Uzbekistan cuts Tashkent–Khiva travel time to 7.5 hours with new train

Uzbekistan has launched a new high-speed train between Tashkent and Khiva, cutting travel time nearly in half to 7.5 hours.

The train, named “Jaloliddin Manguberdi,” began operations on May 5, departing from Tashkent Central Railway Station and running along the Tashkent–Khiva–Tashkent route.

The service connects key cities including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Urgench, improving rail connectivity between central and western regions of the country.

Previously, the journey took around 14 hours, meaning the new service significantly reduces travel time.

The train consists of seven carriages, is approximately 175 meters long, and can carry up to 380 passengers. It has been adapted to local climate conditions and equipped with modern technologies for long-distance travel.

The launch ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Transport, Uzbekistan Railways, representatives of South Korea, and Hyundai Rotem.

As part of the project, the Bukhara–Urgench–Khiva railway section was electrified, with infrastructure upgrades and safety testing completed ahead of the launch.

According to the schedule, the train departs from Tashkent on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 07:00, arriving in Khiva at 14:31. Return services operate from Khiva on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Experts say the new route is expected to boost domestic tourism and strengthen transport links across regions.

Looking ahead, Uzbekistan plans to expand similar services. Following the electrification of the Miskin–Nukus railway section, high-speed trains are expected to be introduced on the Tashkent–Nukus route from 2027.