Metro Tashkent – The Complete Guide to the 13 Most Beautiful Tashkent Metro Stations

The Complete Guide to the best and most beautiful Tashkent Metro Stations in the capital of Uzbekistan. Discover one of the world’s most stunning subways by following the tips in this guide, including a metro Tashkent map, how much the Tashkent metro tickets cost, where to find the best metro stations and some background history of the beautiful underground tunnels. 

I usually don’t really like taking the metro when I’m visiting a city. I prefer to drive through the streets and do a bit of sightseeing than travel underground through dark tunnels.

It’s also not a very relaxing experience to take the metro in big cities like Paris, London, etc. People are always in a rush to get to their jobs on time, you have to fight for some personal space in the wagon and getting a friendly smile is rare. By the expressions on the commuter’s faces, I also think they’d rather be somewhere else…

Traveling in a crowded metro train - tashkent - Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

Taking the metro Tashkent was a very different experience! It can still be busy during rush hour but it wasn’t so crowded that I ended up getting squeezed in an awkward hug with some strangers.

And while I was traveling through the underground in Uzbekistan’s capital, I saw its beautiful metro stations. They were one of the highlights of my visit to Tashkent and a true sight to behold! 

Tinchlik Metro Station Tashkent beautiful metro stations in the world - Journal of Nomads

Almost every subway station in Tashkent is fascinating. They all have their own unique architectural features and artistic elements.

Some look like ballrooms with huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling while others look like a film set from a science fiction movie. Many people already told me that they resemble the metro stations in Moscow.

Beautiful metro stations in Tashkent Uzbekistan - Bodomzor - Journal of Nomads

Walking through the subways in Tashkent is like walking through the city’s history.

Every station shows a part of Uzbekistan’s history. They all tell a story through portraits, plaques, or architectural features.

They depict the influence of the ancient Silk Road, the Arab and Russian empires that ruled over the country as well as important historical figures. 

Tashkent Metro Stations reflecting the past of Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

I visited every single metro station in Tashkent (and revisited them in May 2023 to update this guide). It took me a total of around 5 hours to see which were the best and most remarkable ones to visit. Here’s a complete guide to the incredible Tashkent Metro in photos!

Tip: See my Uzbekistan Travel Page for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Uzbekistan!

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1. Metro Tashkent – The First Metro of Central Asia

The Tashkent metro was the first underground in Central Asia. During the Soviet era, a city could only have a public rail system if it had a population of 1 million. 

In the 1960s Tashkent experienced a surge in population growth and the first metro line was completed and opened in 1977.

A second line was added in 1991 and the third one in 2001. The third line is not fully completed yet and a fourth one is in the making. 

The metro is currently 36,2 kilometers long with 29 stations spread throughout the 3 metro lines. Most of the metro trains are still the same ones used during Soviet times. 

Taking the metro in Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

The metro also functioned as a bomb shelter for the citizens of Tashkent in the event of a nuclear attack.

That’s why for a long time it was forbidden to take photos or make videos in the metro stations. It’s only since the 1st of June 2018 that this ban has been lifted. 

During my first solo trip to Uzbekistan in 2017I wasn’t allowed to take any photos inside the metro.

My bags and camera got checked thoroughly every time I entered or left the stations and guards inside the stations were watching my movements while I was waiting for the metro.

It felt so liberating that nowadays I can just walk through the stations with my camera in plain sight and take as many photos as I want.

Some guards gave me funny looks like it was still their instinct to tell me off for doing so.

Security Tashkent Metro Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads
The guard on the left in the picture is watching me…

Discover the mystical Silk Road cities and travel along the ancient caravan trails in the mountains and desert of Uzbekistan during the 14-day Highlights of Uzbekistan Adventure Tour!

Silk Road Tour - Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan - Bukhara Travel Guide - Best things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara City Guide

2. Riding the Tashkent Metro – Practical Information

2.1 Opening hours of the Tashkent metro

The Tashkent Metro is open every day from 5 am until midnight. Peak hours are from 7.30 am until 9.30 am and from 5 pm until 7.30 pm. 

The best time to visit the metro in Tashkent is during the early afternoon, between 1 and 4 pm. This is also an ideal time during the summer when it’s too hot to spend the afternoon outside.

Riding Tashkent Subway in Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

2.2 Metro Tashkent Map

The metro in Tashkent has nowadays 38 stations connected by 4 metro lines and each line has a different color on the map.

The metro stations located in the city center are Paxtakor/ Alisher Navoir, Mustakilik Maidoni, and Amir Temur Hiyoboni/ Yunus Rajabiy.

Metro Tashkent Map - Tashkent Metro Map 2022 - Best Metro Stations in Tashkent Guide - Journal of Nomads

The red line is called the Chilonzor Line and it was the very first line of the Tashkent Metro. It has 17 stations and connects the south of Tashkent to the center and the western area of the city. 

Ozbekiston Line is the orange line on the map (but often colored blue in the stations itself) and was the metro’s second line to be opened. It has 11 stations and connects the northeastern and eastern areas of Tashkent to the city center.

Yunusobod Line is the green line. It was inaugurated in 2001 and has currently 8 stations connecting the north of Tashkent to the city center. 

The smallest line is called Halqali or the circle line, which is indicated as the purple line on the map. This is a new metro line that opened in August 2020 and it has 7 stations. I’m not mentioning any of these metro stations in the guide as there brand new and not particular special to visit.

Every station has a hall consisting of one central platform and one metro line runs on both sides of this platform in opposite directions.

The next stations along the line are indicated on the walls and panels next to the railroad.

How to take the metro in Tashkent Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

There are 4 interchange stationsPaxtakor/ Alisher Navoir, Amir Temur Hiyoboni/ Yunus Rajabiy, Ming Urik/Oybek and Dustlik/ Dustlik 2– where you can easily walk from one hall to another to take a different line. 

Interchange stations metro tashkent uzbekistan - journal of nomads

On weekdays, the average time between two trains is about 5 minutes until 9 pm. After 9 pm and on weekends and holidays, you can catch a train every 10 minutes. 

2.3 How much does the Tashkent metro Tickets cost?

There’s a ticket office at the entrance of every metro station which is indicated on a yellow panel saying “Kassa”.

You pay for the metro in the form of a QR ticket. The price of one ticket is 1400 Uzbeki Som, which is €0.13 or $0.15. You can only use the QR code once and it remains valid up to one hour after purchase.

As long as you don’t exit the station, you can keep riding the metro with only one ticket. This means that you can visit all the metro stations in Tashkent for only €0.13/ $0.15.

You can also buy a 30-rides card for 15000 Uzbek Som but I don’t think this is an interesting option, unless you’re traveling in group or are planning to stay in Tashkent for a while.

Visiting the metro stations isn’t only one of the cheapest (and fun!) things to do in Tashkent, thanks to its great air-conditioning system it’s also a very enjoyable activity to stay cool during the scorching hot summer days!

Things to do in Tashkent - taking the beautiful metros in Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

2.4 Is it safe to take the Tashkent metro?

There are tight safety measures in all the metro stations in Tashkent so it’s very safe to take the metro.

There’s a security guard at the entrance of every station who scans the luggage of the people entering the metro. 

There are at least 2 security guards in every station who are keeping a close eye on what’s happening on the platforms.

Security cameras are installed in every nook and cranny. So even if someone would have bad intentions, they wouldn’t get away with it so easily…

Photo ban lifted in Tashkent Metro Uzbekistan - Photos of Metros in Tashkent - Journal of Nomads
You can easily recognize the guards by their green uniform

You really don’t have to worry about getting robbed or assaulted in the metro.

While the chances of getting pickpocketed are very low, it’s a good general habit to hide your money in a money belt and your valuables in an anti-theft backpack.

In case you’re a bit worried about tunnels falling apart and getting stuck, know that the underground is used as a shelter for the citizens of Tashkent in case of an earthquake. I’d say you’re pretty safe down there…

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Metro Tashkent - The Complete Guide to the 13 Most Beautiful Tashkent Metro Stations
Safety in Metro Tashkent Uzbekistan - Mustaqillik Maydoni Station - Journal of Nomads

3. The 13 Most Beautiful and Interesting Metro Stations in Tashkent

I’ve spent around 5 hours in total visiting and photographing the metro stations of Tashkent.

Some are spectacular and stunning, others are not particularly beautiful but worth a visit because they’re so peculiar.  And then there are metro stations that, in my opinion, aren’t really worth your time.

I made an overview of the 13 best and most remarkable Tashkent metro stations that you should definitely see!

You can visit the 13 stations listed below within a time span of 2 hours. 

Tashkent Metro Stations - Best metro stations in Tashkent to visit map

OZBEKISTON LINE (ORANGE LINE OR BLUE LINE IN SOME STATIONS):

The majority of the most beautiful and interesting metro stations are part of the Ozbekiston Line, the second metro line that was opened in Tashkent.  

1. Beruniy 

Tashkent Metro Beruniy Metro Station - Journal of Nomads

Beruniy station was opened on the 30th of April 1991. The station is named after the poet Al-Biruni, a polymath from Karakalpakstan in Uzbekistan.

What makes this station special is the marble-patterned dome over the platform hall and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. 

Beruniy Metro Station ceiling - Tashkent Metro - Journal of Nomads

This metro station somehow makes me think of a soundproof room. A busker or two playing songs on their guitar would have fitted well in this picture.

Beruniy Metro Station Tashkent Metro Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

2. Tinchlik 

Tinchlik Metro Station - Beautiful photos Metro Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

Opened on April 30th, 1991, Tinchlik Station was designed by Mukhamadjon R. and A. Kayumov. and is highly decorated with stained glass walls, marble columns with illuminating lamps and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. 

Ceiling Tinchlik Metro Station - Beautiful Metro Tashkent Photos- Journal of Nomads

While the ceiling is showing some cracks and leaks and could use some reconstruction, this is a very beautiful station. I especially liked the colorfully decorated walls.

Wall Tinchlik Metro Station Tashkent Metro Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

3. Gafur Gulom 

G'afur Gulom Station Tashkent Subway Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

The Gafur Gulom metro station was opened on the 6th of November 1989. It is named after G’afur G’ulom, a famous Uzbek poet, writer and translator. He is considered to be one of the most influential Uzbek writers of the 20th century.

During the Soviet-German war against Nazi Germany, Gʻafur Gʻulom devoted his time and efforts to write about the war and his poems became very popular among the Uzbek people.

Gafur Gulom Metro Station in Tashkent Uzbekistan - Photography guide to best metro Tashkent stations - Journal of Nomads

The turquoise granite columns really stand out in this station, as well as the artistic colorful ceramics on the walls. While I couldn’t find any information about what they represent, I assume they are related to the work of G’afur G’ulom.

 The Gafur Gulom metro station was decorated by artist S. Sultonmuradov.

Gafur Gulom artistic decorations Tashkent Underground Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

4. Alisher Navoi 

Most beautiful metro stations in Tashkent Uzbekistan - Alisher Navoi Metro Station - Journal of Nomads

The Alisher Navoi metro station was opened on December 8th, 1994 but was only completed in 1997 and is one of the most beautiful metro stations of Tashkent!

Alisher Navoi is the interchange station between the Ozbekiston (Blue) Line and Chilonzor (Red) Line and is named after a 15th-century Uzbek poet and important writer during the Silk Road. 

The beautiful blue domes with their intricate golden patterns resemble the mosques and madrassas of Uzbekistan built during the Silk Road period. 

Alisher Navoi Metro Station Tashkent - Most beautiful metros of Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

The turquoise ceramic murals in the halls portray scenes from Alisher Navoi’s poem collections. 

Alisher Navoi metro station Tashkent Uzbekistan - murals poet Alisher Navoi - Journal of Nomads

5. Kosmonavtlar

Kosmonavtlar Metro Station Tashkent Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

The Kosmonavtlar metro station is one of my favorite stations in Tashkent! Walking through this peculiar station is like walking through some space shuttle. 

Kosmonavtlar was opened on the 31st of December 1984 in honor of the cosmonauts of the Soviet Union.

The blue ceramic medallions on the walls feature some of the greatest pioneers of the Soviet space program, including Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, and the world’s first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

Murals Kosmonavtlar Metro Station Tashkent - Best Tashkent metro stations - Journal of Nomads
One of the murals in Kosmonavtlar featuring Valentina Tereshkova

The ceramic bright-colored walls fade from blue to black to imitate the Earth’s atmosphere, the ceiling represents the Milky Way and the shiny green columns give this whole space metro station a funky atmosphere. 

If you ask me, this would be an awesome spot for a space-themed rave party!

Tashkent metro station Kosmonavtlar Metro Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

6. Toshkent

Tashkent Metro Station Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

While Toshkent station isn’t particularly beautiful, it’s dedicated to the founding of the city over 2200 years ago so it reflects the most important part of the city’s history. 

The station was opened on December 8th, 1984 and is filled with ceramic blue and white murals showing scenes of daily life to celebrate Uzbekistan’s heritage. 

Murals Tashkent metro station Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

Each entrance to the platform hall has an emblem. One is dedicated to the 2200th anniversary of the city, the other one (see photo below) represents Tashkent’s symbol for being ” a city of peace and friendship”.

Metro Tashkent mural Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

CHILONZOR LINE (RED LINE): 

The Chilonzor Line was Tashkent’s first metro line that opened in 1977. Here are the 4 most interesting metro stations worth visiting on this line.

7. Chilonzor

Chilonzor metro station metro Tashkent Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

Chilonzor metro station was opened on the 6th of November 1977 and is named after the first district in Tashkent that was connected to the city center by underground transport.  

Ceramic murals Chilonzor metro station Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

Brightly colored ceramic murals decorate the walls and big golden chandeliers illuminate this metro station. 

I’ve tried to find information about what this station represents, except for being one of the first metro stations in Tashkent, but I couldn’t find anything.

Still, while it’s not the most beautiful station in the Tashkent metro, it’s very photogenic and worth paying a visit. 

Tashkent metro Chilonzor metro station Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

8. Bunyodkor (mentioned as KHALKLAR DUSTLIKI on map)

Xalqlar Do'stligi Metro Station Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

Bunyodkor metro was opened on the 6th of November 1977.

Up until 2008, it was called Khalklar Dostligi station, which translates to “Friendship of People” in Uzbek. Now it is named after FC Bunyodkor, a famous football club based in Tashkent, but some maps still mention its old name.

The stoical design of the station is beautiful yet it feels impersonal and cold to me. It’s a representation of strength and power, two qualities that seemed to be reflected in most of the Soviet-era architecture.

Xalqlar Do'stligi Bunyodkor Metro Station Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

9. Paxtakor

Paxtakor Metro Station Tashkent Uzbekistan - best metro stations in Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

The busy Paxtakor metro station was opened on November 6, 1977. It was part of the first section on the Chilonzor line and it connects the Ozbekiston line at Alisher Navoi.

Paxtakor translates to ‘cotton picker’ and the walls of this station are covered in traditional-looking green and blue mosaics of flowering cotton plants.

Paxtakor Metro Tashkent Uzbekistan - Beautiful metro stations Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

Uzbekistan is one of the world’s leading producers in cotton and the industry plays an important role in the history of the Uzbek economy. 

The cotton industry has long been decried as a source of human rights violations as it uses forced labor and it’s also part of the reason why the Aral Sea disappeared.

In 2018 a decree was ordered to end the practice of forced labor and Uzbekistan now wants to focus on the tourism industry. They aim for tourism to become the biggest source of income and economic growth. 

Paxtakor Metro Tashkent Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

10. Mustaqillik Maydoni

Beautiful metro Tashkent Mustaqillik Maydoni - Tashkent metro Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

Mustaqillik Maydoni was one of Tashkent’s first metro stations and opened on the 6th of November 1977.  It is named after the central square of Tashkent just above the metro station. 

Both the station and the square used to carry the name of Lenin but after the fall of the USSR and the proclamation of Uzbekistan’s independence in September 1991, both were renamed Mustaqillik Maydoni, which translates to “Independence Square” in English. 

Beautiful metro Tashkentceiling Mustaqillik Maydoni - Tashkent metro Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

Mustaqillik Maydoni is one of the most lavish-looking stations of Tashkent’s metro. It is built almost entirely with marble coming from the Kizil Kum desert in Western Uzbekistan.

The columned hall with its intricately decorated ceiling and glass chandeliers give me the feeling like I’m waiting in some ballroom for my turquoise train to arrive. 

The star patterns on the floor symbolize the success of Soviet cosmonauts. 

Mustakillik Maydoni Tashkent metro station - Journal of Nomads

YUNUSOBOD LINE (GREEN LINE):

The Yunusobod Line is Tashkent’s latest metro line. It was opened in 2001 and while it has currently only 6 stations, half of them are a pleasure to the eye!

11. Yunus Rajabiy

Tashkent metro Yunus Rajabiy metro station - Journal of Nomads

Yunus Rajabiy station was opened on October 26, 2001, and is another grand platform hall in Tashkent’s subway system. 

The station is named after Yunus Rajabiy, a famous Uzbek musician. It’s also the interchange station between the Cholinzor (red) and Yunusobod (green) line and connected to the Amir Temur station. 

Large marble pillars support the hall and a magnificent staircase dominates the center of the platform. It’s the type of stairs that would be ideal for a wedding shoot.

Best metro Tashkent stations Uzbekistan subway - Yunus Rajabiy metro - Journal of Nomads

12. Abdulla Qodiri

Metro Tashkent - The Complete Guide to the 13 Most Beautiful Tashkent Metro Stations

The Abdulla Qodiri station opened on the 6th of October 2001, is named after an Uzbek and Soviet poet. He was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

While this station isn’t particularly beautiful or special in comparison with the other metro stations, I liked the perfect symmetric design of the hall and the blue-and-red-colored glass patterns in the marble columns.

I especially liked the delicate golden chandeliers illuminating the station.  

Beautiful Tashkent metro stations - Abdulla Qodiri - Journal of Nomads

13. Bodomzor

Bodomzor metro Tashkent beautiful underground uzbekistan pictures - journal of nomads

Saving one of my favorite stations for last – Bodomzor! 

The Bodomzor metro was opened on the 26th of October 2001. It’s the newest station in Tashkent’s underground system. 

Bodomzor metro Tashkent beautiful underground uzbekistan pictures - journal of nomads

Small waiting stools that make me think of dice are circled around futuristic-looking lamps.  

The white ceiling is adorned by bright-blue geometric patterns and small ceramic ornaments. An interesting combination that somehow works, especially with the light cast from the orange lamps.

This colorful station makes me think of a science fiction movie set and I love it!

Bodomzor metro station Tashkent Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

As you could see, I had a lot of fun visiting and photographing all these stunning and remarkable metro stations!

My Tashkent Metro photography gear

This is the gear I used to capture the beautiful metros in Tashkent. You can also see my article on photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers for more information.

If you’re ever in Uzbekistan’s capital city, I highly recommend you set a couple of hours aside to explore the beautiful underground of Tashkent!

Which of these stations stand out for you? Have you ever visited other beautiful metro stations in the world? Let me know in the comments below!

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29 thoughts on “Metro Tashkent – The Complete Guide to the 13 Most Beautiful Tashkent Metro Stations”

  1. Wow! Brilliant article and photos on the Tashkent metro – Thank you so much, Cynthia!
    I’m off to Uzbekistan (and some other “stan’s”) next month and have a day in Tashkent before I join my group tour – I’m now really looking forward to spending a couple of hours on the Metro!

  2. Thank you for this awesome guide…In fact, loved how detailed and honest all of your blogs were about Uzbekistan…used all of them to curate an amazing solo trip (female) for myself!

  3. Your post was really useful to optimise my visit of Tashkent metro stations (others than those I needed to go to anyway). You have taken beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing your effort in visiting all stations.

    But I think there are some inaccuracies in the explanations of some stations, in case you want to update your post:
    – Beruniy is not about a village in Karakalpakstan, but about Abu Rayhon Beruni (as you can see in the entrance hall), better known as Al-Biruni, a polymath from Khorezm (maybe that’s why there is a village there that bears his name).

    – Paxtakor is actually about the main football club in the city. Their stadium is just next to the metro station. Paxtakor is the most popular and successful football club in Tashkent and the only Central Asian club to have played in the USSR top tier. Bunyodkor football club that you mention later is a recent creation of Uzbek oil tycoons and has a much smaller fan base (although they signed some big names).

  4. Thank you so much for the updated photos and information. I’m finally getting there in 2-1/2 weeks after cancellations due to the pandemic and Putin’s war. This page had been previously bookmarked, but was just moved to a new computer. The photography is even more stellar than the original post. I apologize for not yet reading the article, but will do so tomorrow. Did you request special permission for the tripod in advance? I’ve only been able to use the tripod when granted permission for use in metro stations. Most times, I’m dodging security. The plan is to capture the entire system, with special interest in the 12 new elevated stations. Thanks again.

    1. Hi Bob, you don’t need a special permission to take the tripod into the metro stations, at least, they never asked for one whenever I took my tripod there. Enjoy your upcoming trip!

      1. Thank you again. I’m really looking forward to the trip since it has been cancelled twice, first by the pandemic and then by the war in Ukraine.

  5. Thank for posting this article! We are in Tashkent at the moment, and being a huge train/metro nerd, I will use this to visit your best 13 metro stations this afternoon.

    1. Hi Kevin! So great to hear, enjoy your visit to the metro (you’ll love it) and let me know which of the stations were your favorite!

  6. PAUL THEODORE HARRISON

    Hi Cynthia,
    Thank you for such an informative article about Tashkent Metro with stunning pictures!
    I will travel to Uzbekistan in September and am looking forward to exploring the Metro and taking some pictures of my own.
    Thank you for highlighting your favorite stations. I’ll use your journal as a guide.
    Thanks again!

    1. Hi Paul, thank you! I’m very happy you enjoyed my article and photos! Wishing you a wonderful trip to Uzbekistan!

  7. Thank you for sharing the information. I will be going to Uzbekistan and you have provided really valuable information. I thought that only Moscow and Saint Petesburg had beautiful metro stations, but this city also has nice and beautiful stations.

    1. Thank you Freddy! And yes, Tashkent has stunning metro stations as well. They were hidden for a very long time 😉

      1. Thank you Cynthia, I am back. Uzbekistan exceeded my expectations, and thanks to your blog, I could visit the metro stations.
        I’ll go back for sure to Khiva (could not do it this time) but I will. I appreciate your support.

        1. Hi Freddy, I’m so happy to hear that you had such a great time in Uzbekistan!! Khiva is a good excuse to return one day 😉 I also wasn’t able to visit this city during my first trip but did on my second trip and it was worth the wait. Where have you been now, aside from Tashkent? Did you visit Samarkand and Bukhara? Any other places?

  8. I heard about the metro stations and how beautiful they are. But this is the first time seeing photos and I can’t decide which design is the best as they are all so different and beautiful in their own way. Your post really inspired me to travel there! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

    1. Cynthia - Journal of Nomads

      Hi Queenie, thank you! I’m very glad to hear that this post inspired you to travel to Uzbekistan and Tashkent. You should definitely foresee a whole morning or afternoon to enjoy the beauty of these metro stations!

  9. Hi Cynthia
    Your journal on the Tashkent Metro complete with pictures was splendid and very relevant for me having spent the best part of 1999 there working on a railway project. We used the Metro almost every day, but in those days there were just the two lines and all rolling stock dated from the Soviet era. Photography of the stations was prohibited with rigid security, but it worked effectively. It even looks as if the same blue tokens are still in use. On our arrival we were advised to travel the entire length of both lines, getting out at selected stations to take in the magnificent decoration. At that time, Uzbekistan was still making the difficult transition from the Soviet command economic system to a free market. The people were very resilient, but at the same time very friendly and welcoming. We really enjoyed our time there and always felt safe there despite there being some threats from dissidents.
    We took in most of the sights of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva as well as Tashkent, but then it was well off the beaten tourist tracks. I recall being asked when I returned home with loads of photos “where is everyone?”
    It’s reassuring to hear from you that the railway system has greatly improved – our project must have borne some fruit!
    Happy travelling
    Regards
    David

    1. Cynthia - Journal of Nomads

      Hello David, thank you so much! I’m very happy you loved this article!
      Do you recognize the stations of the 2 lines that you used to ride? Has a lot changed since 1999? The blue tokens are definitely still the same 😀 And amazing that you worked on the railway, what an experience!
      When I traveled to Uzbekistan in the winter of 2017, I didn’t see many other travelers either. But Uzbekistan is definitely getting a boost nowadays, especially with the free visa on arrival and it’s really becoming a popular destination. Hotels are popping up everywhere now 😀
      Thank you for your comment David, it’s really interesting to hear feedback from someone who’s been working on this railway!!
      Are you planning on visiting Uzbekistan again, to see the changes?
      Warm wishes,
      Cynthia

  10. Hi Cynthia, thanks for your extensive report on the Tashkent Metro! I’m leaving for Tashkent on Monday, visiting and photographing the metro is just about top priority and thank goodness the ban on photography has been lifted! I have ridden the metro in St.Petersburg, so I know what a good metrostation can look like. Highly recommended. And did you know that both the St.Petersburg and Moscow metrostations were built on the orders of Stalin (!) who figured ‘his’ workers needed some beauty when traveling back and forth to their work.
    anyway, thanks again, Sylle

    1. Cynthia - Journal of Nomads

      Hi Sylle, you must be in Tashkent by now. I hope you had a good journey!
      I’ve heard that the metro in St Petersburg is also phenomenal and I hope to see it one day myself. And thanks for this little anecdote, I didn’t know this. Very thoughtful of Stalin though 😉 😀 I wish you a fantastic time in Uzbekistan and would love to hear what you think of the metro after visiting it!

  11. Being a Tashkent citizen and having ridden metro so many times and not paying attention to those things you pointed out is a shame. Thank you for beautiful photos.
    P.S. It’s is Alishe Navoi. No R at the end.

    1. Cynthia - Journal of Nomads

      Hello Rustam,
      Out of experience, I know that I don’t pay as much attention to things I see on a daily basis than when I’m visiting new places.
      But maybe next time you ride the metro, after reading this post and seeing the photos, you’ll see details you haven’t noticed before 🙂
      Thanks for pointing out the spelling of the metro station. However, I did some research and noticed that Alisher Navoi is written everywhere with an R, at least in the English articles. 🙂

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