Train Ticket Booking in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan: A Complete Railway Guide

So, Central Asia does have a decent railway network and for covering long distances, it is the best option. We also booked many trains during this trip and it was mostly hasslefree although the language barrier makes the booking process a bit cumbersome. Anyway, here is what you need to know. 

Can one book train tickets online in advance in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan? 

Yes, in fact, it is better to book in advance to avoid problems later. You may get tickets immediately for smaller towns but for the main touristy towns, it is better to plan earlier. 

However, at times it may not be available for booking if you try a bit too early. In such cases check a few days later, ideally keep checking everyday till they become available for your preferred date.

Where to book railway tickets ?

You can buy tickets onine at Uzbekistan Railways booking site and Kazakhstan Railways booking site.

Do note that these railways are connected and you can buy Kazakhstan trains from Uzbekistan Railway site too. We actually had to use it because Kazakhstan site was down when we were trying to book it. So, keep this in mind. .

You can create login with phone number or mail ID.

You can also download phone apps for the respective sites.

What are the types of trains and seating arrangements available in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan offer a range of train types, especially on its main routes, such as the high-speed Afrosiyob and Sharq trains, as well as older, slower trains. The types of coaches and cabins on these trains can vary, catering to different preferences and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of coaches and cabins found on Central Asian trains:

1. High-Speed Afrosiyob Trains

These are modern, Spanish-made Talgo trains used for travel between major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Qarshi.

• VIP Class (First Class): Luxury seats with more space, comfort, and additional services like snacks and drinks.
• Business Class: Slightly more affordable than VIP but still offers spacious, comfortable seating.
• Economy Class: Standard class seating, comfortable but without the added luxury of VIP or Business Class. Typically 2×2 seating arrangements.

2. Sharq and Regular Express Trains

These are slower, traditional trains that connect various parts of Uzbekistan.

• SV (Spalny Vagon / First-Class Sleeper): Private 2-berth compartments for long-distance travel, offering a comfortable sleeping option.
• Kupe (Second-Class Sleeper): 4-berth compartments shared with other passengers, popular among many travelers for an affordable yet comfortable experience.
• Platzkart (Third-Class Sleeper): Open-plan sleeper cars with no enclosed compartments. This is the most budget-friendly option, ideal for local passengers or those looking for economical travel.
• Obshchiy (Seated Coach): Basic, bench-style seating for short-distance travel, very budget-friendly but with minimal comfort.

3. Older Soviet-Era Trains

These trains still operate on some less frequent or regional routes:

• Deluxe (Luxury): A few upgraded carriages might offer more comfort compared to standard trains, though less luxurious than Afrosiyob.
• Kupé (Second-Class Sleeper): Similar to Sharq trains, 4-berth compartments for long-distance travel.
• Reserved Seat (Platzkart): Open sleeper cars with no closed compartments.

4. Regional and Local Trains

Local trains connecting smaller towns and cities may have:

• Basic Seat Carriages: Simple seating, often bench-style, meant for short, local travel.

Additional Features:

• Dining Cars: Available on long-distance trains, offering meals and beverages.
• Air-Conditioned Cars: Most high-speed and long-distance trains are air-conditioned, but regional and older trains may not always have this feature.

What are the cost of railway tickets?

Ticket costs are usually not very expensive unless you go for VIP options. We took 5-6 trains of different durations and we ended up spending different amounts between $8 to $20. Here is a rought summary of potential costs in various classes from what I could gather.

1. Uzbekistan

• Afrosiyob (High-Speed Train):
  • Tashkent to Samarkand (2 hours):
    • Economy Class: $15–$25
    • Business Class: $30–$40
    • VIP Class: $45–$60
  • Tashkent to Bukhara (3.5 hours):
    • Economy Class: $25–$40
    • Business Class: $45–$60
    • VIP Class: $70+
• Sharq (Regular Express Trains):
  • Tashkent to Samarkand or Bukhara:
    • Platzkart (Third Class): $8–$15
    • Kupe (Second Class): $15–$25
    • SV (First Class): $30–$50
• Local Trains (between smaller cities):
  • Seated or Platzkart: $3–$10, depending on distance.

2. Kazakhstan

• Talgo (High-Speed Trains):
  • Almaty to Astana (11-13 hours):
    • Platzkart: $15–$25
    • Kupe: $30–$45
    • SV (First Class): $50–$90
• Regular Trains:
  • Almaty to Shymkent (12-13 hours):
    • Platzkart: $10–$15
    • Kupe: $25–$40
    • SV: $50–$70
• Local Trains: Shorter journeys between smaller cities generally range from $5–$10.

Can I charge my phone’s in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan trains? 

Yes, usually the trains have charging points. However, they may not be there in old trains and extremely inexpensive classes, i fyou opt for them. Also, you need to have the compatible cables that work in these coubtries.

What are the train timings?

There are multiple trains on the major routes. So,it is better to check the aforementioned sites/apps. For most long distance trips we managed to find an overnight train. 

Let me share all my real tickets from the trip. From these you can idea on how the tickets look like, the timings, and the costs i native currency that you can convert to $.

Do I need to carry printouts? What documents do they need while boarding the train?

There is no need to get printouts. You can show the pdf soft copy that you get in your mails after booking. You will be carrying your passport anyway as an international traveller.

What are the payment methods for ticket booking?

The best way is the use a credit card with international payments enabled. Visa cards worked the best for us.

Do we get food at the trains?

Some of the trains have their own dining cars. Occassionally, vendors arrive with small snacks. At Afrosyob, they offered a complementary coffee and small samsa. But if you are used to Indian trains, you will miss that variety and vibrance

Bathrooms

Batrooms were mostly clean in the trains we took.

AC in Trains

We booked AC coaches for our journeys but somehow I felt tyat AC were not strong enough. I have heard that it gets too chilly during winters. However, in April, May, we found it a bit too hot, especially during day time when it passed through desert regions. Blankets and hseets will be provided though.

Unexpected Delight

In case you are travelling between Tashken and Ferghana region, you will get great mountain views from the train. Even I was not expecting it.

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What facilities are available at the train station?

It depends on the station. The major city staions such as Tashkent or Almaty etc have good facilities. Apart from basics like washrooms, charging points,  and waiting rooms, they also have eateries, medical stores, and even currency exchanges. (Read my money exchange post where we found an exchange ATM near Tashkent).

Further Reading: Complete Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Travelogue