Damon Mcknight
Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are separated by the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water. It is possible to travel between the two countries by boat, specifically by ferry. However, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the ferry service, with no fixed schedule and frequent delays. The journey can be memorable, offering beautiful views of the Caspian Sea and its oil rigs, but it can also be frustrating due to long waiting times and confusing procedures. It is important to be flexible and prepared for potential delays when planning to travel between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan by boat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Route | Baku, Azerbaijan to Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan |
| Ferry type | Cargo ship with space for passengers |
| Schedule | No set schedule, leaves when full and when weather permits |
| Ticket price | $70-$100 for a passenger |
| Ticket purchase | Online or in person at the port |
| Journey time | 17-20 hours |
What You'll Learn
Crossing the Caspian Sea by ferry
Where is the Azerbaijan ferry port?
The port is in Alat, around 70km south of Baku. You will see an anchor on the main road, turn off here and head towards the sea.
Azerbaijan ferry timetable
There is no fixed timetable for the ferry since its departure depends on the weather and the amount of cargo that is loaded. The boat leaves when it's full, which means, in theory, every three to five days, but in reality, there might be five boats going to Kazakhstan within one week or only one boat in two weeks. It's best to head to the port and expect to camp for three days.
Buying your Azerbaijan ferry ticket
You can buy your ticket online or in person at the port in Alat. Tickets cost around $70 USD for a foot traveller and $110 USD for a motorcycle. You will also need to pay an additional $7-12 bridge tax and a port fee of $20-50.
What to expect on the ferry
The ferry journey takes about 20 hours, but delays are common due to weather conditions or port congestion. The ferry has basic facilities, including a common room, dining area, and cabins. The food on the ferry is basic but edible, with three meals a day typically provided. It is recommended to bring your own food and water in case of delays.
Arriving in Turkmenistan/Kazakhstan
Upon arrival in Turkmenistan or Kazakhstan, you will need to go through customs and passport control. If you have a vehicle, you will need to go through additional paperwork and may be subject to lengthy delays.
Practical Information
When crossing the Caspian Sea by ferry, it is important to be flexible and patient due to potential delays and uncertainty. Make sure to bring enough food and water, as well as a sleeping bag and other essentials. It is also a good idea to have some form of entertainment, such as games or books, to pass the time.
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The Caspian Sea ferry
The ferry is not for the faint-hearted. There is no set schedule for the ferry's departure and arrival, and delays are common. The ferry leaves when it is full and when the weather permits. It is recommended to budget extra days and be flexible with your schedule to make the experience fun and rewarding instead of nerve-wracking.
The ferry journey can be a memorable adventure, offering stunning views of the coastline of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. The sunsets are particularly breathtaking, with the sun sinking into the sea, creating stunning colours in the sky. The journey is also a great opportunity to socialise with other travellers and truck drivers.
The ferry facilities are basic, and hygiene standards are low. The cabins are small, with two bunk beds, a small sink, and four lockers. The shower and toilet facilities are usually not very clean, and there may not be enough food available, so it is recommended to bring your own food and water.
The process of buying tickets for the ferry can be confusing. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the port. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, as there may be long waiting times at the port. The price for a ticket includes meals and a bed in a cabin.
Overall, the Caspian Sea ferry is a unique and rewarding travel experience, offering stunning views and the opportunity to connect with other travellers. However, it is important to be prepared for delays and basic facilities.
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Baku-Turkmenbashi ferry
It is possible to travel from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan by boat. The Baku-Turkmenbashi ferry is a popular route for those travelling between the Caucasus and Central Asia.
The ferry departs from the port of Baku, in Azerbaijan, and arrives in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. The journey takes around 17 hours, however, delays are common, and it is recommended to budget for extra days when planning this trip.
There is no timetable for the ferry, and it leaves when it is full or when the weather permits. To find out if a boat is leaving on a particular day, you can call the Baku Sea Port in Alat. Tickets can be purchased online or at the port. The Azerbaijani cargo boat costs $60 and includes a private ensuite cabin and three meals. The Turkmen ferry costs $120 and only includes a seat, food is not provided.
The facilities on the boat are basic. The cabins are usually small with no windows, and the beds are not guaranteed to be clean, so it is recommended to bring a sleeping bag. The toilets and showers are usually not very clean, and there is no soap or toilet paper provided. There is a smoking area on the deck of the boat.
When arriving in Turkmenbashi, there may be a wait to disembark as the port can get busy. Once off the boat, there is passport control, and you will need to pay an entry fee. It is important to have the correct visas when taking this trip, as there have been reports of people being deported due to visa issues.
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Buying tickets for the ferry
Where to buy the tickets
You can buy the tickets for the ferry from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan at the ticket office in Baku. The ticket office is located at the end of Baku's Sea Front Boulevard, hidden away between container units. You can also buy the tickets online through the official ASCO website.
The cheapest ticket is $70 and it includes all your meals onboard and a bed in a 4-person cabin. You'll see that there's an option to buy a ticket for $80 if you want to have a private 2-person cabin but don't bother with that. If there are a lot of passengers, you'll have to share your cabin with 3 other people anyway.
When to buy the tickets
Tickets for the ferry can usually only be bought on the day the boat leaves. However, since 2018, it seems the office in Alat sells tickets before a boat has been announced. You can find out when the ferry leaves by leaving your phone number at the ticket office, having someone call every day (twice a day is better) or turning up yourself and asking "Is there a boat today?".
How to pay for the tickets
You can only pay in US dollars. There's an ATM in Alat where you can take the money out and there's also an exchange office. There are plenty of ATMs and exchange offices in Baku.
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The ferry experience
The Caspian Sea ferry is a collection of cargo ships and ferry ships that ply different routes between the nations surrounding the world's biggest inland body of water. The ferry experience is an adventure in itself. The lack of a schedule and the frequent rule changes make the crossing an uncertain and confusing experience. It is important to be flexible and budget enough time for potential delays. The ferry ride can be a smoother and faster way to get to Central Asia than riding through Russia or Iran, or it can involve long waiting times at the port, stress at customs, and ridiculously long crossing times.
Buying Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the port. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, as there is no precise timetable for the ferry, and it leaves when it is full, depending on the weather and the amount of cargo loaded. The best way to find out when the boat is scheduled to leave is by calling the ticket office or checking the website of the Caspian Sea Ferries. The price for a passenger ticket is around $70-$100, depending on the route and class of travel. There may be additional costs for vehicles, bridge tax, and port fees.
Facilities and Services
The ferries are cargo ships with limited facilities for passengers. The cabins are basic and may not have windows, so they can get hot during the summer. Hygiene standards vary, and it is recommended to bring a sleeping bag and extra food and water. There is usually a common room or dining area where passengers can socialize, watch TV, or play games. Some ferries may have a small shop or cafe on board.
The Journey
The journey across the Caspian Sea can be a memorable and rewarding experience, offering beautiful views of the coastline and sunsets. The ferry ride can take anywhere from 16 to 30 hours, depending on the route and weather conditions. Delays are common, and it is not unusual to wait for several hours or even days at the port or on the ship before departure. It is important to be prepared for long waiting times and potential changes in schedule.
Customs and Border Control
Customs and border control procedures can be time-consuming, especially for those travelling with vehicles. It is important to have all the necessary documents, such as visas, registration papers, and proof of destination, to avoid any issues. The process may involve multiple checks and long waiting times, so patience is key.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan by boat. The ferry goes from Baku, Azerbaijan to Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan.
The price of a ticket depends on the type of ticket you buy. A passenger ticket costs around $80. A ticket for a bed in a 6-bed room costs $170.
The journey takes around 17 hours. However, there is no set schedule for the boats, so delays are common.
Yes, it is possible to take a vehicle on the boat. The price depends on the size of the vehicle.
The boat journey can be an enjoyable and memorable experience, offering beautiful views of the Caspian Sea and its oil rigs. However, it can also be frustrating due to delays and long waiting times at the port.
