Local guide · Updated August 2026
How to Get from Baku Airport to the City Center
Compare the 24-hour H1 Aero Express, Bolt and Yango, official airport taxis and private transfers from Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) to central Baku.
Your first hour in Baku
The simplest way to plan your arrival
Heydar Aliyev International Airport is northeast of central Baku. Most visitors choose between the H1 Aero Express bus, a ride-hailing app, an official airport taxi or a pre-booked private transfer.
The H1 is the most economical choice and ends at 28 May, one of Baku’s main transport hubs. A direct car is more convenient when your hotel is in the Old City, around Fountain Square, near Highland Park or outside the centre.
Quick comparison
Baku Airport transport options at a glance
Compare approximate price, journey time, availability and the type of traveller each option suits best.
H1 Aero Express
1.30 AZNper passenger, plus 2 AZN for a reusable BakıKART- Time
- About 30 minutes to 28 May
- Hours
- 24 hours
- Drop-off
- 28 May railway and metro area
Best for: Budget travellers with light or manageable luggage.
Bolt or Yango
App priceoften around 15–25 AZN, depending on demand and destination- Time
- Usually 25–40 minutes
- Hours
- 24 hours
- Drop-off
- Directly at your hotel
Best for: Solo travellers and couples with mobile internet.
Official Airport Taxi
Confirm fareagree the total price at the official desk or before departure- Time
- Usually 25–40 minutes
- Hours
- 24 hours
- Drop-off
- Directly at your hotel
Best for: Travellers who need a car immediately without using an app.
Private Transfer
From 50 AZNper vehicle; final price depends on vehicle size and destination- Time
- Usually 25–40 minutes
- Hours
- Pre-booked, 24 hours
- Meeting
- Driver waits with your name
Best for: Families, groups, late arrivals and extra luggage.
Important: Ride-hailing prices change with traffic and demand. Check the final amount shown in the app before confirming. Private-transfer prices depend on the destination and required vehicle size.
How to take the H1 Aero Express airport bus
The H1 connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with Koroğlu Metro and 28 May Metro Station beside Baku Central Railway Station. Published schedules show frequent daytime service and less frequent departures overnight.
- After collecting your luggage and passing customs, follow signs toward ground transportation.
- Find the BakıKART ticket machine near the airport bus stop outside the terminal.
- Buy a reusable BakıKART for 2 AZN and add enough balance for every passenger.
- Board the H1 Aero Express travelling toward 28 May.
- At 28 May, continue to your hotel on foot, by metro or with a short taxi ride.
Tap the same card separately for each passenger when boarding. Keep enough balance on the card for the whole group.
Getting from 28 May Station to your hotel
The H1 bus does not stop at every hotel. Its city terminus is beside Baku Central Railway Station and 28 May Metro, a central transport hub with metro connections, taxis and nearby accommodation.
Travellers with light luggage can walk or continue by metro. For the Old City, Fountain Square, Highland Park or properties away from the centre, a short ride-hailing trip is normally the easiest final step.
Open 28 May in Google Maps
From 28 May
Continuing to Baku’s main visitor areas
Fountain Square and Nizami Street
Take a short taxi, walk when luggage is light, or use the metro to Sahil and continue on foot.
Old City and Maiden Tower
Use the metro toward Icherisheher or request a taxi directly to your accommodation entrance.
Port Baku and Boulevard hotels
Several hotels are relatively close to 28 May, but a taxi is easier when carrying luggage.
White City
Continue by taxi. This modern district is east of the central railway station.
Highland Park and Flame Towers
A taxi is recommended because the route climbs toward the upper part of the city.
Hotels outside central Baku
Compare a direct airport ride with the combined cost of the H1 bus and a second taxi from 28 May.
Door-to-door transport
Bolt, Yango and official taxis at Baku Airport
Ride-hailing apps and official taxis operate from the airport. Follow current terminal signs and verify the vehicle before entering.
Bolt or Yango
Enter the exact hotel name, review the price and follow the pickup instructions shown in the app.
- Confirm the number plate and vehicle colour
- Check that driver details match the app
- Keep the selected payment method unchanged
- Do not enter a replacement car not shown in the booking
Official airport taxi
Use the official desk or marked pickup area. Show the complete hotel address and confirm the total fare before departure.
- Use the official desk or designated pickup point
- Confirm whether airport parking is included
- Agree the complete fare before leaving
- Keep the hotel phone number available
Avoid unsolicited taxi offers
You may be approached inside or outside arrivals. A polite refusal is enough. Use an official taxi, a recognised app or a pre-booked transfer.
- Do not hand your unlocked phone to an unknown driver
- Do not enter a vehicle before agreeing the fare
- Keep valuables and travel documents with you
- Contact your hotel or transfer provider when unsure
Private airport pickup
Arrive without negotiating, waiting or searching for your hotel
Your driver meets you at the airport, monitors your flight and takes you directly to your accommodation in Baku.
- Name-sign meeting service
- Flight-delay monitoring
- Direct hotel drop-off
- Fixed price confirmed in advance
- Vehicles for families and groups
- English-language assistance
Practical planning
Late-night arrivals and the return journey
Arriving after midnight
The H1 continues overnight with less frequent departures. Ride-hailing and official taxis also operate, but waiting times and prices may vary. A private transfer is convenient for families and travellers with several bags.
Returning from Baku to the airport
The H1 departs from the 28 May railway-station area for Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Confirm your terminal and allow extra time for traffic, luggage and airline check-in procedures.
Currency and payments
Keep a small amount of Azerbaijani manat for the transport-card machine and unexpected cash needs. App payment availability can depend on the service, card and driver settings.
Mobile internet
Airport Wi-Fi may help you contact your hotel or request a ride. Save your hotel address and telephone number offline before travelling in case connectivity is slow.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about travelling from Baku Airport
Is there a metro station at Baku Airport?
No. The H1 Aero Express connects the airport with Koroğlu Metro and 28 May Metro in central Baku.
Does the Baku airport bus operate at night?
Yes. The H1 operates 24 hours, with more frequent daytime departures and a reduced overnight frequency.
How much is the H1 Aero Express?
The fare is 1.30 AZN per passenger using a reusable BakıKART. The card itself costs 2 AZN and can be topped up for additional journeys.
Can several people use one BakıKART?
Yes. One card can be used for several travellers when it has enough balance. Tap separately for each passenger.
Where does the airport bus stop in central Baku?
The main city stop is beside Baku Central Railway Station and 28 May Metro Station.
Is Bolt available at Baku Airport?
Yes. Request the ride in the app and follow the current pickup directions because airport pickup arrangements may change.
What is the easiest option for a family with luggage?
A private transfer or a suitably sized app taxi is normally easiest. Confirm luggage capacity and request a child seat in advance when required.
How early should I leave central Baku for the airport?
Allow approximately 25–40 minutes for the drive in normal conditions, then add extra time for possible traffic and your airline’s recommended check-in period.
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