Afrosiyob: a practical guide to Uzbekistan’s high-speed train

Afrosiyob is the train most visitors want. It is fast and comfortable, and because of that it is also the first to sell out.

Updated 21 October 2026

What it is

Afrosiyob is a Talgo 250 high-speed train, built in Spain and running at up to 250 km/h. It entered service between Tashkent and Samarkand in 2011, reached full speed in 2013 and was extended to Bukhara in 2016. A branch also serves Karshi.

Where it runs, and roughly how long it takes

Tashkent – Samarkand: about 2 h 10 min to 2 h 30 min
Samarkand – Bukhara: about 1 h 15 min to 1 h 40 min
Tashkent – Bukhara: about 3 h 20 min to 4 h
Tashkent – Karshi: about 3 h 20 min to 3 h 35 min
Tashkent – Navoi: about 3 h 20 min to 3 h 30 min

Times vary by train and season. Exact departures come with your quote.

Afrosiyob does not go to Khiva. Since May 2026 a different high-speed train, the Jaloliddin Manguberdi, serves Tashkent – Khiva on a few days a week.

Classes on board

Economy: reclining seats, air conditioning, luggage racks. Comfortable for these distances.
Business: wider seats and more legroom.
VIP: a small separate cabin, only a few seats per train.

See train classes explained for every train type.

How early to book

As soon as your dates are fixed. Sales usually open 45 to 60 days ahead. In April, May, September and October, and around public holidays, popular departures can sell out within days of opening. Friday and Sunday trains go first.

When Afrosiyob is full

Sharq and Nasaf run on the same line from the same Tashkent station. They take roughly an hour longer to Samarkand and often still have seats.
Try a neighbouring day. Our seat calendars show nearby dates with seats when your first choice is sold out.
Split the trip. Samarkand – Bukhara sometimes has seats when Tashkent – Bukhara does not, and the reverse.