Azerbaijan is affordable by European standards, and getting from the airport to the city is no exception. Here are the real costs.
Price breakdown by transport type
Airport express bus (H1): AZN 1.30 (under $1 USD). Runs every 30 minutes, takes about 40 minutes to 28 May metro station. The cheapest option by far.
Ride-hailing apps (Bolt/Uber): AZN 15-25 ($9-15 USD). Depends on demand, time of day, and exact destination. The cheapest car option when available.
Official airport taxi: AZN 30-35 ($18-20 USD). Fixed fare to central Baku. Reliable and straightforward.
Pre-booked transfer: $20-40 USD. Standard sedan at the lower end, premium vehicles at the higher end. Fixed price regardless of route or traffic.
Unofficial taxi: AZN 40-60+ ($25-35+ USD). Not recommended. Overpriced with no regulation or accountability.
Destinations within Baku
Most central Baku destinations (Old City, Fountain Square, Flame Towers area, seaside boulevard) cost roughly the same from the airport because the distance difference is minimal. Destinations further out like the suburbs or the Absheron peninsula beaches may cost AZN 5-15 more.
Destinations outside Baku
These require private transfers; official airport taxis are not set up for long-distance trips.
- Shamakhi (120 km, 1.5 hr): $50-90 USD
- Gabala (220 km, 3 hr): $80-150 USD
- Shahdag Mountain Resort (230 km, 3.5 hr): $100-180 USD
- Sheki (320 km, 4.5 hr): $130-220 USD
- Lankaran (270 km, 3.5 hr): $100-170 USD
Currency considerations
Prices are in Azerbaijani manat (AZN). The exchange rate fluctuates, but 1 AZN is roughly $0.59 USD. Airport exchange counters offer fair rates. ATMs in arrivals dispense manat. Most drivers prefer cash, though ride-hailing apps handle payment digitally.
Official taxis accept cash only. Pre-booked transfers are typically paid online in advance.
Is the bus worth it?
If you are a solo traveler with a single bag, arriving during operating hours, and staying near the metro network, the H1 bus is hard to beat. For AZN 1.30, you get to the city center. From the 28 May station, the Baku metro connects to most central areas for an additional AZN 0.30. The total trip costs under $1.50 USD.
However, the bus is not practical if you have heavy luggage, are traveling with a group, or arrive after 11 PM.
Overall value assessment
Baku airport transport is inexpensive compared to most international airports. Even the official taxi at AZN 30-35 is a modest cost. The main overpaying risk comes from unofficial taxi drivers. Avoid them and you will get fair value regardless of which option you choose.