The Tashkent Subway is much more than a way to get around the city, it is one of the most unusual attractions of Uzbekistan’s capital. It boasts spacious halls decorated with marble columns, mosaics, stained glass, and artistic details dedicated to the history and culture of the country. For many travelers, a subway ride becomes a separate tour through the underground architecture of Tashkent.

History of the Tashkent Subway

The Tashkent Subway was the first underground railway system in Central Asia. Its construction began after the devastating earthquake of 1966, when the city had to be largely rebuilt. Engineers took the region’s seismic activity into account, so the stations and tunnels were designed with additional structural strength.

The first line opened on November 6, 1977. At the time of its launch, it included nine stations and connected the southern districts of the city with the center. Over the following years, new lines were added. Today, the subway consists of four lines and around 50 stations.

Why the Tashkent Subway Looks Like a Museum

During the Soviet period, subway stations were often designed as symbols of progress and national achievements. The Tashkent Subway became a striking example of this approach. The best architects, artists, and craftsmen from across the Soviet Union were involved in designing and decorating the stations.

Each station was given its own unique character. Some are dedicated to space exploration, others tell stories about great poets, scientists, and historical events. Others reflect the richness of Uzbek traditional art. Underground halls feature marble and granite, carved columns, artistic ceramics, decorative panels, and traditional ornaments.

For many years, this beauty remained almost unknown to foreign visitors, as photography in the metro was officially prohibited until 2018.

The Most Beautiful Stations and Nearby Attractions

Kosmonavtlar (Cosmonauts)

The design of this station is dedicated to space exploration. Blue glass columns and lighting elements create the feeling of a cosmic environment and decorative panels depict famous cosmonauts and astronomers.

Nearby attractions:

• The Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan showcases a collection of national ceramics, embroidery, jewelry, and wood carving.
• Oksaroy Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Uzbekistan’s first president, Islam Karimov.
• Uzbekistan State Puppet Theatre
• TSUM (Central Department Store)

Alisher Navoiy

This station is dedicated to the great Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi. The walls are decorated with artistic panels illustrating scenes from his works. The interior is inspired by Eastern architecture, featuring high arches, white marble, blue decorative elements, and traditional patterns.

Nearby attractions:

• Alisher Navoi Literary Museum
• Museum of Communications History
• Mausoleum of Tole Bi – the burial place of the famous Kazakh public figure; considered the oldest surviving building in Tashkent.

Mustaqillik Maydoni (Independence Square)

One of the most impressive stations of the Tashkent Subway. It features spacious halls, marble decoration, elegant chandeliers, and a strict symmetrical design.

Nearby attractions:

• Mustaqillik Square – the central square of Tashkent, with fountains, green avenues, and government buildings.
• Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre
• Amir Timur Square
• History Museum of Uzbekistan
• Gallery of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan
• Turkiston Palace of Arts

Paxtakor (Pakhtakor)

This station is dedicated to cotton farming, one of Uzbekistan’s key industries in the 20th century. Its walls are decorated with artistic panels featuring cotton flowers created in a traditional style.

Nearby attractions:

• Pakhtakor Stadium
• Tashkent City Park
• Tashkent City Mall

Chorsu

Although Chorsu is not always included among the most luxurious subway stations, its location makes it one of the most interesting stops for tourists.

Nearby attractions:

• Chorsu Bazaar is one of the most famous markets in Central Asia. Under its huge blue dome, visitors can find spices, dried fruits, sweets, meat, flatbreads, and traditional products.
• Kukeldash Madrasah is one of Tashkent’s most important historical buildings, dating back to the 16th century.
• Eski Shahar (Old City) is a traditional neighborhood with low-rise buildings, mosques, and narrow streets.

G‘afur G‘ulom

The station is named after the famous Uzbek writer Gafur Gulyam. Its interior features artistic compositions dedicated to literature and culture.

Nearby attractions:

• Tashkent Planetarium
• Tashkent Circus
• Abdulla Qodiriy Park
• Hazrati Imam Complex – the spiritual center of Tashkent, with ancient mausoleums, madrasahs, and mosques.

How to Use the Subway in Tashkent

The subway operates daily from 5:00 AM until midnight. Entrances are marked with a large letter “M”. Before going down to the platform, passengers can usually find route maps and signs showing the different lines.

Inside the station, passengers pass through ticket gates and go down to the platform.

How to Buy a Ticket

There are several ways to pay for a subway ride:

• ATTO transport card – a rechargeable travel card used for public transportation in Tashkent.
• Contactless bank card – simply tap the card at the payment terminal.
• Smartphone with NFC – payment is available through supported mobile payment services.
• Paper QR ticket – a single-use ticket that can be purchased at ticket offices or terminals. However, ticket offices are not available at every station.

The fare is the same throughout the entire subway network and does not depend on the distance traveled. A subway ride costs 1,700 soums (about $0.14) when paying by card, mobile app, or biometric payment. A single-use QR ticket purchased at a ticket office costs 3,000 soums (about $0.25) (prices valid as of June 2026).