How To Travel From Tashkent To Samarkand

Traveling from Tashkent to Samarkand is a must-do for anyone visiting Uzbekistan. These two cities are not only among the most significant in the country but also are key historical landmarks on the ancient Silk Road. 

Samarkand is the most visited destination by tourists because of its major attractions, including the Registan and Shahi Zinda. It is the most well-known Silk Road city in Uzbekistan. Additionally, there are direct international flights from Istanbul to Samarkand, making it conveniently accessible from a variety of locations. Also, Samarkand is adjacent to Tashkent, Uzbekistan's major city, and the atmosphere there is unlike that of Bukhara or Khiva.

In this article, we learn about how to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand, must-see attractions as well as travel tips to enhance your experience.

A Day Trip To Samarkand From Tashkent

The most comfortable option for a day trip to Samarkand from Tashkent is to book an official tour. This is the perfect choice for anyone who is going on a short trip and wants to relax and enjoy their vacation without any stress.

You can travel without worrying because everything is planned for you. This includes buying train tickets, getting to all the tourist spots, and making sure you are in the right place at the right time.

The guided tour takes you to the best places in the city along the Silk Road, like the Registan, the Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Gur-Emir Mausoleum.

You will feel comfortable and have plenty of time to explore the city’s unique buildings since the group size is a maximum of ten people.

A day trip to Samarkand from Tashkent

How To Travel From Tashkent To Samarkand By Train

Taking a quick and contemporary train is one of the best options for getting between Tashkent and Samarkand. Traveling from Tashkent to Samarkand by train provides passengers with everything they could possibly need for a comfortable ride, such as a variety of travel classes, quick travel times (the trip takes roughly an hour) and a comprehensive schedule. During the journey, you can also take advantage of fantastic onboard amenities.

The trains from Tashkent to Samarkand boast light, roomy carriages with comfortable seats, lots of legroom and ample room for luggage. Large panoramic windows are ideal for taking in the breathtaking scenery as you travel. The fact that the train stations are near the city centers and easily reachable by public transportation makes taking the train from Tashkent to Samarkand an excellent choice.

How far is Samarkand from Tashkent?

As the crow flies, the distance between Tashkent and Samarkand is about 167 miles or 268 kilometers apart. The shortest driving distance between the two cities is 193 miles or 310 kilometers. It depends on the circumstances; it should take 4 to 5 hours.

How to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand by train

5 Top Places Must See In Samarkand

Samarkand is a famous Silk Road city that offers architecture, history, and bazaars everywhere. There are a lot of attractions that you must see in Samarkand. With its Silk Road vibe, amazing mausoleum, blue dome and bustling marketplaces, Samarkand is like entering a realm of historic grandeur.

Here are top things to do and must-see in Samarkand:

Registan

The word Registan means "sandy place" in Tajik. Registan was Samarkand's center during the reign of Amir Timur. Even now, Registan continues to be the heart of this ancient city. All of Samarkand's roadways culminate at Registan, much as it was during the Timurid Renaissance in the 14th century.

The Registan is probably the most famous tourist destination in Uzbekistan. Three imposing madrassahs that are adorned with cerulean and majolica mosaics make up the Registan. Arguably the most spectacular sight in Central Asia, these three majestic structures are among the oldest maintained madrassahs in the world.

The Registan is probably the most famous tourist destination in Uzbekistan

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Another mausoleum in Samarkand is Gur-E-Amir. With its trademark turquoise cupola, glazed bricks and lavish marble designs, Gur-Emir served as the blueprint for the Taj Mahal and is now one of the most recognizable landmarks in Uzbekistan. 

While the courtyard views of Gur-Emir are amazing in themselves, the inner crypt is truly a sight to behold. On-site guides offer short tours in English, and while their stories may mingle fact with fiction, they certainly enhance the experience. Return at night and you will be rewarded with the sight of Gur-Emir Mausoleum in an otherworldly glow.

Shakhi-Zinda

When you travel from Tashkent to Samarkand, Shakhi-Zinda is among the top places must-see in Samarkand.

Many visitors to Uzbekistan love the glistening azure corridor of Shakhi-Zinda (The Living King). Its enormous central stairway is flanked by about 20 structures and the tombs of great religious and royal figures, each of which is adorned with hundreds of vibrant tiles. Although the tombs were constructed gradually between the 11th-15th centuries, they all have a roughly identical basic structure, which gives the site a consistent, dignified appearance.

Ascending the stairs in a sea of green and blue majolica creates an absolutely breathtaking visual effect.  It is a great place to take pictures, especially in the morning. But keep in mind that there are a lot of local religious tourists who consider the location to be sacred.

Many visitors to Uzbekistan love the glistening azure corridor of Shakhi-Zinda

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Constructed in the early 15th century, Bibi-Khanym Mosque was one of the biggest mosques in the world at the time. Bibi-Khanym somehow managed to hold together until recent extensive renovations helped to maintain this monstrous beauty. Its immense size and the vibrant legends that surround it make up for Bibi-Khanym's lack of gloss. Do not be shocked if you find young women crawling beneath the enormous stone Quran that adorns the courtyard; it is said to impart fertility.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque was constructed in the early 15th century

Siab Bazaar

Look no farther than the bustling Siab Bazaar, which is adjacent to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Exploring this bazaar is a must-see in Samarkand. The aroma of Samarkand's renowned bread and the enthusiastic invitations of the vendors to sample their wares make for an irresistible temptation for many tourists. Rows and rows of aisles filled with vibrant fabrics, eye-catching souvenirs, and seasonal fruits are a feast for the eyes.

Look no farther than the bustling Siab Bazaar, which is adjacent to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Best Time To Visit From Tashkent To Samarkand

March to May and September to November are the best time of year to visit from Tashkent to Samarkand. There are plenty of cultural activities and nice weather during these months. The weather is perfect – not too hot and not too cold, between 10°C and 25°C. You can explore all the amazing historical places, bustling markets, and beautiful gardens without getting too sweaty or chilly.

Winter is Samarkand's off-season. It can get pretty cold, with temperatures around 1°C to 10°C. It might rain sometimes, so you might want to stay inside more. But even in winter, there are still lots of cool things to see and do in Samarkand! Even though the weather isn’t great for being outside, you can still find many things to see and do in the winter.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Tashkent to Samarkand is an adventure filled with history, culture and breathtaking sights. This incredible trip allows you to explore the heart of Uzbekistan, where ancient architecture meets vibrant local life. 

Before embarking on your journey from Tashkent to Samarkand, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents in order. If you're not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, applying for an Uzbekistan e-visa is essential. Fortunately, this process is straightforward and can be completed online. We are highly recommended travelers to apply for their Uzbekistan e-visa via our GVC website.

Our application process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. We provide clear, step-by-step instructions that guide you through each part of the application. You won’t have to worry about missing information or complicated forms. Additionally, support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions.