Can tourists drive in Uzbekistan?
Yes. If you have a valid driving license that meets the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, with a certified translation, you can rent and drive a car in Uzbekistan. We accept licenses from the EU, US, UK, South Korea, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, and most other countries. We can help arrange a notarized translation if needed.
Minimum age: 24. Minimum driving experience: 4 years.
Traffic rules that might surprise you
Driving is on the right side. Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and front passenger — fine is about $38. Speed limits: 60 km/h in cities, 100 km/h on highways. Speed cameras are everywhere in Tashkent, roughly every 500 meters on main avenues.
The big one: the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%. Zero. Not a glass of wine, not a beer at lunch. The fine is hefty, and your car can be impounded.
Road conditions
The Tashkent–Samarkand highway (300 km) is in good condition, partly four lanes. About 3.5–4 hours of driving. Samarkand–Bukhara (270 km) is rougher but manageable, around 3.5 hours. Bukhara–Khiva (450 km) is the toughest stretch — patchy asphalt in places, 6-7 hours.
City roads are fine, but traffic can be chaotic. Pedestrians cross wherever they feel like it, minibuses stop without warning, and lane discipline is a suggestion. Don't panic — keep your distance and take it slow.
Fuel
CNG (methane) is the cheapest fuel — most local cars run on it. Petrol: AI-80 costs about $0.27/L, AI-91 about $0.58/L, AI-95 about $0.73/L. Our cars use AI-91 or AI-95 — we'll tell you which when you pick up.
Gas stations are plentiful in cities. On highways between cities they exist but can be 50-80 km apart. Don't push your luck — fill up when you can.
Navigation
Google Maps works but isn't always accurate for smaller streets. Yandex Navigator is better for local roads and traffic. Download offline maps — mobile signal outside cities can be spotty.
Distances between cities
Tashkent–Samarkand: 300 km, ~4 hours. Samarkand–Bukhara: 270 km, ~3.5 hours. Bukhara–Khiva: 450 km, ~6 hours. Tashkent–Fergana: 300 km, ~5 hours (mountain pass). Tashkent–Nukus: 1,100 km, ~14 hours (better to fly).
What to do in case of an accident
Don't move the car. Call traffic police: 102. Call us: +998 78 113 78 70 — we'll come and help with the paperwork. Photograph the damage and the scene. All our cars are insured, so it won't be a catastrophe — but the procedure matters.