Getting around · Baku · Azerbaijan
Getting around Baku
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Emin Bashirov, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Central Baku is walkable, with the Old City, Fountain Square and the Boulevard close together. The metro and buses use a rechargeable BakuCard, and ride-hailing apps are an easy way to reach sights outside the centre. No for the city.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Metro
- Airports
- GYD
- Need a car?
- No
- Travel pass
- BakuCard
Ways to get around
Metro
Baku Metro's lines connect the centre with residential districts; stations such as İçərişəhər, Sahil and 28 May serve the main sights. Pay with a BakuCard.
Buy a BakuCard from machines at metro stations; one card can be shared by several people.
Bus
City buses also use the BakuCard and cover areas the metro doesn't reach, including the airport.
Ride-hailing
Bolt and other ride-hailing apps are widely used and inexpensive, with fixed prices shown in the app.
Use an app rather than street taxis to avoid overcharging.
Walking
The Old City, Fountain Square, Nizami Street and the Boulevard are within 15 minutes' walk of each other.
Cable car
The Baku Funicular links Neftchilar Avenue with Highland Park and the Flame Towers in a few minutes.
Tickets and passes
BakuCard
A rechargeable contactless card used on the metro, city buses and the airport bus, sold at station machines.
From the airport
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is about 25 km north-east of the centre. The Aero Express bus runs to 28 May metro station in about 40 minutes and requires a BakuCard, sold at machines in the arrivals hall. A taxi or app ride takes about 30 minutes.
Do you need a car?
No for the city. Ride-hailing apps or tours are the easiest way to reach Yanar Dag, the Ateshgah and Gobustan; a car or driver is useful for longer trips to Sheki, Quba or Gabala.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Gobustan and the mud volcanoes | About 1 hour by car | Tour, taxi or app ride |
| Shamakhi | About 2 hours by car | Car, tour or bus |
| Quba and Khinalug | About 2 hours 30 minutes by car to Quba | Car or tour |
| Gabala | About 3 hours 30 minutes by car | Car or tour |
| Sheki | About 5 hours by car | Car or bus; best as an overnight trip |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Baku?
No for the city. Ride-hailing apps or tours are the easiest way to reach Yanar Dag, the Ateshgah and Gobustan; a car or driver is useful for longer trips to Sheki, Quba or Gabala.
+How do you get from the airport to Baku?
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is about 25 km north-east of the centre. The Aero Express bus runs to 28 May metro station in about 40 minutes and requires a BakuCard, sold at machines in the arrivals hall. A taxi or app ride takes about 30 minutes.
+What is the best way to get around Baku?
Metro: Baku Metro's lines connect the centre with residential districts; stations such as İçərişəhər, Sahil and 28 May serve the main sights. Pay with a BakuCard.