Tashkent Metro

Overview

The Tashkent Metro is one of the world's most beautiful subway systems — each station is a unique architectural masterpiece decorated with chandeliers, carved marble, hammered copper, and mosaic murals. Photography was banned until 2018, adding to its mystique.

Highlights

• Kosmonavtlar Station: Space-themed station with ceramic portrait medallions of cosmonauts set into sky-blue tiled columns.
• Alisher Navoi Station: Ornate carved plaster panels in six different regional Uzbek architectural styles.
• Bodomzor Station: Modern glass and chrome design representing the newer generation of stations.

History

Opened in 1977, Tashkent Metro was the first subway system in Central Asia and was built to be earthquake-resistant following the devastating 1966 earthquake. Each station was designed by a different team of Soviet architects. Photography was banned from opening until 2018 for purported security reasons.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: A single ride costs 1,400 UZS (~$0.12) — ride multiple lines to see the most impressive stations.
• Tip 2: Key stations to visit: Kosmonavtlar, Alisher Navoi, Mustakillik, and Paxtakor.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours for a station-hopping tour.