Heading to Samarkand? On the Freedom Travel website and app you can find flights from Astana, compare the available departures, pick a convenient time and pay for your booking online in a couple of minutes.
This page covers the distance and flight time, the schedule and frequency, the airlines on the route, what shapes the ticket price, visa rules, details about the arrival airport and the main sights of Samarkand.
General information about flights between Astana and Samarkand
The distance between Astana and Samarkand is about 1,300 km. The cities are linked by a non-stop service, and the flight takes roughly 2 hours 10 minutes. There is no time difference — Astana and Samarkand are both on UTC+5. Citizens of Kazakhstan do not need a visa: a visa-free regime applies, entry is possible with an ID card and stays of up to 30 days are allowed; please check the current rules before travelling. The route is popular with travellers heading for Registan and the Timurid monuments, as well as with pilgrims and business travellers.
Why buy flights from Astana to Samarkand with Freedom Travel
- We work with every airline serving the route
- Convenient search with flexible filters for times, connections and baggage
- A low-fare calendar helps you choose the cheapest date
- Extra services: seat selection, baggage, insurance, SMS alerts
- Secure and reliable payments
- 24/7 support at every stage of the trip
- Up to 10% cashback via Freedom SuperApp
Astana — Samarkand flight schedule
Non-stop flights are operated by Vietjet Qazaqstan, currently the only carrier on the direct route, with about 3 flights per week and a travel time of roughly 2 hours 10 minutes. Note that the direct service is seasonal rather than year-round, so on some dates a non-stop flight may not be available.
Frequency changes by season and by day of the week, and fares are recalculated dynamically. Check the current schedule and the availability of a non-stop flight for your dates in the Freedom Travel search — if there is no direct departure on your chosen day, the system will offer connecting options.
How much does a flight from Astana to Samarkand cost
The price depends on the departure date, the airline, the season and how far in advance you book. There is no fixed fare, so check the exact amount in the Freedom Travel search: it displays the final cost including all fees, and payment is made online by bank card.
Which airlines fly the Astana — Samarkand route
- Vietjet Qazaqstan — non-stop flights (about 3 per week, seasonal service)
- Air Astana — flights to Tashkent with an onward connection
- Uzbekistan Airways — connecting flights (via Tashkent)
The mix of carriers and available connections depends on the date, so the full list of options for your travel days is easiest to review in the Freedom Travel search.
How to get from Astana to Samarkand: your flight options
The most convenient way is the non-stop Vietjet Qazaqstan flight: it takes about 2 hours 10 minutes and gets you into the city within a single morning.
When no direct flight operates on your date, the itinerary is built via Tashkent: Air Astana and Uzbekistan Airways serve the Uzbek capital, and from there Samarkand is a short flight or train ride away. That option takes longer but is available all year round.
The non-stop flight wins on time and comfort, while a connecting itinerary offers more schedule flexibility and sometimes a better fare. This is an international route, so if you connect, check transit visa requirements and entry rules in advance.
Find return flights from Samarkand to Astana
Samarkand Airport
Flights arrive at Samarkand International Airport (SKD), located about 6 km north of the city centre. The transfer to the historic centre takes only a few minutes: city buses run there and taxis are always available.
What to see in Samarkand
One of the oldest cities in the world and a jewel of the Great Silk Road, famous for its turquoise domes and the monumental Central Asian architecture of the Timurid era.
- Registan Square — an ensemble of three madrasahs, the main symbol of Samarkand and a UNESCO site
- Shah-i-Zinda — a necropolis avenue lined with tile-clad mausoleums
- Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum — the tomb of Tamerlane (Amir Temur)
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque — one of the largest mosques of the medieval Muslim world
- Ulugh Beg Observatory — the remains of a 15th-century astronomical observatory
- Siab Bazaar — a colourful market with flatbread, spices and dried fruit
The turquoise domes of Registan are closer than you think: book your Astana — Samarkand tickets with Freedom Travel and earn up to 10% cashback.