Why drive when there's a train?
The Afrosiyob high-speed train from Tashkent to Bukhara takes 3.5 hours. Ticket costs about $19. Comfortable, fast, stress-free. But here's the thing: once in Bukhara, you're stuck with taxis. The old city is walkable, but a trip to Tudakul Lake, the Kyzylkum desert, or Gijduvan pottery workshops means separate costs and depending on a driver.
With a rental car, you decide where and when. Stop in the middle of the steppe for a sunset photo? Drop by a ceramics workshop in Gijduvan on the way? Drive back to Samarkand for an evening? All without schedules or haggling.
Route and distances
Tashkent → Samarkand — 300 km, 3.5–4 hours. M-39 highway, good pavement. Stop in Jizzakh for samsa (arguably the best in the country).
Samarkand → Bukhara — 270 km, 3–3.5 hours. Road is rougher but passable in any car. Through Navoi — industrial city, nothing to see, but you can refuel.
Total: 570 km. In a Cobalt, that's about 40-45 liters of AI-91, roughly $25 in fuel one way.
Which car to take
For two people with luggage — a Cobalt ($31/day) is plenty. For a family — Tracker II ($46/day) or Orlando ($38/day, 7 seats). For comfort on the long drive — Malibu ($62/day). The difference between a Spark and a Malibu after five hours behind the wheel is very real.
What to see in Bukhara
The old city is walkable: Poi-Kalyan complex, Ark Fortress, Lyabi-Hauz, trading domes. Half a day to a full day.
By car:
- Sitorai Mohi-Khosa Palace — 4 km from center. Summer residence of Bukharan emirs.
- Bahauddin Naqshband Necropolis — 12 km. Pilgrimage site, peaceful.
- Gijduvan — 50 km. Narzullaev ceramics workshop — watch the process and buy authentic Bukharan pottery.
- Tudakul Lake — 60 km. Artificial reservoir, swimming in summer.
Can I drop off the car in Bukhara?
Yes. If you don't want to drive back, we can arrange a Bukhara drop-off — let us know when booking. One-way transfer fee is discussed separately.
Book your Bukhara road trip at inrent.uz or call +998 78 113 78 70.