Tashkent Metro Art Tour: Station-by-station photo guide and etiquette

The moment I stepped into my first Tashkent metro station, I knew I'd discovered one of travel's best-kept secrets. Central Asia's crown jewel of underground art transforms daily commuting into museum exploration, with around 50 stations across four lines, each telling a unique story through its art and architecture.

What makes this system truly special is its recent transformation from a forbidden military installation to a photographer's paradise. Until 2018, taking photos was strictly prohibited – now, it's a must-do activity for any visitor to Uzbekistan.

Tashkent Metro

The Soviet legacy and earthquake rebirth

My guide explained how the metro's story begins with determination born from tragedy. After the devastating 1966 earthquake destroyed much of Tashkent, the Soviet authorities approved the construction of Central Asia’s first metro system as part of the city’s reconstruction and modernization plan.

Construction began in 1972, with the first line opening November 6, 1977, perfectly timed for the USSR's 60th anniversary. Walking through these stations today, you'll feel transported through both Soviet history and Uzbek cultural pride.

When photography became possible

For 41 years, the Tashkent Metro remained one of the world's most beautiful hidden secrets. Photography was banned from 1977 until 2018, partly because many stations were considered sensitive Cold War–era shelters. I spoke with a local photographer who recalled how security guards would confiscate cameras and potentially arrest photographers.

Everything changed in June 2018, when President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s reforms lifted the long-standing photography ban. Within months, images of the metro's spectacular art flooded social media. Now, I can share my own photos with you!

Station-by-station artistic masterpieces

My three-day metro exploration revealed architectural treasures at every stop. Here are the absolute must-visit stations:

Central hall of Paxtakor metro station

The space odyssey at Kosmonavtlar

Kosmonavtlar (Cosmonauts Station) captivated me with its space-age design by renowned architect Sergo Sutyagin. The deep blue ceramic walls fade to black, mimicking Earth's atmosphere, while glass "stars" create a stunning Milky Way effect across the ceiling.

I spent nearly an hour photographing the medallions featuring Soviet space heroes Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova alongside 15th-century astronomer Ulugh Beg. This clever connection between ancient and modern achievements shows how the metro blends time periods.

Literary beauty at Alisher Navoi

Alisher Navoi Station showcases the metro's most breathtaking Islamic-inspired architecture. Turquoise ceramic murals and golden domes create a mosque-like atmosphere honoring the 15th-century founder of Uzbek literature.

My local friend explained how artist Ahmet Shaymuradov spent four years crafting intricate ceramic scenes from Navoi's epic poems. The station feels more like a sacred space than a transit hub – I had to remind myself trains still run through here!

Cotton celebration at Pakhtakor

Pakhtakor (Cotton Worker) Station celebrates Uzbekistan's "white gold" with massive copper reliefs by National Artist Vladimir Burmakin. Green and blue mosaics of cotton plants cover the walls, while the metalwork tells the story of an industry that supplied a significant share of the Soviet Union’s cotton production.

A friendly security guard pointed out details I would have missed, showing genuine pride in this artistic representation of his country's agricultural heritage.

Soviet space heroes Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova

The architectural treasure hunt by line

To make your exploration more organized, I've created this table showing key stations by line:

I spent a full day on the Blue Line alone – it offers the richest artistic elements. The Red Line provides great historical context, while the newer Green Line shows how modern influences blend with traditional designs.

Planning your artistic journey

Operating hours and practical details

The metro operates daily from 5:00 AM to midnight, with trains arriving every 3-5 minutes during peak hours. A single ride costs just 1,700 som (approximately $0.13), making it one of the world's most affordable cultural experiences.

Cash payments were largely phased out by 2020 – you’ll now need an ATTO transport card, contactless bank card, or mobile payment app, contactless bank card, or mobile payment app. I purchased an ATTO card for 7,000 som (about $0.55) and loaded it with 50,000 som, which lasted my entire week in Tashkent with plenty left over.

Best visiting times: I found the sweet spot between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to avoid rush hours. This window provides optimal lighting for photography and comfortable exploration without commuter crowds.

Photography tips I learned the hard way

Since June 2018, photography and videography are completely unrestricted. Security guards, once stern enforcers of the photo ban, now often help tourists with directions and pose recommendations. However, I quickly learned these courtesies:

• Ask permission before photographing people, especially security personnel
• Use respectful distance when photographing other passengers
• Avoid flash near other travelers (I got several annoyed looks before figuring this out)
• Don't touch artwork or decorative elements – help preserve these treasures

My wide-angle lens proved invaluable for capturing the grandeur of station interiors. For the best results, I used ISO 800-1600 with image stabilization, as tripods might attract unwanted attention in busier stations.

Uzbekistan metro etiquette essentials

Understanding local customs enhanced my experience and showed respect for Uzbek culture. Expect bag searches at every entrance – this standard security procedure isn't personal screening but part of the metro's comprehensive safety system.

Cultural sensitivity tips that served me well

I dressed modestly with covered shoulders and knees. While not strictly enforced, this showed cultural respect and prevented unwanted attention. I also made a point to offer seats to elderly passengers, pregnant women, and those with disabilities – this gesture is highly valued in Uzbek society.

Learning basic greetings helped immensely: "Salom" (hello) in Uzbek or "Privyet" in Russian. Most guards understood basic English, but having Google Translate ready helped with complex questions. Maintaining respectful personal space is important as Uzbek culture values this consideration.

Common tourist mistakes I almost made

• Don't photograph government buildings or military installations outside the metro system
• Never point fingers at people – this is considered extremely rude
• Don't interrupt prayer if you encounter someone praying (though this rarely happens in the metro)
• Avoid using your left hand to pass items, as it's considered unclean in Islamic culture

Safety tips for worry-free exploration

The Tashkent Metro ranks among the world's safest transit systems. Every station has at least two security guards, with additional personnel at interchange stations. Pickpocketing is virtually unknown, and the extensive CCTV network ensures comprehensive monitoring.

Key safety practices I followed:

• Kept my passport with me – legal requirement in Uzbekistan
• Stayed behind yellow platform lines when trains approached
• Knew how to contact security if needed – they're trained to assist tourists
• Saved emergency numbers: 102 (police), 103 (medical emergency)

Notable facts that fascinated me

The metro's engineering marvels extend beyond art. Stations sit only 8-25 meters deep – much shallower than typical subways due to earthquake protection requirements. The system was built with advanced seismic engineering to withstand very strong earthquakes, making it one of the most secure metros in Central Asia.

Each station required approval from Communist Party officials in Moscow, with themes carefully chosen to blend Soviet ideology with Uzbek cultural pride. The result creates a unique architectural fusion found nowhere else on Earth.

The system carries several hundred thousand passengers daily, making it Central Asia’s busiest metro network, yet it maintains its museum-like atmosphere through careful preservation and ongoing artistic maintenance.

FAQs about the Tashkent Metro

How long should I budget for a complete art tour?

Allow 3-4 hours to properly explore the most artistic stations. I spent three days total to see everything, but you can hit the highlights in half a day. A single ticket permits unlimited transfers within the system until you exit, making station-hopping economical.

Which stations offer the best photography opportunities?

Focus on Kosmonavtlar (space theme), Alisher Navoi (Islamic architecture), and Pakhtakor (cotton industry). The Blue Line generally features the most elaborate artistic elements. Early morning provides the best lighting and fewest crowds.

Is the metro wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, most older stations (built 1977-2001) lack elevators or ramps. Only newer Circle Line stations offer better accessibility features. If mobility is a concern, I recommend hiring a driver to see the city's above-ground attractions instead.

Planning your Uzbekistan journey

Visiting the Tashkent Metro requires proper documentation, but Uzbekistan's visa policies have become increasingly tourist-friendly. Citizens from over 90 countries enjoy visa-free entry for 30 days, including the USA, EU nations, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

For those needing visas, applying through GVC streamlines the process with expert guidance. E-visa services cost between $20-50 with processing taking just three working days. After submission, you can easily check your e-visa status through their tracking system.

Recent policy changes continue expanding access. A visa-free agreement with China has been proposed and may take effect in 2025, pending final approval, while discussions proceed for enhanced access for Vietnam, Jordan, and Gulf countries. Compare e-visa service prices to find the best option for your travel needs.

All foreign nationals must register within three days of arrival through local authorities or the online emehmon.uz system. Once approved, you can make secure payments and receive your documentation electronically, making proper visa planning essential for seamless travel to experience the underground art treasures of Tashkent.

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