Tashkent Metro Tour: Museum worthy Station Designs for Only 14 Cents!

Tashkent has a metro system, which is an important means of transport for its citizens.

But it would be a shame to use the Tashkent metro only as a means of transport! Because the design of each station is unique and beautiful.

That’s why we took a tour of Tashkent’s metro stations. We have picked out some particularly beautiful stations in this post.

About the Tashkent metro

The Tashkent metro runs through the city’s central area. It is easily recognised by the ‘M’ symbol at its entrance.

The Tashkent metro currently has three lines, but the fare remains the same no matter how far you go. It is very cheap, at a flat rate of 1,400 som.

The beautiful design of the metro can be seen on the platform at each station. So you don’t have to go through the ticket gates every time you want to take a photo. After getting on the train, get off the train at the platform where you want to take photos, get back on the train and go to the next photo spot. As you can access all the platforms of stations once you buy a ticket, your metro sightseeing costs just 1,400 som per person, which is very inexpensive.

The Tashkent metro is an important means of transport for the city’s residents, so it can get crowded during rush hours. The transfer stations are always busy with people getting on and off. If you want to take photos on the metro, it is best to avoid busy times.

Taking photos in the Tashkent metro

Until a few years ago, taking photography was forbidden in Uzbekistan in the metro or train stations. Nowadays, you can take photos freely and people in the city seem to have become accustomed to seeing travellers taking photos.

There are many staff working in Tashkent’s metro stations, and there are always uniformed attendants on the platforms to guide you to the exits and transfer stations. But more than once, when they noticed us taking photos, they would hide behind a pillar to avoid being in the photo.

However, there are some places outside the metro where photography is not permitted. If you are warned by a security guard, follow the instructions.

How to buy tickets for the Tashkent metro

Metro tickets can be purchased from the ticket office at the station. There are also prepaid transport cards that can be used on buses as well as on the metro, which can also be purchased from the station ticket office.

We bought individual tickets and went on our little tour. The ticket price is the same regardless of the station you get off at, so just tell them how many tickets you want and buy your tickets.

The tickets are printed with a QR code, which is scanned at the ticket gate for entry; the QR code seems to expire within an hour of being issued.

At the ticket gate, hold up the QR code printed on your ticket and scan it to enter. You only need your ticket to scan when you get on, and you do not have to show your tickets when you leave the metro station. You can simply exit through the door marked ‘Exit’.

Now let’s take a look at the Tashkent metro stations we visited.

Kosmonavtlar metro station

The design appears to be inspired by space travel. The murals are if male and female cosmonauts.

Tinchlik station

Station platform with geometric murals.

Don’t you think this platforms look like museum corridors when the trains are not stationary?

Alisher Navoiy station

This is my personal favourite station. As it is a connecting station between the blue and red lines, it is always busy, but if you stop and look around you will see that it is a very beautiful station.

The mural is framed in bronze-coloured on an earth-coloured background. When looking up, the ceiling is made up of layers of blue-purple domes.

The overlapping arches are also impressive, reminiscent of mosques.

Paxtakor station

This station is connected to Alisher Navoiy Station. Tile-like patterns are painted on the murals, and the designs, as well as the colour schemes, are excellent.

The metro trains were dark blue or sky blue colour and matched the colour scheme of the platform well.

Chilonzor station

Many of Tashkent’s metro stations have impressive chandeliers, and this is one of them. I’m not the only one who can’t resist admiring the unnecessarily decorative chandeliers. The ring of lights reflects off the smooth ceiling walls, creating an extraordinary space.

Xalqlar Do’stligi Station

The station is characterised by the chic tile decoration on the walls. The motifs in the tile decoration are symbolic and inspire the imagination when viewed.

Yunus Rajabiy railway station

The station platform is impressive with its massive pillars. The design of the lighting above the pillars and hanging from the ceiling is unified. The linear form gives a sense of strength.

Mustaqillik Maydoni railway station

The station platform has the feel of a royal palace in a futuristic city. The walls and pillars are simple, but the upper decoration when looking up gives it an atmospheric feel. The design is a good combination of straight and curved lines.

Abdulla Qodiri station

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary metro station, but when you look up you are struck by the ornate lighting.

The lighting design, which looks like a crown or fan motif, is unique and the straight lines are extremely beautiful.

Bodomzor station

This metro station creates a magical space that looks like it could be the setting for a futuristic film. Wooden stools are positioned at the foot of plant-like lights growing out of the floor. Ceramic artworks are embedded in the ceiling dome, which is smoothly continuous with the walls.

G’afur G’ulom station

This is one of the busiest stations in Tashkent. The platform stands out for its deep green columns, while the walls are decorated with tiles reminiscent of delicate mosaic work.

Beruniy station

This is the last station on the blue line. The delicately designed chandelier shone beautifully when looking up at the wall lined with triangular projections.

The Tashkent metro tour costs you only 1,400 soms (14 cents)

We have collected some of our favourite metro stations. Tashkent’s underground offers as much art as its above-ground counterparts. And at only 1,400 soms, it would be a shame not to use it!