The Afrosiyob, Uzbekistan’s flagship Talgo 250 high‑speed electric train, links Tashkent with Samarkand, Bukhara and Karshi - travelling at up to 250 km/h and offering one of the fastest rail journeys in Central Asia.
Speed, Route & History
Introduced in October 2011, Afrosiyob runs on the high‑speed rail line from Tashkent to Samarkand (344 km in ~2 h 15 min) and since August 2016 extends to Bukhara, making the total route about 600 km and cutting travel time to ~3 h 20 min.
Onboard Classes & Comfort
The train consists of Talgo 250 sets with 2 power cars, ~8 passenger cars and a bistro. Passenger classes include Economy (2+2 seats), Business and VIP (1+2 seats, leather) - all air‑conditioned with snack service, complimentary tea or coffee.
Multiple daily departures connect Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Examples: train 762Ф Tashkent→Samarkand at 07:28–09:42; train 762Ф continues to Bukhara arriving ≈12:46. Return services like 769Ф run Bukhara→Tashkent late afternoon. Ticket prices in 2025 are approximately €30‑40 economy, €40‑60 business, €60‑90 VIP on routes like Tashkent–Samarkand or–Bukhara.
Why Choose Afrosiyob
Afrosiyob is faster, more modern and comfortable than other Uzbek trains like Sharq - though tickets can sell out quickly and are more expensive. Its reliability and onboard service make it the top choice for Silk Road travellers.
Future Extensions
Uzbekistan Railways plans to introduce new Hyundai Rotem KTX‑Eum (EMU‑250) trains around 2027, and eventually extend high‑speed service to Khiva via Urgench once connected to the existing corridor.
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