Tashkent International Airport

Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is Uzbekistan's main international gateway and the second busiest airport in Central Asia after Almaty. Located approximately 12 km south of central Tashkent, the airport serves as the primary hub for Uzbekistan Airways and handles over 8.7 million passengers annually.

The airport has two terminals on opposite sides of the runway:

• Terminal 2 (International): Handles all international flights. Rebuilt in 2001 and renovated in 2018, with ongoing expansion through 2025. Capacity of 1,000 passengers per hour.
• Terminal 3 (Domestic): Opened in 2011 for domestic flights to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Urgench, and regional centers. Capacity of 400 passengers per hour.

Important: The two terminals are separated by the runway with no airside connection. Transfers between international and domestic flights require exiting the airport completely and traveling between terminals by bus or taxi (25-30 minutes).

Tashkent serves as the main entry point for travelers exploring Uzbekistan's legendary Silk Road cities - Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are all accessible via domestic flights or the modern Afrosiyob high-speed train.

TAS is approximately 12 km south of central Tashkent. Travel times vary by destination:

• Amir Timur Square / City Center: 20-35 minutes
• Chorsu Bazaar / Old Town: 25-40 minutes
• Tashkent Railway Station: 20-30 minutes
• Hyatt Regency Tashkent: 15-25 minutes

Traffic is generally moderate by regional standards, but rush hours (8-10 AM, 5-8 PM) can add 10-20 minutes.

Note: Uber is not available in Uzbekistan. The main ride-hailing apps are Yandex Go and MyTaxi.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Download Yandex Go or MyTaxi before arriving - both work like Uber with fixed pricing and cashless payment options. This avoids haggling with drivers.

Typical fares from airport to city center:

Destination	Yandex/MyTaxi	Time
City Center (Amir Timur)	25,000-35,000 UZS (~$2-3)	20-30 min
Chorsu Bazaar	30,000-40,000 UZS (~$2.50-3.50)	25-35 min
Tashkent Railway Station	25,000-35,000 UZS (~$2-3)	20-30 min

Regular Taxis

Official taxis are available outside arrivals. Always negotiate the fare before getting in or use app-based rides.

Typical negotiated fares:

• City Center: 40,000-60,000 UZS (~$3-5)
• Railway Station: 40,000-50,000 UZS (~$3-4)

Avoid: Unofficial taxi drivers competing for your business inside the arrivals hall. Walk past them to the official taxi area or order via app.

The Tashkent Metro does not have a direct airport station. Bus connections are available but less convenient than taxis given the low taxi fares.

Bus Routes

Several buses connect the airport to the city:

• Bus 77: Airport to Tashkent Railway Station area
• Bus 11, 17m: Connect both terminals and continue into the city

Fare: 2,000 UZS (~$0.15) - pay cash on board.

Metro Connection

The nearest metro station to the airport is approximately 3-4 km away. To reach the metro:

1. Take bus 77 or a taxi to Toshkent metro station (Uzbekiston Line)
2. Transfer to reach destinations across the city

Single metro ride: 1,500-2,000 UZS (~$0.15)

Metro Hours: Approximately 5:00 AM to midnight

Future Development: A new 24 km metro line is planned to connect Tashkent with the future new international airport, scheduled for completion around 2028.

Parking is available at both terminals:

• Terminal 2 (International): Multi-level parking available
• Terminal 3 (Domestic): Surface parking

Given the very affordable taxi fares, most travelers use taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than private vehicles.

Dining options at Tashkent Airport are limited compared to larger international hubs.

Terminal 2 (International)

Landside (before security):

• Small cafes and bistros
• Local fast-food outlets

Airside (after security):

• Several cafes and local food outlets
• Most are open 24/7
• Selection includes Uzbek and international options

Payment Note: Cafes in the public areas accept local currency (UZS) only. Duty-free shops accept USD and EUR.

Terminal 3 (Domestic)

• One small food outlet
• Limited selection - eat before arriving or bring snacks

Tip: For authentic Uzbek food, visit Chorsu Bazaar or restaurants in the city before heading to the airport. Airport food options are basic.

Free WiFi is available throughout the international terminal:

• Network: "#TASAirportUzcloud"
• Access: Enter phone number to receive SMS verification code
• Cost: Free (with brief ads) or paid premium options
• Speed: Approximately 4 Mbps - adequate for browsing and messaging
• Time limit: No time limit in international terminal

Note: WiFi quality can be inconsistent. If you need reliable connectivity, purchase a local SIM card in the baggage claim area.

SIM cards are available at the airport - purchase in the baggage claim area before exiting customs, as you cannot return to buy one afterward.

Vendors (Both in Baggage Claim)

• Ucell: Budget-friendly, good urban coverage
• Beeline: Slightly more expensive, better coverage in rural areas

Typical Tourist Plans

Carrier	Data	Price	Notes
Ucell	20 GB	50,000 UZS (~$4)	Unlimited calls, 30 days
Ucell	35 GB	70,000 UZS (~$6)	Unlimited calls, 30 days
Ucell	50 GB	100,000 UZS (~$8)	Unlimited calls, 30 days
Beeline	50 GB	80,000 UZS ($7)	Better rural coverage

Requirements: Passport required for registration. Process takes 10-15 minutes. Stores accept USD, UZS, and credit cards. Ensure your phone is unlocked.

Recommendation: Beeline has better 4G coverage outside Tashkent if you're traveling to Samarkand, Bukhara, or other Silk Road cities. Worth the small extra cost.

eSIM: Ucell offers eSIM at the airport. Alternatively, purchase an international eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) before arrival.

ATMs are located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2:

• Networks: Most accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus
• Withdrawal limits: Varies by bank, typically 2-5 million UZS per transaction

Currency Exchange

Exchange counters are available in the arrivals hall:

• Currency: Uzbek Som (UZS)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 12,000-13,000 UZS per 1 USD (as of 2025)
• Hours: Open for arriving flights

Tips:

• Airport exchange rates are reasonable but compare with city rates
• ATM withdrawals typically offer fair exchange rates
• Carry some USD cash for emergencies - widely accepted for larger purchases
• Small denominations (100,000, 50,000, 10,000 UZS notes) are useful for taxis and small purchases

Payment Methods: Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Tashkent hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is still king for markets, taxis (unless using apps), and smaller establishments.

Duty-Free (Terminal 2 International)

Duty Free Uzbekistan offers:

• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Spirits and tobacco
• Confectionery and chocolates
• Local handicrafts and souvenirs
• Dried fruits and nuts (popular local gifts)

Hours: 8:00 AM to midnight

Payment: USD and EUR only in duty-free. International departures has both local items and standard duty-free brands.

Pricing: Duty-free prices are high compared to city shops. For authentic souvenirs and handicrafts, visit Chorsu Bazaar or craft shops in Tashkent, Samarkand, or Bukhara for better selection and prices.

Best Local Buys

• Uzbek dried fruits (apricots, raisins, figs)
• Spices (cumin, coriander, saffron)
• Silk scarves and ikat textiles
• Ceramics (especially from Rishtan)
• Suzani embroidered textiles

Priority Pass Lounges

Anjir Business Lounge (Terminal 2, International)

• Location: Airside, 2nd Floor, near Gates B5-B11
• Hours: 24 hours
• Access: Priority Pass (maximum 2-hour stay), or pay at door
• Amenities: Food and beverages, luggage storage, smoking cabins nearby, prayer room nearby
• Note: Upper floor not available to Priority Pass cardholders

CIP Lounges

CIP Lounge (Terminal 2)

• Location: Landside, 2nd Floor (arrivals); Ground Floor (departures)
• Cost: $160-200 per passenger
• Includes: Expedited passport/customs processing, dedicated check-in, buffet, bar, comfortable seating
• Access: Free for Uzbekistan Airways Business Class; pay-per-use for others

Airline Lounges

• Uzbekistan Airways Business Lounge: Business Class passengers and premium frequent flyers
• Anor Lounge: Star Alliance Gold members (requires invitation from airline at check-in)

Hotels near TAS are limited, as the airport is in an industrial area. Most travelers stay in central Tashkent, which is only 20-30 minutes away by taxi.

Central Tashkent Options

• Hyatt Regency Tashkent: 5-star luxury, 10 km from airport (15-25 min). From ~$190/night.
• InterContinental Tashkent: Premium hotel in city center. From ~$150/night.
• Miran International Hotel: 5-star, close to railway station, airport transfers available. From ~$100/night.
• Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace: Historic building, central location. From ~$120/night.
• Hampton by Hilton Tashkent: Reliable mid-range option. From ~$80/night.

For early morning flights or late arrivals, the Hyatt Regency or Miran International offer airport transfer services.

Uzbekistan is experiencing a tourism boom thanks to simplified visa requirements, improved infrastructure, and its extraordinary Silk Road heritage. Tashkent is the gateway to some of Central Asia's most spectacular historical sites.

Silk Road Cities

Samarkand (270 km south)

• The crown jewel of the Silk Road
• Registan Square with its three magnificent madrasas
• Gur-e-Amir (Tamerlane's mausoleum)
• Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
• Getting there: 2 hours by Afrosiyob high-speed train, or 1-hour flight

Bukhara (550 km west)

• Best-preserved medieval city in Central Asia
• Poi-Kalyan complex and Kalyan Minaret
• Lyabi-Hauz plaza
• Over 140 architectural monuments
• Getting there: 4 hours by Afrosiyob train, or 1-hour flight

Khiva (1,000 km west)

• Itchan Kala (walled inner city) - a living museum
• Kalta Minor Minaret
• Best reached via Urgench Airport (UGC) or overnight train

Tashkent Highlights

For layovers or a day in the city:

• Chorsu Bazaar: One of Central Asia's largest markets - spices, produce, crafts
• Khast Imam Square: Old Tashkent's religious center, houses one of the world's oldest Korans
• Amir Timur Square: Central plaza with statue of Tamerlane
• Tashkent Metro: Soviet-era stations are underground palaces - free to photograph since 2018
• State Museum of Applied Arts: Excellent collection of Uzbek crafts in a traditional house

Getting Around Uzbekistan

High-Speed Train (Afrosiyob) The most comfortable way to travel between cities:

• Tashkent to Samarkand: 2 hours, from ~$15-30
• Tashkent to Bukhara: 4 hours, from ~$25-45
• Book at railway website or at the station

Domestic Flights Uzbekistan Airways and Silk Avia operate frequent domestic routes.

Practical Tips

Visa: Many nationalities (90+ countries) can visit visa-free for 10-30 days. US citizens 55+ can visit visa-free for 30 days. Others can apply for an e-visa ($20, 3+ days processing) at e-visa.gov.uz. From January 2026, US citizens have 30-day visa-free access.

Weather:

• Best time: April-May and September-October (mild, pleasant)
• Summer (June-August): Very hot (40-45C) - challenging for sightseeing
• Winter (December-February): Cold (0-10C), but fewer tourists

Currency: Uzbek Som (UZS). Approximately 12,000-13,000 UZS = $1 USD. ATMs widely available in cities.

Language: Uzbek (official), Russian widely spoken. English is limited but improving in tourist areas.

Dress Code: Uzbekistan is moderate and Muslim-majority. Modest dress is appreciated, especially at religious sites. Remove shoes when entering mosques.

Tipping: Not traditionally expected but appreciated. 5-10% at restaurants, small tips for guides and drivers.

Safety: Uzbekistan is generally very safe for tourists. Petty crime is rare.