TLDR
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is 25 kilometres northeast of Baku’s centre. Airport taxi is 20 to 25 AZN and takes about 30 minutes, the H1 Aero Express bus is 1.30 AZN and runs every 30 minutes to 28 May metro station. From there the Baku Metro reaches most hotels for 0.40 AZN. This guide covers every route.
Insider Tip
Buy the BakıKart at the airport arrivals kiosk before leaving the terminal. The H1 Aero Express requires it, and it’s good for every metro and bus ride in Baku afterwards.
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) Overview
Heydar Aliyev International Airport sits 25 kilometres northeast of central Baku and handles virtually all of Azerbaijan’s international traffic. The main terminal (Terminal 1) is a striking modern glass and steel building designed by Autoban and routinely ranks as one of the most attractive airports in the region. Immigration usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on flight timing. Visa on arrival is NOT available for most nationalities, get the e-Visa online at evisa.gov.az for 20 USD before flying.
The airport has free wifi, several ATMs (Kapital Bank and PASHA Bank are reliable), a handful of cafes, duty free shops, and a meditation room. A dedicated lounge (Salam Business Class) is available for around 50 AZN walk in or via Priority Pass. Arrivals is on the ground floor and departures upstairs.
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Airport Taxi and Private Transfers
Official airport taxis wait outside arrivals. Expect to pay 20 to 28 AZN to the city centre with the metered official service, or a flat 25 to 30 AZN if negotiated with unofficial drivers (often higher if you don’t haggle). The ride takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic via the Airport Highway. Always insist on the meter or confirm the flat price before getting in. For planning ahead, see our Baku neighborhood guide.
Bolt and Uber work inside Baku and can pick up at the airport, though the pickup zone is clearly marked away from the main taxi rank. A Bolt from the airport to Fountain Square usually runs 14 to 22 AZN. Pre booked hotel transfers cost 35 to 60 AZN but save you the language barrier and luggage handling, which is useful for first time visitors landing late at night.
H1 Aero Express Bus, The Budget Route
The H1 Aero Express bus is the single best deal for getting into town. Departures run from the airport to 28 May metro station every 30 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00. The fare is 1.30 AZN payable only by BakıKart (sold at the airport kiosk for a 5 AZN refundable deposit). The ride takes 35 to 55 minutes. From 28 May metro station the subway reaches most central hotels in under 15 minutes for another 0.40 AZN.
This combo puts the total airport to hotel cost under 2 AZN per person, versus 20+ AZN for a taxi. If you’re travelling light or solo, the bus is unbeatable. If you have multiple large bags or you land at 03:00, a Bolt is worth the extra.
“Easy arrival from the airport. Staff explained the metro system and gave us a map. Clean, comfortable, and well located.”
Read more guest reviews →Baku Metro, Your Best Friend Once in Town
The Baku Metro has three lines (red, green, purple) and reaches most neighborhoods in central Baku. Fare is 0.40 AZN per ride with a BakıKart (rechargeable, 5 AZN refundable deposit). Trains run from 06:00 to 24:00 roughly every 3 to 8 minutes at peak times. Signs are in Azeri and English at most stations. The key tourist stations are Icheri Sheher (Old City), Sahil (Fountain Square and Boulevard), and 28 May (central transfer station). For official country-level information see Visit Azerbaijan’s official tourism portal.
The metro is clean, safe, and efficient. Pickpocketing is rare but watch bags in packed rush hour cars (08:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 19:00). Some older stations have only escalators or stairs with no lift access, so pack light if you plan to rely on the metro.
Buses, Marshrutkas, and Long Distance Transport
Baku’s city buses run frequent routes supplementing the metro. Fares are 0.50 AZN payable by BakıKart. Routes cover neighborhoods the metro misses, including parts of Bayil, Bibi Heybat, and the airport road. Google Maps has mostly accurate schedules and stops.
For trips out of Baku, the International Bus Terminal (near 28 May metro) has buses and marshrutkas (shared minibuses) to Quba, Shamakhi, Qabala, Sheki, Ganja, and across the border to Georgia. Fares 4 to 25 AZN depending on distance. For Tbilisi, train or bus both work at 25 to 55 AZN one way, 8 to 12 hours travel time. See also our Baku travel tips.
Practical Tips for Landing and Moving
Buy a BakıKart at the airport arrivals kiosk immediately, it unlocks the H1 bus, all metro lines, and most city buses. Keep small 1, 5, and 10 AZN notes for kiosks that don’t take cards. Tap water in Baku is technically potable but most locals drink bottled. Taxi drivers often try a 5 to 15 AZN upcharge on foreign passengers, insist on the meter or use Bolt.
If your flight lands late, book the hotel transfer ahead so you’re not haggling at 02:00. If you arrive during rush hour (08:00 to 10:00 or 17:00 to 19:00), expect the airport taxi ride to take an extra 15 to 25 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Heydar Aliyev Airport from Baku centre?
25 kilometres northeast. Drive time is 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
What’s the cheapest way into Baku from the airport?
The H1 Aero Express bus to 28 May metro station for 1.30 AZN (BakıKart required). From there, the metro reaches most hotels for another 0.40 AZN.
How much is a taxi from the airport?
20 to 28 AZN with the official metered service. Bolt runs 14 to 22 AZN to central Baku. Never pay more than 30 AZN unless it’s late night traffic.
Is there metro access to the airport?
No. The Baku Metro does not reach the airport directly. Use the H1 bus to 28 May station, then transfer to the metro.
What’s the BakıKart and do I need one?
It’s a rechargeable transport card for metro, buses, and the H1 Aero Express. Buy at the airport arrivals kiosk for a 5 AZN refundable deposit, then load credit. Needed for every non taxi public transport in Baku.