Baku Heydar Aliyev Layover Guide (GYD)

What are you looking for in GYD?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Baku Airport (GYD) is an international airport located in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. It’s situated about 20 km (12.4 miles) from downtown Baku. The airport officially opened in 1999 and was later named after national leader Heydar Aliyev. Baku is the largest city in the Caucasus region and is known for its rich history, modern architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It offers visitors a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Can you leave Baku Airport (GYD) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers with Heydar Aliyev International (GYD) layovers can exit the airport if their flight ticket is confirmed, they hold a valid passport, and their transit stopover remains under 24 hours. Nationals of 89 visa-exempt countries enjoy visa-free entry; all others must secure an Azerbaijan e-Visa online beforehand. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Icherisheher (Old City) Explore the fortified heart of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring winding alleyways, the iconic Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs’ Palace, traditional museums, and charming cafés amidst ancient city walls. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or Metro (to Icheri Sheher station).)
• Flame Towers Marvel at the trio of soaring glass towers that dominate Baku’s skyline, illuminated by dynamic LED displays at night, offering panoramic city views and photo opportunities from the adjacent observation platform. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min.)
• Baku Boulevard Stroll along the scenic Caspian Sea promenade, enjoy landscaped gardens, outdoor cafés, amusement rides, the iconic Ferris wheel, and riverside art installations while soaking in refreshing sea breezes and lively urban atmosphere. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or Metro (to Sahil station).)
• Heydar Aliyev Center Visit Zaha Hadid’s architectural masterpiece, housing rotating cultural exhibitions, contemporary art galleries, and interactive installations within its fluid curves, complemented by a stylish café and serene outdoor plaza. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min.)
• Atashgah Fire Temple Discover the historic Zoroastrian sanctuary built by fire-worshippers, featuring ancient stone temples, flame altars, inscriptions, and a small ethnographic museum explaining Atashgah’s religious significance in pre-Islamic Azerbaijan. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~40 min.)
• Yanar Dağ (Burning Mountain) Witness the natural gas fire perpetually burning on a hillside, illuminating the night with orange flames, and explore the park’s informative exhibits detailing the region’s geological and cultural heritage. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min.)
• Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Admire a vast collection of intricately woven Azerbaijani carpets, kilims, and textile arts displayed in a unique sail-shaped building, with informative labels, guided tours, and a charming gift shop. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or Metro (to Sahil station).)
• Upland Park Take the funicular or drive to this hilltop park for sweeping views over Baku, Flame Towers, Old City, and Caspian Sea, enjoy sculptural installations, landscaped gardens, and photo-perfect overlooks. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or Funicular from Boulevard.)

Things to Do in Baku Airport (GYD)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
GYD hosts two premium lounges, Silk Lounge (Schengen and non-Schengen) offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, hot meals, beverages, Wi-Fi, newspapers, and shower facilities. Access is granted via business class tickets, priority passes, or pay-per-use. Relaxation zones feature ergonomic chairs, quiet areas, and charging stations to refresh before flights. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Adjacent to the main terminal, the GYD Airport Hotel offers day rooms and overnight suites equipped with ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, work desks, and 24-hour reception. Reservations can be made online or on-site. Ideal for transient passengers seeking privacy and comfort without leaving airport grounds, the hotel ensures seamless check-in to check-out. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
In the departure zone, a designated quiet rest area features reclining seats and dim lighting for short naps. Complimentary Wi-Fi, charging ports, and soft ambient music enhance comfort. The nearby prayer room doubles as a calm retreat. Though there are no dedicated sleeping pods, these facilities support light rest during layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Heydar Aliyev Airport provides free high-speed Wi-Fi with unlimited data access throughout terminals. To connect, select “GYD_Free_WiFi,” agree to terms via the splash page, and enjoy seamless browsing. Business travelers can also purchase premium access for enhanced speed tiers. Ethernet ports in lounges offer wired connectivity for stable corporate needs.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple kiosks near arrivals offer Azerbaijani SIM and eSIM cards from leading operators (e.g., Azercell, Bakcell). Packages include data, local minutes, and SMS. Activate instantly with passport registration at the counter. eSIM codes are delivered via email or SMS. Top-up services and multilingual support ensure seamless connectivity for tourists and business visitors. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Baku Airport (GYD) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Azerbaijan Airport Taxi counters in arrivals feature fixed rates to city districts. Official taxis display yellow roof signs and offer regulated fares; payments accepted in local currency or credit card. Rides to central Baku take approximately 25 minutes. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber Tier operate with reliable pricing and real-time tracking.

Train: GYD connects to Baku’s suburban railway via the adjacent railway station. Trains run every 30 minutes to Baku Central Station, journey time about 20 minutes. Tickets purchased at vending machines or online. The line offers scenic Caspian coastal views. Modern air-conditioned carriages include luggage racks and real-time arrival displays for convenience. more info

Bus: Airport Express buses (routes 195 and 227) depart from outside arrivals for central Baku stops including 28 May Metro. Services operate every 20-30 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00. Tickets cost AZN 0.30 and can be paid via contactless cards on board. Air-conditioned coaches ensure comfort with English and Azeri announcements. more info

Shuttle: Private hotel and company shuttles operate on demand between GYD and major hotels or business centers. Arrange in advance or at dedicated counters in arrivals. Shuttles provide door-to-door service and multilingual drivers. Fares vary by distance, typically between AZN 15–30. Groups can request minivans for larger parties or special needs.

Car rentals: International and local car rental desks from Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Top Rent A Car operate in arrivals halls. Choose from economy, SUV, or luxury models. Drivers must present valid license, credit card, and passport. Rates include basic insurance; additional coverage options available. Booking online in advance secures best prices. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short- and long-term parking garages adjacent to terminals offer covered and open-air spaces. Tariffs start at AZN 2 per hour, with daily caps. Reserved spots available online. Electric vehicle charging stations and disabled-access bays are marked. Security patrols and CCTV cover all levels. Valet parking services can be arranged.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left luggage facilities operate near Arrivals Hall B with staffed counters. Secure lockers of various sizes are self-service and accessible 24/7; rates range from AZN 5 for small lockers to AZN 15 for large ones per day. Items requiring special handling (e.g., sports gear) are accommodated upon request. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Baku Airport (GYD) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks