Car Rental in Tashkent - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Tashkent is generally not recommended for tourists exploring the city itself. The capital has improving public transport options including a metro system, and city traffic can be congested and challenging for visitors unfamiliar with local driving habits. Uzbekistan drives on the right side of the road. However, car rental becomes practical for specific scenarios: exploring the countryside beyond Tashkent, visiting multiple cities on your own schedule, or taking road trips to destinations like Samarkand or Bukhara where you want flexibility to stop at smaller towns and sites along the way. Road quality varies significantly - main highways connecting major cities are generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be less predictable. Driving in Uzbekistan may be challenging for tourists due to different traffic norms and occasional aggressive driving styles. If you do rent, ensure you have proper documentation including an International Driving Permit. For most tourists staying primarily in Tashkent, using taxis, ride-sharing apps, or organized transport will be more convenient and less stressful than navigating city traffic yourself. Reserve car rentals for when you genuinely need the independence for countryside exploration.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for specific IDP requirements in Tashkent. Check with rental agencies and Uzbekistan embassy for current regulations before travel.

Minimum Age

Specific age requirements not available. Rental agencies in Tashkent typically require drivers to be 21-25 years old - verify with your chosen provider.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. Local acceptance rules for Uzbekistan should be verified with rental agencies or official sources.

Credit Card for Deposit

Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Specific deposit amounts vary by provider - check when booking.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included with rentals. Additional coverage options are generally available - review policy details with your rental provider.

Passport

Valid passport required for identification and rental documentation in Uzbekistan. Ensure it's valid for the duration of your stay.

Rent from Tashkent International Airport for convenience upon arrival, where both international agencies and local companies operate - compare rates through booking platforms as prices vary significantly by season and vehicle type.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify the fuel policy (full-to-full is standard), and confirm you have the rental agreement, insurance documents, and 24-hour emergency contact number.

Download offline maps for Uzbekistan before your trip as GPS signal can be inconsistent in some areas - major roads are well-signed in Latin script, but having a navigation app with offline capability is essential for finding specific addresses.

Fuel stations are readily available in Tashkent with AI-95 being the standard grade - parking in the city center can be limited, so look for paid parking lots near major attractions rather than street parking to avoid fines.

Plan to return your car with a full tank if that's your agreement and allow extra time at the airport for the return inspection - take photos of the odometer and fuel gauge as documentation of the vehicle's condition at drop-off.

Traffic in Tashkent can be chaotic with drivers frequently changing lanes without signaling and not always following traffic rules - defensive driving is essential. Rush hours (typically 8-10 AM and 5-8 PM) see heavy congestion on major routes.

Police checkpoints are common throughout the city, and officers may stop drivers for document checks - always carry your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents. Traffic fines are enforced, though enforcement practices may differ from Western standards.

Road conditions vary significantly, with some streets having potholes, unclear lane markings, or poor lighting at night - extra caution is needed when driving after dark. Pedestrians may cross unexpectedly at non-designated areas.

Winter weather (December-February) can bring snow and ice, making roads slippery - many local drivers may not adjust their speed accordingly, increasing accident risk. Ensure your vehicle has appropriate tires for winter conditions if driving during these months.