Car Rental in Tashkent

Where to drive

• Journey to Samarkand: This iconic Silk Road city, famous for Registan Square, is approximately 300 km (186 miles) southeast of Tashkent, a drive of around 3.5-4 hours.
• Explore Bukhara: Another ancient city brimming with mosques and madrassas, Bukhara is roughly 560 km (348 miles) from Tashkent, taking about 7-8 hours by car.
• Visit the Charvak Reservoir: A popular mountain resort area for swimming and relaxation, located about 80-100 km (50-62 miles) northeast of Tashkent, a drive of approximately 1.5-2 hours.
• Day trip to Chimgan Mountains: Ideal for hiking and skiing (seasonal), these mountains are situated near Charvak, around 90-110 km (56-68 miles) from Tashkent, taking about 2 hours to reach.
• Discover Kokand: An important city in the Fergana Valley, approximately 230 km (143 miles) east of Tashkent, about a 3-4 hour drive through scenic passes.
• Andijan exploration: Further into the Fergana Valley, Andijan is about 370 km (230 miles) from Tashkent, a drive of around 5-6 hours, offering insight into local life.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Uzbekistan, you typically need a valid passport, a valid national driving license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some rental companies may accept certain national licenses without an IDP if they are in English or accompanied by a certified translation, but an IDP is highly recommended for hassle-free travel. The minimum driving age is generally 21, with at least 1-2 years of driving experience.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Tashkent vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from approximately $30-$40 per day, while mid-range sedans could be around $50-$70. SUVs, popular for longer trips or varied terrain, typically range from $80-$120 daily. Prices tend to be higher during the peak tourist season from spring to autumn and lower in winter.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Uzbekistan, vehicles drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads, and 100 km/h (62 mph) on highways, unless otherwise posted. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.0%. Headlights are generally required to be on at all times, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for young children, though availability from rental companies may vary.

Parking

Parking in Tashkent can be found in designated lots, some paid, and along streets. In central areas, paid parking zones are common, often managed by attendants or automated systems. Many hotels offer free parking for guests. Outside the city center, free street parking is more readily available, but always check for signs indicating restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is widely available throughout Uzbekistan, including Tashkent and along major routes. Petrol stations are common, and most accept cash, with card payments becoming more prevalent but not universally guaranteed. The approximate price for a liter of petrol (gasoline) is around $0.80-$1.00, and diesel is similar, though prices can fluctuate.

Which car to choose

For driving within Tashkent and on well-maintained intercity roads, a compact or mid-sized sedan is generally sufficient and economical. If you plan to venture into more rural areas, mountain regions like Chimgan, or require extra comfort for long distances to Samarkand or Bukhara, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance would be a more suitable choice. Manual transmission cars are common, but automatic options are available, especially in larger rental fleets.

Frequently asked questions