Car rental in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is best explored by car. Driving gives you the freedom to visit not only renowned cities like Samarkand or Bukhara but also stop by small towns, local markets, mountain areas, and lakes. Renting a car in Uzbekistan lets you travel at your own pace, make spontaneous stops along the way, and adjust your plans on the go.

Why Rent a Car on Localrent

If you’re looking for a reliable place to rent a car in Uzbekistan, we recommend booking online through Localrent. Here are the key advantages:

1. Low deposits — many vehicles require a deposit of just $300 or less.
2. No credit card required to rent a car.
3. A wide fleet — from budget-friendly models and mid-range cars for city driving to crossovers and minivans for longer routes.
4. To confirm your booking, you only need to pay around 15–20% of the total rental cost upfront. The remaining balance is paid when you pick up the vehicle.
5. Most vehicles in the fleet are no more than 5 years old.

Booking online allows you to choose a car in advance, compare options and prices at your convenience, rather than picking from whatever is left at the rental office on the spot.

Requirements and Documents: What You Need to Rent a Car

To complete the rental process, you will need the following documents:

• A passport or ID for identity verification.
• A valid driving licence.
• A booking voucher, which you will receive by email after making your advance payment.

The minimum driver age and required driving experience vary depending on the specific vehicle. These conditions are always listed on each car’s details page.

Traffic Rules and Driving in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has right-hand traffic. City driving can be quite dense, especially during rush hours, so it’s important to keep a safe following distance and plan your manoeuvres in advance. On highways, traffic is generally calmer, but speed enforcement is strict and there are numerous cameras on the roads. Keep in mind that outside built-up areas, you must drive with dipped headlights on at all times.

Speed limits:

• Within built-up areas — up to 60 km/h (37 mph).
• Outside built-up areas — up to 90 km/h (56 mph).
• On motorways — up to 110 km/h (68 mph).

Road signs always take priority if they indicate different limits.

In rural areas, you may occasionally encounter livestock or pedestrians on the road. Exercise extra caution when driving after dark, and reduce your speed as you approach villages.

Overall, traffic rules in Uzbekistan are straightforward. Road signs and markings follow internationally recognised standards, making navigation easy. The key is to observe signs, stay within the speed limit, and remain attentive in urban traffic.

Fuel Stations in Uzbekistan

Fuel stations are widely available in cities and along main highways in Uzbekistan, so finding one is usually not a problem. However, if you plan to drive between cities or into less populated areas, it’s best to keep an eye on your fuel level and top up before running low.

Payment is typically made at the cashier. Many stations have attendants who assist with fuelling. In cities, most stations operate around the clock, while on highways their hours depend on the location and how busy the road is.

Parking in Uzbekistan

A municipal paid parking system in Uzbekistan currently operates only in the capital. To pay for parking in Tashkent, use the Poytaxt Parking mobile app. After entering a paid parking zone, you have 5 minutes to complete the payment through the app.

In other cities across Uzbekistan, you may find paid parking areas, but in most cases these are private car parks located near shopping centres, landmarks, markets, or popular spots. They are managed by property owners for visitors’ convenience and are not part of a unified municipal system.

If you’re unsure whether you can leave your car in a particular spot, pay attention to road signs and markings. Parking is not allowed:

• Under signs prohibiting stopping or parking.
• In areas with yellow road markings.
• On pedestrian crossings, at intersections, near bus stops, or in their immediate vicinity.

In city centres, also look out for supplementary signs with additional parking conditions.

How to Book a Car in Uzbekistan

It’s best to book your car in advance online — this way you can compare vehicles and prices, and choose from a wider fleet rather than the few models available at the rental office. Here’s how to book:

1. Select the pick-up city and your rental dates.
2. Use the filters to quickly find a suitable option.
3. Open the car’s details page and review specifications, insurance, driver requirements, and included extras.
4. Enter the driver’s details and confirm the booking.
5. Make the online prepayment to reserve the vehicle.

After that, all you need to do is arrive at the chosen location, sign the rental agreement, and collect your car.

What to See in Uzbekistan by Car

Uzbekistan is an excellent destination for road trips: many of the most interesting sights are located outside major cities and are easily accessible via well-maintained asphalt roads. Here is what we recommend visiting:

1. Greater Chimgan. A mountainous area not far from Tashkent, offering scenic views and fresh air. This location is perfect if you want to enjoy mountain landscapes. You can go hiking or simply take the cable car up to the observation platforms. There is a large free car park near the cable car station.
2. Samarkand. One of the most famous cities in the country and a key centre along the Great Silk Road. Visit the Registan Square, the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, and the Shah-i-Zinda complex. The city is ideal for a self-drive trip and a deep dive into Uzbekistan’s history.
3. Bukhara. An ancient city with remarkably well-preserved historic architecture. Key landmarks include the Ark fortress, the Kalyan minaret, and centuries-old madrasas. Bukhara is well suited for a relaxed visit of one to two days.
4. Khiva. An open-air museum city featuring the Itchan Kala fortress. This is one of the most atmospheric places in the country, where traditional architecture has been beautifully preserved.
5. Tashkent. The capital and largest city of the country, blending modern development with historic monuments. Be sure to see Amir Timur Square, the Hazrati Imam ensemble, and the old madrasas. Tashkent is best explored by car, especially if you plan to cover several districts in a single day.

Uzbekistan truly has plenty to see by car — ancient cities, mountains, and natural landmarks. However, do not venture onto unpaved roads. Driving on surfaces without asphalt or concrete, including access routes to the Urungach Lakes, Pulatkhon, the Nanay Waterfalls, mountain sections of Chimgan and Beldersay off the main road, as well as wilderness areas around Charvak, is prohibited.

Where to Rent a Car in Uzbekistan

You select the pick-up location when making your booking. You can collect the car at the airport, the main railway station, or at the rental company’s office. In some cases, delivery to a specific address is also available. Cars can be rented in Tashkent, Samarkand, and other cities across the country.

Tips for Renting a Car in Uzbekistan

Here are several recommendations to help you feel confident behind the wheel.

Plan your route in advance

Before setting off, make sure the road to your destination is a paved highway — driving on unpaved roads in rental cars is not permitted. This is especially important in mountainous areas and near natural sites, as GPS navigation does not always indicate the type of road surface.

Driving in built-up areas

In smaller towns and villages, pedestrians may occasionally walk onto the road, and you may encounter slow-moving vehicles. Be especially alert when driving after dark and in rural areas.

Weather conditions

Summers in Uzbekistan can be extremely hot, so air conditioning in your car is not just a comfort feature — it is a genuine necessity. This is particularly important for long intercity drives.

FAQ About Car Rental in Uzbekistan