Guide · checked 20 October 2026
Afrosiyob sold out? Your options, honestly
The Afrosiyob high-speed train is the best way between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara when you can get a seat. In spring and autumn it often sells out. Here is what it costs, when tickets appear and what the alternatives really cost.
Afrosiyob fares from 1 February 2026
| Route | Economy | Business | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tashkent – Samarkand | 311,000 sum (≈ $26) | 455,000 sum (≈ $38) | 709,000 sum (≈ $59) |
| Tashkent – Bukhara | 509,000 sum (≈ $42) | 760,000 sum (≈ $63) | 1,138,000 sum (≈ $95) |
Source: Uzbekistan Railways fares as reported by Kun.uz (16 January 2026) and Seat61. Dollar amounts are approximate, at about 12,000 sum per dollar; check the current rate.
When tickets go on sale
Tickets are sold on the official Uzbekistan Railways site (eticket.railway.uz) and through resellers. For the public, sales usually open about 30–45 days before departure (tour operators can often book earlier) — the window varies, so check rather than rely on a fixed number. Popular Afrosiyob departures can sell out soon after sales open, especially in April–May and September–October; travellers also report seats disappearing early because of tour-group bookings.
If your train is sold out
1. Check again close to the date — returned tickets do reappear. 2. Look at the slower day trains between the same cities (for example the Sharq), which take longer but are often available. 3. Change the order of your trip so the train leg falls on a quieter day. 4. Take a private car for that leg.
Tashkent → Samarkand: train vs private car
| Afrosiyob economy | Private car | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | about 2–2.5 h, station to station | 4–4.5 h, door to door |
| Cost for 2 people | ≈ $52 | $110 sedan |
| Cost for 3 people | ≈ $78 | $110 sedan (≈ $37 each) |
| Cost for 5 people | ≈ $130 | $160 minivan (≈ $32 each) |
| Luggage, stops | what you can carry; no stops | all your bags; stops on request |
For one or two travellers with light bags the train is the better deal whenever there are seats. From three people, or with children and luggage, the car costs about the same and saves two taxi rides to and from the stations.
Legs the train does not cover well
Bukhara – Khiva (455 km of desert) has trains, including the high-speed Jaloliddin Manguberdi launched in 2026, but only on some days of the week. The Fergana Valley, Shahrisabz, Termez, the Aral Sea and the border crossings to Osh, Shymkent and Panjakent are car territory. Those are the trips we built RideUZ for.
Transfers
Questions
How far in advance should I book Afrosiyob?
As soon as sales open for your date, especially in spring and autumn.
Is a private car Tashkent–Samarkand worth it?
For three or more people, families and travellers with luggage, often yes: $110–160 per car, door to door, with stops.
Can you book train tickets for me?
No. We only arrange cars; buy train tickets on the official site or through a licensed agent.