Tashkent is the main international gateway to Uzbekistan and the busiest air hub in Central Asia. Tashkent International Airport (TAS) sits a few kilometres south of the centre, with direct flights to Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai, Seoul, Frankfurt, and the major Central Asian capitals. Uzbekistan Airways is the national carrier.
The high-speed Afrosiyob train is the best way to reach Samarkand (around two hours), Bukhara (four hours), and Khiva. Trains depart from Tashkent's main station (Tashkent Vokzal) and book up days in advance — buy through the Uzbekistan Railways website or app, not at the station.
Overland borders to Kazakhstan are at Yallama (north) and Chernyaevka (closest to Shymkent). The Kyrgyz border is at Dustlik, a few hours east. Visa requirements have eased for most western nationals — many can enter visa-free for 30 days.