The Afrosiyob high-speed train links Tashkent and Samarkand in about 2 h 25–35 min, then continues to Bukhara. It is the most comfortable way to move between the main Silk Road cities without long bus rides.
NarminTour packages usually include tickets and station transfers. Independent travellers should book ahead, especially in peak season.
Summary
The essentials in a minute
In detail
What is Afrosiyob
Afrosiyob is a Talgo high-speed train on Tashkent — Samarkand — Bukhara (and return). Speeds up to 250 km/h with air-conditioned carriages.
It replaced slow overnight trains for most tourists and is the backbone of the classic Uzbekistan route.
Schedule and journey times
Tashkent → Samarkand — about 2 h 25–35 min. Samarkand → Bukhara — about 1.5–1 h 50 min. Departures morning, afternoon and evening — frequency varies by season and leg; check railway.uz or eticket.railway.uz for current schedules.
Schedules change — verify before travel. Allow 30–60 minutes for hotel-to-station transfers when planning.
How to buy tickets
Official site eticket.railway.uz — register, pick a train, pay by card. Station counters are an alternative but sell out in season.
Tip: book 1–2 weeks ahead; in April–May and September–October even earlier. Passport details must match your document exactly.
Classes and comfort
Economy — standard seats, fine for most travellers. Business — more space, better catering. VIP — top comfort, fewer seats.
All classes have AC, power outlets and a dining car with tea and snacks. Luggage fits on overhead racks and designated areas.
Stations and transfers
In Tashkent, departures are from Toshkent Markaziy (Central) and/or Toshkent Janubiy (South) — your ticket shows the station. Samarkand station is in town — 15–30 minutes to the centre by taxi. Bukhara station is often at Kagan (~12–15 km from the old city) — allow ~20–30 minutes to the historic centre.
NarminTour packages usually include hotel — station — hotel transfers. Your guide handles logistics so you do not chase taxis at departure time.
Afrosiyob on NarminTour routes
On Classic Uzbekistan, Magnificent Samarkand 3 nights and Treasures of Uzbekistan 4 days rail legs are built into the programme.
You fly in — NarminTour moves you between cities while you focus on Registan and the medressas.
Takeaway
Conclusion
Afrosiyob is the best link between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara: fast, comfortable and reliable. Book solo on eticket.railway.uz in advance. With NarminTour, rail is in the package — Classic Uzbekistan, Magnificent Samarkand or Treasures of Uzbekistan.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
01How long is Tashkent to Samarkand on Afrosiyob?+
02Can I buy a ticket on the day?+
03Does Afrosiyob go to Khiva?+
04Is the train included in NarminTour?+
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