Tashkent to Termez: 700 km South by Train, Plane or Car
How to reach Uzbekistan's southernmost city: the night train, a flight, or a drive via Samarkand and the mountains, plus how to cope with the heat and what to pack.
Termez is Uzbekistan's southernmost city, on the bank of the Amu Darya at the border with Afghanistan. It is one of the oldest cities in the country, where Buddhist monasteries from the first centuries AD stand alongside medieval mausoleums. By road Tashkent to Termez is about 700 km, the longest domestic trip after the route to Karakalpakstan. There are three main ways to cover it, each with its own advantages.
The night train
For many travellers the train is the best choice: board in Tashkent in the evening and step off in Termez in the morning. The line runs via Samarkand and Qarshi, then through the mountains of Surkhandarya. The journey usually takes 12–15 hours depending on the train; check the current timetable.
Pros:
- a night on the move instead of a lost day;
- sleeping berths in compartments or open-plan carriages;
- no need to worry about heat on the road.
The downside is that tickets for summer and holidays sell out fast, so buy early. Bring water, snacks and a warm layer, as air-conditioned carriages can get chilly at night.
By plane
The flight from Tashkent to Termez takes about an hour and a half. It is the fastest option, especially for a two- or three-day trip. Flights are few and fares vary noticeably by date, so check the schedule well ahead. Termez airport is close to the city, a short taxi ride from the centre.
By car: via Samarkand and the mountains
The road is the most flexible and scenic option, but also the longest: 10–12 hours of driving, or a full day of daylight with stops.
The route
- Tashkent to Samarkand. About 300 km on the M39 through Syrdarya and Jizzakh, usually 4–4.5 hours.
- Samarkand to Shahrisabz. Over the Takhtakaracha pass (about 90 km, 2 hours) or around through the steppe if the pass is closed.
- Shahrisabz to Guzar to Termez. The road heads south through Guzar and into the mountains of Surkhandarya: a stretch through the gorge near Derbent known as the Iron Gates, then the descent to Sherabad and Termez. Another five hours or so.
Road conditions
- Mountain stretch. The climbs and descents in southern Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya need an attentive driver. Trucks are slow, and overtaking should only be done where allowed.
- Checkpoints. There are checkpoints at the entry to Surkhandarya and closer to Termez where documents are checked. Keep your passport handy; foreigners should also carry their registration.
- Fuel. Filling stations are fewer on mountain sections. If you are driving yourself, fill up in Guzar and Sherabad.
Shared ride
If you do not want to drive 700 km yourself, a seat in the car of a driver heading south is a convenient option. On Yo'ldosh drivers post Tashkent — Termez trips with a departure time and price per seat; you see the driver's profile in advance, and drivers are verified. It is much cheaper than a whole taxi and lets you leave at a time that suits you.
Heat and water on the road
Termez is one of the hottest places in Central Asia. In summer temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C, and on open stretches of road it feels even hotter.
What matters:
- Water. At least 1.5–2 litres per person for the trip, ideally more. Buy it at the start, as shops are scarce in the mountains.
- Departure time. In July and August leave before dawn to clear the mountains and the descent to Termez before the midday heat.
- Clothing. Light-coloured, loose and long-sleeved, which protects from the sun better than a T-shirt.
- Hat and sunscreen, even if you spend all day in the car, as the sun comes through the glass.
- Air conditioning. When booking, ask the driver whether the car has it.
The best time to travel is March to May and late September to November. Winters in Termez are mild, but the passes along the way may have snow.
Comparing the options
| Option | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Night train | 12–15 h | saving a day, comfort |
| Plane | about 1.5 h | short trips |
| Car / shared ride | 10–12 h | flexibility, stops along the way |
Prices for all options vary by season: roughly, the train and a seat in a car are the most affordable, and air fares cost more. Check prices in advance.
What to see in Termez
- Hakim at-Termizi complex, a pilgrimage site and the mausoleum of a 9th-century Sufi scholar.
- Fayaz Tepe and Kara Tepe, ruins of Buddhist monasteries from the first centuries AD.
- Sultan Saodat ensemble, the family burial site of the Termez sayyids.
- Termez Archaeological Museum, one of the best collections of antiquities in the country.
- Kokildor Ata and Kyrk Kyz, medieval buildings in the surroundings.
Some monuments lie in the border zone. Visit them along the usual routes and do not try to approach the border on your own.
Tips
- If driving, split the trip over two days with a night in Samarkand or Shahrisabz.
- Keep your documents within reach, as there are several checks along the way.
- Do not photograph checkpoints or border facilities.
- Download offline maps, as mobile coverage in the mountains can be patchy.
The bottom line
You can fly to Termez in an hour and a half, sleep through the journey on the night train, or drive 700 km via Samarkand and the mountains. If you choose the road, check the trips on the Tashkent — Termez page, and find other destinations in the routes section.
Cover photo: Jamshid Nurkulov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.
