The Sharq ("Eastern Express") is a fast train linking Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. It is cheaper than the Afrosiyob though a little slower, which suits travellers who care more about price. On ioka.uz you can view the Sharq schedule and buy a ticket online with no markup.
Sharq trainSharq train
The Sharq is a fast Uzbek train (up to 160 km/h) on the Tashkent — Samarkand — Bukhara route. It is cheaper than the Afrosiyob, at the cost of a slightly longer journey. Tickets online at ioka.uz with no markup.
Train specifications
Fast train
Type
up to 160 km/h
Speed
Tashkent — Samarkand — Bukhara
Routes
Economy, Business
Classes
about 3 h
Tashkent — Samarkand
about 6 h
Tashkent — Bukhara
Routes and fares
| Route | Travel time | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Tashkent → Samarkand | ~3 h | 70,000 UZS |
| Tashkent → Bukhara | ~6 h | 110,000 UZS |
| Samarkand → Bukhara | ~2 h 20 min | 60,000 UZS |
Carriage classes
The Sharq offers economy and business classes. It is a seated fast train: economy has standard seats, business is more comfortable. Tickets are cheaper than on the Afrosiyob.
Frequently asked questions
The Sharq is a fast train (up to 160 km/h), while the Afrosiyob is high-speed (up to 210 km/h). The Sharq is slower: Tashkent — Samarkand takes ~3 hours versus 2 h 08 min on the Afrosiyob. In return, Sharq tickets are cheaper, so it suits travellers who care more about price.
The Sharq links Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. It is a convenient way to travel the Silk Road route if you want to save on tickets compared with the Afrosiyob.
Sharq tickets are cheaper than the Afrosiyob: Tashkent — Samarkand from 70,000 UZS, Tashkent — Bukhara from 110,000 UZS. Check current fares for your date on ioka.uz.
The Sharq is a fast Uzbek train on the Tashkent — Samarkand — Bukhara route, cheaper than the Afrosiyob for a slightly longer journey. On ioka.uz you can view the Sharq schedule, compare fares and buy a ticket online with no markup. Pay with Uzcard, Humo or Click.