Can I buy tickets at the train station?

You can, but for the Afrosiyob high-speed line, they will almost certainly be sold out weeks in advance. Do not rely on station sales for popular routes.

What if the Afrosiyob is sold out?

Look for the 'Sharq' or 'O'zbekiston' trains. They are older and slower, but they are reliable and usually have more seat availability.

Do I need to arrive early at the station?

Yes. Security at train stations in Uzbekistan is significant. Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to clear the initial security perimeter.

Booking High-Speed Train Tickets in Uzbekistan

Book your tickets exactly 45 days in advance through the official O'ztemiryo'l yo'lovchi website or app. Tickets for the Afrosiyob high-speed train sell out within minutes of release, so have your passport details and payment card ready at 8:00 AM Tashkent time.

Create an account on the official portal. Go to eticket.railway.uz. Create an account using your email address before the 45-day window opens. Verify your email immediately so you aren't stuck during the booking process.
Sync your clock. Tickets are released at 8:00 AM Tashkent time (GMT+5). Use a world clock website to ensure you are ready the second they go live.
Select your route. Search for your route (e.g., Tashkent to Samarkand). The high-speed trains are labeled 'Afrosiyob'. If they aren't showing up, you are either too early or they are already sold out.
Input passenger details. Have your passport number and full name copied to your clipboard. You have a very limited time window to hold the reservation before the system releases it.
Pay and download. Use a Visa or Mastercard. Once confirmed, download the PDF ticket. You must have this printed or saved on your phone, as you need to show it and your passport at the station entrance.

Can I buy tickets at the train station?: You can, but for the Afrosiyob high-speed line, they will almost certainly be sold out weeks in advance. Do not rely on station sales for popular routes.
What if the Afrosiyob is sold out?: Look for the 'Sharq' or 'O'zbekiston' trains. They are older and slower, but they are reliable and usually have more seat availability.
Do I need to arrive early at the station?: Yes. Security at train stations in Uzbekistan is significant. Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to clear the initial security perimeter.