Located in the heart of Central Asia, the "Gateway to the East" is a desert and mountainous region where only 10% of the land is exploited by humans! To observe these vast landscapes, a train journey is the ideal means of transport. From Khiva to Bukhara or from Tashkent to Samarkand, the railways connect the country's most beautiful cities. Recently modernized, the railway network offers high-speed lines and overnight journeys on sleeper trains. Wondering between the Afrosyab high-speed train or the Charq? We'll tell you everything about trains in Uzbekistan, and about the Silk Road aboard the Orient Silk Road Express!

Train travel in Uzbekistan: 4 lines to explore the country

With a railway network spanning over 3,000 km, the country has recently introduced new trains to meet tourists' growing expectations:

1 - The Afrasiyab train (or "Afrosyab")

This high-speed train runs daily connections between Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent. With its removable armchairs, the "Uzbek high-speed train" promises a pleasant journey for travelers. Its other advantages? Footrests, video players and reading lamps. Equipped with good sound insulation, the cars maintain an ideal temperature regardless of the season. Designed to comfortably accommodate all passengers, the train features dedicated seating for people with disabilities.

2 - The Charq train (or "Sharq")

The Charq train connects the cities of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, for a total journey of 616 km. Known as the "Oriental Express", it is comfortable and features a sleeper car with 18 beds. Compliant with international standards, it meets the ergonomic, acoustic and microclimatic criteria required. Each car is equipped with screens and FM facilities, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the entertainment programs offered to them.

3 - The overnight train Tashkent-Bukhara

The overnight train is a very practical transport solution that not only optimizes travel time, but also saves a hotel night. But its advantage extends beyond the financial aspect. Indeed, traveling on a sleeper train allows you to enjoy front-row seats to admire sunrises and sunsets! The Tashkent–Bukhara overnight train offers comfortable berths and a restaurant car allows you to dine during the journey.

4 - The Nassaf train

The high-speed Nassaf train runs 6 times a week between Tashkent and Karshi. With a total duration of less than 6 hours, the route serves the cities of Gulistan, Jizzakh and Samarkand. Composed of 7 cars (4 of which are first class), it is comfortable, well-equipped and features a dining car.

Travel the Silk Road by train: a dedicated line for this mythical journey

Journey aboard the Orient Silk Road Express

The Silk Road is an ancient trade route through which goods once transited. Want to travel this mythical path? Board the special Orient Silk Road Express train!

For comfort suited to your family (and your budget), you can choose between several cabin categories:

• Habibi: designed for four people, these cabins of approximately 4m² feature 2 lower berths and 2 folding upper berths. The cars are not equipped with showers, but they have a toilet room and WC.

• Ali Baba: designed to accommodate two people, they feature 2 lower beds and the same equipment as the Habibi cars.

• Aladin: featuring 2 lower beds, this cabin category has a shared shower, WC and sink in each car.

• Caliph: considered the "queen" of categories, this features 2 large beds. Its cabins are equipped with a safe, private bathroom with a separate shower cabin.

Discover Uzbekistan by traveling the Silk Road

A journey to the heart of the Silk Road can be quite complex to organize. Why? Its network of interconnected roads stretches over 35,000 km! To travel with peace of mind, opt for a package tour and discover Uzbekistan's most beautiful sites:

• Shakhrisyabz (or "Chakhrisabz"): the historic center features an exceptional collection of buildings within the medieval city. The city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the splendid white palace Ak Sara.

• Bukhara: the city is situated in the middle of an oasis, at the eastern edge of the Kyzyl Kum desert. Be swept away by the majestic architecture of the Poi-Kalan and Kalon minarets, and its unique urban landscape.

• Khiva: the fortress is located between the new and old city. The historic center, listed by UNESCO, features over 60 monuments. In late afternoon, when the sun is less intense,Khiva is renowned for its magnificent light, which projects onto the domes.