Traveling to Tashkent with children is increasingly common as Uzbekistan grows as a tourist destination. The airport-to-city transfer is short, but families face a few specific challenges.
At the Airport
The modernized international terminal is clean and reasonably well-equipped. Immigration can be slow during peak arrival times, so prepare for a wait with children. There are bathrooms in the arrivals area, though they may not meet the standards families are used to in Western airports.
Baggage claim works normally. Trolleys are available. The walk from baggage claim to the exit is short.
Child Seats
This is the main issue for families. Child car seats are not part of the culture in Uzbekistan. Standard taxis and most rideshare vehicles do not have them. Uzbek traffic law requires child restraints, but enforcement is inconsistent and compliance is low.
If child safety seats are important to you -- and they should be -- a pre-booked private transfer is the only reliable way to get one. When booking, specify each child's age. Availability of infant seats (rear-facing) is more limited than forward-facing seats and boosters, so book early.
Alternatively, bring your own travel car seat. Lightweight, portable car seats designed for travel are practical for this purpose and useful throughout your stay in Uzbekistan.
Vehicle Size
Most taxis and rideshare cars in Tashkent are Chevrolet Cobalt sedans -- compact cars with limited trunk space. A family of four with two large suitcases and a stroller will struggle to fit everything in. A larger vehicle needs to be specifically requested.
Pre-booked transfers let you choose a minivan or SUV. For families with more than two children or significant luggage, this is the practical choice.
The Ride to the City
The drive from TAS to the center takes 20-35 minutes. Tashkent traffic can be unpredictable, with aggressive driving styles that may concern parents. Major roads have been improved, but driving standards differ from what Western visitors expect. This is another reason some families prefer a professional transfer driver over a random taxi.
The route to most central hotels is along wide, well-maintained boulevards. It is not a difficult journey, just different from what you might be used to.
Practical Tips
Get a local SIM card at the airport if you can. It enables Yandex Go for transport during your stay and keeps you connected. Have some UZS cash for small purchases. Tashkent summers are hot -- above 35C -- so getting into an air-conditioned vehicle quickly matters with young children. This is one reason a pre-booked, air-conditioned transfer is particularly valuable in summer months.
Uzbekistan is very family-friendly in general. People are warm toward children, and your family will be welcomed warmly. The airport transfer is the one part of the experience that benefits from advance planning.