On board the European high-speed train zooming through Central Asia’s desert

High-Speed Desert Crossing: A Journey on Uzbekistan's Afrosiyob Train

Uzbekistan, a jewel of the Silk Road, offers a captivating blend of ancient history and burgeoning modernity. For travellers seeking to navigate its iconic cities efficiently, the Uzbek Railways' Afrosiyob high-speed train presents a compelling option. This modern marvel whisks passengers between key destinations like Samarkand and Tashkent, offering a comfortable and timely transit that belies its Central Asian desert setting.

The Afrosiyob service is Uzbekistan's premier high-speed offering, a fleet of Spanish-made Talgo trains designed for swift and smooth journeys. On the popular route from the historic city of Samarkand to the bustling capital, Tashkent, the train covers approximately 300 kilometres in a scheduled two hours and 20 minutes. This impressive pace allows it to reach speeds of up to 250km/h, making it a stark contrast to the more traditional modes of transport one might associate with the region. The full Afrosiyob network also connects Tashkent with Bukhara, a journey taking around four hours, with further extensions to Khiva anticipated in the near future.

Onboard Comforts: Economy Class Experience

The Afrosiyob boasts three distinct classes: VIP, Business, and Economy. While VIP offers plush leather seating and Business class provides a more exclusive arrangement, Economy class still delivers a commendable level of comfort for the price point. Each Economy carriage is configured with a 2-2 seating arrangement, ensuring ample personal space. Every seat is assigned, eliminating the need for early boarding to secure a good spot.

Conveniences are readily available for the modern traveller. Each seat is equipped with a USB charging point, crucial for keeping devices powered throughout the journey. Overhead, ceiling-mounted TV screens display a variety of entertainment, though the onboard Wi-Fi, despite offering multiple language options on its sign-in page, primarily defaults to Russian for instructions. While this might prove a minor inconvenience for some, the breathtaking, stark beauty of the desert landscape unfolding outside the window provides ample distraction. The journey is a visual feast, a panorama of arid plains and distant horizons that captivates the senses.

Seamless Boarding and Generous Baggage Allowance

The experience begins even before boarding at Samarkand's train station. Far from a utilitarian outpost, the station is an elegant space, adorned with palatial chandeliers and striking stained-glass windows. It’s also surprisingly well-equipped with numerous coffee stalls and souvenir shops, catering to passengers who might need a caffeine boost or a last-minute memento. Boarding is straightforward. Following the flow of other passengers towards the single boarding doorway, and with carriage numbers clearly displayed, the process is remarkably efficient. A station guard is present to check tickets, but often a simple acknowledgement is all that's required, making the process swift and hassle-free.

For those concerned about luggage, the Afrosiyob train is refreshingly accommodating. A generous 36-kilogram weight limit per passenger is in place, with no strict stipulations on the number of items. This flexibility is a welcome relief, particularly for travellers who have accumulated souvenirs or are undertaking a longer journey. Designated storage areas are available at the ends of each carriage for larger suitcases, while overhead racks are provided for smaller bags and carry-ons, ensuring that all luggage is stowed securely and conveniently.

Refreshments and Culinary Surprises

Fares for the Samarkand to Tashkent route include a complimentary snack, a thoughtful touch given the arid climate. Passengers receive a paper bag containing a jam-filled pastry and a three-in-one coffee sachet. While the coffee might be overly sweet for some palates, tea is also available from a service cart. What truly elevates the onboard culinary experience, however, are the vendors who circulate through the carriages shortly after departure. They offer a tempting array of refreshments, including fresh fruit salads, ice creams, and local "mojitos." These aren't the alcoholic concoctions one might expect, but rather refreshing, non-alcoholic blends of juice, basil, and ice – a perfect antidote to the sweltering desert heat, with temperatures often reaching the high thirties.

For those seeking more substantial options, a dedicated dining carriage is available. While it lacks seating, it offers a selection of pre-packaged snacks like Pringles and Oreos, along with rolled crepes and bottled beer. A particularly intriguing, and distinctly local, item on the menu is tinned plov, a traditional Uzbek rice dish. This unique offering might not appeal to every traveller, but it certainly adds an element of cultural discovery to the journey.

A Modern Link to Ancient Lands

The journey to Samarkand's railway station itself is also a testament to the city's modern infrastructure. The local tram system, which reopened in 2017, provides a convenient link, utilising trams that were once part of Tashkent's now-disused network. Tram 2, for instance, connects the station to the Siyob Bazaar, a vibrant market located near the iconic Bibi Khanym Mosque, making it easy for tourists to access the train.

In conclusion, the Afrosiyob train offers a travel experience that seamlessly blends European high-speed efficiency with the exotic allure of Central Asia. It is a punctual service, departing and arriving precisely as scheduled, often accompanied by the spectacular visual spectacle of a desert sunset. The spacious carriages, adequate refreshments, and the overall smooth ride make it an excellent choice for travellers. The only minor caveat for coffee aficionados might be the sweetness of the provided brew, but this is a small point in an otherwise near-perfect journey.

Our rating: ★★★★☆

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