Public Transportation
Since
September 2015, Baku has started phasing in a prepaid card system called the
BakıKart, which can be purchased at metro stations and at certain bus stops.
There are two versions of the card – a plastic one costing AZN2 plus credit
that can be reused, and a disposable paper one allowing up to four credits (ie
four rides will cost AZN1). For now the system is only used by the metro and
the newest red buses, but it is likely that the system will be extended in the
future.
Bus
City buses
cost 20q per ride. For most services you pay cash as you get off. However, the
sleek new red buses only accept prepaid BakıKart credit.
Many Baku
bus routes are shown in detail on www.gomap.az – click 'Avtobuslar' in the
left-hand panel and choose the route. Most are accurate but some are missing,
while others have since been changed or discontinued (notably buses 1, 90 and
100)
The Google
maps app routefinder works fairly well in Baku and www.niim.az claims to give
real-time info about the next bus arriving at any stop, though it often seems
unduly pessimistic. Beware that routes seem to change every year or two and the
maps don't always stay updated.
Baku Bus
Stops
Some key
stops as they appear on bus sign boards:
·
28
May Loosely interpreted to mean anywhere near the train station.
·
Axundov
Bağ A triangular garden just north of Içeri Şəhər.
·
Azneft
The big traffic circle directly southwest of the Old City.
·
Beş
Mərtəbə Füzuli Sq.
·
M
xxxx Suggests a stop near xxxx metro station.
·
MUM
Handy for the western side of Fountains Sq.
·
Təzə
Avtovağzal Main bus station.
·
Vurğun
Bağ Vurğun Gardens, just south of the train station.
Practical Tip Bus Numbers
Bus numbers within Baku and to the Abşeron towns were correct at the time of research. However, a wholesale renumbering process is planned so while departure points are likely to stay the same don’t be surprised the bus you need has a new number.
Taxi
The
majority of taxis that wait street corners are not metered, many demanding
around AZN5 minimum fare. However, the metered London-style cabs, introduced in
2011, are an exception with a flag fall of only AZN1 and very sensible
kilometre rates. For longer rides call Taxi189 which charges AZN3 minimum for
up to 3km, or AZN3.80 for 4km plus 50q per km. Pay 20% more for a plusher
‘bizniz’ vehicle. You’ll need to preorder by phone and they’ll quote the total
fare in advance.
Metro
The metro
links the Old City (İçəri Şəhər metro station) via the train station (28 May
metro station) with a series of suburban stations, most usefully Koroǧlu, Qara
Qarayev and Neftçilər metro stations, each with bus connections to certain
Abşeron towns. Fares cost 20q per ride regardless of distance: prepay credit
onto to a smart card (AZN2 deposit, refundable).
Baku Transportation Agency
"Baku Metropolitan" Closed Joint
Stock Company
