Baku

How to Get to Baku

Welcome to Baku! Whether you are arriving for the first time or returning, navigating the city is straightforward if you know the right steps.

From the Airport (GYD)

The most efficient way to reach the city center from Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is the Aero Express (H1) bus.

• Service: Operates 24/7, running every 20 minutes during the day and every 45 minutes at night.
• Journey Time: Approximately 30 minutes to the central "28 May" Metro Station/Railway Station.
• Cost: 1.30 AZN (approx. €0.70).
• Payment: You must use a BakıKart. You can purchase and top up these cards at the yellow/blue vending machines located at the bus stops outside the terminal exits.
• Important: These machines accept cash only. Ensure you have some Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) in small denominations upon arrival. You only need one card for a group, as you can tap it multiple times for each passenger.

From the City Center

Baku’s city center is highly walkable, but for longer distances, the public transport network is excellent:

• Baku Metro: The fastest way to bypass traffic. Stations are clean and safe. A single trip costs 0.60 AZN (approx. €0.30). You must use your BakıKart to enter through the turnstiles.
• BakuBus: These modern, air-conditioned red buses cover the entire city. Like the metro, they operate on a cashless system; simply tap your BakıKart upon entry.
• Note: English options are available on all ticket machines, making it easy to purchase or top up your card.

By Taxi

• Apps: For a stress-free experience, use Bolt or Uber. These apps provide fixed, transparent pricing and eliminate the need to negotiate fares. A ride from the airport to the center typically costs between 20–30 AZN (approx. €11–€16) depending on demand.
• Official Taxis: You will see "London Taxis" (distinctive red or purple cabs). Always agree on the price before starting your journey, or ensure the meter is running, to avoid overcharging.

Platform Guide & Layout

Baku Railway Station is the primary passenger hub for Azerbaijan, functioning as a dead-end terminus station. Because all tracks terminate here, the layout is remarkably straightforward for first-time visitors. The station consists of a single-level platform area where trains arrive and depart from a central concourse. While the station building itself has been modernized with shopping and dining areas across two levels, the actual boarding process occurs on the ground level. Think of the station as a large "comb" where the main terminal building acts as the spine, and the tracks extend outward like teeth.

Upon entering the main terminal, you will find the ticket offices and essential passenger services. To reach your train, you will walk through the main concourse toward the platforms. Because it is a compact terminus, you do not need to worry about complex multi-level transitions or confusing wing designations. The platforms are clearly numbered, and electronic display boards throughout the terminal and at the head of each platform provide real-time updates on departures and arrivals in both Azerbaijani and English.

Navigating the station is generally efficient. If you are arriving by metro, you will exit at the "28 May" station and follow the signs through a direct pedestrian tunnel that leads you straight into the railway station complex. This transfer takes approximately 2–3 minutes on foot. Once inside the terminal, all platform gates are easily accessible from the main hall. Since the station is relatively small in terms of walking distance, you do not need to worry about long treks between platforms; even moving from one extreme end of the platform area to the other takes only a few minutes, even with luggage.

A common point of confusion for first-time visitors is the separation between the historical station building and the modern terminal. If you are looking for ticket counters, remember that they are located on the ground floor of the modern terminal building. If you enter from the historical side, simply follow the interior signs to the main concourse. Finally, please note that there are no luggage lockers available at the station, so plan your transit accordingly if you have significant baggage. Always keep your passport handy, as it is required for both purchasing tickets and boarding inter-city and international trains.

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Baku Railway Station

I wish someone had told me how essential it is to plan ahead for train travel in Azerbaijan. Don’t worry, the station is modern and easy to navigate, but a little preparation goes a long way.

Before You Arrive

• Book Well in Advance: Do not rely on buying tickets on the day of travel. Tickets, especially for popular routes, can sell out 10–15 days in advance. Use the official Azerbaijan Railways website (ady.az) or the ADY app to book.
• The "Paper" Requirement: Even if you book online, you often receive only an order confirmation. You must exchange this for a physical paper ticket at the station before boarding, so arrive with enough time to visit the ticket office.
• Passport Mandatory: Always have your original passport ready. It is required for both collecting your ticket at the counter and during security checks before boarding.

At the Station

• Facility Layout: The station is a modern complex located near the "28 May" metro station. Ticket offices are typically found on the lower level, while the main waiting hall and platforms are one level up, easily accessible via escalators and elevators.
• Connectivity & Cash: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. While there are ATMs inside, it is wise to carry some local Manat in cash, as some smaller transactions or station-side shops may not always process foreign cards smoothly.
• Dining: You will find various eateries and shops within the station building. While convenient, they can be pricier than local spots in the city, so consider grabbing snacks before you arrive if you are on a budget.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring Boarding Times: Security checks are strict. Do not arrive right at departure time; aim to be at the station at least 45 minutes early. Boarding usually begins 20–30 minutes before the train leaves.
• Misinterpreting "Online Booking": A massive mistake is assuming your PDF e-ticket is valid for boarding. If you haven't exchanged your confirmation for a physical ticket at the station, you will be denied boarding.
• Assuming Platform Permanence: Never assume your platform will not change. Check the digital boards frequently, even if you think you know where your train is departing from.

Terminus station serving Baku, Azerbaijan. Originally opened in 1880 and reconstructed in 1926, the station underwent a final major renovation in 2017 to modernize its facilities. As the central hub of Azerbaijan Railways, it serves as a critical junction for regional, suburban, and international routes, including the line to Georgia. While officially operating with 5 platforms, the station is not vast or overwhelming for first-time travelers.

If you are concerned about navigating the hub, rest assured that the environment is well-organized and generally straightforward. The station features clear signage and modern amenities, including waiting areas and ticket offices. It is seamlessly connected to the 28 May metro station via a pedestrian tunnel, providing easy access to the city’s underground network.

Travelers should allow extra time to familiarize themselves with the layout, as the station serves both high-volume suburban commuter rail and long-distance trains. Be aware that platform assignments are typically confirmed and displayed on screens 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Staff are present to assist, and English-language displays help minimize confusion for international visitors. By arriving early, you can comfortably navigate the transition between your arrival and the next leg of your journey.