Uzbekistan is launching high-speed service on the Tashkent–Urgench–Khiva corridor in 2026. Plan to buy tickets from the official e-ticket site, travel to Urgench station, then transfer 30–60 minutes to Khiva by taxi, shared car, or local bus. Expect the new trains to cut travel time dramatically and run on modern Hyundai Rotem trainsets.

I still remember the first time Khiva’s mud-brick skyline appeared from a distance, that honeyed light on the minarets, how the city felt like a storybook. In 2026 getting there is about to feel much easier. Uzbekistan has spent the last few years electrifying and upgrading the Bukhara–Urgench–Khiva corridor and buying new high-speed EMUs from Hyundai Rotem to run the Tashkent–Urgench–Khiva route. The trains arrived for testing in early 2026 and commercial services are slated to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

Why High-Speed Train to Khiva, Uzbekistan matters for travelers?

The new trains will cut the epic Tashkent to Khiva haul from a long overnight slog to roughly half the time, making Khiva a doable day or overnight trip on a civilised schedule. The Hyundai Rotem trains are seven-car electric sets, about 250 km/h capable, designed for comfort and fewer stops. That means more daylight for wandering the Ichan Kala and less time stuck on rails.

Step-by-step: How to take the new train in 2026

1) Plan your route and dates

The high-speed trains will operate along a Tashkent to Urgench route that serves tourists heading to Khiva. Decide whether you want to travel directly from Tashkent or break the trip with stops in Samarkand or Bukhara. High season fills quickly, so lock dates early. Official announcements point to full commercial launch in Q2 2026, after on-track testing.

2) Buy tickets (official first, resellers second)

Uzbekistan Railways’ e-ticket portal is the official place to start. Use eticket.railway.uz to check schedules and classes, and create an account if needed. For the new high-speed service, expect multiple classes and reserved seating. If trains sell out, trusted local agencies or hotel concierges can sometimes secure seats, but fees will apply.

3) Get to the right station and arrive early

Tashkent’s main high-speed departures leave from the central station that serves Afrosiyob and new EMUs. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes early for international visitors so you can find your platform, store luggage, and buy snacks. Trains are faster and less forgiving than overnight sleepers.

4) From Urgench station to Khiva: the short final leg

The high-speed service will stop at Urgench, which is the gateway to Khiva. Urgench to Khiva is about 25–35 km; by shared taxi or private transfer the drive is roughly 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. There are also local trains and a slow trolleybus for bargain travellers, but for most visitors a pre-arranged taxi or hotel transfer is easiest and fastest. Expect transfer operators to advertise connection times when the high-speed schedules are published.

5) What to bring and expect on board

Bring passport and print or screenshot of your ticket. Expect modern, air conditioned coaches, luggage racks, and onboard conveniences similar to other Hyundai Rotem services. Food service and power outlets will vary by class; pack earplugs and a light jumper for the air con. If you travel during national holidays or weekends, book earlier than usual.

Real-world tips I wish I’d had before my first Khiva run

• Book your onward transfer from Urgench ahead if you need to arrive at a specific time. When the new high-speed trains start regular service, demand for transfers will spike.
• Buy tickets at the official e-ticket portal for best prices, but screenshot the confirmation and have ID ready at boarding.
• If you’re doing a loop Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara–Khiva, check multiple train legs separately—sometimes a slower regional train will be cheaper and align better with your hotel check-in.

Sample one-day itinerary using the high-speed train (optimised for light packers)

• 07:00 Depart Tashkent on the high-speed service.
• 11:00 Arrive Urgench station, grab a taxi or transfer.
• 12:00 Check into a guesthouse in Khiva, light lunch inside Ichan Kala.
• Afternoon explore the Kalta Minor, Pakhlavan Makhmud and the old bazaars. Evening rooftop tea watching minaret shadows. Times will depend on the published 2026 timetable, but this gives the new service’s promise: more Khiva daylight.

Safety, accessibility and money notes

Uzbekistan’s rail network is secure and well managed. High-speed trains will have modern safety systems and staff. Carry some cash for small transfers and tips, and confirm whether your mobile banking cards work for e-ticket purchases. If you need assistance, ask station staff; English may be limited but staff are used to foreign travellers. Find more information on official website here – eticket.railway.uz

When the schedules drop: How to hold your spot?

The first commercial services are expected after dynamic testing completes, likely in spring 2026. When tickets are released, aim to book immediately. If you miss the initial release, compare neighbouring departure times or split your route (Tashkent to Bukhara high-speed then a short hop to Khiva) until more seats open.

Quick facts table

Traveling by train has always been my favourite way to see Uzbekistan, the landscapes unfolding like slow film, tea vendors at stations, the sense that an old road meets a new one. The 2026 high-speed link to Khiva closes that gap between myth and convenience. Pack light, book early, and save a full afternoon in Ichan Kala for aimless wandering. You will arrive quicker, but the city will still reward you by asking that you slow down.