Getting around
Urgench airport to Khiva
How to get from Urgench airport (UGC) to Khiva, how long it takes, late-night arrivals and travelling on to Bukhara or Nukus.
Khiva is about 35 km from Urgench airport (UGC), a drive of roughly 40 minutes. Take a pre-booked transfer or a taxi from outside the terminal and agree the fare before you get in. Flights from Tashkent often land in the evening, so book your first night’s transfer in advance.
Distance and time
Urgench is the capital of the Khorezm region; Khiva is a separate town about 30 km to the south-west. From the airport, on the edge of Urgench, the drive to Khiva’s old town takes around 40 minutes on a flat, straight road through the oasis fields. Allow longer at the beginning and end of the working day.
Your options
| Option | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked transfer | A driver waits in arrivals with your name and takes you to your hotel door (or to the nearest gate if you stay inside the walls) | Late arrivals, families, first-time visitors, anyone with a lot of luggage |
| Airport taxi | Drivers wait outside the terminal. Agree the price before getting in; meters are rarely used | Daytime arrivals, travellers comfortable negotiating |
| Ride-hailing app | Apps operate in parts of Uzbekistan; coverage and driver availability in Urgench vary | Daytime, with a local SIM and data |
| Hotel pickup | Many Khiva hotels and guesthouses can arrange a driver | Simple, if your host offers it |
If we are planning your trip, the airport transfer is included and your driver is someone from our team. Otherwise, ask us for a transfer, even if you are travelling independently.
Arriving late at night
Many flights from Tashkent land in the evening, and some international flights arrive in the early hours. At night there are fewer taxis, and no one at the airport speaks for your guesthouse. So:
- Pre-book your first transfer and send the flight number.
- If you stay inside Ichan-Kala, tell your host your arrival time: cars can’t always reach the door, and someone may meet you at the gate.
- Have some cash in som; there are ATMs and exchange desks at the airport, but they are not always open at night.
Flights to Urgench
Urgench has daily flights from Tashkent, about 1 hour 40 minutes, which is the fastest way to reach Khiva from the capital. There are also a small number of international routes, mainly from Russia and Turkey, that change by season. Check the current schedule with the airlines before you plan around them.
Most travellers start their Uzbekistan loop here: fly Tashkent → Urgench, two nights in Khiva, then overland to Bukhara and Samarkand. See how many days you need.
Trains to and from Khiva
Khiva has its own railway station, opened in 2018, a short walk from the old town. Urgench also has a station. Trains connect Khorezm with Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent; journey times and train types have changed several times since the line opened, so check the trains guide and book early in spring and autumn.
Onward from Khiva
- To Bukhara: about 450 km and 6–7 hours by road across the Kyzylkum, or by train.
- To Nukus: about 3 hours by road, via the desert fortresses.
- To Turkmenistan: the Shavat–Dashoguz border is about an hour from Khiva. You need a Turkmen visa arranged in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Urgench airport from Khiva?
About 35 km. The drive takes roughly 40 minutes.
Is there public transport from Urgench airport to Khiva?
Not in a form that is practical for travellers with luggage. Most people take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Shared taxis and buses run between Urgench and Khiva town centres in the daytime.
Should I fly or take the train to Khiva?
Fly if you are coming from Tashkent and short on time. The flight to Urgench takes under two hours, while the train takes much longer. The train is a good choice from Bukhara, or if you enjoy rail travel and book a comfortable class early.
Rules, timetables and prices change. We check this page regularly, but always confirm entry requirements with official sources before you travel.
