Exploring Azerbaijan: Navigating The Country's Transport System

Azerbaijan has a well-developed transport network, including trains, buses, taxis, and a metro system in Baku, the capital city. The country's infrastructure has seen significant improvements in recent years, resulting in a modern and clean transport system. Getting around central Baku is convenient, with options such as walking, taking taxis, or using the metro. For those living outside the city centre, having a car is advantageous. Azerbaijan also boasts an extensive railway network, connecting Baku to other main towns and regional neighbours like Tbilisi in Georgia and Kars in Turkey. The Baku Metro is well-maintained, efficient, and affordable, with tickets managed through the BakuKart system. Buses are also modern, accessible, and reliable, offering comfortable rides at reasonable prices. Additionally, taxi services are widely available, with options like ride-hailing apps and traditional taxis that can be hailed on the street or booked over the phone.

Getting around Baku

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a sprawling city with a mix of old and new. The city has a range of transport options, from the modern metro and bus systems to the more traditional taxis. Here is a detailed guide on getting around Baku:

Metro

The Baku Metro is a clean, efficient, and well-maintained system that connects the city centre to the suburbs. It is also very affordable, with tickets managed through the BakıKART or BakuCard system. These cards can be purchased at metro stations, and tokens are available from ticket windows. The metro is a great way to get around Baku, especially if you are travelling on a budget.

Buses

Baku has both public and private buses. The private buses tend to be more comfortable, with liberal use of air conditioning and other features. However, the government-owned buses are not far behind and are becoming almost as good as their private counterparts. The newer private company, BakuBus, has introduced a card system where you can buy a card for 2 AZN and top it up as needed. The buses are modern, comfortable, and a relatively inexpensive way to get around the city.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in Baku, and while they are not usually metered, there are state-owned taxi services with metered cabs. There are also ride-hailing and ride-sharing apps available, such as Uber, Bolt (formerly Taxify), Omega, and Maxim. These apps offer transparent pricing and the convenience of ordering a ride directly to your pick-up and drop-off locations.

Other Options

In addition to the metro, buses, and taxis, there is also a commuter rail system around Baku that connects the central areas to the surrounding neighbourhoods. There is also an extensive railway system that connects Baku to other cities within Azerbaijan and beyond, including Moscow, Kiev, and Tbilisi.

Walking

For those who enjoy exploring a city on foot, Baku's central areas are quite walkable. However, it is important to use the underground pedestrian walkways when crossing roads, as local drivers may not be accustomed to sharing the roads with pedestrians.

Driving

If you plan to drive in Baku, it is important to note that traffic accidents are common, as local drivers have a reputation for disobeying traffic rules. Driving is on the right side of the road, and an International Driving Permit or an EU driving permit is accepted for up to a month. For stays longer than a month, a local driving licence is required.

Azerbaijan's rail network

Azerbaijan has an extensive rail network, which is currently undergoing modernisation. The national state-owned rail operator, Azerbaijan Railways, manages a network of 2,918 km (1,813 mi) of track, with 176 stations. The network is electrified, and 815 km (506 mi) are double-track. The headquarters of Azerbaijan Railways is in the capital, Baku, and the Baku Central Station has recently been renovated, offering modern facilities for passengers.

The first railway line in Azerbaijan was constructed in 1878, during the Russian Imperial period, and opened in 1880. The first long-distance line was opened in 1883, connecting Baku to Tbilisi in Georgia. After the fall of the Russian Empire, the country became part of the Soviet Union, and the railway network was integrated into the Soviet Railways system.

Today, the rail network connects Baku to other major towns in Azerbaijan, as well as international destinations. There are direct trains to Tbilisi, Moscow, Rostov, and Kharkov, with comfortable overnight services. There are also plans to open direct connections to Iran and Turkey in the future.

Domestic train services are a cheap way to travel long distances within Azerbaijan, with prices starting from under $5 for an overnight journey, including a reserved sleeping berth. Tickets can be purchased online or at train stations, and it is recommended to book in advance during peak travel seasons.

The Baku suburban railway, launched in 2019, connects the city to Sabunçu. Additionally, the Baku Metro system provides a clean, efficient, and inexpensive way to get around the city, with three lines and 27 stations.

Taxi services

Hailing a Taxi:

You can easily hail a taxi on the street in major urban centres like Baku, the capital city. If you prefer to call a taxi, you can contact companies like Omega Taxi by dialling *0404 or Maxim Taxi by dialling *2111.

Negotiating Fares:

It is important to negotiate the fare before starting your journey, as taxis in Azerbaijan typically do not use meters. The initially quoted price may be high, so feel free to negotiate to reach a fair rate.

Ride-Hailing Apps:

Ride-hailing apps like Uber are available in Azerbaijan, providing an alternative to traditional taxis. However, note that you will need to download and use a specific Uber Azerbaijan app if you wish to use this service.

Cross-City and Long-Distance Travel:

The affordability of taxis in Azerbaijan makes them a viable option for travelling across cities or even across the country. You can hire a taxi for a day of sightseeing at rates comparable to car rental.

Language Barrier:

If you don't speak Azerbaijani, Turkish, or Russian, you can still easily arrange rides through various ride-hailing apps.

Popular Taxi Apps in Azerbaijan:

• Bolt (formerly known as Taxify)
• Omega
• Maxim

Airport Transfers:

Several companies offer airport transfer services in Azerbaijan, providing transportation to and from airports such as Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. These services often include English-speaking drivers and can be booked online or through communication apps like WhatsApp.

Chauffeur Services:

You can also find private transfer and chauffeur services in Azerbaijan, offering hourly hire for a range of vehicles. These services typically include English-speaking drivers and can be booked in advance, providing a convenient and comfortable travel option.

Domestic flights

Although distances on a map may appear short, air travel can save several hours when compared to a road journey. Tickets are usually available at short notice, except during national holidays when many Baku residents travel to see family.

Azerbaijan Airlines was founded on 7 April 1992 and was the first national airline established after the country gained its independence. The airline is based in Baku, adjacent to Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the main air hub in Azerbaijan. The airline has expanded its routes over the years, adding destinations such as Dubai, Tehran, Tel Aviv, Saint Petersburg, London, and China.

In recent years, the airline has invested in new aircraft, including Boeing 757s and 787 Dreamliners, which have offered increased range, comfort, and efficiency on long-haul international routes. Azerbaijan Airlines also offers a frequent flyer programme called AZAL Miles, which rewards members with travel and status points.

When travelling on domestic flights within Azerbaijan, it is important to note that special rules may apply during certain times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, during the pandemic, Azerbaijan Airlines introduced new flight rules requiring passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 48 hours before departure.

Driving in Azerbaijan

If you're planning to drive in Azerbaijan, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, driving is on the right side of the road. Secondly, while the main intercity roads are generally in good condition, there are some mountainous tracks that require a good 4WD vehicle. So if you're planning to explore the country's beautiful mountains, make sure you rent a suitable car.

When it comes to renting a car, there are options available. International car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, as well as several local companies, offer car rental services in Azerbaijan. However, it's important to note that the legal minimum age to hire a car is typically 21 years old.

If you're bringing your own vehicle, there are a few things to keep in mind. At the border, you'll need to pay a mandatory 20 euros for 30 days of insurance for cars, or 10 dollars for motorbikes. There is also a 15 euro road tax. These payments can usually be made in dollars, euros, or manat, so make sure you have cash on hand as they may not accept cards.

When driving in Azerbaijan, it's important to be cautious and alert. Local drivers have a reputation for disobeying traffic rules, and traffic accidents are common. So be sure to drive defensively and stick to the speed limits. Speaking of which, the speed limits in Azerbaijan are typically 40-60 kph (25-37 mph) in residential areas, 90 kph on open roads, and 110 kph (68 mph) on highways. It's also worth noting that U-turns and left-hand turns across traffic are banned, and there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving.

In terms of navigation, be aware that road signs may be lacking, especially for speed limits. So it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local speed limits and rules before setting off. Additionally, while there is ongoing construction of new freeways, the number of cars on the road is increasing, so be prepared for potential traffic congestion, especially in the capital city of Baku.

Lastly, if you're staying in Azerbaijan for more than a month, you'll need to obtain a local driving licence through the ASAN Service Offices. An International Driving Permit or a licence issued by an EU country is valid for up to one month.

Frequently asked questions