landmarks and Silk Road masterpieces
Tashkent – Return for departure

This triangle-shaped route minimizes long journeys and works well for travelers with limited time who still want to experience Uzbekistan's most important historic cities.

Recommended Tours:

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

Option 2: 8-Day Uzbekistan Panoromic Tour

Route: Tashkent → Khiva → Bukhara → Samarkand → Tashkent

8-Day Uzbekistan Panoromic Tour on Uzbekistan Map

This itinerary follows a wider loop across the country, covering both eastern and western highlights.

Tashkent – Starting point and transport hub
Khiva – Fly from capital. Walled desert city and open-air museum
Bukhara – Drive or overnight train to Bukhara - spiritual center of the Silk Road
Samarkand – High speed train to this grand capital of Tamerlane's empire
Tashkent – Return by high-speed train for departure

This panoramic route shows the full geographic spread of Uzbekistan, from desert oases to fertile valleys, with Samarkand as the cultural centerpiece before returning to the capital.

Recommended Tours:

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

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.