How to Get from Urgench Airport to Khiva

Khiva is one of Uzbekistan's most popular destinations, but planes do not land at the walls of Itchan Kala. The nearest major airport is in Urgench, the capital of Khorezm, about half an hour's drive away. The trip is easy, but it has a few quirks: the trolleybus does not run from the airport itself, there are fewer options at night, and cars cannot go everywhere inside Itchan Kala. Here is how to get from your flight to the gates of the old town.

Distances and times

The figures are approximate and depend on which gate of Itchan Kala and which guesthouse you are heading to.

Taxis

The simplest way to reach Khiva is a taxi straight from the terminal.

• Drivers at the exit usually offer a ride to Khiva right away. Agree the fare before getting in, check the currency, and confirm whether they will take you to your guesthouse or drop you at the gate.
• Taxi apps work in Khorezm, though there are fewer cars than in Tashkent. If you have mobile data, compare the app price with what you are offered at the exit.
• Hotel transfers. Many Khiva guesthouses meet guests at Urgench airport, which is especially convenient for late arrivals.

A taxi to Khiva costs noticeably more than a ride across town, but it is still reasonable, especially if you split it between several people. Fares change, so check before you travel.

The Urgench to Khiva trolleybus

For many years an intercity trolleybus has run between Urgench and Khiva, a rare and atmospheric way to travel. It is the cheapest way to reach Khiva, but keep in mind:

• the trolleybus does not start at the airport, so you first need to get to central Urgench by taxi or city transport;
• the trip takes longer than by car, an hour or more;
• it runs during the day and evening, but not at night;
• check locally whether the line is running and what the schedule is, as the service changes from time to time.

If you are travelling light and arrive during the day, the trolleybus is an interesting budget option.

Shared rides

Another option is to get to central Urgench and ride to Khiva in a car with other passengers. Yo'ldosh lists the Urgench to Khiva route: you book a seat with a driver leaving at the time you need and pay less than for a private taxi. This works both for daytime airport arrivals and for getting around Khorezm later.

Arriving at night

Some flights land in Urgench late in the evening or at night. At that time:

• the trolleybus and minibuses are no longer running;
• there are taxis at the exit, but the choice is limited and prices are higher;
• the best option is to arrange a transfer in advance with your hotel or a driver.

Be sure to tell your guesthouse what time you will arrive: many guesthouses inside Itchan Kala lock their doors at night, and your hosts will need to let you in.

Getting to Itchan Kala

Itchan Kala is Khiva's inner town, surrounded by mud-brick walls with gates. Inside are narrow lanes and pedestrian areas, so:

1. Ask your guesthouse which gate to approach. The main tourist entrance is the West Gate, Ota Darvoza.
2. Be ready to walk a few minutes with your luggage through the old streets.
3. Send the driver a map pin so you are not dropped off on the far side of the fortress.

If you are staying in Urgench

Some travellers stay in Urgench and visit Khiva for the day. This works well: Urgench has more hotels and transport, and Khiva is close. Go to Khiva in the morning by trolleybus, taxi or shared ride and come back in the evening.

Where to go next

From Khorezm, travellers usually head:

• to Nukus and the Aral Sea, about 3 hours by car to Nukus;
• to Bukhara, about 450 km across the desert, 6 to 7 hours by car;
• to Tashkent, by plane or train.

For road trips it is handy to find a shared ride in advance. See all routes on the routes page.

Useful tips

• SIM card and cash. Buy a SIM card and change a little money if you have not done so already, as Khiva has fewer exchange points than big cities.
• Passport. You need it for check-in and a SIM card.
• Heat. Khorezm is very hot in summer, especially in the middle of the day. If you land at noon, do not plan a long walk straight away.
• Going back. Allow time for the drive from Khiva to Urgench airport, about 40 minutes plus a buffer.

The trip from Urgench airport to Khiva is short, and with a little preparation it is hassle-free. By day choose a taxi, the trolleybus or a shared ride; at night, arrange a transfer in advance. Half an hour after landing you will be standing at the walls of Itchan Kala.

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