Dushanbe Airport Taxis

[Christian77]

After ten years of travelling to Tajikistan I have finally seen the death of the Dushanbe airport taxi driver mob. You know the guys: "40 Somoni? NO! I said 40 dollars! Gimme!", plus numerous other delights such as having them grab your bag and lock it in the boot/trunk without a fare having been agreed to first, or leaning over you with the general demeanor of a street robber.

There is now a taxi counter next to the baggage carousel. The company is Somon Taxi (AKA the 888 taxis). They have a clearly written (Tajik, English and Russian) list of metre fares and fare rules. This fixes everything, except for if you are staying at an obscure guesthouse or hostel that they don't know about. Street addresses are useless. Orientation in Dushanbe is by well-known landmarks and neighbourhood/district names. I suggest having your hostel or guesthouse phone number handy so the driver can call them and ask for directions.

Those who have think that waving a smartphone map with a marker on their hotel will work may be in for a surprise. It's not always that simple. Some drivers cannot navigate with a map.

[steven]

Metered taxis have been moved away from the main exit at the airport. Taxi sharks have paid to be there to greet you first.

Avoid them and proceed 150-200 meters north through the parking lot to the taxi drop-off/pick-up area on Ahmadi Donish Street (on OsmAnd and MAPS.me).

[Mathilde_P]

Anyone knows if taxi drivers at Dushanbe airport will take US dollars? I've got a feeling the money exchange desk will be closed when I land at 1am...

[Kalpazan]

Yes, they will. And if you are going to Green House or Hello Hostel it should be no more than 10 USD.

[Mathilde_P]

Ah perfect, I'm going to Green House, will keep the price in mind!

[Kalpazan]

When are you coming? I'm in Green House now and will probably stay tomorrow as well.

[Mathilde_P]

Aah, only coming in early September I'm afraid!

[almajor]

It's only 2km. 10usd is crazy price for Dushanbe. Real price is 1-2 usd

[willemspie]

If you're a backpacker, you can walk. There is also a trolleybus.

[Kasia]

I (female) found that walking is safe, trolleybus more comfortable.