Shakhrisabz lies about 80 kilometres south of Samarkand, separated from it by the Zarafshan mountains and the Takhta-Karacha Pass. The road over the pass is paved and usually clear, but can be slow in winter due to ice and occasional closures.
The most practical way to reach Shakhrisabz is by shared taxi from Samarkand's Afrosiab bazaar area. Drivers fill a car with four passengers and charge per seat; the journey takes about two hours. Negotiate the price before you get in — the shared rate should be modest. Hiring a taxi for the full round trip (including waiting time while you visit) is a good option if you want flexibility.
There are also marshrutka minibuses, though schedules are irregular. Organised tours from Samarkand's main hotels and hostels typically run to Shakhrisabz for a fixed price and include a guide. These cost more but remove the logistics.
There is no train service directly to Shakhrisabz. Karshi, about an hour further south, is the nearest train station.