Traveling From Azerbaijan To Uzbekistan: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are several ways to travel from Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan, including by plane, car, car ferry, train, taxi, or bus. The distance between the two countries is approximately 892-895 miles, and the flight time is around 1.5-1.6 hours. The cheapest way to travel between the two countries is by taxi, car ferry, and bus, which costs $120-$140, while the fastest way is by plane, which takes around 3 hours and costs $140-$550.

Travel by plane

To travel by plane between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, you can fly from Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport (GYD) to either Tashkent (TAS) or Nukus (NCU) in Uzbekistan. Alternatively, flights are available from Nukus (NCU), Namangan (NMA), or Fergana (FEG) in Uzbekistan to Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport (GYD) in Azerbaijan.

The air travel distance between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan is approximately 892-895 miles (1436-1440 kilometres). The average flight time is 1.57 hours, with an average airplane speed of 567 mph. However, the total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 3 hours and 2 minutes. The price of flights ranges from $140 to $550.

Uzbekistan Airways and Azerbaijan Airways offer flights between Baku and Tashkent four times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Additionally, there are flights from Baku to Nukus, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

When travelling from Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan, there are multiple airlines to choose from, including Uzbekistan Airways, Ural Airlines, and two other airlines, with flights from Fergana to Baku offered twice daily. Flights from Nukus to Baku are also available, with some flights connecting through Tashkent or Urgench.

Travel by car

Driving from Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan is a long journey, so it's important to plan your route carefully. The total distance between the two countries is around 1,440 kilometres (895 miles), and the drive will take you through some remote and varied terrain. Here is a suggested route and some important considerations for your trip.

Suggested Route

• Begin your journey in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
• Drive south from Baku to the city of Alat. This drive should take around 1 hour.
• From Alat, you will need to take a car ferry across the Caspian Sea to either Kuryk or Turkmenbashi (Türkmenbaşy) in Uzbekistan. The ferry ride will take several hours, and the frequency of departures may vary.
• If you take the ferry to Kuryk, drive to Mangystau, and from there, you can continue by train or car to your final destination in Uzbekistan. If you take the ferry to Turkmenbashi, you can drive to Ashgabat and then on to your destination.

Important Considerations

• Visa Requirements: Research the visa requirements for both Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan before your trip, as you will need to obtain the necessary visas in advance.
• Border Crossings: When crossing the border between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, make sure you have the necessary documentation and be prepared for potential delays or additional checks.
• Road Conditions: The road conditions along your route may vary, and some roads may be in poor condition or unpaved. Drive with caution and be prepared for potential delays due to road works or other obstacles.
• Fuel and Services: Plan your fuel stops in advance, as gas stations may be scarce in some remote areas. Also, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry essential tools and spare parts.
• Accommodation: Along your route, there may be limited accommodation options, especially in remote areas. Research and book your accommodation in advance, or consider camping if you are comfortable with basic amenities.
• Language: English may not be widely spoken in all areas, so consider carrying a translation app or dictionary, especially if you need to ask for directions or assistance.
• Currency: Ensure you have the local currency (Azerbaijani manat and Uzbekistani soum) for tolls, fuel, and other expenses, as ATM and currency exchange options may be limited in some areas.

Travel by car ferry

To travel by car ferry from Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan, you will first need to drive from Baku to Alat. At Alat, you will board a ferry to either Kuryk or Turkmenbashi International Seaport. From Kuryk, you can drive to Mangystau and take a train to Tashkent. Alternatively, from Turkmenbashi, you can take a bus to Ashgabat Bus Terminal and then another bus to the Tashkent bus station.

Driving from Baku to Alat

The distance from Baku to Alat is around 70km. You can either drive yourself or take a taxi.

Taking the car ferry from Alat

The car ferry from Alat goes to Kuryk or Turkmenbashi International Seaport. The ferry from Alat to Kuryk takes vehicles as well as foot passengers, while the ferry to Turkmenbashi only takes foot passengers.

The ferries on the Caspian Sea are cargo ships with space for passengers, so do not expect a comfortable ride! There is no set schedule for departures, and ferries leave when they are full and when the weather permits. Be prepared for long waiting times at the port and delays of several days due to port congestion or unfavourable weather conditions.

You can find out about departures by calling the port or leaving your phone number at the ticket office to be notified when a departure is scheduled. You can also check the ASCO website, which shows ship movements and whether a ship at the port has been assigned a destination. If a ship has been assigned a destination, it will likely leave within the day.

Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the port in Alat. As of October 2023, the fare is $70 for a passenger ticket, which includes three meals per day, a cabin berth, and linens.

From Kuryk to Tashkent

Once you arrive at Kuryk, you can drive to Mangystau and take a train to Tashkent North via Beineu.

From Turkmenbashi to Tashkent

From Turkmenbashi International Seaport, you can take a bus to the Ashgabat Bus Terminal and then another bus to the Tashkent bus station.

Travel by train

There are three types of trains in Uzbekistan: the Afrosiyob, the Sharq, and the overnight sleeper train. The Afrosiyob is a high-speed rail that connects major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. It is modern, comfortable, and reasonably priced. The Sharq is an older train that is slower and cheaper than the Afrosiyob. It is used to reach cities like Urgench, Khiva, and those in the Fergana Valley. The overnight sleeper train is the slowest option but is ideal for long-distance travel. It offers private and shared sleeper cabins and is a great way to interact with locals and other travellers.

To book your train tickets, you can use the official Uzbekistan Railways website or the Uzrailway tickets app. Tickets typically become available between 45 and 30 days before departure, and it is recommended to book in advance as they can sell out quickly. When booking, you can choose your seat and carriage class, and you will receive an e-ticket that you can show on your phone when boarding.

When travelling by train in Uzbekistan, you can bring larger suitcases, but keep in mind that on overnight trains, you will need to fit your luggage in your sleeping compartment. It is advised to arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes early to allow time for security checks, as your e-ticket, passport, and luggage will be scanned.

Travel by bus

The bus is one of the best ways to travel from Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan. There are several bus routes that connect the two countries, and the journey usually takes around two days. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to travel from Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan by bus:

Step 1: Baku to Turkmenbashi

Take a bus from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Turkmenbashi, a city on the Caspian Sea coast in Turkmenistan. This journey will take around 12 hours. There are several bus companies that operate this route, and you can buy tickets online or at the bus station in Baku.

Step 2: Turkmenbashi to Ashgabat

From Turkmenbashi, you can take another bus to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. This journey will take around 4 hours. Again, there are several bus companies that operate this route, and tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station in Turkmenbashi.

Step 3: Ashgabat to Turkmenabat

From Ashgabat, you can take a bus to Turkmenabat, a city near the Uzbek border. This journey will take around 6 hours. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station in Ashgabat.

Step 4: Turkmenabat to Tashkent

The final leg of the journey is from Turkmenabat to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. This journey will take around 4 hours. There are several bus companies that operate this route, and tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station in Turkmenabat.

Useful Tips:

• It is important to have a valid visa for Turkmenistan before embarking on this journey, as you will be crossing the country by land.
• The buses are usually comfortable and air-conditioned, but it is recommended to bring a warm sweater or a light blanket as it can get cold at night.
• Make sure to keep your passport with you at all times, and do not leave it in the luggage compartment underneath the bus.
• There will be stops along the way for food and bathroom breaks, but it is recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks as the options may be limited.
• It is also advisable to have some local currency (Uzbek Som, Turkmen Manat, and Azerbaijani Manat) with you for any purchases along the way.

Frequently asked questions