If Tashkent–Samarkand is the trip's run-up, Samarkand–Bukhara is its core: you travel from the showpiece city to the one that wins many travellers over precisely through its slowness. The journey is short, and the high-speed train covers it in under two hours. The main subtlety isn't the distance but the frequency: there are noticeably fewer departures on this stretch than between Tashkent and Samarkand, so "I'll buy on the spot" works less well here. This guide compares every option honestly and tells you which to choose and when to book.
What's the best way?
The logic is the same as on the first transfer, with a frequency adjustment. Between Tashkent and Samarkand there are many trains; between Samarkand and Bukhara there are around four a day, and each sells out faster. So the Afrosiyob is still the right choice here, but it demands a little more booking discipline. The journey itself is short and calm, and at the end waits a city that, unlike showpiece Samarkand, soaks in slowly. Exactly what to see on arrival is in the Bukhara guide.
Samarkand impresses in a day. Bukhara soaks in over three. This short transfer is the switch from one register of the country to another.
How long is the Afrosiyob and what's it like?
Under two hours and you're there, so paying up for a higher class on this stretch makes little sense: Economy is roomy, clean, with sockets. Arrive at the station 30–60 minutes early, as everywhere in Uzbekistan: boarding is closer to airport-strict. Samarkand station, incidentally, is comfortable — with cafes and souvenir shops to pass the wait. Where to stay in Bukhara and how to reach the old city from the station is below and in the city guide.
What if the Afrosiyob is sold out?
The Sharq uses older carriages, but it's more comfortable than a bus and more atmospheric than the Afrosiyob — local life rides alongside you. For the short Samarkand–Bukhara leg the speed difference isn't critical, and the calm of getting a ticket is worth it. Late night trains are a separate option for those who don't want to lose daytime, though on such a short leg an overnight transfer is rarely needed. If your dates show "no seats" on everything — switch to the Sharq without regret.
When does a taxi or private car make sense?
A private car on this stretch offers one real bonus beyond comfort — the ability to stop: Gijduvan, with its ceramics school, lies on the road from Bukhara, and a car turns the transfer into a little route. But if you don't need stops, for one or two people the Afrosiyob wins on every count. Booking a car is easy through an app; note that in Bukhara itself the main taxi app is YOKO, not Yandex Go as in the rest of the country. More is in the transport guide.
Is Bukhara station far from the old city?
This is an important practical detail that's easy to miss: unlike compact Khiva, where the station is almost at the old city walls, in Bukhara a full taxi ride lies between the train and the madrasahs. Plan a hotel in the historic centre, not by the station — that's where all the atmosphere and walking routes are. If you arrive late, arrange a transfer with your hotel in advance. Where exactly to stay and what to see is in the Bukhara guide.
How and where to book?
The same as for other Uzbek trains: directly on eticket.railway.uz or the Uzbekistan Railways app — an English version exists, foreign cards usually go through, and the ticket arrives with a QR code. If the official platform balks at payment, a working alternative is an intermediary like 12go.asia for a small markup. The key point for this stretch: there are fewer departures, so book as early as possible within the 45–60 day window. A passport is needed to buy and to board. The connectivity for an e-ticket on the road is in the internet and SIM guide, and payment in the cards guide.
Common questions about the transfer
How long does Samarkand to Bukhara take?
By the high-speed Afrosiyob, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes, the fastest option. The daytime Sharq on the same route takes longer but is reliable. A taxi or private car is a few hours by road, with the option of stops. A flight makes no sense on this short stretch.
How many Afrosiyob departures are there per day?
On the Samarkand–Bukhara stretch, around four a day, and in season they sell out very fast. That's fewer than between Tashkent and Samarkand, so you need to book even earlier here. Tickets open 45–60 days before the date on the official site and app.
What if there are no Afrosiyob tickets?
Take the daytime Sharq on the same route — it's slower but reliable, and seats are easier to get because it's less popular with tourists. There are also late night trains. For the short Samarkand–Bukhara leg the speed difference isn't critical, and getting a ticket is calmer.
Is Bukhara station far from the centre?
Yes, the station (Bukhara-1) is about 12 km from the historic old city. It's not a walking distance — budget a taxi and time for the ride. Better to stay in the old city, where the sights and atmosphere are concentrated, rather than near the station.
Which taxi app works in Bukhara?
In Bukhara itself the main app is YOKO, not Yandex Go, which dominates the rest of the country. Both usually work, but local drivers without an app may ask for more. Keep cash som for payment; more on taxis and paying is in our transport and cards guides.
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