Sharq and Night Trains: When They Beat the High-Speed Ones

When people talk about trains in Uzbekistan, the high-speed Afrosiyob is what usually comes to mind. But the country also has a network of ordinary passenger trains, of which the best known is Sharq ("East"). They are slower, but cheaper, roomier and let you travel overnight, saving on a hotel. For some routes they are more convenient than the high-speed ones. Here is when to choose them. Schedules, prices and train compositions change, so check current information on the railway's official site.

How passenger trains differ

The main differences from high-speed trains:

• Speed. They are noticeably slower: on the same routes journey times are longer.
• Price. Tickets are usually cheaper, especially in open-plan sleeper.
• Sleeping berths. There are carriages with lying berths, so you can sleep on the way.
• Capacity. There are more trains and carriages and a better chance of finding a ticket, especially at peak demand.
• Atmosphere. A more lively format: food, tea and compartment neighbours.
• Long routes. They connect regions the high-speed trains do not reach or rarely serve.

Carriage types

Open-plan sleeper (platzkart)

An open carriage without doors, with two-tier bunks and side berths. The most budget option. Downsides: less privacy, more noise and people walking about. Upsides: price and conversation. Bring a bedding set or check whether one is provided.

Compartment (kupe)

A closed four-berth compartment with a door. More private and quieter. Usually more expensive than platzkart. Good for a family or a group.

More comfortable options

Some trains have higher-comfort carriages: two-berth compartments and roomier seats. The carriage mix depends on the train and season, so check when buying.

Sharq: what kind of train it is

Sharq is one of the best-known passenger trains in Uzbekistan. It runs on the main routes and is positioned as a more comfortable option among ordinary trains. Schedules and routes depend on the year and season. It is faster and more modern than many old sets but still slower than Afrosiyob. See current routes and times on the site.

When they beat the high-speed ones

Overnight travel and saving on lodging

If you go long distances, a night train lets you combine travel and sleep. You board in the evening, spend the night on board and arrive in the right city in the morning. This saves on a hotel and a day of travel.

Bukhara

From Tashkent to Bukhara the night train takes noticeably longer than the high-speed one, but sleeping on board saves a night. For those who do not want to lose daytime, this is convenient. For comparison, driving the Tashkent to Bukhara route is about 600 km and takes 7 to 8 hours. Here the train competes with the car on time and comfort.

Khiva

Khiva is far from Tashkent, and on a passenger train the journey takes many hours, usually a night and a large part of the next day. A night train is one of the traditional ways to reach Khorezm. The Tashkent to Khiva route by car is about 1000 km and takes more than a day with stops, so the train is more convenient and safer than a long night at the wheel. Alternatively, break the trip with a stop in Bukhara.

Termez

Termez is in the south of the country. The Tashkent to Termez route is about 700 km, roughly 9 to 11 hours by car with stops. A night passenger train is a convenient option so you do not drive for a whole day. Journey time by train depends on the route and timetable.

When high-speed tickets are gone

On holidays and at peak season, Afrosiyob tickets go first. Passenger trains can be an available fallback.

Budget trips

If the main goal is to save, open-plan sleeper wins on price.

When a high-speed train or car is better

• For short routes, such as Tashkent to Samarkand, Afrosiyob or a car is faster: a passenger train takes longer.
• If you want flexible departure, stops and a pickup point that suits you, a shared ride works. In the Yo'ldosh app you can find a trip and book a seat.
• If you have a small child, heavy luggage or dislike noise, think about a compartment or a car.

Practical tips for a night train

1. Bedding and belongings. Check whether bedding is included in the ticket. Bring a light blanket for cool nights.
2. Water and food. Buy water and a snack in advance. You can buy tea and snacks on the train, but choice is limited.
3. Safety. Keep valuables on you, never leave a bag unattended, and put your phone and wallet under the pillow at night.
4. Charging. Sockets are not everywhere, so bring a power bank.
5. Toilets. Cleanliness varies, so bring wet wipes and spare footwear.
6. Temperature. It may be cool in winter and stuffy in summer. Bring layered clothes.
7. Early arrival. Many trains arrive early in the morning. Arrange check-in or luggage storage in advance.
8. Tickets. Buy in advance on the official site, especially for holidays and summer.

Tickets and rules

Tickets are sold on the railway's official site and at ticket offices. A passport is needed, and the name is entered as in the document. Refunds and exchanges are possible under the carrier's rules. See more in the article on buying tickets online.

Bottom line

Passenger trains, including Sharq, do not replace high-speed ones but complement them. They win on long routes, overnight transfers and budget trips. For Bukhara, Khiva and Termez they are often more convenient than a long drive, and when there are no tickets, a shared ride helps. Compare options on the pages for Tashkent to Bukhara, Tashkent to Khiva and Tashkent to Termez.

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