Transport and Driving in Azerbaijan

Transport in Azerbaijan has undergone much development in recent years. Azerbaijan boasts a clean and modern transport network consisting of trains, buses, taxis and a metro system in Baku, the capital city.

You’ll find it relatively easy to get around central Baku without owning a vehicle by either walking or taking taxis and the metro. It’s worth getting a car if you live further out of the city centre, though.

Public transport in Azerbaijan

Trains

Public transport in Azerbaijan includes an established rail network connecting Baku to other main towns and regional neighbours, including Kars in Turkey and Tbilisi in Georgia.

While rail services may not be known for their efficiency, they are undergoing major reconstruction. Baku Central Station is the focal point of rail transport in Azerbaijan. It has recently been renovated and now offers modern facilities, including a shopping and dining area.

There is also a commuter rail around Baku, which helps connect the central areas to surrounding neighbourhoods.

Metro

Baku Metro connects the city centre to the suburbs and is reasonably well-maintained, clean and efficient. It offers the least expensive option for getting around Baku, and tickets are managed via a smart card system, known as BakıKART or BakuCard. You can buy metro cards at counters at metro stations. Otherwise, tokens are required to ride the metro, and these can be purchased from ticket windows at metro stations.

The Baku Metro system continues to grow, with plans for 51 new stations and an additional 80 miles (130km) of metro lines in the future. The metro now features three lines with 27 stations and transports over half a million passengers daily across the city.

Security is usually quite tight in and around railway stations, and it’s not unusual for security guards to check your bags.

Buses

Buses, coaches and minibuses connect most cities within Azerbaijan as well as with cities in neighbouring Georgia, Turkey, Iran and Russia.

Both public and private buses operate in Baku. Buses to the suburbs are relatively cheap but overcrowded, while private services are more expensive but also more comfortable. You can generally buy tickets directly from the bus driver.

The bus fleet in Baku now includes modern vehicles with air conditioning and facilities for passengers with disabilities, making travel more comfortable throughout the city. The Baku Urban Mobility Program has expanded micromobility lanes to about 20 miles (30km), with network coverage set to increase further.

Useful links

• Azerbaijan Railways
• Baku Metro

Taxis in Azerbaijan

Taxis in Azerbaijan are widely available in major urban centres. They are not normally metered, so you should negotiate the fare before embarking on a journey. In Baku, the state-owned Baku Taxi Service has a fleet of metered taxi cabs.

You can also get a taxi by using popular ride-hailing apps. Bolt (formerly Taxify) and Yango dominate the Baku ride-hailing scene. Uber is also available through a specific Uber Azerbaijan app. These services weave through the city traffic even during the busy midnight hours in Baku’s lively streets.

For airport transfers, ride-hailing apps offer convenience, but watch out for potential scams. Pay through the app using a stored card rather than cash. When using Bolt or similar services, confirm that the driver agrees to charge only what the app shows before starting your journey.

For safety, always check that the vehicle and driver details match the information provided on the app before starting your journey. One of Baku's largest local taxi operators is 189 TAXI, which you can order by phone or through their mobile application.

Useful links

• Bolt
• Uber AZ on Android and Apple
• 189 TAXI

Driving in Azerbaijan

Driving is easy to avoid in central Baku. Still, access to a vehicle is beneficial if you live elsewhere in Azerbaijan, as well as if you have a family or frequently need to travel for work purposes. Driving is on the right side of the road, and right-hand-drive cars are illegal in Azerbaijan.

New freeways are under construction, and the country’s oil wealth has meant many new cars are on the roads. While most roads in Baku and major highways are generally well-maintained, travel outside the city may require a four-wheel-drive vehicle due to poor road conditions in suburban or rural areas. Roads are often poorly lit at night, making night driving risky.

Traffic accidents regularly happen in Azerbaijan, as local drivers have a reputation for disobeying the rules of the road. You should use defensive driving techniques when driving in Azerbaijan.

Be aware that routine traffic stops are common. Keep all required documents with you when driving, including your passport or local registration documents, driver’s licence, vehicle registration papers and proof of insurance.

You can find several car hire agencies in Azerbaijan, although you should check the requirements for renting a vehicle. Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old with a minimum of three years of driving experience, although some may set the minimum age at 24 and the maximum at 65. You’ll need a valid credit card, identification (passport for tourists), and an appropriate driver's licence.

Driver’s licences

You can drive in Azerbaijan with an International Driving Permit (1968 version) for up to a month. EU driving permits are also accepted. Azerbaijan recognises driving licences from many countries, but obtaining an IDP makes sense if your licence uses a script not commonly understood in Azerbaijan.

If you’re staying in Azerbaijan for over one month, you need to get a local driver’s licence through the ASAN Service Offices. The process involves submitting your existing licence, passport, visa or residency permit, along with medical certification and the required fees. You’ll need to take both a theory and a practical test to complete the process.

Azerbaijan has strict laws about driving under the influence of alcohol. It’s illegal to drive with any alcohol in your system – the limit is zero.

Useful links

• ASAN Service

Air travel in Azerbaijan

Air travel in Azerbaijan centres around Heydar Aliyev International Airport just outside Baku, the main air hub in Azerbaijan, along with five additional international airports in Gabala, Ganja, Lankaran, Nakhchivan and Zagatala. The Baku airport connects to cities throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia via numerous international carriers, including the country’s national airline, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL).

For domestic travel, Azerbaijan Airlines flies between Baku and regional cities such as Ganja, Nakhchivan and Qabala. Buta Airways, a low-cost carrier based in Baku, also offers domestic flights to Ganja. The flight to Nakhchivan often stands out as the only practical way to reach this exclave.

Useful links

• Heydar Aliyev International Airport
• Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL)
• Buta Airways