A step-by-step guide to travelling across the Uzbek Tajik border from Dushanbe to Samarkand!
When travelling in Central Asia, people often need to head from Dushanbe to Samarkand or vice versa. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan both offer something unique and different from each other. Including both countries on your Central Asian travel itinerary will give you a varied insight into this captivating part of the world.
With its jaw-dropping architecture, Samarkand is a must-see for history lovers. Dushanbe is known for its grand Soviet-era architecture and scenic mountain backdrops. The trip from Dushanbe to Samarkand is an adventure passing through the beautiful Fann Mountains. Travelling from Dushanbe to Samarkand is a long journey but it doesn’t need to be stressful or difficult.
Crossing international borders can sometimes be a bit daunting. This step-by-step guide will make sure you are prepared to cross the Tajikistan Uzbekistan border near Panjakent without any problems!
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Option 1: Dushanbe to Samarkand by private car
There is an option to cross the Tajikistan Uzbekistan border from Dushanbe to Samarkand with a private transfer. Our hotel quoted us $130 USD for a car and driver for 4 people from Dushanbe to the Tajikistan Uzbekistan border, and then continuing on to Samarkand.
Getting transport from the Uzbekistan side of the border to Samarkand is really simple so we decided to do that part independently. We opted to take a transfer from Dushanbe to the Tajik side of the border. There were 4 of us and we paid $90 USD. The journey took 4.5 hours with a short stop for lunch. We then organised our own transport from the border to Samarkand.
The drive is really beautiful. The road passes through the stunning Fann Mountains, a popular day trip from Samarkand.
Option 2: Dushanbe to Samarkand by public transport
Travelling between Dushanbe and Samarkand is relatively easy and a good option if you are on a budget. Ordinarily, we would have taken this option but we were a bit pressed for time as we had already booked a train to Almaty in the evening.
If you are not in a rush as we were, follow these easy steps to travel from Dushanbe to Samarkand using public transport, marshrutkas and shared taxis.
Step 1: Dushanbe to Panjakent
There is an Asia Express minibus from the main bus station in Dushanbe to Panjakent. The bus takes around 5 hours and costs 70 somoni (price accurate as of 2023). You need to arrive at least 10 minutes early to purchase a ticket.
The Asia Express minibus terminates at the bus station on the outskirts of Panjakent. From there you can easily jump on another minibus to the Panjakent Central Bazaar.
Alternatively, you can take a shared taxi from Dushanbe to Panjakent.
Step 2: Panjakent to the Uzbekistan border
The cheapest way to get from Panjakent to the Tajikistan Uzbekistan border is by shared taxi. You can find shared taxis near the entrance to the bazaar opposite the T-Cell store.
The journey to the border takes around 15-20 minutes. You will have to get out your negotiating skills, but expect to pay 15 TJS per person.
Step 3: Immigration at the Tajikistan Uzbekistan border
The immigration process at the Tajikistan Uzbekistan border is fairly straight-forward. Show your passport to the guard at the gate pictured below and you will be waved through to the Tajik passport control. There was a short line and we were given our stamp to pass through.
Walk on to the next building with the presidents on top. We were just waved through this building but I think it is usually used for scanning luggage.
Keep walking until next building. Here you will need to show your Tajikistan exit stamp to leave.
About a hundred meters down the road on the right is Uzbekistan passport control. After you get your Uzbek stamp and leave passport control, there is a duty free area with a cafe to your right.
You need to show your passport a final time when leaving the Uzbekistan Tajikistan border zone.
Step 4: Travel to Samarkand
As soon as you exit onto the Uzbekistan side of the border you will be bombarded with drivers offering rides into Samarkand. You definitely don’t need to worry about not being able to find transport here.
You can either take a shared taxi or a marshrutka to travel into Samarkand. We were offered a marshrutka for 30,000 som per person. We ended up choosing a shared taxi for 50,000 som each. The main reason for this was that there was air-conditioning in the car and it was a 38°C day.
I did hear of people getting shared taxis for around 30,000 som per person. If you’ ae good at negotiating, I’m sure you can get a cheaper price. Negotiating is not my thing and I was happy to pay the 50,000 som.
If you plan on taking a shared taxi, make sure you agree on a price for the car. A common scam is for people to agree on a price, only to find out it was a price per person, not for the car. Don’t get caught out here. Make sure you know what you’re paying for.
Samarkand is a truly beautiful city and a highlight of Central Asia for many people.
Read about the best things to do in Samarkand.
What facilities are at the Tajikistan Uzbekistan border?
Facilities on the Tajik side of the Panjakent border
On the Tajik side of the border, there is a T-Cell store where you can buy a SIM card. There are money changers but we were given a slightly better rate on the Uzbek side. If you need to change a large amount of money, it is better to do so at the Panjakent Central Bazaar.
Facilities on the Uzbek side of the Panjakent border
On the Uzbek side of the border, there is a Beeline store inside the Tourist Information Centre. There are a lot of people willing to exchange money for a decent rate. Onward transport into Samarkand is easy to organise. There are plenty of rather pushy taxi and mashrutka drivers so you can get a competitive price for onward travel.
Where to stay in Samarkand
Samarkand has a good range of accommodation options to suit every style and budget. Here are some of the best options.
Budget – Sitora Star Samarkand is where we stayed for our 10 days in Samarkand. I can’t say enough good things about this place. It is centrally-located a few minutes walk from the Amir Timur Mausoleum, has a kitchen you can use and the owner is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. It is everything you could want or need from budget accommodation.
Mid-Range – Darvozai Samarkand Boutique Hotel is in a great location, has super friendly staff and rooms that are decorated with local Uzbek suzani silks.
High-end – For something a little more luxurious, check out Silk Road Empire Hotel. Spacious rooms, an exceptional breakfast and super hospitable staff are just some of the reasons this hotel has a near perfect review score. It also has nice little features like free bike rental that set it apart from the rest.
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Looking for more inspiration for travelling in Central Asia?
Guide to the Pamir Highway, Tajikistan
The best of Uzbek cuisine: Foods to try in Uzbekistan!
Planning a Pamir Highway tour, Tajikistan
Engel’s Peak Meadows hike, Tajikistan
How to cross the border from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan
