46th Chess Olympiad 2026: stages, travel and connectivity

The 46th Chess Olympiad takes place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to September 27, 2026. Bringing together national teams, grandmasters, and fans from over 180 countries, the tournament is a massive milestone for sports in Central Asia. To prep for the crowds, Samarkand International Airport (SKD) has gotten a major makeover, and the high-speed Afrosiyob rail line connecting Tashkent to Samarkand has ramped up capacity.

Original graphic for ESim Travel App.

The short answer: Book your hotel in Samarkand months ahead, lock in your high-speed train tickets early, and grab an Uzbekistan eSIM before you fly so you can check live pairings and get around town without a hitch.

46th Chess Olympiad at a glance

Decision	Current answer	What to check again
Dates	September 15 – September 27, 2026	Official FIDE schedule updates
Host City	Samarkand, Uzbekistan	Venue security checkpoints
Primary Transit	Afrosiyob train & SKD airport	Train timetable changes

Tournament schedule and stage planning

This 13-round swiss-system tournament runs for nearly two weeks. If you're attending or covering the event, keep an eye on daily round start times from FIDE. While games usually kick off in the afternoon, opening and closing ceremonies, technical meetings, and rest days will mix things up. Always check the official tournament app or notice board for last-minute changes.

Transport, trains and airport shuttles

Photo by Ozodbek Erkinov on Unsplash

Getting to Samarkand is pretty easy. You can fly straight into Samarkand International Airport (SKD), or fly into Tashkent International Airport (TAS) and hop on the high-speed Afrosiyob train. The train ride takes about two hours and is a lot more comfortable than driving. Once you're in Samarkand, you can use official event shuttles, licensed taxis, and local ride apps to get from your hotel to the venue.

Driving, parking and car rentals

Honestly, driving yourself around Samarkand during the tournament isn't a great idea. Expect heavy security zones, pedestrian-only areas near historical spots, and very limited parking around the venues. If you do rent a car, make sure your hotel has secure parking, but you're better off walking or using ride-hailing apps.

Accommodation and hotel logistics

With thousands of players, officials, and fans heading to Samarkand, rooms are booking up fast. Official tournament hotels usually run shuttles straight to the playing halls. If you're booking on your own, try to find a place near major transit routes to cut down your morning commute.

Security, bag policies and venue rules

Like any big international event, expect tight security at the gates. That means ba

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash g checks, metal detectors, and ID checks. You won't be allowed to bring large luggage, professional cameras without press passes, or other restricted items into the playing halls. Just pack the basics: your passport, credentials, and phone.

Phone charging and mobile signal

Between checking live games, player pairings, and translation apps, you're going to need reliable internet. Public Wi-Fi at big venues can be spotty at best. Setting up an esim before you take off means your phone will connect to local networks the second you land, saving you from airport queues and crazy roaming charges.

Accessibility and mobility support

New venues and major international hotels in Samarkand generally have good accessibility, including elevators and step-free entry. That said, older historic sites and boutique guesthouses might be a bit trickier to navigate. It's best to check with your hotel or the tournament accessibility desk ahead of time.

Files to save offline

Before you head to Samarkand, save these essentials directly to your phone:

• Hotel bookings and return travel tickets
• Digital copies of your passport and travel insurance
• Offline maps of Samarkand and a local translation app
• Your esim profile QR code and setup guide

Mobile data for an international trip

Staying connected in Uzbekistan is a must for following tournament standings, booking rides, and meeting up with people. International roaming from your home carrier gets expensive fast, and buying a local SIM card usually means standing in a long line at the airport. Grabbing a data plan from the catalogue gives you instant high-speed data without messing with physical SIM cards or losing your regular phone number.

Ten Chess Olympiad visitor questions

Where is the 46th Chess Olympiad taking place in 2026?

The event is being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to September 27, 2026.

How can I get an eSIM for travel to Uzbekistan?

You can buy and install a digital data plan online before your trip, and it will activate the moment you land in Uzbekistan.

What are the best transport options in Samarkand?

The high-speed Afrosiyob train is the best way from Tashkent to Samarkand, while getting around town is easiest with official taxis and ride apps.

Do I need a visa to enter Uzbekistan?

Visa rules depend on your nationality. Many travelers get visa-free entry for short visits, but you should check current consular rules well before you leave.

How do I check live tournament pairings?

FIDE posts all official pairings and live broadcasts on its website and official app, which you can check using mobile data.

Are spectators allowed inside the playing hall?

Yes, but spectator access is strictly managed by FIDE ticket rules and security guidelines, with specific public areas.

What currency is used in Uzbekistan?

The local currency is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Cards are fine at most hotels, but it's smart to keep some cash handy for smaller shops.

Will my phone work with a local eSIM?

Most newer smartphones work with eSIMs. You can double-check your device using our compatibility tool.

What is the weather like in Samarkand in September?

September usually brings great autumn weather to Samarkand, though days can still be pretty warm.

Who should I contact for emergency assistance while in Samarkand?

Keep local emergency numbers saved and reach out to your embassy or the official tournament help desk if you run into trouble.

How we verified this guide

This guide was put together using official announcements from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and regional tourism info for Uzbekistan. Travel details match current schedules for Samarkand International Airport and the Afrosiyob rail line. All details were checked and verified in UTC.