How to Travel from Samarkand to Bukhara: Train & Bus

Samarkand to Bukhara Distance (Map & Travel Option)

The distance from Samarkand to Bukhara is about 270 km (170 miles) by road, heading west across central Uzbekistan. On a map, the route is straightforward, connecting two major Silk Road cities on the country's main east–west travel corridor.

Although the distance isn't huge, travel time varies a lot depending on how you go. Modern trains make the journey fast and easy, while road travel takes longer but offers more flexibility.

How to Travel from Samarkand to Bukhara on Map

Samarkand to Bukhara Train - The Fastest Way

Traveling by train from Samarkand to Bukhara is the quickest and most convenient option for most visitors.

Uzbekistan's trains are modern, punctual, and easy to use—even for first-time travelers.

With several departures daily and three different train types, you can easily match speed, comfort, and budget.

Samarkand to Bukhara Train Time & Schedule

Train Type	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Travel Time
Afrosiyob High-Speed Train	8:33	10:16	1h 43m
	9:53	11:42	1h 49m
	10:59	12:42	1h 43m
	22:23	0:06	1h 43m
Sharq Train	11:56	14:18	~2.5h
Sharq Train	0:01	2:29	~2.5h
Sleeper Train	20:36	23:36	~3h

(The data is from the official website of Uzbekistan Railways in January 2026.)

Train schedules may be subject to seasonal adjustments. During peak season, train tickets—especially those for the Afrosiyob train—may sell out quickly.

Samarkand to Bukhara Train Ticket Prices (One Way)

Ticket prices are very reasonable compared to the comfort level.

Train Type	Class / Seat Type	Price (USD)	Best For
Afrosiyob High-Speed Train	Economy Class	≈ $16	Fast, comfortable, best value
Afrosiyob High-Speed Train	Business Class	≈ $23	Extra space & quieter cabin
Sharq Train	Sitting Seat	≈ $12	Budget daytime travel
Sleeper Train	6-berth Sleeper	≈ $10	Cheapest option
	4-berth Coupe	≈ $13	Balance of comfort & price
	2-berth SV (First Class)	≈ $22	Private & comfortable

(The data is from the official website of Uzbekistan Railways in January 2026.)

How to Buy Train Tickets

You have two easy ways to buy tickets:

Official Uzbekistan Railways Website

You can register, log in, and purchase tickets online. Tickets are usually released about 2 months in advance. Payment works for most international cards, but popular trains sell out fast.

Let Asia Odyssey Travel Arrange It

If you prefer zero hassle, you can book one of our Uzbekistan Tours, and we'll take care of everything—train tickets, seat selection, and transfers between your hotel and the station. No language barrier, no stress, just show up and travel.

Uzbekistan High Speed Train

Uzbekistan High Speed Train Economy Class

How to Take the Train (Step by Step)

All trains depart from Samarkand Railway Station, located about 6.5 km from Registan Square. We recommend arriving 40–60 minutes early, especially for high-speed trains.

The arrival station is Bukhara Railway Station, which is about 14 km from Lyabi-Hauz Square, the heart of Bukhara's Old City. After arrival, you can easily take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer to your hotel, usually 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Bottom line: If you want the fastest, smoothest way to travel between these two Silk Road icons, the Samarkand to Bukhara train—especially Afrosiyob—is the clear winner.

Recommended Tours:

Uzbekistan Group Tour: 5-Day Bukhara & Samarkand Essential Silk Road Route

Samarkand to Bukhara Bus – Not Recommended for First-Timers

Yes, there is a bus option from Samarkand to Bukhara, and it's the cheapest way to travel between the two cities. However, for most travelers—especially first-time visitors to Uzbekistan—it's not the easiest or most reliable choice.

Buses usually take 4–5 hours, noticeably longer than the train. The ride itself is fairly comfortable: buses are generally clean, and the road conditions are good. The main challenge isn't the journey—it's everything before you get on the bus.

Chor Minor, Bukhara

Bolo Hauz Mosque, Bukhara

Why the Bus Is Tricky

Unlike trains, there is no fixed timetable. You don't buy tickets in advance, and buses don't depart at clearly posted times. Instead, you wait for buses that happen to pass through the station, and prices are negotiated on the spot.

Typical bus fares range from 70,000–100,000 UZS (about $6–9 USD), making it very budget-friendly—but also unpredictable.

How to Take the Bus (Step by Step)

First, you'll need to take a taxi to Samarkand's long-distance bus stop. On Google Maps, it's usually listed as "Bus Bukhara", located in the northeastern part of the city.

Once there, you simply wait at the roadside station. Buses traveling from Tashkent to Bukhara or Khiva pass through this point. When a bus arrives, check the sign on the front—if it says Bukhara / Бухара / Buxoro, it's going in the right direction.

Before boarding, confirm the price with the driver. Only after agreeing on the fare should you load your luggage and get on the bus.

What Happens on the Way

The drive takes about 4–5 hours. If the bus's final destination is Khiva, passengers heading to Bukhara may be dropped off near the city and asked to transfer to a smaller minibus for the last stretch into town.

If the bus's final stop is Bukhara, you'll usually be taken directly to Bukhara Bus Station, located within the city, making the arrival much easier.

Poi Kalon Square, Bukhara

Ark of Bukhara

Samarkand to Bukhara Private Car with Asia Odyssey Travel

If you value comfort, flexibility, and peace of mind, traveling from Samarkand to Bukhara by private car is the most relaxed way to go.

Traveling with Asia Odyssey Travel, everything is arranged in advance—no bargaining, no waiting, no uncertainty.

This option is ideal if you:

Want door-to-door service without navigating stations
Are traveling with family, seniors, or children
Have limited time and want a smooth transfer day
Prefer traveling at your own pace

Cars are modern, clean, and air-conditioned, driven by experienced local drivers who know the route well.

Luggage space is included, and the journey feels calm and private—very different from crowded public transport.

You can also request short rest stops along the way, perfect for stretching your legs or taking photos of the countryside.

We also provide Samarkand → Shahrisabz → Bukhara overland route for deep travelers.

Private Transfer with AOT in Uzbekistan

How to Plan Samarkand to Bukhara Trip? (4-Day)

Samarkand and Bukhara are the very heart of Uzbekistan travel. If you only have time for a few cities, these two belong at the top of the list.

Each city deserves 1–2 full days to truly appreciate its history, architecture, and atmosphere—and thanks to the high-speed Afrosiyob train, visiting both in one smooth loop is easy and efficient.

Below is a well-paced 4-day plan that works perfectly for first-time visitors.

Day 1–2: Explore the Highlights of Samarkand

Spend your first two days discovering Samarkand's grand Silk Road landmarks. Start with the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), before stepping into the breathtaking Registan Square, the city's most iconic sight. Nearby, the vast Bibi-Khanim Mosque shows the scale of Timur's ambition, while the lively Siyab Bazaar gives you a taste of local life.

On the second day, explore the spiritual side of the city at the Shahi Zinda Necropolis, a stunning avenue of blue-tiled mausoleums. Continue to the Ulugh Beg Observatory to learn about Samarkand's scientific legacy, and, if time allows, visit the peaceful Khodja Doniyor Mausoleum, a place shared by multiple faiths.

Recommended Tours:

Uzbekistan Group Tour: 5-Day Bukhara & Samarkand Essential Silk Road Route

Day 3: Samarkand → Bukhara by High-Speed Train

In the morning, take the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Bukhara. Most high-speed departures run in the morning, and the journey takes less than 2 hours, making the transfer quick and comfortable.

After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon exploring Bukhara's atmospheric Old Town. Visit the unique Chor Minor Madrasah, relax around the historic Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, wander through the traditional Trading Domes, and end the day at the impressive Kalyan Minaret, one of Central Asia's most famous landmarks.

Uzbekistan High Speed Train

Day 4: Discover Bukhara & Return to Samarkand

Continue exploring Bukhara in the morning with visits to the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, one of the finest examples of early Islamic architecture, and the nearby Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum. Then head to the mighty Ark of Bukhara (Ark Fortress), once home to Bukhara's emirs, and finish at the elegant Bolo-Hauz Mosque.

In the late afternoon or early evening, take the high-speed train back to Samarkand. Most Bukhara-to-Samarkand Afrosiyob trains depart after 15:00, making it easy to enjoy a full sightseeing day before returning.

Planning Tip

This itinerary works best with high-speed train tickets booked in advance, especially in peak travel seasons. If you prefer everything arranged—from train tickets to hotel transfers—Asia Odyssey Travel can organize the entire Samarkand–Bukhara journey for a smooth, worry-free experience.

This route perfectly balances efficiency and depth, letting you experience the best of Uzbekistan's two greatest Silk Road cities without feeling rushed.

Recommended Tours:

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

Extend Your Samarkand to Bukhara Trip in Uzbekistan

Don't stop at Samarkand and Bukhara. If time allows, the most rewarding way to continue your Uzbekistan journey is to travel west to Khiva, then finish in the modern capital Tashkent.

This classic Silk Road route lets you experience Uzbekistan's ancient glory, desert history, and contemporary life—all in one smooth 8-day loop.

Ulugh Beg Observatory, Samarkand

Bibi Khanim Mosque, Samarkand

Continue West: Bukhara → Khiva

Traveling from Bukhara to Khiva usually takes one full day. You can go by train or private car, both reliable options depending on comfort and schedule.

Arriving in Khiva in the evening is ideal—checking into a hotel inside or near the Old City (Itchan Kala) allows you to enjoy the magical night views, when the minarets and city walls are softly lit and far less crowded.

Spend one full day in Khiva exploring the compact Old City on foot. Walk between beautifully preserved madrasahs, mosques, and minarets, listen to your guide's Silk Road stories, browse local handicrafts, and enjoy traditional Khorezm cuisine—all without rushing.

Fly Back to Tashkent & Discover the Capital

After Khiva, head early to Urgench Airport, about 40 minutes away, and take a short flight to Tashkent. You'll arrive with plenty of time to explore in the afternoon.

Tashkent offers a fascinating contrast to the ancient cities. Ride the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro, visit the spiritual Hazrati Imam Complex, and wander through the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, where locals shop for bread, spices, and fresh produce.

Itchan Kala, Khiva

Sample 8-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary

Here's a simple, well-balanced day-by-day plan that works especially well for first-time visitors:

Day 1: Arrival in Samarkand

Day 2: Samarkand city exploration

Day 3: Samarkand city exploration, evening high-speed train to Bukhara

Day 4: Bukhara exploration

Day 5: Bukhara to Khiva (train or private car)

Day 6: Khiva Old City exploration

Day 7: Khiva → Urgench → flight to Tashkent, half-day city tour

Day 8: Departure from Tashkent

Recommended Tours:

7 Days Uzbekistan Tour Package from Samarkand - The Silk Road Gem

How to Travel Back? Bukhara to Samarkand – Simple Guide

Traveling back from Bukhara to Samarkand is just as easy as going the other way. The same transport options run daily, and most travelers simply choose the high-speed train for a fast, comfortable return.

Best Option: High-Speed Train

The Afrosiyob bullet train is the easiest and most reliable way to return.

The journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, and most departures from Bukhara to Samarkand run in the afternoon and evening (usually after 15:00).

This timing works perfectly if you want to spend the morning sightseeing in Bukhara before leaving.

Uzbekistan High Speed Train

Uzbekistan High Speed Train Business Class

Other Train Options

If high-speed tickets are sold out, you can also take:

Sharq train – around 2.5 hours, cheaper but slower
Sleeper train – about 3 hours, useful for late-night travel

All trains are safe and generally punctual, but advance booking is still recommended, especially in peak season.

Bus & Car Options

Bus: Cheap but not recommended for first-time travelers due to irregular schedules and longer travel time

Private car: About 4 hours, door-to-door, ideal for families or travelers who prefer comfort and flexibility

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.