Gulistan to Khavast: A Railway Junction on the Road to Jizzakh

Khavast is rarely anyone's final destination. It is a small town on the steppe between Gulistan and Jizzakh, but it has a long transport history: a railway station has operated here since the late 19th century, and today trains to the south of the country and a branch line towards Tajikistan pass through it. So people come here in transit, to catch a train, switch to a car for Jizzakh or simply pass through on the way to Samarkand. Here is how to get there from Gulistan and how to plan your connection.

Where Khavast is

Khavast lies south of Gulistan, about 35 to 40 km away. The road crosses the Hungry Steppe, once arid land that was turned over to cotton thanks to irrigation canals. The landscape is flat: fields, shelterbelts of trees and villages along the canals. Beyond Khavast the highway heads southwest towards Jizzakh.

These figures are approximate and depend on the route and stops.

Getting there from Gulistan

Minibuses

Minibuses to Khavast leave from the Gulistan bus station and from stops on the city's southern exit. They run throughout the day, more often in the morning. They are cheap, but with stops the trip takes about an hour.

Taxis

A shared taxi is quicker. If you are rushing to catch a train, hiring the whole car makes sense, as the driver can take you right to the station rather than dropping you on the highway.

Shared rides

On Yo'ldosh you can find a ride from Gulistan to Khavast and book a seat with a driver leaving at the time you need. This is handy when you have a specific train or connection to make and do not want to depend on a minibus filling up.

Khavast as a railway junction

The main railway line from Tashkent to the south of the country runs through Khavast station, along with a branch towards Tajikistan. For people in the Syrdarya region this means catching a train closer to home. A few important points:

• Not every train stops. High-speed trains and some passenger services pass through without stopping. Check the timetable and your boarding station when buying a ticket.
• Tickets require a passport. You need an identity document to buy a ticket and board.
• Arrive early. Boarding at small stations is quick, so be on the platform at least 20 to 30 minutes ahead.
• Mind the season. During holidays and in summer, trains heading south are busy, so buy tickets in advance.

Switching to a car for Jizzakh

If the train times do not suit you, many people continue by car. A highway runs from Khavast towards Jizzakh, and transport can be found here throughout the day. Your options:

1. A minibus or bus going to Jizzakh or passing through Khavast in transit.
2. A shared taxi, which is faster, but agree the fare in advance.
3. A shared ride: if you find a driver heading to Jizzakh in advance, you will not have to wait by the roadside.

What to see in Khavast

Khavast is a quiet town with few tourist sights. But if you have time between connections:

• The station. The station buildings are part of the history of a railway laid back in tsarist times.
• The bazaar. A small local bazaar with fruit, vegetables and bread is a good place to buy food for the road.
• The surroundings. Mountains rise on the southern horizon, and the town is surrounded by the fields of the Hungry Steppe, which are especially pretty in spring.

Who the Khavast route suits

• People in the south of the Syrdarya region, for whom Khavast is closer than Gulistan or Tashkent when catching a train.
• Travellers heading to Jizzakh and on to Samarkand who want to split the journey into short legs and change where it suits them.
• Travellers without a tight schedule, for whom price and flexibility matter more than speed.

If you need to get from Gulistan to Samarkand as fast as possible, it is simpler to look for a direct car straight away: changing in Khavast saves money, but not always time.

Practical tips

• Summers are hot. The steppe is very hot in summer and shade is scarce. Keep water at hand and avoid waiting in the sun.
• Cash. Minibuses and the bazaar take cash.
• The border is close. Khavast is near the border with Tajikistan. Stay away from border installations and carry your passport.
• Evenings. Transport thins out in the evening. If your train arrives late, arrange a car in advance.
• Prices. Fares change, so check before you travel.

Back to Gulistan

Transport from Khavast to Gulistan runs all day. If you arrive by train late in the evening or do not want to wait for a minibus, find a Khavast to Gulistan ride on Yo'ldosh: choose a time, book a seat and the driver will pick you up at the agreed spot.

Khavast is a small but handy transport hub for anyone living in the Syrdarya region or passing through on the way south. Knowing the train timetable and your options for reaching Jizzakh can save you both time and money. See all routes on the routes page.

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