Passing through Bukhara Airport? A layover in Bukhara is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 25 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at BHK:
First, verify that you can enter Uzbekistan — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi takes about 25 minutes into Bukhara, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — UZS is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some UZS in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Bukhara
From BHK, the Taxi gets you to Bukhara in around 25 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 45 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Bukhara Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Bukhara might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$7 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$22 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Bukhara, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Storing Your Luggage at Bukhara Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at BHK may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Bukhara’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Bukhara, we’d suggest Lyab-i Hauz Complex and Poi Kalyan Complex. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Bukhara.
If you’d rather stay inside BHK — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- General Waiting Area
- Souvenir Shop
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Old Bukhara Restaurant and Nodir Devon Begi Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Bukhara.
- At the airport: Airport Snack Bar and Terminal Food Kiosk will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at BHK.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
WiFi at BHK should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Uzbekistan and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Bukhara genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.