What should I know about transportation in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan's transportation system is undergoing significant modernization in 2025, with several key developments:

• Public Transport: Cash payments will be eliminated starting January 1, 2025, replaced by electronic payment systems with QR codes at bus stops. The country plans to purchase 1,294 new buses and expand to 5,000 buses (including 2,000 electric) by 2030.
• Train Travel: An extensive and comfortable rail network connects major cities, with the high-speed Afrosiyob train being the pride of Uzbekistan's railways:
  • Tashkent to Samarkand: 2 hours (£20-30)
  • Samarkand to Bukhara: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Domestic Flights: For longer distances, Uzbekistan Airways operates flights between major cities:
  • Tashkent to Samarkand: 1 hour
  • Tashkent to Bukhara: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Shared Transportation: Budget options include shared taxis (£5-10 for 100km) and marshrutkas (minibuses) for £3-5 for intercity travel.
• Taxi Services: Apps like Yandex Go, Yango, and MyTaxi offer Uber-style services with fixed rates, making travel more convenient than negotiating with drivers.