From Andijan to Tashkent: the fastest way to get there

The road from Andijan to Tashkent is one of the busiest in the country: students, business people, families heading home for holidays and anyone returning to the capital from the valley all use it. The distance is about 300 to 330 kilometres, but the main thing that affects travel time is the Kamchik mountain pass between the valley and the capital. Here is how to get through with the fewest losses.

How long it takes

Rough guidelines:

• by car: about 5 to 6 hours in normal conditions;
• by train: also about 5 to 6 hours, but with no switchbacks or traffic;
• by plane: about an hour in the air, but with the trip to the airport and check-in it is 3 to 4 hours door to door.

If you must reach Tashkent at a particular time, for example for an early flight from the capital's airport or a meeting, add a buffer of 1 to 2 hours. Weather and roadworks on the pass can stretch the journey.

When to leave

Leaving Andijan early, around five to seven in the morning, brings several benefits: fewer trucks on the climb, cooler air in summer and more daylight in winter. A daytime departure is fine, but in the heat engines overheat on the ascent and trucks crawl. An evening departure works if you are happy to drive in the dark: lighting on the mountain section is weak in places and the driver's alertness matters at night.

Before holidays, especially Navruz and Eid al-Adha, the flow towards the capital rises sharply. On such days it is better to leave a day or two before the peak.

By train

The direct railway via Pap and Angren lets you go to Tashkent without changing. You board in Andijan and step off at the capital, with time to sleep or work on the way. Tickets are sold in the official app and at ticket offices; for popular departures buy early. Timetables and fares may change, so check the day before.

Keep in mind that reaching the station in Andijan also takes time, so build it into your plan. In Tashkent you can continue from the station by metro.

By plane

Flying makes sense when you are going further, for example connecting to an international flight. A direct flight from Andijan then spares you the mountain road with suitcases. If your goal is Tashkent itself, the time difference from the train or car is small. Ticket prices rise in high season, so book ahead.

Shared ride from Andijan

Shared rides are very popular on this route: drivers often go to the capital on business and take passengers to split the costs. In the Yo'ldosh app you choose a convenient departure time, see the driver's profile and book one seat. It is cheaper than a taxi for the entire car and more flexible than the train: you can pick morning or evening and agree on a pick-up point near your home. Current trips are on the Andijan to Tashkent page.

Before the trip:

1. Choose a trip from a driver who already has reviews.
2. Confirm the meeting place and the car's plate number.
3. Decide in advance how much luggage you will bring: on a long drive large suitcases take a lot of room.
4. Take water and your documents: a passport is needed for some journeys and is always handy.

What you will see on the way

The road passes the cotton fields and orchards of the valley, then climbs into the mountains. If you are not in a hurry, a short stop at a roadside tea house in the foothills is a pleasure: hot tea and samsa brought from the valley help on the climb. Around Angren you will see a noticeable industrial landscape, and after the pass the steppe around the Tashkent region opens up.

Safety on the road

• Wear a seat belt, even in the back.
• If a driving style makes you uncomfortable, tell the driver or ask for a stop.
• At night and in bad weather choose experienced drivers and do not rush.
• Do not agree to rides with strangers outside the app: a booking inside the service leaves a record of the driver and trip.

A summary for planning

If you want minimum fuss, take the train. If speed matters and you are flying onward, choose the plane. If you want to travel inexpensively without a timetable, pick a shared ride. See trips on the Andijan to Tashkent page and all other directions in all routes. Passengers with questions about booking will find the for passengers page useful.

Cover photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.