Afrosiyob vs Sharq train? - Uzbekistan

RE: Afrosiyob vs Sharq train?

ElenaKhol — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:29:45 +0000

We actually travelled on both.

We booked Afrosiyob where it fit our schedule, but one of the routes was sold out so we took a regular train instead.

Honestly, it wasn't a problem at all. The journey was comfortable, people were friendly and we enjoyed watching the countryside. If you're travelling on a tighter budget, I wouldn't worry about using the regular services.

RE: Afrosiyob vs Sharq train?

Miranaya — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:28:58 +0000

The regular trains are perfectly fine, so don't imagine they're uncomfortable.

The real difference between them is speed.

On Afrosiyob we had breakfast in Tashkent and were walking around Registan before lunchtime. That completely changed how we planned our itinerary because we didn't lose an entire day moving between cities. Other than that and some price difference (that I wouldn't say is that much) it makes no big difference.

RE: Afrosiyob vs Sharq train?

MariMari — Thu, 07 May 2026 09:04:34 +0000

The new high-speed Jaloliddin Manguberdi train.

Samarkand–Khiva — 5 hours travel time and 518,000 soum. I bought the tickets 3 days before departure in the Uzbek Railways app. They don’t scan tickets or check documents (basically encouraging ticket resellers 🤬). Inside it’s cold, wear pants and a sweater, or better yet closed shoes too, there’s a strong draft from the floor as well.

A sandwich with a muffin and tea/coffee are included in the ticket.

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RE: Afrosiyob vs Sharq train?

Lanas — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:24:33 +0000

This is what the cheaper Sharq carriage looks like — everything was comfortable) We were traveling in the opposite direction from you, from Bukhara to Samarkand, and the carriage was almost empty. The second ride, Samarkand–Tashkent, had more people already. They even offer tea for free) (last year)

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RE: Afrosiyob vs Sharq train?

Siamiza — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:23:41 +0000

Could someone tell me what the difference is between 1st and 2nd class carriages on the Sharq train?
I found the seating layout scheme, that part is clear. But what else is different?
Is it okay to take 2nd class (2B)?
Traveling Samarkand–Bukhara.

RE: Afrosiyob vs Sharq train?

Barmaley — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:08:50 +0000

I bought tickets for the Nasaf train (it’s the same train as Sharq, just with different carriages).

For three people, I chose a private compartment — very convenient. There are also compartments for six people.

The trip was comfortable.

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RE: Afrosiyob vs Sharq train?

algebra — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:23:40 +0000

We travelled on Sharq, and liked it very much

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RE: Afrosiyob vs Sharq train?

Shaman — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:49:56 +0000

It doesn’t make any difference. They’re both the same. It’s just that their final destinations are different (after Samarkand they split off to different cities). One goes to Bukhara, and the other, I don’t remember, to Termez I think… Just check the schedule and choose whichever is more convenient for you.

RE: Afrosiyob vs Sharq train?

MSMK — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:49:31 +0000

Hello! Please tell me which train is more comfortable, Sharq or Nasaf. The departure time from Samarkand to Tashkent is the same, and the travel time is the same. I looked at the carriage layout — on Sharq there are 2 seats together and 1 separate seat, while on Nasaf there are 3 seats together. Is that really so?

RE: Afrosiyob vs Sharq train?

Masha — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:01:52 +0000

We traveled on Afrosiyob and on Sharq business class. Afrosiyob is faster and more comfortable, of course. But Sharq is perfectly adequate for traveling too. Four hours on a train is still more comfortable than rattling around in a marshrutka or a taxi.