Heydar Aliyev International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Heydar Aliyev International Airport GYD

Azerbaijan

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.

Content verified on 03/09/2026
Official source: www.airport-baku.com

How to get to Heydar Aliyev International Airport

Baku is reachable from its airport via the dedicated Aerobus service or by official taxis.

By Car

Visitors arriving by car follow the motorway that connects the airport to central Baku in approximately 25-30 minutes.

By Train

There is no railway station at the airport: the city centre is reachable by bus or taxi.

By Bus

The Aerobus connects the airport to Baku city centre with regular services; the ticket costs approximately 1-1.50 manat (less than 1 euro) and is among the cheapest public transport links among major international airports.
💡
Tips Use official taxis or local transport apps, avoiding unauthorized operators.

Average travel time to GYD

TrainNot available
Shuttle bus30-40 minutes
Taxi / Private hire25-30 minutes

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

There is no direct train from the airport.

By Bus

The Aerobus stop is located in the arrivals area of the terminal.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the designated area outside the terminal. Alternatively, Uber and Bolt are available in Baku for booking rides with fares indicated in advance.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

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

Heydar Aliyev is about 25 km from downtown Baku: there's no direct train, but the H1 bus connects the terminal to the center in 30 minutes, every 20 minutes by day and every 45 at night, round the clock; by taxi the trip takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. With such a long distance, anyone with a dawn flight or a one-night layover finds it convenient to stay just outside the terminal; those staying a few days are almost always better off heading down to the seafront and Nizami Street, where restaurants and evening life are concentrated.
Airport area

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.

Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • 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
See more hotels in this area
City centre

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.

Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • No direct rail link: the nearest metro still requires a bus
  • Over the 25 km route, Baku traffic can significantly extend travel times
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

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.

Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • 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
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport, among the most modern in the Caucasus region, offers a comprehensive range of services.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers a wide selection of perfumes, spirits, and Azerbaijani products, including saffron and local tea.

Lounges & relaxation

Several VIP lounges are present, reflecting recent infrastructure investments.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. For a local SIM, the major national operators (Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar) have a counter at the airport, which is convenient if you'd rather not search for them in the city.

Families & Children

Parents with infants will find dedicated areas in the high-traffic zones of the terminal.

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

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

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Baku

Related articles