Khiva is an ancient city that is located in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. Khiva is famed for its well-preserved medieval city, referred to as Itchan Kala, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching Khiva usually involves a combination of international and domestic travel, as there are no direct international flights to the city.
Urgench International Airport (UGC) is the nearest airport to Khiva, located around 35 kilometers away. To reach Khiva by air, you would likely have to fly into Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and then take a connecting flight to Urgench. Major airlines service Tashkent International Airport, so connecting here is generally straightforward.
From Urgench airport, you can take a taxi or arrange a hotel pickup to get to Khiva. The drive typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Trains are available from major cities in Uzbekistan such as Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand to Urgench. Upon arrival in Urgench, you would then transfer to a taxi or bus for the final leg of the journey to Khiva.
The train ride is an authentic way to see the scenic landscape and interact with local people. Uzbekistan has been upgrading its rail service, so you might find high-speed train options for part of your journey.
Long-distance buses and shared taxis also run to Khiva from various cities within Uzbekistan. The road network is continuously improving, making overland travel a viable option. However, please note that distances between cities can be long and travel times can be extended due to road conditions and traffic.
Renting a car is possible, but it’s advisable to have a local driver who knows the roads and traffic rules. Signage might not always be in English and local driving customs may differ from what you are accustomed to.
Remember to check visa requirements for your passport before planning your trip, as well as currency exchange and any travel advisories. English is not widely spoken in Uzbekistan, so knowing some basic Russian or Uzbek phrases, or having a translation app, may be helpful.
