Transportation
Schedules and fares are subject to change.
Airport to City Access
Train, bus, taxi, and other options to the city center
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is about 25 km from central Baku. The Aeroexpress H1 airport bus is a cheap, reliable link to the city (buy a BakiKart to ride). A taxi or a Bolt ride takes roughly 30–40 minutes depending on traffic; agree the fare or use an app for a clear price.
- Distance
- ~25 km to central Baku
- Cheap
- Aeroexpress H1 bus
- Taxi/Bolt
- About 30–40 min
- Use a BakiKart to ride the H1 airport bus
- Use an app like Bolt for a clear taxi price
Public Transportation
Metro, bus, tram, and how to use them
Baku has a metro (Baku Metro) plus an extensive bus network, and both use the BakiKart travel card. The metro is fast and cheap for getting around the centre, while buses fill the gaps. Top up a BakiKart and tap in; single cash tickets are not the norm.
- Baku
- Metro and buses
- Card
- BakiKart for metro and bus
- Metro
- Fast and cheap in the centre
- Top up a BakiKart and tap in to travel
- Buses cover routes the metro does not reach
IC Cards & Travel Passes
Discount passes and rechargeable transit cards
Baku uses the BakiKart, a rechargeable travel card that works on both the metro and city buses. Buy one at metro stations, top it up with cash or card, and tap it at the gates or on board. It is the standard way to pay, so pick one up early in your trip.
- Card
- BakiKart (Baku)
- Works on
- Metro and city buses
- Buy at
- Metro stations
- Top up with cash or card at the machines
- Tap at the gates or on board to travel
Car Rental & Driving
License requirements and traffic rules
Azerbaijan drives on the right and an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your licence. Driving in Baku can feel aggressive and parking is tight, so many visitors skip a car in the city and rent only for exploring the regions. Take extra care in traffic and stick to main routes.
- Drives on
- The right
- Licence
- International permit advised
- City driving
- Can be aggressive
- A car is often unnecessary in central Baku
- Handy for exploring the regions outside the city
Intercity Travel
Long-distance buses, trains, and ferries
Trains run by Azerbaijan Railways link Baku with cities such as Ganja and towards the Sheki region, and there is an international line towards Tbilisi in Georgia. Intercity buses and shared vans cover most other routes and are cheap and frequent. Book longer or overnight trains ahead in busy seasons.
- Rail
- Baku–Ganja, toward Sheki
- International
- Baku–Tbilisi line
- Buses
- Cheap and frequent
- Book longer/overnight trains ahead in busy seasons
- Intercity buses cover most other routes
Domestic Flights
Budget airlines and booking tips
Domestic flights are limited, with Heydar Aliyev (GYD) in Baku as the main hub and some services to airports such as Ganja (GNJ) and Nakhchivan (NAJ). The state carrier AZAL operates most routes; the flight to Nakhchivan, which is separated from the rest of the country, is the most useful. For other cities, trains and buses are usually simpler.
- Hub
- Baku (GYD)
- Also served
- Ganja (GNJ), Nakhchivan (NAJ)
- Carrier
- AZAL (state airline)
- The Nakhchivan flight is the most useful domestic route
- For other cities, trains and buses are usually simpler
Transportation Tips
Advice for safe and efficient travel
Get a BakiKart early, as it is the standard way to pay for the metro and buses in Baku. For taxis, use Bolt or Yango for a clear price, or agree the fare before a street taxi. Keep some cash for regional buses and shared vans, and carry your passport, which you need to buy a local SIM.
- Card
- Get a BakiKart early
- Taxis
- Use Bolt/Yango or agree fare
- Cash
- Handy for regional transport
- Carry your passport to buy a local SIM
- Agree the fare before a street taxi ride