Tashkent Metro Guide 2026: How to Ride & Best Stations

An Inside Look at Riding the Tashkent Metro: Uzbekistan's Underground Art Galleries

By Supypy @sue__ryan

✔️ Metro Fare: 1,725 UZS (approx. ~$0.11)

✔️ Contactless/Tagless payment cards accepted

✔️ Security baggage check at entry; no need to tap out when exiting

✔️ The stations themselves are breathtaking architectural masterpieces

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1. Navigating and Riding the Tashkent Metro

To visit the famous Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre, I decided to take the Tashkent Metro. I had heard so many amazing things about the stunning architecture of the stations here, so I was incredibly excited to experience it firsthand.

At the entrance of each station, you will find a ticket booth. While a standard paper ticket costs 1,700 UZS, tapping a contactless bank card incurs a tiny processing fee, making the final fare 1,725 UZS (which is still an incredibly cheap ~$0.11!).

Once you head down into the station, the entry and exit pathways are clearly separated.

Before passing through the turnstiles, you will go through a quick security baggage check. I was carrying a selfie stick, and the officers asked what it was. After a quick demonstration, they smiled and let me pass right through.

To enter, simply tap your contactless card on the green reader at the turnstile. The red "X" will instantly switch to a green circle, and you are good to go!

2. Exploring the Stunning Stations

Stepping onto the platform feels like entering a grand palace. The architecture is incredibly majestic, featuring intricate carvings and classical designs that completely blow you away.

This is Tashkent Station. The wall tiles are incredibly elegant and polished. While it is written as "TASHKENT" in English, you will see it spelled in Cyrillic on the station walls, as shown below.

There are no modern screen doors here, which actually allows you to appreciate the gorgeously carved pillars and wall reliefs even more. Since it can get busy, finding a quiet moment to snap a photo is key, but it is absolutely worth taking a few souvenir shots.

The artistic style is fascinating—it doesn't feel strictly European, nor is it typically Asian. It is a unique Central Asian aesthetic that makes the Tashkent Metro a must-visit attraction in its own right.

When the train arrives, a chime will sound. Once the train comes to a complete stop and the doors open, you can step right on.

Inside the train, a digital screen displays the route. Since the station names are not in English, it can be a bit tricky to follow. I highly recommend using the Yandex Maps or Yandex Metro app to track your location in real-time.

After getting off, I looked around to find the exit. Even the exit areas feature magnificent, dome-shaped ceilings that look incredibly grand.

At another station, I was greeted by a completely different aesthetic—a sleek, modern dome with geometric patterns. People always say you should dress up nicely when visiting the Tashkent Metro because every corner is a photo op, and they are absolutely right!

The Tashkent Metro consists of three main lines spanning 50 stations. What makes it so famous is that each station is designed around a unique cultural, historical, or artistic theme.

You will also notice a mix of old and new trains. The newer models are sleek, modern, and fully air-conditioned, while the older Soviet-era trains lack AC but have a charming, nostalgic retro vibe.

3. Final Thoughts on the Tashkent Metro

As the beating heart of Uzbekistan's capital, the Tashkent Metro is highly efficient, clean, and culturally enriching. Much like travelers love taking photos in front of colorful MTR station walls in Hong Kong, exploring the unique themes of Tashkent's stations is an absolute must-do activity.

Please note that while transfers between different metro lines are free and easy, there are no free transfers between the metro and city buses, so plan your routes accordingly!

Quick Summary

• Metro Fare: 1,725 UZS (approx. ~$0.11)

• Contactless credit/debit cards are accepted at the turnstiles

• Each station features a unique, museum-like artistic theme

• No free transfers between buses and the metro system