Fergana to Andijan: getting around between valley cities

Fergana and Andijan are two cities of the Fergana Valley that are almost neighbours by usual standards: about 75 kilometres on a flat road. Every day students, traders, medical workers, families heading to holidays and people changing to other transport travel between them. The distance is short, but there are plenty of ways to do it, and each one has its own logic.

How long it takes and what you pass

By road the trip takes about 1.5 hours when there is no traffic or roadwork. The road runs through a densely populated part of the valley, so it is lined with villages, fields and roadside bazaars. Part of the road passes close to Margilan, the famous silk town, so you can stop and visit the bazaar if you wish.

In rush hours, morning and evening, queues build up at the entrances to the cities, and in harvest season the highway has a lot of farm machinery. If your deadline is tight, add a buffer.

Minibuses and public transport

The cheapest way is the minivans and buses that run between the cities throughout the day. They leave from bus stations once full and often stop in towns along the way. Pros: low price, frequent departures. Cons: waiting for the vehicle to fill, a cramped cabin, little room for luggage and stuffy air in the heat. If you have a big bag or travel with a child, it is not the most comfortable option.

Taxi

A taxi means speed and comfort, but for a whole car you pay noticeably more than for a minibus seat. It makes sense if there are several of you, since the cost is split. Before the trip agree on the price and the drop-off point, especially if you are going to a district outside the centre.

Shared rides

Many people travel daily between Fergana and Andijan, so drivers often take passengers and split fuel costs. In the Yo'ldosh app you book one seat, see the departure time and the driver's profile, and pay only for your share of the road. It is usually cheaper than a taxi and more comfortable than a minibus: you ride in a passenger car without stopping at every junction. See the trips here: Fergana to Andijan and in the other direction Andijan to Fergana.

Why it works on a short distance:

• there is no need to go to a bus station and wait for the cabin to fill;
• the departure time can be fitted to your work schedule;
• the profile shows the driver's experience and the booking records the trip details;
• the price is clear in advance.

What it costs

Exact sums depend on the season and fuel, so think in proportions:

Prices change, so check current offers in the app before the trip.

What to see on the way

If you are not in a hurry, there is something to see between Fergana and Andijan:

• Margilan, the silk town. On the spot you can see how the famous khan-atlas is made and buy fabric or a scarf.
• Bazaars: small markets along the road sell dried fruit, flatbread and seasonal fruit.
• Andijan: Babur Park, the Jami Mosque and the big bazaar.

If you are visiting Andijan for the first time, set aside at least half a day to stroll the centre.

Tips for passengers

1. Agree on the meeting point in advance: Fergana and Andijan are large cities, and an unclear spot can be half an hour from you.
2. Cash is still widely used in the valley, especially at bazaars and on minibuses.
3. If you need to arrive by a set time, leave a buffer for traffic.
4. In the heat, take water and a hat.

To sum up

Between Fergana and Andijan the simplest approach is whichever suits you: a budget minibus, a fast taxi, or an inexpensive and flexible shared ride. To choose a trip, open the Fergana to Andijan or Andijan to Fergana route page. Other directions are collected in all routes. Drivers who commute between the cities every day can post trips through the for drivers page.

Cover photo: Carpodacus, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.