Heydar Aliyev International Airport is Azerbaijan's primary hub, the gateway to Baku, a capital known for the contrast between its UNESCO World Heritage old city and modern futuristic architecture, including the famous Flame Towers.
It is located approximately 20 km east of Baku's city center, on the Caspian Sea.
How to get to Heydar Aliyev International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to GYD
Parking near Heydar Aliyev International Airport
The multi-level parking lot, located a short distance from the terminal, offers generally accessible rates.
First 15 minutes free; approximately 2 manat per hour (about 1.10 euros), maximum cap of 15 manat (about 8 euros) per day.
How to get to Baku from GYD
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Baku: Private Transfer to/from Heydar Aliyev Airport
Baku Airport: Private transfer to any location in Azerbaijan
Baku: GYD airport & hotel private pickup & drop-off
From Baku :Best and Easy Airport Transfer
Car rental at Heydar Aliyev International Airport
Major car rental operators run a desk in the arrivals area.
Renting is useful for exploring beyond Baku alone, including the country's natural areas and historical sites.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; verify whether an international license is required based on your nationality. It's advisable to have an International Driving Permit (IDP), often required of foreign visitors; Azerbaijani citizens use only the national license.
Hotels near Heydar Aliyev International Airport
Airport area
The property's pick-up service on request covers the 2 km from the terminal in a few minutes (5-6 USD depending on the platform); by taxi the trip is the same.
Best for: One-night layovers and dawn flights, designed for those arriving or departing at inconvenient hours.
- 2 km from the terminal, designed specifically for transit guests with evening check-in
- The host arranges airport pick-up even in the middle of the night
- It's a private apartment, not a hotel: no front desk on site round the clock
- Only the airport's outskirts around it: for dinner you stay in the area
Seafront and Nizami Street, downtown
The H1 bus reaches the terminal in about 30 minutes, running round the clock; by taxi the 25 km trip takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: Travelers who want restaurants, shops and the Caspian seafront just steps away, with a shorter transfer than the other districts.
- The Caspian Sea promenade and Nizami Street just steps away, with restaurants and shops
- The H1 bus runs round the clock, useful for night flights too
- No direct rail link: the nearest metro still requires a bus
- Over the 25 km route, Baku traffic can significantly extend travel times
Recommended hotels
- Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard In the White City district, on the Caspian seafront: 812 rooms, an indoor pool and spa; about 25 minutes from the airport. View availability
- Hilton Garden Inn Baku Near Nizami Street and the 28 May metro station: about 33 minutes from the airport, paid shuttle on request. View availability
Flame Towers and the Old City
From the Flame Towers district, the airport is about 24 km away: by taxi 35-45 minutes depending on traffic, longer than from downtown because of the hillside location.
Best for: Travelers who want views of the Flame Towers and the Old City just steps away, accepting a longer transfer.
- The Old City (Icherisheher) reachable in about a fifteen-minute walk
- Views of the Flame Towers and the bay, among the most photographed in Baku
- Transfer to the airport longer than from downtown, 35-45 minutes
- The climb up to the Flame Towers makes the area less convenient on foot in the evening
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport has a modern terminal, among the most advanced in the Caucasus region, renovated in light of the country's growing international profile.
From check-in to gate is generally an 8–10 minute walk. International flight security can take longer than expected.
Map of Heydar Aliyev International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does the Aerobus to central Baku cost?
Roughly 1-1.50 manat (less than 1 euro), among the cheapest public transport links at any major international airport.
Q. Does Baku airport have rail connections?
No, there is no direct train: transport into the city runs by road via the Aerobus or taxi.
Q. Is it worth arriving well ahead of time for an international flight from Baku?
Yes, 2-3 hours in advance is generally recommended for international flights.
Q. Do you pay by cash or card on the Baku Aerobus?
It's advisable to carry cash in manat for the ticket, as acceptance of foreign cards is not always guaranteed on every vehicle.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights