Student Trips in Uzbekistan: Discounts and Hacks

Student years are the best time for travel: a flexible schedule, energy, friends. The only thing missing is money. The good news: you can travel Uzbekistan cheaply if you know a few tricks. Here are tips for students who want to see the country and not run out of funds before the end of the semester. For weekend trips the routes Tashkent — Samarkand and Tashkent — Jizzakh are particularly handy.

Student discounts

Student discounts are not available everywhere, but it is worth asking.

Museums and monuments. Some places offer concession tickets for students. Always check at the ticket office and carry your student card.
Transport. Some kinds of transport offer concessions. Terms depend on the carrier and change, so check before buying.
International student card. If you have one, it is not recognised everywhere, but it does not hurt to ask.
Events and concerts. Student prices turn up at cultural events.

Always carry your student card and politely ask about a discount: a refusal costs nothing, and a yes saves money.

Accommodation

Hostels. A bed in a dorm is the cheapest option and a way to meet other travelers. Read reviews and choose places with air conditioning.
Guesthouses. Often inexpensive and cosy, breakfast is usually included.
Chip in for a room. If there are three or four of you, one room for everyone often beats several beds.
Book in advance. In season and at holidays prices rise.
Do not live strictly in the centre. An area ten minutes away on foot is cheaper.

Transport

Transport is the main expense, and it is where students can save most easily.

Shared rides. A seat in a car is cheaper than a taxi, and departure time is more flexible than a train. On Tashkent — Samarkand via Yo'ldosh you pay only for your own seat.
Travel as a group. If there are several of you, book seats in one car and split the cost of getting to the pickup point.
Choose weekdays. Prices and demand on weekdays are lower than on Friday evening and Sunday.
Book in advance. That lowers the risk of overpaying for urgency.
City transport. The metro and buses are inexpensive, and many places can be walked.

Food

You can eat very cheaply and well.

Eat where locals eat: oshkhonas, teahouses, canteens.
Buy flatbread, samsa and fruit at bazaars.
Have lunch instead of dinner; lunch portions are usually cheaper.
Bring water and a snack for the day.
Cook at the hostel if there is a kitchen.

Budget weekend routes

Students often have two free days. Here are a few ideas.

Tashkent, Samarkand and back. Over a weekend you can fit in the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, Gur-Emir and Siab Bazaar. The road takes several hours each way.
Jizzakh and nature. From Tashkent it is easy to reach Jizzakh and carry on to the mountains and the national park near Zaamin: fresh air, forest, trails. Check opening hours and visiting conditions in advance.
Mountains near Tashkent. The Charvak reservoir and surroundings: an ideal day trip with friends.
Bukhara in three days. If a break falls, add Bukhara and Khiva.

When choosing a route, first look at what the fare costs and fit the programme to the budget.

Free and cheap entertainment

Walks around old towns, bazaars, squares.
Hikes and picnics in the mountains and by water.
Free exhibitions and events.
Evenings in a teahouse: tea and conversation with locals.

Read more in our article on free attractions.

Hacks

A reusable bottle. Buy water in a big bottle and refill.
Cash and card. Carry a little cash for bazaars and small expenses.
Offline maps. Download the city map before the trip.
A power bank. You need phone charge on the road.
A light backpack. Less luggage is easier to travel with and cheaper.
A shared budget. In a group set up a common fund for food and transport: it simplifies accounts.
Respect the culture. Dress modestly in mosques and in small towns, ask permission for photos.

Safety matters more than savings

Students often take risks to save, but that is no reason to neglect safety.

Choose verified drivers and check ratings.
Send friends or family the trip and lodging details.
Wear a seat belt.
Do not get into random cars without agreeing on the price.
Arrange insurance if the trip is long.
Do not leave belongings and documents unattended.

Bottom line

A student trip around Uzbekistan can be cheap and vivid. Ask about discounts, travel as a group, choose hostels and shared rides and plan ahead. See all directions on the all routes page, with booking details on the for passengers page.

Cover photo: Robertjamal12, CC0, Wikimedia Commons.

Student Trips Around Uzbekistan: Discounts and Hacks