Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku: complete traveller's guide

Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku (IATA code: GYD) is the main gateway to Azerbaijan and one of the most modern airports in the Caucasus. Located 25 km north of downtown Baku, it welcomes millions of passengers each year from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, serving as a key regional hub between the two continents.

Aeropuerto Internacional Heydar Aliyev Bakú — terminal arquitectura moderna
The terminal of Heydar Aliyev Airport in Baku, with its distinctive undulating roof of contemporary design.

History and name of the airport

The airport is named after Heydar Aliyev, the third president of Azerbaijan and a key figure in the modernisation of the country following independence from the USSR in 1991. The main terminal was completely renovated in 2014 with a contemporary undulating-roof architecture that evokes the sand dunes of the Caspian Sea and has received international design awards.

Terminals and airlines

The airport has one international terminal and one domestic terminal. More than 40 international airlines operate direct connections to Madrid, London, Paris, Moscow, Dubai, Istanbul, Frankfurt and numerous Asian cities. Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) is the national carrier and offers the widest range of routes.

How to get from the airport to downtown Baku

Express bus

The H1 express bus connects the airport with Kövşər metro station in about 40 minutes. The ticket costs 1.50 AZN and buses run approximately every 30 minutes.

Taxi or private transfer

Official airport taxis charge a fixed fare of 20–30 AZN to downtown Baku (about 25 minutes without traffic). Avoid unlicensed taxi drivers who approach outside. The Bolt and Uber taxi apps also work from the airport.

Metro

Although there is no direct metro to the airport, the H1 bus connects with the metro network, from which you can reach any part of Baku in just a few minutes.

aeropuerto moderno terminal viajeros — Bakú Azerbaiyán
Baku airport offers all the amenities of a modern international hub.

Services at Baku airport

The terminal has duty-free shops, restaurants and cafés, pay-access VIP lounges, currency exchange offices, ATMs and a free Wi-Fi zone. The official airport website (airport.az) provides up-to-date information on flights, services and access.

At Destino Cáucaso we arrange private transfers from the airport to your hotel in Baku, as well as day trips to Yanardag or the Ateshgah Fire Temple from your very first day.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get from Baku airport to the city centre?

By taxi or private transfer approximately 25–35 minutes without traffic. By H1 express bus to the metro station, about 40 minutes. During rush hour it can exceed one hour.

Are there direct flights from the UK or USA to Baku airport?

Yes, Azerbaijan Airlines operates direct flights from several European cities to Baku. You can also fly with a connection via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Dubai (Emirates or flydubai) or Moscow.

Can you pay in euros at Baku airport?

It is not recommended. The official currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). There are exchange offices and ATMs in the terminal. The exchange rate at the airport is reasonable, though money changers in downtown Baku tend to offer slightly better rates.