Bukhara Station in Kogon: Getting to the Old City
Trains to Bukhara do not arrive in the city itself but in Kogon, about fifteen kilometres from Lyabi-Hauz. How to get from the station to the old city and back, including at night.
Many travellers are surprised when, having bought a ticket to Bukhara, they step off the train in a town with a different name. Bukhara station is actually in Kogon. This dates back to the late 19th century: when the railway arrived, it was laid away from the holy old city, and a new settlement grew up around the station that later became the town of Kogon. Today it means one thing: after your train you still have 12–15 km to go to the historic centre. Here is how to make that trip easily at any time of day or night.
Distance and time
From the station in Kogon to the Lyabi-Hauz area is about 12–15 km. By car it takes 20–30 minutes; by public transport, 40–60 minutes including waiting and changes.
| Option | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi from the station | 20–30 minutes | any time, especially with luggage or at night |
| Hotel transfer | 20–30 minutes | late-night arrivals |
| City bus or minibus | 40–60 minutes | daytime, travelling light |
| Shared ride | 20–30 minutes | onward travel or planning ahead |
Taxis from the station
Taxi drivers meet arriving passengers at the station exit. This is the fastest way to the old city, but a few rules will spare you unpleasant surprises:
- agree on the price before you get in, not on arrival, and confirm whether it is per car or per person;
- give a specific destination: not just 'the old city' but the name of your hotel or a landmark such as Lyabi-Hauz or the Kukeldash Madrasa;
- you can use a taxi app, so you know the price in advance;
- prices at the station are usually higher than in town, especially right after a fast train arrives; that is normal, but bargaining is fine.
It is hard to give an exact fare, since it depends on the time of day and the season, so compare offers from several drivers.
Public transport
City buses and minibuses run between Kogon and Bukhara. This is the cheapest option, but not always convenient for visitors:
- the stop may be a few minutes' walk from the station rather than right outside;
- vehicles go to the central districts, from where you still need to walk or ride to the old city;
- a large suitcase is awkward in a crowded minibus;
- in the evening and at night there are few or no services.
If you are travelling light during the day, it is a good way to save money and see everyday life in the city.
Arriving at night
Some trains reach Kogon late in the evening or at night, including trains from Khiva and Urgench and some services from Tashkent and Samarkand. At night a few things matter:
- Arrange a transfer in advance. Many hotels and guesthouses in the old city can organise a pick-up at the station; message them a day ahead.
- Tell your hotel your arrival time so someone is at reception.
- If you have no transfer, take a taxi only from the station, agree on the price, and do not accept extra passengers the driver tries to pick up on the way.
- Keep your hotel's address written in Russian or Uzbek, which is easier to show a driver at night.
The old city's quirks
Bukhara's historic centre is partly pedestrianised, and cars cannot always reach a hotel door in the narrow lanes. Usually the driver drops you at the nearest accessible point and you walk the last 100–300 metres. If your luggage is heavy, ask your hotel in advance which approach is easiest.
Arriving in the daytime, travelling light
A daytime arrival is the easiest scenario. Trains from Tashkent and Samarkand often arrive in the first half of the day, giving you time to choose your transport calmly. If your hotel allows early check-in, you can drop your bags and head straight out. If not, most guesthouses are happy to store luggage until check-in time. That way you can spend your first hours in Bukhara at Lyabi-Hauz and under the trading domes without dragging a suitcase. In the evening, as the heat fades, the old city is at its most beautiful, so do not waste the best hours on the road.
Back to the station
The trip from the old city to Kogon is the same in reverse, with one difference: you cannot afford to miss the train. Tips:
- leave 1–1.5 hours before departure;
- remember there is a security check at the station entrance, and queues form before fast trains;
- for an early-morning taxi, book the night before or ask your hotel for help.
If you prefer to fix the time and price in advance, find a ride on the Bukhara to Kogon page. On Yo'ldosh, drivers publish such trips and you book a seat in the app: the driver is verified and the departure time is known.
Kogon as a transfer point
Some travellers use Kogon as more than just a station. If you arrive by train and are heading straight on to Gijduvan, Navoi or Qarshi, it can be easier to skip Bukhara and look for a ride directly from Kogon. Shared rides from Kogon and Bukhara to other towns are best booked in advance so you do not have to wait at the station.
Quick checklist
- Save your hotel's address and phone number.
- Find out in advance whether your hotel offers a transfer.
- Keep a little cash for a taxi.
- Agree on the price before getting in.
- On the way back, leave with time to spare.
You can find a ride from the station to the old city on the Kogon to Bukhara route page. All destinations from Bukhara and nearby towns are in the routes section.
Cover photo: Jamshid Nurkulov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.
