Turkmenistan Border Crossings — Farap, Shavat & Howdan
Entering Turkmenistan overland? Three crossings matter most for travelers: Farap and Shavat/Dashoguz from Uzbekistan, and Howdan/Bajgiran from Iran. Here is how they compare and which one fits your route.
Tours Starting at Any of the Three Crossings
Whichever crossing fits your route, a guide and vehicle are ready on the Turkmenistan side the same day. Popular continuations include Konye-Urgench, the Darvaza Gas Crater, Ashgabat and Ancient Merv.
New Tour
4-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Bukhara to Khiva or Nukus via Merv, Overnight Train & Darvaza
3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Bukhara to Khiva or Nukus via Merv, Overnight Train & Darvaza
8-day tour "Main attractions of Turkmenistan": Yangi-Kala Canyon, Merv and Darvaza Crater
2-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Bukhara to Ancient Merv and Turkmenabat
4-day Turkmenistan tour from Bukhara to Iran/Ashgabat: Merv, Darvaza and Ashgabat
Turkmenistan Tour from Bukhara to Khiva/Nukus (5 days): Turkmenabat, Merv, Ashgabat, Darvaza, and Kunya-Urgench
Upcoming Departures Near the Borders
Prefer a fixed date and a ready-made group over a fully custom crossing? Here are our next guaranteed departures.
How to Choose Your Crossing
Compare the three main overland routes into Turkmenistan:
1. Farap (from Bukhara / Turkmenabat)
The most direct route if you are finishing your trip in Bukhara — leads straight into Turkmenabat.
2. Shavat / Dashoguz (from Khiva)
Closer if coming from Khiva, and puts you near the Konye-Urgench UNESCO site.
3. Howdan / Bajgiran (from Iran)
The main crossing from northeastern Iran, under two hours from Ashgabat.
4. Your visa (LOI) must be ready in advance
Unlike arriving by air, none of these overland crossings allow visa paperwork to be sorted on the spot — we prepare it before you travel.
What to Expect at the Border
We know all three crossings
Farap, Shavat/Dashoguz and Howdan each work a little differently — we tell you exactly what to expect and how long to allow.
Visa sorted before you arrive
The Letter of Invitation (LOI) is the one thing that has to be ready in advance for any overland crossing — we handle it as part of every booking.
A guide waiting on the Turkmenistan side
No dead time at the border — your guide and vehicle are ready the same day you cross, whichever checkpoint you use.
Typical crossing time
Usually 1–3 hours depending on traffic and processing at both checkpoints — we advise building in some buffer.
Visa for an Overland Crossing — Plan Ahead
None of these crossings allow you to arrange paperwork on the spot — your Letter of Invitation (LOI) must be ready before you reach the border. Read our full visa guide for timing.
Plan Your Overland Crossing
Tell us which border and your dates — we handle the visa and have a guide ready on the other side. We reply within 24 hours.
