Travel guide
Shared taxi vs private transfer in Uzbekistan
Between cities you will see two kinds of car: shared taxis that fill up seat by seat, and private cars booked for one group. Here is how they compare.
Short answer: a shared taxi is cheapest for one person with light luggage and time to wait. A private transfer is priced per car, leaves when you want from your door, and for two to four people often costs only a little more per person.
How shared taxis work
- They gather at stands, usually near bus stations or markets on the edge of town, and leave when every seat is sold.
- You pay per seat, in som, agreed with the driver. On the long Bukhara–Khiva road a seat costs around $18 (12Go).
- The front seat often costs more; you can buy two seats for more room.
- Drop-off is usually at the other city's stand, not your hotel, so add a local taxi.
How a private transfer works
- One car and driver for your group only, at a fixed price per vehicle agreed before the trip.
- Pickup at your hotel, the airport or the station; drop-off at your door.
- Stops for photos, food or sights on the way when you ask.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup. Message us on WhatsApp, Telegram or email to cancel.
Side by side
| Shared taxi | Private transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Per seat, negotiated | Per car, fixed in advance |
| Departure | When the car is full | When you choose |
| Pickup / drop-off | Taxi stands | Door to door |
| Luggage | Limited, shared boot | Matched to the vehicle you book |
| Stops | Driver's choice | Yours |
| Children | No child seats | Child seats on request |
What a private car costs per person
Example: Bukhara to Khiva, 6–7 hours.
| People | Vehicle | Per vehicle | Per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sedan | $100 | $100 |
| 2 | Sedan | $100 | $50 |
| 3 | Sedan | $100 | $34 |
| 4 | SUV | $130 | $33 |
| 5 | Minivan | $230 | $46 |
| 6 | Minivan | $230 | $39 |
| 7 | Minivan | $230 | $33 |
| 10 | Microbus | $280 | $28 |
| 16 | Microbus | $280 | $18 |
Every route: Uzbekistan transfer prices per car and per person.
Updated 4 October 2026. Sources: 12Go: Bukhara–Khiva taxi.
Questions
How much is a shared taxi in Uzbekistan?
It depends on the distance; seats are priced in som and agreed with the driver. On the long Bukhara–Khiva road a seat is around $18.
Are shared taxis safe in Uzbekistan?
They are widely used by locals. Agree the price first, keep valuables with you, and wear a seat belt.
When is a private transfer better than a shared taxi?
With two or more people, luggage, children, an early or late departure, or when you want stops on the way.