How to Travel from Tashkent to Khiva, Train or Flight?

Khiva to Tashkent Distance & Map

The distance from Tashkent to Khiva is approximately 980 kilometers (about 610 miles). They sit at opposite ends of Uzbekistan, which is why this journey often looks intimidating on a map.

How to Travel from Tashkent to Khiva on Map

Khiva lies deep in the west, near the Turkmenistan border, while Tashkent is far to the northeast. On a map, the distance feels long — and in a way, it is — but modern transport makes it far more manageable than most travelers expect.

On most Uzbekistan travel maps, you'll notice that Khiva is connected via nearby Urgench, the region's main transport hub. Whether you're flying or taking the train, routes usually pass through or start from Urgench before continuing south to Khiva.

From Tashkent to Khiva, you can travel either by flight or overnight train. Overland travel follows the Silk Road corridor across deserts, river plains, and wide-open landscapes, which is not recommended.

In the next sections, we'll break down each travel option in details. Let's see how to travel from Tashkent to Khiva by flight and by train.

Tashkent to Khiva Flight (2 Hours) - The Fastest and Most Common Option

Flying is the quickest and most widely used way to travel from Tashkent to Khiva, especially for first-time visitors and travelers on a tight schedule.

There are no direct flights to Khiva itself. Instead, flights operate between Tashkent and Urgench, the main airport serving the Khiva region. Urgench functions as the gateway to Khiva, and almost all travelers flying to Khiva arrive here first.

Tashkent International Airport

Urgench Airport near Khiva

Step 1: Tashkent to Urgench - 1.5 Hours

Domestic flights from Tashkent International Airport (TAS) to Urgench Airport (UGC) take around 2 hours. This short flight covers a large distance across Uzbekistan and saves a lot of travel time compared with trains or road journeys.

Flights run regularly, particularly during the main tourist season. Flights are also popular with travelers combining Khiva with Samarkand and Bukhara. Because seats can sell out, booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Step 2: Urgench to Khiva Old Town - 40 Minutes

After landing in Urgench, the journey continues by road. Khiva is located about 30–40 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. Transfers are straightforward, and most hotels in or near Itchan Kala can be reached directly by taxi or private car.

For travelers booking through an agency or hotel, airport pickup is usually arranged in advance, making the arrival process smooth and stress-free.

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Tashkent to Khiva Overnight Train (14-15 hours) - The Classic Silk Road Adventure

The overnight train journey from Tashkent to Khiva takes about 14–15 hours in total and allows you to sleep on board while crossing the country from east to west.

Currently, there are two overnight trains running daily from Tashkent to Khiva:

	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Train 1 (Popular Option)	21:45	11:37	13h 52m
Train 2	22:35	13:51	15h 16m

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

How to Choose the Right Train Class?

Uzbek overnight trains offer three types of sleeper cabins, each with different comfort levels and prices:

Cabin	Style	Cost
Platzkart / Sleeper	6-berth open cabin	245,140 SUM (about USD 20.5)
Coupe	4-berth cabin	348,550 SUM (about USD 29)
SV / First Class	2-berth cabin	640,390 SUM (about USD 53)

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

Tashkent to Khiva overnight train

Uzbekistan Overnight Train Coupe Cabin

How to Buy Train Tickets?

You have two main options to buy the tickets for Tashkent to Khiva train.

Option 1: Buy on the Uzbekistan Railways Official Website

You can register and purchase tickets online by yourself.

Option 2: Book Through Asia Odyssey Travel (Stress-Free Option)

If you book one of our Uzbekistan tours, we take care of all domestic transportation, including train tickets between Tashkent and Khiva.

We will purchase the tickets for you, secure the best available cabin, guide you clearly on how to board the train, and arrange hotel–station transfers on both ends.

All you need to do is tell us your travel date and provide your passport details — we handle the rest.

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How to Take the Train (Step-by-Step)

Departure Station: Tashkent South Railway Station

It's about 10 km from the city center. Arrive at the station around 1 hour before departure.

When boaring, you need pass a simple security check, enter the station hall, and proceed directly to the platform. Trains are usually already waiting. Find your carriage and berth number according to your ticket.

Clean bedding will be provided on the train, but you will need to make your own bed after boarding.

Arrival Station: Khiva Railway Station

It's located just 2 km from Khiva Old Town (Itchan Kala East Gate). Taxis are readily available outside the station, and the ride to your hotel takes only a few minutes.

If you travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, we will pre-arrange station pick-up and hotel drop-off, so you don't need to worry about taxis, directions, or language barriers after a long night on the train.

Tashkent South Railway Station

Khiva Railway Station in Uzbekistan

How to Travel Back? Khiva to Tashkent (A Simple Guide)

Traveling back from Khiva to Tashkent is just as straightforward as the outbound journey. You can choose between flying back via Urgench or taking the overnight train, depending on your schedule and energy level.

Option 1: Fly Back via Urgench – Fast & Easy

The fastest way to return to Tashkent is to fly from Urgench to Tashkent, with a flight time of around 2 hours.

After finishing your stay in Khiva, transfer by car to Urgench Airport (about 30–40 minutes). Flights operate regularly, making this the best option if you want to save time or continue your journey onward the same day.

Best for: travelers short on time, families, or those ending their Uzbekistan trip in Tashkent.

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Option 2: Overnight Train – Budget-Friendly Return

Another popular choice is the overnight train from Khiva to Tashkent, which works especially well if you want to save on accommodation and enjoy a relaxed return journey.

Trains depart in the evening and arrive in Tashkent the next day. Sleeper cabins are available in multiple classes, similar to the outbound journey. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly for 4-berth (Coupe) and 2-berth (SV) cabins.

Best for: budget travelers, slow travelers, and those who enjoyed the train experience on the way out.

Uzbekistan Overnight Train Sleeper Cabin

Urgench Airport near Khiva

How to Plan a Tashkent to Khiva Trip? (2–3 Day Travel Itinerary Ideas)

When planning a trip from Tashkent to Khiva, the key decision is simple: fly to save time, or take the overnight train to save money and experience a classic Silk Road journey.

Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent & Explore the Capital

Try to arrive in Tashkent in the morning, which gives you half a day to experience Uzbekistan's modern capital.

Spend the afternoon riding the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro, stopping at landmarks such as Amir Timur Square, local bazaars, and central streets to get a feel for daily life in the city.

In the evening, you have two choices:

Train option: Board the overnight train to Khiva at night and sleep on board.
Flight option: Stay overnight in Tashkent and fly to Urgench early the next morning.

Travelers who choose to fly often enjoy this option, as it allows more time to experience Tashkent's capital atmosphere at a relaxed pace.

Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent

Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tashkent

Day 2: Arrive in Khiva & Explore the Old Town

If you take the overnight train, you'll arrive at Khiva Railway Station around midday. Head straight to your hotel to drop off luggage and rest briefly.

If you fly to Urgench in the morning, you'll probably arrive at Khiva almost around midday too.

In the afternoon, when the sun is less intense, start exploring Khiva Old Town (Itchan Kala). This is the most comfortable time to walk through the narrow streets, climb minarets, and enjoy the changing colors of the mud-brick walls.

Staying inside or within walking distance of the old town is highly recommended. Khiva is especially magical in the evening, at night, and early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler and most day-trippers have left.

Day 3: Depart Khiva or Continue Your Silk Road Journey

After breakfast, it's time to move on. From Khiva, you have several onward travel options:

Travel overland to Turkmenistan, for travelers continuing their Central Asia journey.
Take a train to Bukhara or other Uzbek cities, continuing along the Silk Road route.

Thanks to Khiva's compact size, even a short stay feels complete, making it easy to fit into a broader Uzbekistan itinerary.

Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Itchan Kala

Visiting Itchan Kala of Khiva with AOT

Essential Information & FAQ for Traveling from Tashkent to Khiva

How Many Days Do You Need in Khiva?

Most travelers spend 1–2 full days in Khiva, which is enough to explore the entire old town at a relaxed pace.

Khiva is compact, but its atmosphere changes beautifully from afternoon to evening, night, and early morning, so staying at least one night near the old town is strongly recommended.

Where Should You Stay in Khiva?

The best place to stay is inside or within walking distance of Khiva Old Town (Itchan Kala). This allows you to walk to major sights easily, enjoy the quiet evenings after day-trippers leave, and explore early in the morning before it gets hot.

Is the Journey Suitable for First-Time Visitors?

Yes. Despite the long distance, the route between Tashkent and Khiva is well-established and tourist-friendly. Flights, trains, and transfers are straightforward, and signage at stations is improving.

For travelers who prefer a worry-free experience, booking through a travel agency helps avoid language barriers, ticketing issues, and last-minute changes.

What Is the Best Time to Travel from Tashkent to Khiva?

The best seasons are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing.

Summer can be extremely hot, especially in Khiva, so afternoon sightseeing is best planned for later hours. Winter is quiet and atmospheric, but train delays and flight changes are more common.

Is It Easy to Get Taxis at Airports and Train Stations?

Yes. Taxis are generally available at Urgench Airport and Khiva Railway Station, and distances are short.

However, for late-night or midday arrivals after long journeys, pre-arranged transfers are more comfortable and reliable, especially for first-time visitors.

Visiting Itchan Kala of Khiva with AOT

Khiva Old City at Night

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.