Train travel in Azerbaijan is comfortable and quality of passenger transport is steadily improving. However, the train is not the best choice for tourists because the tracks don’t reach many interesting places. The modernisation of main railway lines is underway, the most of Soviet-era carriages have been replaced by modern air-conditioned cars and diesel- and electric multiple units.
Last update: 14.05.2024
The first railway line in Azerbaijan then belonging to the Russian Empire was laid in 1878 and was opened in 1880 within the suburban range of Baku, which led from Sabunçu to Suraxanı, today situated within the city of Baku. The track width corresponded to the Russian 1,520 mm (4 ft 11+27⁄32 in) gauge.
The first long-distance railway line was opened in 1883, which led from Baku to Tbilisi in Georgia.
The first railway line in Azerbeijan was completed in 1880 from Sabunçu to Suraxanı – both formerly suburban settlements, nowadays situated within the city of Baku. The first long-distance railway line connected Baku with Tbilisi, Georgia and was opened in 1883. In 1900 were opened railway lines to Makchachkala, Dagestan which connets present-day Azerbaijan railway network with rest of Russian Empire.
Azerbaijan State Railways (Azərbaycan Dövlət Dəmir Yolları) were formed in 1991.
Train travel in Azerbaijan – current situation
Azerbaijan State Railways operates suburban and long-distance trains in Azerbaijan. Baku is connected directly to biggest cities in Azerbaijan and we can assume that there will be more train connections in the future, because Azerbaijan invests in the construction of railway lines and in railway infrastructure, although more important is freight traffic. Long-distance trains are modern, comfortable and air-conditioned, but there are some of old Soviet-era suburban trains, which would be eventually replaced.
Trains in Azerbaijan run on following routes:
Baku – Yalama (suburban trains)
Baku – Hacıqabul (suburban trains)
Baku – Sumgait (suburban trains)
Baku – Agstafa (long-distance trains)
Baku – Qəbələ (long-distance trains)
It’s unclear whether overnight train from Baku to Astara is running. Probably the train was suspended.
The website of the Azerbaijan Railways – timetable, prices, e-shop
Railway map of Azerbaijan (Wikipedia)
International trains:
At the time I was writing the article, Azerbaijan has no international passenger connections. All international trains were suspended due to rehabilitation of main railway lines to Georgia and Russia.
Baku – Tbilisi – Kars railway line will be opened for freight trains on 20 May 2024.
Inauguration of the international train from Baku to Tbilisi and Kars was postponed for an indefinite period.
Passenger train from Baku to Kyiv was ceased in 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic.
The construction of the railway link from Astara, Azerbaijan to Astara in Iran was completed in 2021. The railway line is used only by freight trains.
See also:
Railways in Asia by country
Narrow-gauge railways in Azerbaijan
