How to Take the Khiva to Bukhara Train for Adventure Travellers

Khiva blew us away. It was the very first Uzbek Silk Road city that we visited, and we were not disappointed. We felt like we were in a mystical city built within a sandcastle in a desert a long way away from any other civilisation.

Which is essentially what it is!

And while it is beautiful and a must-see in our opinion, logistically it’s less than ideal so unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at things), many tourists skip Khiva altogether.

So, you fancy going against the grain and heading into the Kyzylkum Desert to follow the path of weary travellers and merchants selling their goods along the ancient Silk Road from hundreds of years ago? YES!

Here is everything you need to know about the Khiva to Bukhara train.

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How to Book Your Train Tickets

We booked all of our tickets on the official Uzbekistan Railways website. It’s pretty user-friendly and we had no issues with using our foreign cards. Tickets came through straight away by email with a QR code and seat info. But, if you feel more comfortable using platform you are likely more familiar with, you can also use 12Go.

Train Tickets and Schedules

When we took this route, the train left at about 08:30, and arrived into Bukhara at 16:15, so that’s a good eight ish hours. However, train schedules have changed and the trains now leave Khiva in the afternoon only.

The train schedule and prices as of May 2025:

Not all trains run every day, but there will be at least one each day.

And our recommendation for which ticket to buy?

Get the regular sleeper!

The whole enjoyment of taking this train is chatting with locals, drinking tea together, and sharing snacks. Uzbeks are some of the friendliest people you will meet, and by having the closed carriage, you’ll be missing out.

Tickets are available to buy online 30-45 days in advance. And if you’re travelling during a busy period or just want to get organised, I would absolutely book in advance.

How to Reach Khiva Station from Ichan Kala

You can actually walk it; it’s what we did. From our accommodation Xiva Shahriston (that I would wholeheartedly recommend for your Khiva stay) you can walk to the station in about 25 minutes. Otherwise you can use Yandex Go taxi app, or ask your accommodation who can help arrange transport for you.

Where to Stay in Khiva

Arriving at Khiva Train Station

I’d recommend arriving at the train station early. Our tickets always stated that ‘check-in ends 30 minutes before departure’, and yes, there is a check-in procedure. Uzbek train stations are very well secured. Khiva’s has a hut with a luggage scanner and a couple of security guards who will check your luggage, passport and boarding pass before letting you into the station. I have heard of people having to wait in queues to get to through security, but we never had to; maybe because we travelled Uzbekistan in its hottest season and no one else was crazy enough to visit in July!

Inside Khiva station you will find toilets, a couple of shops selling snacks, drinks and fruit, and a couple of souvenir stands. There is plenty of seating and it’s a pretty comfortable, modern station.

There Is No Need to Go to Urgench Station

Older blog posts on this route will tell you to go to Urgench Station instead of Khiva. BUT, since 2018, the trains go to Khiva, so no need to get off at Urgench.

Boarding the Train

You will have plenty of time to get on the train as they start letting people on well in advance, so need to rush. Each passenger has their own seat, so you don’t need to get your elbows out in the queue.

Facilities on the Train

There are toilets, though I would recommend bringing toilet paper just in case it runs out. Cabins have small slot windows, space for storing luggage underneath the bottom bunks, and a small table in between bottom bunks. Our table had a small bowl with tea bags and sugar too. And to make the tea, you’ll find a hot water station in each carriage. The beds are comfortable, the main issue however is that there are no fans or air con, and driving through the desert in the heat of the summer is challenge let me tell you. Prepare to sweat! Or just book your journey for a less sweaty time of year.

How to Get from Bukhara Station to the Centre of the Old Town

The main taxi app in Bukhara is actually YOKO, as opposed to Yandex Go like the rest of the country, but either should work. It’s not easily walkable and local taxi drivers will charge extra. If you don’t have the app or internet, you could always ask a local to book you a taxi through the apps and then just pay for it in cash!

Where to Stay in Bukhara

Top Tips for the Khiva to Bukhara Train

What’s Next?

Still have more to plan for your Uzbekistan trip? The best route in our opinion for your first time to Uzbekistan is Khiva to Bukhara to Samarkand to Tashkent. These are four most spectacular cities full of ancient architecture covered in sparkling blue mosaic tiles, and they’re all easily accessible by train. And how is it travelling as vegetarian through Uzbekistan? Well, that’s a whole story by itself!

Plan more of your trip with these:

• Travel Tips for Uzbekistan: 13 Useful Things to Know
• Uzbekistan Railways: Your Guide to Uzbek Train Travel
• What to Wear in Uzbekistan: Responsible Travel Tips
• Things to Do in Khiva: The Traveller’s Guide
• Uzbek Food: What to Eat as a Vegetarian Traveller
• 9 Spectacular Things to Do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

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