Zaqatala is a beautiful, green region at the foot of the Caucasus mountains. Families visiting for nature and culture will find the locals exceptionally welcoming to children. The airport, however, requires preparation.
At the airport
ZTU is a very basic terminal. Restrooms are available but facilities for families — changing rooms, nursing areas, play spaces — do not exist. There are no shops or cafes in the terminal. Bring everything you need for your children: snacks, water, diapers, entertainment.
The positive side: the airport is tiny. You will be through and outside within minutes of your bags appearing. There is no long walk, no confusing terminal navigation, and no crowd to push through with a pushchair.
Child seats
Child car seats are not standard in Azerbaijani vehicles. Informal taxis will not have them. Even pre-booked transfers may struggle to provide one in this region — the supply chain for child safety equipment is limited outside Baku.
If your children are young enough to need a car seat, bring your own travel seat. This is the only reliable approach. Contact your transfer provider in advance to ask about availability, but prepare to supply your own.
The ride to Zaqatala
The 8 km drive takes 10-15 minutes on a paved road that is generally in decent condition. The route passes through a semi-rural area with villages, orchards, and mountain views. The road is flat and comfortable — no hairpin bends or rough terrain. Children will be fine.
Luggage
Luggage space is not an issue — most vehicles available for airport transport are standard sedans or SUVs with ample boot space. Families with heavy luggage will have no trouble fitting everything in.
Health and safety
Zaqatala is safe and the people are hospitable, particularly toward families with children. Tap water quality varies — use bottled water for young children. The nearest hospital is in Zaqatala city. For any medical concerns, carry basic supplies and any prescribed medications.
Best option for families
Arrange a hotel pickup or book a private transfer. Have your driver's contact number saved. Bring your own child seat if needed. The journey itself is short and easy — the challenge is purely about ensuring transport is waiting for you when you land. Once that is handled, Zaqatala is a wonderful place to explore with children.