Bukhara – Turkmenistan border (Alat – Farap): how to get there

How to get from Bukhara to the Alat – Farap border crossing with Turkmenistan: distance, time, and what to check before you go.

Where the border is

The Uzbek post Alat and the Turkmen post Farap are the crossing most travellers use between Bukhara and Turkmenabat. From our hostel in Bukhara it is about 45 km — around 1 hour by car.

Before you go

You need a valid Turkmen visa or letter of invitation — it is not issued at the border on arrival without prior arrangement. Opening hours have changed over the years and sources disagree, so check the current hours the day before and plan to arrive in the morning. Have your passport, visa documents and some US dollars in small notes ready.

Travellers report a walk or a short minibus ride of about 2 km between the two posts — pack light.

Our transfer

We take you from the hostel to the Uzbek post and help at the checkpoint. Price per car, up to 3 people — see below.

Updated: 05.11.2026