Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Dushanbe (DYU): 20 minutes from city.
• Full list of airports in Tajikistan with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There are a number of internal flights available in Tajikistan, with connections from Dushanbe to Khorog in Gorno-Badakhshan (1 hour), Khojand (1 hour) and Kulyab (30 minutes). However, domestic flights are subject to long delays, cancellations and overloading of passengers and are also affected by fuel shortages and the weather.

There are only three railway lines in Tajikistan: one that leads due south from Dushanbe, through Kurgan-Tyube to Tugul on the Afghan border; one running south from Dushanbe through Shaartuz to the Uzbek/Afghan border at Termez; and one in the northern region that connects Samarkand to the Fergana Valley via Khojand. A branch from Kurgan-Tyube to Kulyab is currently under construction. Anyone travelling by rail should note that it is advisable to store their belongings in the compartment under the seat or beds, never to leave the compartment unattended, and to make sure that their door is securely shut from the inside by tying it closed with strong cord or wire.

Although some parts may be seasonally impassable, there is generally a reasonable road network in Tajikistan. The road between Khorog Osh and (in Kyrgyzstan) is open all year and crosses one of the most beautiful and unspoilt regions in the world: the Pamir Mountains. During the winter, three of the four main roads from the capital and the southwest of the country are all closed by snow. This includes the roads that travel north to Khojand via the Anzob Pass and Ayni; northeast to Osh via the Garm valley; and east to Khorog via Khalaikum. The only way of reaching these areas from October to March is through Uzbekistan. Although self-drive car hire is not currently available, it is (in theory) possible to bring, or buy, one's own transport. Visitors may drive anywhere other than the border zones, for which they must obtain special permission. It is worth noting however, that the road from Dushanbe to Khorog is in a border zone for much of its length. Chauffeur-driven cars for hire can be found in all major towns.

There are bus services between major towns; buses to the east reach as far as Komsomolabad, whilst those travelling to the south go to Kurgan-Tyrube and Kulyab and as far down as Pyanj and Ayvadaz. Information on fares and timetables can be found at the autovokzal (bus station).

Taxis may be found in all major towns; visitors are advised to use the safer officially licensed vehicles, and to agree a fare in advance. It should be noted that as many street names have changed since independence, it's a good idea to ask for both the old and the new names when taking a taxi or when simply seeking directions.