Baku is the biggest city and the capital of Azerbaijan Republic. It occupies a territory of 2130 square meter and hosts a population of 2.3 million. In order to explore the city, tourists have options of taxi, public bus and metro.
PUBLIC BUS TRANSPORTATION IN BAKU
The public bus transportation in Baku is an integrated system administrated by Baku Transport Agency (BNA). Detailed information about BNA can be found here.
Being one of the most used navigation methods, public buses in Baku run from 6 am to 12 pm every day. Passengers have to buy BakiKART for using services of buses and metros. City has more than 2071 buses operating daily through 150 routes. In addition to bus operator of the BNA (BakuBus), some of the bus routes are being operated by private bus companies. Managed by BNA, BakuBus is the biggest public bus operator. Routes and buses of BakuBus can be viewed from their website.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE BUS
Airport shuttle bus operated by BakuBus runs every 30 minutes and provides direct transfers. This service connects the Haydar Aliyev Airport (GYD) to key part of the city – the “28 May” hub, which has access to the metro and railway station. The ride takes at least 35 minutes from Baku Airport to the center of Baku. Standard one-way fare for airport shuttle bus is 1.3AZN/person and the payment can be done with BakiKART. Vending machines to buy BakiKART is located in front of the terminal for arrivals. Bus schedule and other useful information can be found here.
BAKU METRO
Only in capital Baku, there is an underground system functioning from 06:00 a.m until 00:00 pm. All stations and trains differ with their cleanness and security, interval between trains is two-three minutes. There are two lines in Baku metro: Icherisheher-Hazi Aslanov line, Khatai-Darnagul line.
The BakiKART should be bought for using services of Baku metro. The payment is 30 gopiks. Please click here for detailed information.
TAKSI
Taxis are also widely available as an alternative option. Baku has several licensed taxi firms. The most famous of them are Baku Taxi Company and 189 taxi. UBER, BOLT and other taxi apps are available, as well.
How can I get BakıKart?
Vending machines issuing BakiKART can be found in most bus-stops and every station of metro. There are two types of BakıKART – BakiKART plastic card (for regular use – the price is 2 manats) and BakiKART for limited use (price is 0.20 manat, can be topped up only 1, 2, 3 and 4 passes). The card itself comes with no credit when you buy it first. This is why, you first need to top up the card. Purchase and topping up is quite simple and machines accepts the coins as well. But, keep in mind that the machines don’t give any change. The card is not personal and can be used by multiple individuals. Children under the age of 5 use the public transport for free. Detailed information about BakiKART can be found here.
Payment
Bus fares in Baku central area are the same for both BTA owned and private bus operators – 0.30 manat. This can change for some routes operating from the center to suburban areas (up to 0.50 manats). Fares in buses operating by BakuBus can be paid only by BakiKART. Buses of some private companies may allow you to pay your fare in cash (as well as by BakiKART) inside the bus. One of the several advantages of the BakiKART is that it can be topped up as many times as you wish and can be used by any number of people as long as there is enough credit for the ride per passenger. On the other hand, you can use the same card in the metro, without any distance limitations.
