Domestic Flights in Uzbekistan: When It Makes Sense to Fly

Uzbekistan is not the biggest country, but distances here are considerable: from Tashkent to Nukus or Termez is about 1000 km in a straight line and more by road. For the farthest directions, domestic flights save a whole day or night. But a plane does not always win: on short routes it loses to the train and car because of the time to get to the airport and check in. Here is when to fly. Schedules, airlines and prices change, so look at current data with the carriers and ticket sites.

Which domestic routes exist

Domestic flights connect Tashkent with major regional centres. The main directions (schedules depend on season and year) are:

• Tashkent to Nukus. The capital of Karakalpakstan, a distant destination.
• Tashkent to Urgench. The gateway to Khorezm and Khiva.
• Tashkent to Termez. The south, near the Afghan border, and Surkhandarya.
• Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara, Qarshi, Navoi, Andijan, Fergana, Namangan. Some of these flights may be occasional or seasonal, and on many routes high-speed trains compete.

Flights are operated by national and local airlines. Before travelling, check which dates have flights: on some routes they do not operate daily.

Flight time and total time

Approximate air time (may differ):

• Tashkent to Urgench. About 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Tashkent to Nukus. About 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Tashkent to Termez. About 1.5 hours.

To this add the trip to the airport, check-in, screening, waiting to board and baggage collection. Total door-to-door time comes out noticeably more than the flight. As an estimate, allow at least 3 to 4 hours at each end for short flights.

When flying wins

Nukus

Nukus is far from the other tourist cities. By car from Tashkent to Nukus it is over 1000 km and more than a day with stops. The train also takes many hours. The plane wins on time by a huge margin. For the Tashkent to Nukus route most tourists choose to fly.

Urgench

Urgench is the main airport of Khorezm, about 35 km from Khiva. A flight gets you there in a couple of hours, while by train or car the road from Tashkent takes many hours. The Tashkent to Urgench route by car is about 1000 km, so flying is convenient here, especially with limited holiday time.

Termez

Termez is in the south. The Tashkent to Termez route by car is about 700 km, 9 to 11 hours with stops. A flight cuts the trip to around an hour and a half in the air, which is especially handy for business trips and for those who want to see Surkhandarya in a short time.

When flying loses

• Tashkent to Samarkand. The high-speed train takes about 2 to 2.5 hours centre to centre, with no airports. By car 3.5 to 4 hours. A plane does not win on this route.
• Tashkent to Bukhara. The high-speed train or a plane, if there is a flight, compete. But once airport procedures are counted, the gain is small.
• The Fergana Valley. The train and car are often more convenient and cheaper.
• Short distances up to 300 to 400 km. A plane almost always loses.

Prices and tickets

Prices for domestic flights depend on direction, date, demand and fare. Booking ahead is usually cheaper. In season and before holidays tickets get pricier. Price guides change, so look at airline sites and aggregators on the day of purchase. Compare the cost with the train and a car trip: with luggage and transport to the airport the difference is sometimes smaller than it seems. Buy tickets on official sites or from trusted agents.

Luggage

Free baggage allowances depend on the airline and fare. Usually carry-on and checked baggage of a certain weight are allowed, with a charge for excess. Liquids, batteries and sharp objects are subject to security rules. Before flying, check the allowances with the carrier, especially if you have large luggage, sports equipment or fragile things, such as ceramics and textiles from your trip.

Getting to the airport

Airports are outside city centres. In Tashkent the international airport is within the city limits, reachable by taxi or public transport. In other cities airports lie at various distances. Allow extra time for traffic and queues, especially on holidays.

Travelling to the airport in a shared car is one way to avoid overpaying for a taxi. In the Yo'ldosh app you can find a trip to the city you need and agree on the pickup. If the airport is in another city, such as Urgench near Khiva, the Urgench to Khiva ride takes 35 to 40 minutes.

Practical tips

1. Arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before departure: check-in, screening and queues.
2. Carry an ID document. For foreigners it is a passport.
3. Check flights and times in advance: flights may be cancelled or moved.
4. Keep a backup: a train, a bus or a shared ride.
5. Book flights early for holiday dates.
6. Download the e-ticket to your phone.
7. Leave a time buffer between landing and the next point in your plan.

Combining options

A great strategy for a trip across the country is to fly to far points and return by land, or the other way round. For example, you can fly to Urgench, see Khiva and on the way north travel through Bukhara and Samarkand by train or car. For short hops inside the route, such as between Samarkand and Bukhara, the train or a car ride is more convenient.

Bottom line

Domestic flights are needed where distances are large: Nukus, Urgench, Termez. On shorter routes the train and car are usually more convenient. Compare not only flight time but also door-to-door time. Choose an option for your route on the pages for Tashkent to Nukus, Tashkent to Urgench and Tashkent to Termez.

Cover photo: Peretz Partensky from San Francisco, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons.