Azerbaijan Transport

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) (website: www.azal.az) operate several flights a day between Baku and the Azeri ‘exclave' of Naxçivan as well as connections between Baku and the second city Gence.

A boat service sporadically links Baku to the southern city of Lenkeran.

Rail connections are slow but cheap.

Traffic drives on the right. Azerbaijan's road network totals around 57,770km (34,346 miles). Road conditions are often pretty poor and 4-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for journeys into the mountains, eg west of Kuba. Roads are rarely lit. Visitors should note that many local drivers do not adhere to traffic regulations and that cars are badly maintained.

Coach/bus: In general, the best way to get around the country on public transport is to use the large bus network. Buses are generally old and uncomfortable, but journey times are generally small compared to the far slower trains.

Car hire: International car hire firms are available in Baku.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit or licence issued by an EU country is required.

Taxi fares should always be negotiated before starting a journey and visitors should be aware that rates proposed initially are likely to be unreasonably high. There is a metro system in Baku totalling 28km (17.5 miles) but it mainly connects the suburbs to the centre and so most visitors use taxis or private cars for trips within the city centre. Buses run from central Baku to the suburbs but they tend to be overcrowded.