Tashkent Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is the primary international gateway to this historic Central Asian nation. The city is served by one major international airport, which has undergone significant modernization, and a secondary airport for regional flights. Understanding the airport layout and entry procedures is key to starting your journey along the Silk Road smoothly.

This guide provides essential information about Tashkent’s airports, including terminal details, transportation, and important arrival and departure tips for travelers.

Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS)

Overview: Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Uzbekistan, located approximately 6 km (4 miles) south of the city center. It serves as the main hub for the national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, and is the primary point of entry for most international and domestic flights.

Terminals:

• Terminal 2 (International):
  A modern, recently opened terminal that handles all scheduled international arrivals and departures. It features improved facilities, shops, and dining options. This is where you will clear immigration and customs upon entering Uzbekistan.
• Terminal 3 (Domestic):
  Located adjacent to Terminal 2, this terminal handles all domestic flights within Uzbekistan (e.g., to Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench). It is a smaller, functional facility.

Note: The old Terminal 1 is currently not in use for passenger flights. Always confirm your terminal with your airline, but the separation between T2 (International) and T3 (Domestic) is clear.

Getting to and from Tashkent Airport (TAS):

• Official Airport Taxi:
  The most common and reliable option for visitors. Upon exiting baggage claim in Terminal 2, you will find an official taxi desk. You state your destination, pay a fixed fare in Uzbek Som (UZS) at the desk, and receive a voucher. You then present the voucher to a driver outside. This system prevents overcharging. A trip to the city center should cost around 25,000-40,000 UZS ($2-$3.50 USD).
• Ride-Hailing App (Yandex Go):
  The Yandex Go app (Russia/CIS equivalent of Uber) works well in Tashkent. You can request a car, see the fixed fare, and pay in cash to the driver. This is often the most convenient and transparent method if you have a local SIM card and data.
• Pre-Booked Private Transfer:
  Many hotels and tour companies offer airport transfers. This is a stress-free option, especially for first-time visitors or late-night arrivals, as a driver will meet you with a sign.
• Public Bus/Trolleybus:
  Several public bus and trolleybus lines (e.g., bus #11, #40, #76) connect the airport to different parts of the city. They are extremely cheap but can be crowded and challenging with luggage. Recommended for adventurous budget travelers only.
• Car Rental:
  International rental companies have desks in Terminal 2. However, driving in Tashkent can be chaotic for visitors, and a hired driver is often a similarly priced and far less stressful alternative for day trips.

Best for: All international travelers entering Uzbekistan and those connecting to domestic destinations. This is the country’s main aviation hub.

Tashkent-2 (Yuzhny) Airport

Overview: Tashkent-2, also known as Yuzhny Airport, is a smaller, older airport located closer to the city center. It primarily handles private aviation, charters, and government flights. It is not used for scheduled commercial passenger airlines. Tourists are extremely unlikely to use this facility.

Essential Travel Information for Tashkent Airport (TAS)

Visa & Immigration:
Check visa requirements well in advance. Many nationalities now benefit from visa-free travel or simplified e-visa processes. At Terminal 2, lines at passport control can be slow. Have your passport, completed migration card (handed out on the plane), and any visa documentation ready.

The Migration Card:
You will receive a small, two-part paper migration card on your flight. DO NOT LOSE THE STAMPED PART. The border officer will stamp one half and return it to you. You must keep this safe and present it to hotel staff for registration and upon departure from Uzbekistan. Losing it results in fines and delays.

Currency & SIM Cards:
Currency: The Uzbek Som (UZS). It is difficult to obtain outside Uzbekistan. Exchange a small amount at the airport (counters are in arrivals) for immediate expenses like taxis. Better rates are found in the city.

SIM Cards: Purchasing a local SIM card (from providers like Ucell, Beeline, or Uzmobile) at the airport is highly recommended for data and using Yandex Go. Kiosks are available in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2.

Domestic Connections:
If you arrive internationally at Terminal 2 and have a connecting domestic flight in Terminal 3, you must:

1. Clear immigration and collect your baggage in Terminal 2.
2. Exit the customs “green channel.”
3. Walk to the adjacent Terminal 3 (a 2-5 minute walk).
4. Check in for your domestic flight and pass through security.

Allow a minimum of 3 hours between flights for this process.

Departure Tip:
For international departures from Terminal 2, arrive at least 3 hours early. Check-in, security, and passport control can involve multiple lines and take considerable time. The terminal has basic duty-free and souvenir shops.

Ground Transport to Key Destinations

To Tashkent City Center (Amir Timur Square, Broadway): An official airport taxi or Yandex Go takes 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic.

To Samarkand & Bukhara: The most comfortable way is to take a domestic flight from Terminal 3 (TAS). The high-speed Afrosiyob train from Tashkent’s main railway station to Samarkand is also a fantastic and highly recommended alternative (about 2 hours).

To Hotels: Most hotels are within a 20-30 minute drive from the airport. Pre-arranging a transfer is advised.

Which Airport Should You Use?

All scheduled passenger flights, both international and domestic, operate from Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS). You do not have a choice for commercial travel. Tashkent-2 is not an option for airline passengers.

Silk Road Itinerary Tip: A classic route is to fly into Tashkent (TAS), then take the train or a domestic flight to Samarkand or Bukhara, and fly out of one of those cities internationally (if available) or return to TAS for departure.

Bottom Line: You will arrive at the modern Terminal 2 of Tashkent International Airport (TAS). Use the official taxi desk or the Yandex Go app for a fair-price ride to the city. Guard your migration card with your passport. For domestic connections, walk to the adjacent Terminal 3, but allow plenty of time. While the process can feel bureaucratic, it is the gateway to Uzbekistan’s incredible historical treasures.