Getting Around Baku: Metro, Bus, and Taxi Complete Guide

Baku has a surprisingly efficient and affordable public transportation system. Here's everything you need to know to navigate the city like a local.

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The BakuKart: Your Transportation Key 🎫

What is BakuKart?

BakuKart is a rechargeable contactless smart card used for:

• Metro (all lines)
• City buses
• Aero Express (airport bus)

Think of it as: Oyster Card (London), MetroCard (NYC), or Suica (Tokyo)

How to Get a BakuKart

Where to Buy:

• Metro stations (ticket windows or vending machines)
• Airport (vending machines at arrivals)
• Kiosks near major bus stops
• Some convenience stores

Cost:

• Card: 2 AZN (one-time fee, card is yours to keep)
• Minimum Load: 1 AZN
• Recommended Load: 10-20 AZN for a week's travel

How to Use:

1. Tap on entry (metro turnstile or bus card reader)
2. Fare deducted automatically
3. Tap again on exit (metro only - buses are single tap)

Fares:

Transport	Cost per Trip
Metro	0.30 AZN (~$0.18)
Bus	0.30 AZN (~$0.18)
Aero Express	1.50 AZN (~$0.85)

Reloading Your BakuKart:

At Vending Machines:

1. Insert your card
2. Select "Add Credit"
3. Insert cash (1, 5, 10, 20 AZN notes accepted)
4. Collect card

At Ticket Windows:

• Available at all metro stations
• Staff speak basic English
• Cash only

Pro Tip: Keep at least 5 AZN on your card at all times to avoid being stuck.

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Baku Metro System 🚇

Overview

• Lines: 3 (Red, Green, Purple)
• Stations: 27
• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM (midnight)
• Frequency: Every 3-7 minutes during peak hours, 10-15 minutes off-peak
• Cleanliness: Excellent (Soviet-era stations are beautifully maintained)

The Three Lines:

🔴 Red Line (Həzi Aslanov - Avtovağzal)

Key Stations:

• Sahil - Seaside Boulevard, Flame Towers area
• İçərişəhər - Old City (Icherisheher), Maiden Tower
• 28 May - Railway Station, Aero Express connection
• Nəriman Nərimanov - Shopping area
• Koroğlu - Residential, some hotels

Tourist Highlights: Old City, Flame Towers, Nizami Street

🟢 Green Line (Dərnəgül - Xətai)

Key Stations:

• Sahil - Transfer to Red Line
• Nizami - Fountain Square, shopping, restaurants
• Elmlar Akademiyası - Near Heydar Aliyev Center
• Neftçilər - Residential area

Tourist Highlights: Fountain Square, Heydar Aliyev Center

🟣 Purple Line (Avtovağzal - Xocəsən)

Key Stations:

• Avtovağzal - Bus Terminal (intercity buses)
• Memar Əcəmi - Transfer station
• Xocəsən - Residential

Tourist Use: Mainly for reaching the bus terminal

How to Use the Metro:

Step 1: Enter the Station

• Look for the "M" sign (red, green, or purple)
• Descend stairs or escalator

Step 2: Tap Your BakuKart

• Tap on the turnstile reader
• Green light = approved
• Red light = insufficient balance or error

Step 3: Find Your Platform

• Follow signs (in Azerbaijani and English)
• Check the direction (final station name)
• Platform displays show next train arrival

Step 4: Board the Train

• Wait for passengers to exit first
• Mind the gap
• Hold on - trains can be jerky

Step 5: Exit

• Tap your BakuKart again at the exit turnstile
• Follow signs to street exits

Metro Etiquette:

✅ Do:

• Stand on the right on escalators (walk on left)
• Offer seats to elderly, pregnant women, disabled
• Keep your belongings close
• Be quiet (no loud phone calls)

❌ Don't:

• Eat or drink
• Play loud music
• Block doors
• Run on escalators

Tourist-Friendly Stations:

Station	Line	Why Visit
İçərişəhər	Red	Old City, Maiden Tower, Palace
Sahil	Red/Green	Seaside Boulevard, Little Venice
Nizami	Green	Fountain Square, shopping, dining
28 May	Red	Railway station, Aero Express
Elmlar Akademiyası	Green	Heydar Aliyev Center (15 min walk)

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City Buses 🚌

Overview

• Routes: 100+ routes covering the entire city
• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM (most routes)
• Frequency: 10-20 minutes
• Cost: 0.30 AZN per trip (BakuKart required)

How to Use Buses:

Step 1: Find Your Route

• Use Google Maps (works well in Baku)
• Check bus stop signs (route numbers displayed)
• Ask locals (many speak basic English)

Step 2: Wait at the Bus Stop

• Look for the blue and white bus stop signs
• Check the route number
• Buses display route number on front

Step 3: Board the Bus

• Enter through the front door
• Tap your BakuKart on the reader near the driver
• Move to the back to make room for others

Step 4: Exit

• Press the stop button before your stop
• Exit through the middle or rear doors
• No need to tap again

Useful Bus Routes for Tourists:

Route	From	To	Useful For
3	Railway Station	Heydar Aliyev Center	Museums, architecture
18	Fountain Square	Highland Park	City views
88	City Center	Bibiheybat Mosque	Religious sites
125	City Center	Ateshgah Fire Temple	Day trips

Pro Tip: Download the BakuBus app for real-time bus tracking (available on iOS and Android).

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Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps 🚕

Ride-Hailing Apps (Recommended)

1. Bolt (Most Popular)

Pros:

• Cheapest option
• Transparent pricing
• English interface
• Cashless payment
• Driver ratings

Average Costs:

• Short ride (2-3 km): 3-5 AZN
• Medium ride (5-7 km): 6-10 AZN
• Long ride (10+ km): 12-18 AZN

Car Types:

• Economy: Standard sedan
• Comfort: Newer, more spacious
• XL: For 5-6 passengers

2. Yango (Good Alternative)

Pros:

• Similar to Bolt
• Sometimes cheaper
• Good coverage
• Reliable

Average Costs:

• Similar to Bolt
• Sometimes 10-15% cheaper

3. Uber (Less Common)

Pros:

• International brand
• Familiar interface

Cons:

• Fewer drivers than Bolt/Yango
• Sometimes more expensive

How to Use Bolt/Yango:

1. Download the app (iOS/Android)
2. Create account (phone number required)
3. Add payment method (credit card or cash)
4. Enter destination
5. Choose car type
6. Confirm pickup location
7. Wait for driver (usually 2-5 minutes)
8. Verify car and driver
9. Enjoy the ride
10. Rate your driver

Traditional Taxis (BakuTaxi)

Recognizable by: Purple/red "London cab" style cars

How to Use:

1. Hail on the street or find at taxi stands
2. Negotiate fare BEFORE entering
3. Agree on a fixed price
4. Ensure driver uses meter (rare) or sticks to agreed price

Average Costs:

• Short ride: 5-8 AZN
• Medium ride: 10-15 AZN
• Long ride: 20-30 AZN

⚠️ Warning: Traditional taxis often overcharge tourists. Always negotiate first.

Taxi Safety Tips:

✅ Do:

• Use Bolt/Yango when possible
• Verify driver details before entering
• Sit in the back seat
• Share trip details with a friend
• Keep valuables out of sight

❌ Don't:

• Get in unmarked cars
• Share personal information
• Pay before arrival
• Accept rides from touts at tourist sites

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Walking in Baku 🚶

Walkable Areas:

Old City (Icherisheher):

• Completely pedestrian-friendly
• Cobblestone streets
• 1-2 hours to explore

Nizami Street:

• Pedestrian shopping street
• 1.5 km long
• Fountain Square to Azneft Square

Seaside Boulevard (Dənizkənarı Milli Park):

• 25 km waterfront promenade
• Fully pedestrianized
• Perfect for walking, jogging, cycling

Fountain Square Area:

• Pedestrian-friendly
• Cafes, restaurants, shops

Walking Tips:

✅ Pros:

• Free
• See more of the city
• Healthy
• Discover hidden gems

❌ Cons:

• Baku is spread out
• Very windy (especially in spring)
• Hot in summer
• Hilly in some areas

Pro Tip: Walk in the morning or evening to avoid midday heat.

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Cycling in Baku 🚴

Bike Rentals:

BakuBike (Public Bike Share):

• Stations along Seaside Boulevard
• Cost: ~2 AZN per hour
• Requires registration
• Best for Boulevard rides

Private Rentals:

• Available at some hotels
• Cost: 10-20 AZN per day

Cycling Routes:

Best Route: Seaside Boulevard (flat, scenic, safe)

⚠️ Not Recommended: City streets (heavy traffic, no bike lanes)

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Transportation Costs Comparison

Method	Short (2-3 km)	Medium (5-7 km)	Long (10+ km)
Metro	0.30 AZN	0.30 AZN	0.30 AZN
Bus	0.30 AZN	0.30 AZN	0.30 AZN
Bolt/Yango	3-5 AZN	6-10 AZN	12-18 AZN
Traditional Taxi	5-8 AZN	10-15 AZN	20-30 AZN
Walking	Free	Free	Free

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Sample Daily Transportation Budget

Budget Traveler:

• Metro/Bus only: 2-5 AZN per day
• Occasional Bolt: 10-15 AZN per day

Mid-Range Traveler:

• Mix of metro and Bolt: 15-25 AZN per day

Luxury Traveler:

• Taxis only: 30-50 AZN per day

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Transportation Apps to Download

1. Bolt - Ride-hailing (essential)
2. Yango - Ride-hailing (backup)
3. Google Maps - Navigation (works well)
4. BakuBus - Real-time bus tracking
5. Moovit - Public transport planner

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Common Routes for Tourists

From	To	Best Method	Cost	Time
Airport	Old City	Aero Express + Metro	1.80 AZN	60 min
Airport	Fountain Square	Bolt	12-15 AZN	35 min
Old City	Heydar Aliyev Center	Metro + Walk	0.30 AZN	35 min
Fountain Square	Flame Towers	Bolt	4-6 AZN	10 min
City Center	Highland Park	Bus 18 or Bolt	0.30 or 5 AZN	20 min

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cash for public transport?

No, BakuKart is required for metro and buses. You can load it with cash at stations.

Can I use credit card on metro/bus?

No, only BakuKart is accepted.

Is Bolt/Yango safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, very safe. Always verify driver details and share trip with a friend.

Do metro announcements have English?

Some stations have English announcements, but not all. Use Google Maps to track your stop.

Can I buy a day pass for unlimited travel?

No, Baku doesn't have day passes. Each trip costs 0.30 AZN.

Is public transport crowded?

Yes, during rush hours (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM). Avoid if possible.

Do buses run late at night?

Most buses stop around 11 PM. Use Bolt/Yango for late-night travel.

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Pro Tips

1. Load 20 AZN on your BakuKart at the start - saves time
2. Use Bolt/Yango for comfort - worth the extra cost
3. Download offline maps - in case of no internet
4. Learn basic Azerbaijani - "Salam" (hello), "Sağ ol" (thank you)
5. Avoid rush hour if possible (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM)
6. Keep small change for emergencies
7. Take a photo of your BakuKart number - in case you lose it

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Quick Reference Card

Emergency Transport:

• Bolt/Yango: 24/7 available
• Traditional Taxi: Always available on streets
• Metro: 6 AM - 12 AM only

Cheapest Option: Metro/Bus (0.30 AZN)
Fastest Option: Bolt/Yango (direct)
Most Convenient: Bolt/Yango (door-to-door)
Best for Tourists: Combination of metro + Bolt

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Yaxşı səyahət! (Have a good trip!)

Navigate Baku like a pro! 🚇🚌🚕