Most travellers reach Samarkand from India by flying to Tashkent first, then taking the Afrosiyob high-speed train, which takes a little over two hours, or a domestic flight. Nonstop India to Tashkent service has been operated by Uzbekistan Airways and other carriers, and Air India has sold the route on codeshare. Confirm current schedules and visa rules before booking.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Samarkand, with its tiled madrasas on the old Silk Road, is a popular bucket-list trip. The practical challenge is that the journey almost always has two parts: a flight into Tashkent, then a move across Uzbekistan.
Is there a direct flight from India to Samarkand?
We could not confirm any scheduled direct flight between India and Samarkand, so the safe approach is to plan on Tashkent as your gateway. Airlines add and drop international routes often, so check the airline websites for the latest before you assume anything either way.
If you see a one-ticket itinerary to Samarkand, it will usually connect through Tashkent or another hub. Read the connection time and baggage terms carefully.
Which airlines fly from India to Tashkent?
Uzbekistan Airways has operated Delhi to Tashkent nonstop flights, and Air India has sold seats on the route under a codeshare, with the flights operated by Uzbekistan Airways. Other carriers have also been reported on India to Uzbekistan routes, including a Hyderabad to Tashkent service by Centrum Air. Schedules and frequencies shift by season, and new launches are sometimes announced and then revised.
Nonstop flights from Delhi to Tashkent are scheduled at roughly two and a half hours in published flight trackers, so the first leg is short. Search a few dates, because fares usually vary a lot between weekdays and weekends. Use HappyFares to compare what is available on your dates, and then check the airline for baggage rules.
How do I get from Tashkent to Samarkand?
There are two main options.
- Afrosiyob train: A high-speed service from Tashkent to Samarkand that typically takes a little over two hours. It is the option most visitors choose, since stations are in the city centres and there is no airport check-in time. Seats are sold in classes, and popular dates fill up, so reserve early through Uzbekistan Railways.
- Domestic flight: Check whether any airline currently sells a Tashkent to Samarkand flight on your dates. Even where one exists, the train is usually easier once you add airport time to the flight time.
Timetables and prices differ between listings, so rely on the official railway or airline source for the final timing. Leave a comfortable gap between your arrival from India and the train, so a delayed flight does not cost you the booking.
Do Indians need a visa for Uzbekistan?
Indian passport holders have been able to apply for an electronic visa through the official Uzbekistan e-visa portal, and the Uzbek embassy in India also publishes consular information. Uzbekistan has also announced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens, reported to have taken effect on 1 September 2026 under a presidential decree signed on 29 August 2026. Reports differ on who qualifies: one news report says it applies to Indians holding a valid multiple-entry visa for the US, UK, a Schengen country, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand or South Korea, plus an onward or return air ticket, while some travel sites describe it as open to all Indians. Confirm your own eligibility with the Uzbek embassy or the official portal before you rely on it.
Before you buy a ticket, check the official e-visa site for current eligibility, fees and processing time, and make sure your passport has enough validity and blank pages. Airlines may ask to see your visa at check-in, so keep a printout or screenshot handy.
What should I plan for the trip itself?
Pick the season with care. Spring and autumn are generally milder, while midsummer can be very hot and midwinter cold, so pack accordingly. Vegetarian travellers can generally find salads, breads, vegetable dishes and fruit, but ask about ingredients when ordering. Carry some vegetarian snacks for the journey.
Also consider travel insurance for an international trip, and keep the airline and railway confirmations offline on your phone.
Samarkand itself rewards a stay of two or three nights. The Registan, the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum and the Shah-i-Zinda complex are the sights most itineraries centre on, and the old town is easy to cover on foot with a few taxi rides. Many visitors also add Bukhara by train, so decide early whether you want a one-way or a return route, since a different return city may change which flight is cheapest.
Because this is an international trip, check your airline’s baggage allowance for the specific fare, and keep medicines in your cabin bag. Currency rules and card acceptance can differ from India, so carry a mix of payment options and read the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs or the Uzbek embassy.
Common Questions
Is there a nonstop flight from Delhi to Tashkent?
Yes, nonstop services between Delhi and Tashkent have operated, including Uzbekistan Airways flights also sold by Air India on codeshare. Check the airline site for current days and times.
How long is the train from Tashkent to Samarkand?
The Afrosiyob usually takes a little over two hours, but timings vary by service, so confirm with Uzbekistan Railways.
Can I fly from Tashkent to Samarkand?
Check with airlines for your dates. Even when a flight is available, most visitors prefer the train for convenience.
Do I need a visa for Samarkand?
Indian citizens have generally needed a visa, most commonly the e-visa. A 30-day visa-free entry was announced from 1 September 2026, reportedly for Indians holding certain multiple-entry visas (such as US, UK or Schengen) and an onward ticket, so verify eligibility with the Uzbek embassy or the official portal before booking.
Is check-in free on Indian airlines?
Yes, checking in is free on Indian airlines, online or at the airport. Foreign airlines may have their own policies, so check with the airline you fly.
Ready to plan Uzbekistan? Search and compare flights from India to Tashkent on HappyFares, set a price alert for your dates, and consider adding travel insurance to your booking.
Airline schedules, visa rules and fees change often, so verify current details with the airline, the official Uzbekistan e-visa portal and Uzbekistan Railways before you travel.
