Your Complete Guide to Khiva Uzbekistan Airport (UGC)

Axel Donovan

June 19, 2025

Welcome to Khiva, a stunning open-air museum city and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Uzbekistan. Walking through the sand-colored walls of the Itchan Kala (inner city) feels like stepping back in time. But before you can wander its ancient madrasas and minarets, you need to get there. Many travelers search for a Khiva Uzbekistan airport, but the key to starting your adventure is knowing that the city is served by a nearby airport in a neighboring city.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flying into the region and making the final leg of your journey to the magical city of Khiva.

Guide to Khiva Uzbekistan Airport

Guide to Khiva Uzbekistan Airport

The Gateway to Khiva: Urgench International Airport (UGC)

Khiva does not have its own airport. The closest and primary airport serving the region is Urgench International Airport (UGC). Located in the city of Urgench, this airport is your gateway to the wonders of Khiva and the Khorezm region.

Airport Code: UGC (IATA), UTNU (ICAO).
Location: Urgench, Uzbekistan.
Distance to Khiva: Approximately 35-40 km (about 22 miles).
Travel Time to Khiva: 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your mode of transport.

Urgench International Airport is well-connected, servicing both domestic and international flights. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, and Aeroflot offer connections to Urgench via major hubs such as Istanbul and Moscow. Travelers from cities like Paris and Rome typically connect through Tashkent or Istanbul to reach Urgench.

How to Get from Urgench Airport to Khiva

Once you land at Urgench Airport (UGC), you have several options for the final 35 km journey to Khiva. The trip is straightforward and can be tailored to any budget or travel style. Your main choices are a private transfer, a local taxi, the train, or the local trolleybus.

Urgench Airport

Urgench Airport

Private Airport Transfer: The Most Convenient Option

For a hassle-free arrival, pre-booking a private transfer is the best choice. This is especially useful if you are arriving late at night, have heavy luggage, or are traveling with family.

How it Works: A driver will wait for you at the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it. They will help with your luggage and take you directly to your hotel in Khiva.
Cost: Prices for a standard sedan typically range from $20 to $30 one-way. Vans for larger groups are also available at a higher price.
Duration: The journey takes approximately 35 to 50 minutes.
Benefits: This service operates 24/7, so you don't need to worry about late flight arrivals. It's a reliable and comfortable door-to-door service.

Taxi: The Fastest Independent Option

Taxis are readily available outside the Urgench Airport terminal. This provides a fast and direct way to get to Khiva.

How it Works: You can hire a taxi directly upon exiting the airport.
Cost: A taxi ride should cost between $8 and $15, but prices can vary. It is crucial to agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey to avoid being overcharged.
Duration: This is one of the fastest methods, taking about 32-35 minutes.
Benefits: No need to book in advance; just find a car and go.

Train: A Scenic but Less Frequent Choice

For a different kind of travel experience, you can take a train from Urgench to Khiva. Uzbekistan Railways (OTY) operates a service between the two cities.

How it Works: The train runs once a day from Urgentsch station to Khiva station. You may need to take a short taxi ride from the airport to the Urgench train station to catch it.
Cost: Tickets cost between $9 and $18, depending on the class.
Duration: The train journey itself is quick, taking about 30-35 minutes.
Benefits: Offers a comfortable ride with scenic views of the countryside.

Trolleybus: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Adventure

The trolleybus is an ultra-budget option, but service can be infrequent or temporarily suspended. Check locally to confirm if it’s operating on the day of your travel.

How it Works: This is not a direct route. You must first take a taxi from the airport to the Urgench Central Market. From there, you can catch the Line 2 trolleybus to Khiva.
Cost: The entire journey costs only $1 to $3.
Duration: This is the slowest method, taking over an hour in total, including the transfer.
Benefits: Incredibly cheap and offers a glimpse into local daily life.

Trolleybus to Khiva

Trolleybus to Khiva

Comparing Your Transfer Options

To make your decision easier, here is a simple comparison of the main ways to get from Urgench airport to Khiva.

Transportation Method	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Travel Time
Private Transfer	$20 - $30	35 - 50 minutes
Taxi	$3 - $5+	32 - 35 minutes
Train	$9 - $18	~35 minutes (plus transfer)
Trolleybus	$1 - $3	~60+ minutes (plus transfer)

The Return Trip: Khiva to Urgench Airport

For your departure, all the same transportation options are available for the Khiva to Urgench airport journey. It is highly recommended to arrange your transport in advance, especially if you have an early morning flight, to ensure you arrive at the airport on time. Most hotels in Khiva can help you book a reliable taxi or private car.

Does Khiva have an airport?

No, Khiva does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Urgench International Airport (UGC), which is located about 35 km away from Khiva.

What is the cheapest way to get from Urgench Airport to Khiva?

The cheapest way is to take the trolleybus, which costs around $1-$3. However, this is not a direct route and requires taking a taxi from the airport to the Urgench Central Market first.

What is the fastest way to get from Urgench Airport to Khiva?

The fastest way to travel from Urgench Airport to Khiva is by car, either a pre-booked private transfer or a local taxi. The drive takes approximately 32 to 35 minutes.

How far is Urgench Airport from Khiva?

Urgench International Airport (UGC) is about 35-40 kilometers (around 22 miles) from the center of Khiva. The drive typically takes between 35 and 50 minutes.

Before you can plan your transfer from the gateway Khiva Uzbekistan airport, you’ll need to ensure your travel documents are in order. For many travelers, this means securing a visa. The process can seem complex, but services like GVC are designed to make it simple and stress-free. Instead of navigating complicated government websites, you can get started with your visa application through GVC’s clear and efficient platform. This allows you to focus more on planning your Silk Road adventure. To help budget for your trip, you can see the visa service costs upfront, with no hidden fees. Once your application is submitted, you can stop wondering about its progress and instead easily follow your visa status online for complete peace of mind. Using a trusted service ensures your journey begins smoothly, long before you even arrive in Uzbekistan.

Related Articles: