Uzbekistan flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide · Uzbekistan

Transportation & Infrastructure Guide in Uzbekistan

Public transit, airports, and getting around

Uzbekistan is undergoing significant transportation infrastructure modernization, transforming from a post-Soviet legacy system into a regional connectivity hub. With 42,000+ km of highways, 7,000+ km of electrified railways, and 180 airports, the country is strategically positioned along Central Asian trade corridors. Major World Bank and ADB investments are expanding road capacity by 500% by 2030 and developing multimodal transport strategies. While urban centers like Tashkent offer modern metro and air services, rural connectivity remains developing. The nation drives on the right and is rapidly becoming a critical logistics gateway for Central Asia.
Public Transport
Moderate
Road Infrastructure
Moderate
Public Transport
5.8/10

Tashkent Metro provides modern urban transit with expanding coverage. Regional cities have basic bus networks. High-speed Tashkent-Samarkand rail line operational. Limited integration between modes outside major cities. Samarkand tramway system reopened in 2017 after 44-year gap. Coverage concentrated in urban centers with developing rural connections.

Road Infrastructure
5.2/10

42,000 km highway network with ~4,000 km of international importance. M41 regional corridor reconstruction underway with World Bank support. Road quality varies significantly; urban roads better maintained than rural. Rapid vehicle fleet expansion outpacing infrastructure growth. Climate vulnerability affects 70% of road assets. Modernization projects targeting 500% capacity expansion by 2030.

Internet Speed
5.5/10

Growing fiber optic deployment in urban areas with average speeds around 60-80 Mbps in Tashkent. Mobile internet widely available through major carriers. Rural areas still rely on slower connections. Government investing in digital infrastructure as part of modernization strategy. 4G coverage expanding nationwide.

Avg: 72+ Mbps • Expanding in major cities (Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara), limited in rural regions

Airport Connectivity
6.8/10

180 total airports with 10 major facilities. Tashkent International Airport is regional hub serving 50+ airlines with strong Central Asian connectivity. Domestic network covers major cities. Growing international routes to Europe, Asia, and Middle East. Airport modernization ongoing. Limited long-haul direct international flights outside Tashkent.

Hubs: Tashkent International Airport (TAS), Samarkand International Airport (SKD), Bukhara International Airport (BHI), Urgench Airport (UGC), Andijan Airport (ADS)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
~3,000-5,000 UZS/month (~€0.25-0.40) in Tashkent
Bus Trip
~1,000-2,000 UZS (~€0.08-0.16) per ride
Taxi
~2,000 UZS start (~€0.16) + ~500-800 UZS/km (~€0.04-0.06/km)
High-speed Train
~50,000-150,000 UZS (€4-12) Tashkent-Samarkand high-speed rail

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Limited 5G deployment in Tashkent and major cities, expanding 2025-2026
4G Coverage: Extensive 4G/LTE coverage in urban areas and along major corridors, growing rural coverage

Reliable mobile networks from major carriers (Beeline, Ucell, Perfectum). Strong 4G coverage in cities and along transport corridors. 5G rollout beginning in major urban centers. Network quality generally good in populated areas with improving rural connectivity.

Driving License

IDP required

International Driving Permit (IDP) required for foreign nationals. Valid foreign licenses accepted with IDP for temporary visits (typically up to 1 year). Uzbekistan drives on the right side. Vehicle registration and insurance required. Temporary import permits needed for foreign vehicles. No license conversion required for short-term visitors.