Most people flying abroad from Baku leave from Heydar Aliyev International Airport, about 20 km east of the city centre. Knowing a few things in advance saves you from running to the wrong terminal at the last minute.
Which terminal do you fly from?
The airport has two passenger terminals about 200 metres apart.
- Terminal 1. The main international terminal, opened in 2014. Check-in is split into zones A and B. AZAL and most large foreign airlines fly from here.
- Terminal 2, north entrance. Some international flights, including low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air and FlyArystan.
- Terminal 2, south entrance. Domestic flights only, for example to Nakhchivan.
Your ticket doesn't always show the terminal. Before you leave, check the airlines list or the online departures board on airport.az. At the airport, the flight information screens (FIDS) will direct you to the right desk.
How to get to the airport
Airport Express (route H1)
The best-value option. The bus runs 24 hours a day from the transport hub next to 28 May metro station, via Koroglu metro, to both terminals. The ride takes about half an hour. Fares are paid with a BakuCard, sold in the metro and at machines at the airport. Buses run more often by day and less often at night.
Taxi
You can order through Bolt or Yango, and there is an official taxi service outside the terminal. For night flights a taxi is the easiest choice. Traffic can build up on Heydar Aliyev Avenue at rush hour, so allow extra time.
Your own car
Each terminal has paid parking. If you're only dropping someone off, it's cheaper not to park.
When should you arrive?
For international flights, be at the airport at least 2–3 hours before departure. On holidays such as Novruz and New Year's Eve the airport gets very busy, so 3 hours is safer. For domestic flights 1.5–2 hours is usually enough.
There's a first security check at the building entrance, and check-in, passport control and the second screening all take time too.
How to save time
- Check in online on the airline's website or app and get your boarding pass in advance.
- Use self check-in kiosks, available in Terminal 1 and the north part of Terminal 2, for airlines such as AZAL and Turkish Airlines.
- Weigh your bag at home. Repacking at the desk wastes time and nerves.
What you can and can't take in hand luggage is covered in our hand luggage and baggage rules.
What's in the terminal?
Terminal 1 has duty-free shops, cafés and restaurants, business lounges and free Wi-Fi. Travelling with a child? There's a baby-care room. For night flights or long waits there's an airport hotel next to the terminal. More tips for families are in our guide to flying with children.
Useful contact
Airport information line: +994 12 497 27 27. The most accurate information about your flight comes from the airline, so watch for their notifications about delays or changes. If your flight is late, our guide to passenger rights will help.
Where would you like to fly from Baku? Search flights on AviaBazaar and compare different airlines' prices in one place.
Note: terminal allocation and transport rules can change. Check the latest information on airport.az before you travel.
