Azerbaijan

Brief History

The history of passenger rail transportation in Azerbaijan dates back to the late 19th century, when the region was part of the Russian Empire. The first railroad line in Azerbaijan was built in the early 1880s and connected the capital Baku with the city of Sabunchu. Initially, this railroad was built for industrial purposes, mainly to transport oil from the Baku fields to the port for export.

Subsequently, the railway network expanded to connect Baku with other cities and regions of Azerbaijan, as well as neighboring countries such as Russia and Georgia. These railroads served mainly freight transportation, including oil, minerals, and agricultural products.

During the Soviet era, Azerbaijan's railroad system was further developed and integrated into the broad network of Soviet railroads. This period saw a significant expansion and modernization of the infrastructure.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan gained independence and took over the management of its railroad system. However, due to economic problems and a focus on other priorities, the development of passenger rail transportation in Azerbaijan has been relatively limited.

Despite the historical emphasis on freight transportation, efforts have been made to improve passenger rail service. For example, high-speed and regional trains were introduced between major cities such as Baku, Ganja and Sumgait. However, the availability and quality of passenger rail transportation is not as high as in some other countries.

General Information and Statistics

Railway transportation in Azerbaijan is carried out by the national state railroad company "    " (Azərbaycan Dəmir Yolları).. Azerbaijan Railways CJSC transported 5.1 million passengers in 2022

There are 2,918 kilometres of railway lines in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's railroad has 176 stations

1,272 kilometers of tracks are electrified.

What connections to other countries there are.

There are frequent train services to all neighbouring countries including the Georgia, Russia and Iran.

Are trains fast in Azerbaijan in general? How much time to cross the country?

Azerbaijan has commissioned high-speed electric trains on the Baku-Ganja route with a planned speed of 159 km/h in March 2023. These trains are manufactured by Stadler and will offer VIP and business class cars with amenities such as small kitchens, refrigerators and wireless internet.

The trains are capable of speeds of up to 300 km/h (about 186 mph), but existing infrastructure and conditions on the Baku-Ganja route do not allow for such speeds. Nevertheless, there are plans to improve the railroad infrastructure, which will allow higher speeds to be achieved in the future. 
The journey from Baku to Agstafa takes 4:57 hours

What railway companies are available?

Azerbaijan Railways CSJC, also known as ADY, is the national rail transport operator in Azerbaijan.

What train types are available in Azerbaijan?

On the Absheron Circle Line – electric double-decker trains with seating. On Baku-Agjstafa-Baku and Baku-Gabala-Baku routes – fast passenger double-decker trains with seats. On the planned Baku-Tbilisi-Kars-Ankara route – high-speed train with sleeping cars from "Stadler Rail Group". International destinations: high-speed trains Baku-Moscow and Baku-Tbilisi, passenger trains Baku-Kiev, Baku-Rostov and Baku-Big Kesik, as well as passenger trains Baku-Balakane, Baku-Khoradiz, Baku-Astara and Baku-Kocherli. On Baku-Yalama-Baku and Baku-Shirvan-Hajigabul routes – electric trains of ER-2 type with four cars.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

A high-speed passenger train on the Baku-Gabala-Baku route has been launched in Azerbaijan since March 18, 2023. The train is a four-car double-decker high-speed passenger train manufactured by Swiss company Stadler Rail Group with a total passenger capacity of 364 seats.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railway hubs in Azerbaijan are Baku, Ganja, Sumgayit, Khirdalan, Shirvan.

Websites to buy train tickets for Azerbaijan?

https://ticket.ady.az/

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Azerbaijan?

There is an app "Voqzal: расписания поездов" where you can see the schedule, discounts and buy tickets.

Possible to buy a ticket at a Azerbaijan railway station?

Tickets can also be purchased at the train station. Do not forget your passport when booking!

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

There's no official information.

Return the ticket.

A passenger may receive a refund of the cost of a travel ticket in the following cases:

    • When the travel document is returned before the departure of the train, the full cost of the ticket is refunded to the passenger;
    • The fee paid for issuing the ticket is not refunded to the passenger;
    • When issuing a refund, the passenger must pay the amount set by the carrier;
    • When returning a ticket through a payment terminal, the amount is returned to the passenger's bank card within 7/30 calendar days.

Train ticket prices

The price of train tickets in Azerbaijan can vary depending on the route, type of train and class of service. In general, train travel in Azerbaijan is considered affordable, especially when compared to other modes of transportation. 
For example, a ticket from Baku to Agstaf will cost from 8.99 €. (459 km)

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

At the moment, Azerbaijan has not opened its borders to international trains (due to the pandemic of CoV-19)

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on https://ticket.ady.az/hereket-cedveli

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train.

If you are travelling within a region on local trains, you do not need to buy your ticket in advance.

Types of tickets.

There are one-way tickets, there are round-trip tickets. Azerbaijan Railways does not offer special discounts, as well as travel tickets

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Azerbaijan

Interrail/Eurail travel passes are not available in Azerbaijan.

Saver price.

Azerbaijan Railways does not offer any special tickets at reduced prices.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.

Flexible tickets.

Flexible tickets are not available.

Rules of boarding.

You will definitely need your passport to purchase tickets. When boarding the train, you will also be asked to show your passport in order to check your ticket against it

Discounts for group travel.

There are no group tickets or discounts available.

Age groups and discounts.

The passenger has the right to take a child up to 5 years old free of charge on international and domestic flights (if he does not occupy a separate seat), and on suburban flights up to 7 years old in standard class carriages. However, if a child occupies a separate seat in business class carriages, then travel documents (tickets) are purchased at the full rate.

If a child under 5 years of age occupies a separate seat on international and domestic flights, he/she must purchase a ticket at the child fare. Travel documents (tickets) must also be purchased for each child under 5 years of age traveling with the passenger. 

Children aged 5 to 10 years old on international and domestic flights are issued a child fare ticket. 

Children over 7 years old on suburban flights and children over 10 years old on international and domestic flights are issued travel documents (tickets) at the full fare.

Age limitations for minors.

Children under 10 years old are not allowed on passenger trains unaccompanied by an adult. In addition, a passenger traveling with a child under 10 years old must have an original document confirming the child's age.

Handicapped passengers.

"Azerbaijan Railways" JSC tries to create maximum opportunities for comfortable travel of every passenger, especially people with physical disabilities.

In order to facilitate the movement of passengers with physical limitations, special places have been reserved for them, turnstiles and elevators have been installed in newly built or overhauled stations.

For visually impaired passengers, it is possible to enter stations and platforms with a pet accompanying them, including tactile tiles.

If a person with limited mobility is traveling by train, it is allowed to carry wheelchairs exceeding the hand luggage limit (36 kg).

Special places for physically disabled people are reserved in KISS double-decker electric trains of the "Stadler" company operating on Baku-Sumgait-Baku, Baku-Agstafa-Baku and Baku-Gabala-Baku routes.

Also, in one of the carriages produced by the "Stadler" company, which will run on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars-Ankara route, a separate compartment is planned for physically disabled people. The exit doors located at both ends of the carriage are equipped with a wheelchair lift.

Seat reservations in Azerbaijan trains.

When you buy a ticket, you have the option to choose your seat selection

Comfort classes on the trains.

Trains in Azerbaijan have the standard Soviet classes:
    • obshye (general – just a seat)
    • platzkart (Reserved – bunks in open wagon)
    • kupe (Compartment – 4-berth wagon)
    • SV/Lyux (First-Class – 2-berth wagon) options.

Food and drink in Azerbaijan trains / train restaurant.

No up-to-date information was found.

Night trains in Azerbaijan?

In Azerbaijan, night trains run on some routes, offering passengers the opportunity to travel at night. 

Night trains usually have sleeping compartments or couches, allowing passengers to rest during the journey and arrive at their destination in the morning. Such trains can be convenient for long-distance travel, especially on routes with significant travel times.

Important train routes in Azerbaijan.

Baku – Ganja / 3:40 hours / from 7,90 EUR / 1 train a day
Baku – GABALA / 3:20 hours / from 7,40 EUR / one train each Saturday and Sunday 
Baku – Ağstafa / 4:55 hours / from 9,00 EUR / 1 train a day
Baku – Ağdaş / 2:51 hours / from 6.88 EUR / one train each Saturday and Sunday

International train routes.

Azerbaijan has not currently opened its borders to international trains (due to the CoV-19 pandemic)

Tourist / scenic routes in the Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan offers several scenic railroad routes that are popular with tourists who enjoy the beautiful scenery and natural attractions of the country. Some of the most famous tourist and scenic railroad routes in Azerbaijan include:

    • Baku to Sheki: The train ride from Baku to Sheki is known for its scenic views of the countryside, rolling hills and lush landscapes. Sheki is a charming town located at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Range and is known for its historical sites and architectural beauty.

    • Baku - Lahij: The train route from Baku to Lahij passes through the picturesque Gobustan region, known for its ancient petrogly    phs and unique geological formations. Lahij is a quaint mountain village known for its traditional copperware and old world charm.

    • Baku - Ganja: Traveling by train from Baku to Ganja offers scenic views of the Azerbaijani countryside and the picturesque landscapes of the Ganja region. Ganja is the second largest city in Azerbaijan and boasts historical and cultural attractions.

    • Baku to Astara: The train ride from Baku to Astara passes through some of Azerbaijan's most picturesque coastal landscapes along the Caspian Sea. Astara is a border town near the Iranian border and is known for its beautiful beaches and natural beauty.

    • Baku-Balakan: The train ride from Baku to Balakan passes through the picturesque Guba district, known for its apple orchards and lush greenery. Balakan is a town surrounded by mountains, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Please note that the availability of tourist and scenic railway routes may change, so the latest information about these routes and their schedules should be checked on the official website of Azerbaijan Railways or local tourism authorities.

Luggage information.

During intercity and suburban travel with KISS, FLIRT and other high-comfort trains, each passenger has the right to carry hand luggage with one ticket (ticket) weighing no more than 36 kg and the total length of three dimensions not exceeding 140 centimeters, except for small hand items.

Bicycle on the train.

Within the limits set for hand luggage, the passenger is allowed to take with him one bicycle without a motor, disassembled and packed, which can be placed in the space provided for hand luggage.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

There's no official information

Luggage lockers on the stations in Azerbaijan.

There are lockers for storing hand luggage at the stations. Fares start from 1.06 €

Lost and Found Items.

If a passenger believes that he/she has forgotten something on the train or at the station, he/she can call the short number "1822" or come to the information center located at the station.

According to the rules, the thing found on the train or in the station is processed and presented to the station duty officer. The person who reported the loss of the thing goes to the station duty officer and presents an identification document. At this time, if the thing described by the passenger is entered into the system, it is handed over to him by documents. The passenger fills out a form stating that he/she has received his/her belongings.

If the item found is more than 30 days old, it is stored in the station's warehouse. Perishable products (foodstuffs, fruits and vegetables, etc.) are destroyed by drawing up an act.

Pets on the trains.

Small pets can be taken on commuter trains without additional seats. Large dogs require a muzzle, and companions of visually impaired persons are entitled to free transportation of guide dogs. Small pets, dogs, cats and birds are allowed on intercity trains provided they have veterinary documents.