Islam Karimov Tashkent Layover Guide (TAS)

What are you looking for in TAS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is an international airport located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It’s located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from downtown Tashkent. The airport first opened officially on May 12, 1924. Tashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan and an important economic and cultural hub in Central Asia. It’s known for its tree-lined avenues, Soviet-era monuments, its blend of modern and historic architecture, and lively bazaars.

Can you leave Tashkent Airport (TAS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Eligible passengers transiting through Tashkent Airport with a layover under 24 hours may typically stay in the airport’s international transit zone without a visa. To exit and explore Uzbekistan, most travelers must obtain an online e-visa or visa in advance, depending on nationality. Check official Uzbekistan visa requirements prior to departure. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Half-Day Excursion Around Tashkent

In just four hours, explore Tashkent’s Old City with visits to grand mosques, the Hazrat Imam complex, and Chorsu Market. Immerse yourself in Uzbekistan’s rich culture, architecture, and local life with a small group and expert guide—perfect for a layover adventure. » book this tour

Full-Day Guided Tour in Tashkent

Discover Tashkent’s highlights on a full-day journey led by a knowledgeable guide. Wander the Hazrati Imam complex, stroll around the Minor Mosque, and experience the Amir Timur Museum’s fascinating exhibits. Includes flexible pickup and drop-off options—ideal for making the most of your airport layover. » book this tour

Bukhara One-Day Tour from Tashkent

Depart Tashkent by high-speed train for a day in UNESCO-listed Bukhara. Explore the majestic Poi-Kalyan complex, historic madrasas, the Tim Abdullah Khan bazaar, and the Magok-i Attari Mosque with your private guide—then return to Tashkent refreshed. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Khast-Imam Complex A historic religious center housing the 8th-century Uthman Quran, with stunning mosques, madrasas, and a rich library preserving Islamic manuscripts, offering deep insight into Central Asian spiritual heritage and architecture. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or Bus 91 to Alisher Navoiy stop)
  • Chorsu Bazaar One of Tashkent’s oldest markets under a striking blue dome. Wander vibrant stalls overflowing with fresh produce, spices, textiles, and traditional crafts, sampling local snacks and witnessing daily Uzbek life in action. (Time required: 1½ hours / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or Bus 91 to Chorsu stop)
  • Tashkent Metro Renowned for its ornate, art-deco stations adorned with mosaics, chandeliers, and marble. Explore moving underground palaces on multiple lines, gaining both efficient transit and an unexpected cultural excursion beneath the city. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or Bus 91 + Metro transfer at Alisher Navoiy)
  • Amir Timur Square Central urban square featuring a towering statue of the conqueror, landscaped gardens, fountains, and historical monuments. Ideal for photos, light strolls, and observing locals relaxing amid modern Tashkent’s vibrant atmosphere. (Time required: 30 min / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or Bus 91 to Mustaqillik Maydoni + 10 min walk)
  • Kukeldash Madrasah A 16th-century caravanserai turned madrasah, showcasing imposing mud-brick architecture. Discover its vaulted halls and courtyard, now hosting art exhibitions and traditional craftsmanship displays highlighting Uzbekistan’s storied past. (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or Bus 91 to Paxtakor metro + 5 min walk)
  • Independence Square Expansive civic space featuring a triumphal arch, eternal flame, fountains, and landscaped lawns. A symbol of modern independence, perfect for leisurely walking, photography, and appreciating public art installations and civic gatherings. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or Bus 91 to Mustaqillik Maydoni metro)
  • State Museum of History Uzbekistan’s premier museum displaying artifacts from prehistoric times to Silk Road eras. Browse ceramics, coins, ancient manuscripts, jewelry, and ethnographic exhibits that trace Central Asia’s layered history across millennia. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or Bus 91 to Amir Timur metro)
  • Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre Grand Soviet-era opera house renowned for its ornate interior, acoustics, and world-class performances. Catch a ballet or opera matinee, or admire its golden hall and marble foyer on a guided visit. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or Bus 91 to Kosmonavtlar metro + one stop)

Things to Do in Tashkent Airport (TAS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Tashkent International offers the Anjir Business Lounge in Terminal 2, airside on the second floor next to Gates B5–B11. Open 24/7 to international and transit passengers, it provides comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, light snacks, beverages, separate smoking cabins, and a prayer room nearby. Stay is limited to two hours per visit. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within the transit zone you’ll find the Khamsa Aerotel, offering affordable private rooms and family suites. Each features a comfortable bed, en-suite shower, desk, power outlets and free Wi-Fi. Rooms can be booked by the hour or overnight, making it ideal for long layovers or overnight stays without leaving the airport. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated quiet zones or nap pods in the main terminals. However, padded benches and seating areas are scattered throughout both landside and airside lounges. If you need a brief rest, head to the less busy gates early in the evening for a quieter spot and bring your own travel pillow or blanket.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free airport Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals under the network name #TASAirportUzcloud. Simply select the network, accept terms and click “Connect.” Speeds are moderate, suitable for browsing, messaging and light streaming. There’s no time limit, but performance may slow during peak hours when many passengers are online simultaneously.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon arrival, look for the brightly-marked Ucell and Beeline/OQ kiosks in the baggage claim hall. They sell physical SIMs and issue data plans on the spot; registration requires your passport. Ucell also offers eSIM profiles via its mobile app, though activation desks may close late at night. Plans start from 5 GB for one week. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis operate 24/7 from the arrivals curb. Fares are calculated by taximeter, averaging around 25,000 UZS (€2) for a 15-minute trip to the city centre. Official airport taxis carry a fixed “airport rate” sign and are generally safer than street-flagged cars. Ride-hailing apps like Yandex Taxi and MyTaxi also serve the airport.

Train: There is no direct rail link to the airport terminal. The nearest railway hub is Tashkent South Station, about 16 km away. To reach it, take a taxi or bus, then board Uzbekistan Railways services. For schedules, fares and station details, visit the official Uzbekistan Railways site: more info.

Bus: Public buses serve the airport landside drop-off area. Route 40 runs every 15–20 minutes, connecting to major central stops like Alisher Navoi and Amir Temur. A one-way ticket costs about 3,000 UZS (under US $1). Buses operate from early morning until around midnight. Exact timetables and stop locations are posted at each bus shelter. more info.

Shuttle: While there is no official airport shuttle, many nearby hotels and private transfer companies offer pre-booked shuttle vans or minibuses. These run on a fixed schedule between the airport and popular districts such as Mirabad. Reservations must be made in advance online or by phone, and prices vary by provider and group size.

Car rentals: Major international and local car-rental counters line the arrivals hall, including Avis, Europcar, Sixt and local firms. Drivers must present a valid international or Uzbek driver’s license, passport and credit card. Vehicles range from compact sedans to SUVs. Rental desks operate 24 hours, with prices starting from around $35 per day, inclusive of basic insurance. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short- and long-term parking lots flank both terminals. The first 30 minutes is free; thereafter rates are approximately 1,000 UZS per hour or 5,000 UZS per day. Covered parking is available closer to the terminal building, while uncovered lots offer cheaper rates further out. Payment is via automated kiosks accepting cash or card.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no official luggage storage or locker facility inside the terminals. If you need to stow bags, options include private porter-operated storage in the arrivals hall or at Khamsa Aerotel in the transit zone, which offers secured baggage holding by the hour. Alternatively, many downtown hotels provide luggage storage for a small fee. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Tashkent Airport (TAS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks