Tashkent Airport Transfers: Your UK Guide

Arriving in a new country, especially after a long flight, can often feel overwhelming. Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS), as the largest airport in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, is a bustling hub that many UK travellers will pass through. While Uzbekistan is a remarkably friendly and welcoming nation, your first impression upon arrival at Tashkent Airport might be a bit chaotic, particularly for English speakers.

This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to get to and from Tashkent Airport, focusing on practical advice for a seamless journey to the city centre and beyond. We'll cover everything from the fastest taxi options to public transport alternatives, helping you make an informed decision to start your Uzbek adventure on the right foot.

Getting from Tashkent Airport to the City Centre

Tashkent Airport is conveniently located within the city itself, a mere 2.5 miles (4 km) drive from the city centre. Under normal traffic conditions, the journey typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes. However, it's worth noting that during peak rush hours, generally between 5 PM and 7 PM, travel times might extend slightly.

One of the initial challenges for English-speaking tourists arriving at TAS is the current lack of extensive English signage and the overall infrastructure not being as tourist-friendly as some might hope. Furthermore, the arrivals hall can be a magnet for a persistent crowd of freelance taxi drivers eager to overcharge unsuspecting visitors. While this can be an unfortunate introduction, remember that this isn't reflective of the country's general hospitality.

For most travellers seeking comfort and ease, especially after a long flight and with luggage, opting for a taxi or a private transfer is highly recommended. These options offer a quick and comfortable way to reach any part of the city, with prices being generally reasonable. Public transport, while incredibly cheap, often proves to be less practical for tourists due to the language barrier and complexity.

Taxi Options from Tashkent Airport

To avoid being overwhelmed or overcharged, particularly if you're feeling the effects of jetlag, it's highly advisable to plan your taxi arrangements in advance. Here are your primary options:

Official Airport Taxi

As of 2023, the official airport taxi service is the only permitted way to get a licensed taxi directly from within the airport grounds. You can book these taxis from inside the terminal. While they are undeniably more expensive than a regular street taxi or a ride-hailing app, they offer a regulated and secure option, ensuring you won't be unknowingly cheated. This is often the most straightforward choice for peace of mind.

Hotel Pick-Up

Another convenient option is to contact your hotel directly to enquire if they offer an airport pick-up service. Prices for this service will vary significantly depending on the hotel, and not all establishments provide it. If you choose this method, ensure you arrange it well in advance, as hotels, in our experience, can sometimes be slow to respond to such requests. The main benefit here is the comfort of knowing you'll be taken directly to your accommodation without any confusion.

Private Airport Transfer

For those seeking maximum comfort and convenience, booking a private transfer in advance is an excellent choice. These services typically accommodate up to eight people and often provide an English-speaking driver. Your driver will usually wait for you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your surname, ensuring a hassle-free meeting. They will assist with your luggage and are prepared to wait even if your flight is delayed, eliminating any worries about missed connections or extra charges. While this is a premium service, it guarantees a smooth and stress-free start to your trip.

Taxi Apps (No Longer Viable for Airport Pick-ups)

Previously, taxi apps were a reliable and cost-effective way to get from the airport without being ripped off. However, this is no longer a viable option directly from the airport. Firstly, ride-hailing app drivers are no longer permitted to enter the airport grounds to pick up passengers; only the official airport taxis have this privilege. Secondly, popular local taxi apps like Yandex are often blocked online from many app stores due to international sanctions, making them difficult for foreign visitors to download. If you are somehow able to access and use a Yandex taxi from outside the airport, prices typically start from around 25,000 Som (approximately £2).

Public Transport from Tashkent Airport

While public transport is incredibly cheap, costing around £0.20 for a single bus ticket, it presents significant challenges for tourists, primarily due to the severe lack of English information and signage. Unless you are proficient in Russian and can confidently ask for directions and assistance, we generally cannot recommend these options for first-time visitors or those travelling with significant luggage.

Bus

There are several bus routes operating from the airport. However, the absence of clear English route maps or announcements means you would need precise knowledge of which bus to take and where to alight for your specific destination. This can be a complex and time-consuming endeavour, especially after a long flight and if you're unfamiliar with the city's layout.

Metro

Unfortunately, Tashkent Airport does not have its own metro station. To utilise the metro system, you must first take a bus from the airport to a nearby metro station. Bus number 40 is a regular service that connects Tashkent Airport to both the Tashkent train station and the Tashkent metro station, which are conveniently located in the same area. The bus journey typically takes around 30 minutes. From Tashkent Metro Station, you can then connect to various lines, including the red or green lines, to reach different parts of the city.

The combined cost for both the bus and metro ticket is less than £0.50, making it an exceptionally cheap way to travel. However, it can be quite inconvenient, particularly if you are travelling with luggage. You will also need small denominations of local cash to pay for your bus ticket onboard.

Getting to Tashkent Airport from the City Centre

Thankfully, travelling to Tashkent Airport from the city centre is generally a much smoother experience than arriving. You won't face the same crowds of aggressive taxi drivers outside the departures hall, and you have more control over booking your transport in advance, allowing ample time for check-in.

If you are able to download and use a taxi app like Yandex or MyTaxi (which are popular in Tashkent), ordering a taxi to the airport is often the most cost-efficient and convenient method. However, as previously mentioned, depending on your home country, these apps might be blocked due to sanctions. In such cases, your next best options are either booking a private hire airport transfer or arranging a pick-up through your hotel.

Hotels Near Tashkent Airport

While Tashkent Airport itself does not feature an integrated hotel, its close proximity to the city centre means you have a wide array of convenient and comfortable hotel options nearby. Many travellers find it equally convenient to stay in the city centre and simply take the short journey to the airport when needed.

Top-Rated Hotels Near Tashkent Airport with Airport Shuttle

For those prioritising proximity and convenience, these hotels come highly recommended:

Cheap Hotels Near Tashkent Airport

For budget-conscious travellers, these highly-rated hotels and hostels offer excellent value, all within a 15 to 25-minute drive of the airport:

Best Tashkent City Hotels with Airport Shuttle

Given the airport's close proximity, staying in the city centre is a highly viable option. Many excellent city hotels also offer airport shuttle services:

For those seeking luxury, the newly built Intercontinental Hotel and the renowned Hyatt Regency Tashkent are both excellent choices located in the city centre, typically just a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport, offering unparalleled comfort and service for your seamless travel.

Tashkent Airport FAQs

Tashkent Airport Information

Official Website: www.tashkent-airport.uz (Note: Always check for the most up-to-date information directly on the official site.)
Address: 13, Kumarik street, Sergeli district, Tashkent
Phone Number: +998 78 140 28 88

Does Tashkent Airport Have Free Wi-Fi?

Officially, Tashkent Airport does offer free Wi-Fi under the network name TASAirportUzcloud. To connect, users are typically required to enter a mobile phone number to receive a text code via SMS. Foreign numbers are supposed to be able to access this service if their SIM cards can receive SMS in Uzbekistan. However, based on personal experience, relying on the free Wi-Fi for essential use is not advised, as it can often be unreliable or difficult to connect to.

What to Do in Tashkent Airport: Facilities

The check-in area at Tashkent Airport has relatively limited facilities, primarily a small coffee shop where you can also purchase snacks. The airport itself is quite isolated, with very few amenities reachable on foot just outside the grounds.

In the departure lounge, you will find a couple of restaurants offering a fairly basic menu, as well as a bar. There is also a duty-free shop selling a standard range of products, including cigarettes, alcohol, chocolates, and souvenirs.

The arrivals hall features an information desk where you can often purchase an Uzbek SIM card, a couple of ATM machines that accept Visa and Mastercard (though be aware that the ATMs are not always working), and a small duty-free shop. Tip: To save time, consider purchasing your SIM card while waiting for your luggage to come out.

Does Tashkent Airport Have a Lounge?

Yes, Tashkent Airport offers a CIP Hall Service (Commercially Important Person), which functions as a VIP lounge. This lounge provides snacks, drinks, and international newspapers. It also advertises Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and shower facilities. Access to this lounge is typically free for first and business class passengers, while other passengers can gain entry for a fee of approximately $200. As the quality of this lounge cannot be personally vouched for by us, it's best to research recent reviews if you plan to use this service.

How Many Terminals Does Tashkent Airport Have?

Tashkent Airport operates two terminals. Terminal 2 is designated for all international flights arriving in and departing from Uzbekistan. Terminal 3 handles domestic flights, such as those to popular destinations like Samarkand and Bukhara.

How Many Airports Are There in Tashkent?

While there are two airports in Tashkent, only Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS) serves commercial passenger flights. Tashkent Eastern Airport is not open to the public and is not frequently used for commercial purposes.

How Early Should I Arrive at Tashkent Airport?

As with most international airports, the general recommendation is to arrive at Tashkent Airport approximately 3 hours before an international flight. For domestic flights, arriving 2 hours beforehand is usually sufficient. While it might sometimes be possible to arrive as late as 1 hour before a domestic flight and still make it, this is not recommended as it does not guarantee your trip and can lead to unnecessary stress.

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