Tashkent to Samarkand Train ($25): 2-Hour Bullet Train

Tashkent to Samarkand Distance: Map & Travel Options

Tashkent and Samarkand are about 300 km (186 miles) apart.

The map below shows the direct route between the two cities and how different travel options compare in terms of time and comfort.

Travel Option	Travel Time	Best For
Afrosiyob Bullet Train	2–2.5 hours	Fastest, most comfortable, first-time visitors
Regular (Slow) Train	4–6 hours	Budget travelers, flexible schedules
Car / Private Transfer	4–5 hours	Door-to-door travel, small groups
Flight	Not recommended	Limited savings due to airport transfers

How to Travel from Tashkent to Samarkand on Map

Seen on the map, the route is short and direct, which explains why train travel—especially the Afrosiyob high-speed train—is the easiest and most efficient way to get from Tashkent to Samarkand.

Tashkent to Samarkand Bullet Train - The Premier Choice with Afrosiyob High-Speed Train

The Afrosiyob bullet train is hands down the best way to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand. Fast, modern, and reliable, it turns what used to be a long overland journey into a smooth ride of just a couple of hours.

For first-time visitors to Uzbekistan, this train is usually the easiest and safest choice.

Tashkent to Samarkand Bullet Train Time & 2026 Schedule

The Afrosiyob covers the roughly 300 km distance in about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the specific service.

Currently, there are 6 bullet trains running from Tashkent to Samarkand. Below is the Afrosiyob high-speed train 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 (Samarkand)	Travel Time	Days
778Ф	06:10	08:23	2h 13m	Fri / Sat / Sun
774Ф	06:33	08:46	2h 13m	Daily
766Ф	07:30	09:43	2h 13m	Daily
768Ф	08:00	10:25	2h 25m	Daily
770Ф	08:30	10:49	2h 19m	Daily
772Ф	19:48	22:13	2h25m	Daily

Morning trains are especially popular, allowing you to arrive in Samarkand before lunch and still have most of the day for sightseeing.

Tashkent to Samarkand Bullet Train Price

Uzbek Bullet trains offer two types of cabins, each with different comfort levels and prices:

Cabin	Layout	Cost
Econom Class	2+2	270,000 SUM (about USD 22.5)
Business Class	1+2	396,000 SUM (about USD 33)

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

All carriages are air-conditioned, clean, and designed for long-distance comfort, with generous luggage space. See how they look like with the following images.

Uzbekistan High Speed Train

Uzbekistan High Speed Train Economy Class

How to Buy Train Tickets?

You have two main options to buy the tickets for Tashkent to Samarkand Bullet train:

Option 1: Buy on the Uzbekistan Railways Official Website

You can register and book online yourself. Tickets are usually available up to 2 months in advance.

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

If you book a Uzbekistan Tours with us, we handle all domestic train tickets, secure the best cabins, guide you on boarding, and arrange hotel–station transfers. Just give us your travel date and passport info, and we take care of the rest.

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

Departure Station: Tashkent North Railway Station

It's just 3 km from the city center; easy to reach by metro. Arrive 1 hour before departure.

After a simple security check, proceed to your platform and find your carriage and seat number.

Arrival Station: Samarkand Railway Station

It's located 7 km from Samarkand's Registan Square. Taxis are easy to find, or if you travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, we pre-arrange pick-up and hotel drop-off so you can start exploring right away without any stress.

Uzbekistan High Speed Train Business Class

Uzbekistan High Speed Train

Tashkent to Samarkand Slow Train: Sharq & Sleeper Train

For travelers on a budget or those who prefer a slower, more relaxed journey, the slow train from Tashkent to Samarkand is a solid alternative.

It's less expensive than the high-speed Afrosiyob but takes a bit more time, letting you enjoy the Uzbek countryside at a leisurely pace.

Slow trains are less crowded than the high-speed trains, making them easier to get tickets for at short notice—but it's still a good idea to check the timetable ahead of time.

Option 1: Sharq Train or Nasaf Train - 3 Hours

Sharq Train and Nasaf Train are a little slower than the bullet train, taking about 3 hours from Tashkent to Samarkand.

Everyday, there are only 2 Sharq Trains and 1 Nasaf Train departure from Tashkent Central Station.

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

Train Type	Train No.	Time	Duratiom	Price
Sharq Train	710Ф	08:37 - 11:46	3h 09m	179250 SUM (≈ 15 USD)
Nasaf Train	716Ф	08:55 - 12:20	3h 25m	179250 SUM (≈ 15 USD)
Sharq Train	712Ф	20:32 - 23:41	3h 09m	179250 SUM (≈ 15 USD)

Option 2: Sleeper Train - 4-4.5 Hours

There are five sleeper trains daily running from Tashkent to Samarkand. While this is the most economical option, most sleeper trains depart late at night (between 21:12 and 23:43) and arrive in Samarkand in the early hours of the morning (around 01:09 to 03:30).

Because of the late-night arrival times, sleeper trains are generally not recommended for most travelers, especially first-time visitors.

If you still wish to consider this option, note that sleeper trains depart from Tashkent South Railway Station, not the central station.

Sleeper train ticket prices:

Class	Layout	Ticket Price
Sleeper	6-berth open cabin	142,980 SUM (≈ USD 12)
Coupe	4-berth cabin	188,820 SUM (≈ USD 16)
SV	2-berth cabin	320,060 SUM (≈ USD 27)

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

Overall, the slow train is perfect for budget-conscious travelers or those who want a more local-style experience. While it's slower, it's reliable, comfortable enough for the journey, and gives you a glimpse of Uzbekistan's landscapes along the way.

Uzbekistan Overnight Train Coupe Cabin

Uzbekistan Overnight Train SV Cabin

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

Heading back from Samarkand to Tashkent is just as easy as the journey there. Travelers have the same main options: the Afrosiyob high-speed bullet train, a slow train, or a car transfer.

The Afrosiyob high-speed bullet train is the fastest option. The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, with several departures spread throughout the day. This makes it easy to plan either a morning or afternoon return.

If you prefer a slower pace or are traveling on a tighter budget, the slow train is another option. Travel time is usually around 3 to 4.5 hours, offering a more relaxed ride and a chance to enjoy the scenery along the way.

Train tickets can be booked online through the Uzbekistan Railways website, or arranged through a travel agent such as Asia Odyssey Travel, which can also help with seating and station transfers.

Traveling by car or private transfer takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. This option is convenient for door-to-door travel, especially for small groups or travelers who want more flexibility with departure times.

No matter which option you choose, the trip back is straightforward, comfortable, and hassle-free, letting you end your Samarkand visit on a smooth note.

Uzbekistan High Speed Train

How to Plan a Tashkent to Samarkand Trip?

A 4-day plan works well for most travelers, giving you enough time to experience both the modern capital and the historic heart of the Silk Road without rushing.

On Day 1, try to arrive in Tashkent in the morning. This gives you the afternoon to get a feel for the city. You can start with a ride on the beautifully designed Tashkent Metro, then explore Amir Temur Square, visit the Hazrati Imam Complex, and wander through Chorsu Bazaar for local food and everyday city life.

On Day 2, take an early-morning Afrosiyob bullet train from Tashkent to Samarkand. By late morning or early afternoon, you'll already be in the city and ready to explore. Start with the highlights around Registan Square, then visit the Amir Temur Monument as you ease into Samarkand's historic atmosphere.

Day 3 is dedicated entirely to Samarkand. This is the day to dive deeper into its Silk Road heritage, visiting Bibi-Khanym Mosque, walking along the mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda, and learning more about the city's past at the Afrasiyab Museum. End the day at the Ulugbek Observatory, one of the most fascinating scientific sites from the Timurid era.

On Day 4, you can take a high-speed train back to Tashkent, or continue traveling west to Bukhara, which fits naturally into a classic Uzbekistan route.

Recommended Tours:

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

Questions People Also Ask for Traveling from Tashkent to Samarkand

Shahi Zinda Necropolis, Samarkand

Is the Afrosiyob bullet train worth it?

Yes. For most travelers, Afrosiyob is the easiest and most comfortable way to travel between Tashkent and Samarkand. It's fast, reliable, and saves a lot of time compared with driving or slow trains.

How long is the train journey from Tashkent to Samarkand?

The Afrosiyob high-speed train takes about 2–2.5 hours. Slow trains usually take between 3 and 6 hours, depending on the service.

Which train station do trains depart from in Tashkent?

Most high-speed and Sharq trains depart from Tashkent Central Railway Station. Sleeper trains usually leave from Tashkent South Railway Station, so it's important to check your ticket carefully.

Can I buy train tickets on the same day?

Sometimes yes, but availability is limited—especially for Afrosiyob trains. Booking a few days in advance is strongly recommended during busy travel seasons.

How early should I arrive at the train station?

Arriving 45–60 minutes before departure is usually enough. This allows time for security checks and finding your platform without rushing.

Is flying from Tashkent to Samarkand faster than taking the train?

Not really. Once airport transfers and waiting time are included, flying offers little advantage over the high-speed train and is often less convenient.

Is it easy to continue from Samarkand to Bukhara?

Yes. Samarkand sits perfectly on the classic Uzbekistan route, and regular high-speed and slow trains connect Samarkand and Bukhara daily.

Registan Square, Samarkand

Tour Registan Square with AOT

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.