Your Complete Guide to the Baku Metro

If you're visiting Baku, the metro is one of the smartest ways to get around. It's affordable, reliable, and connects you to most of the city's top attractions.

There are a few things that might catch you off guard if you've never ridden it before—but this guide covers everything you need to know.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Lines: 4 lines (Red, Green, Purple, Light Green)
• Stations: 27 stations
• Fare: Flat rate of approx. 0.6 AZN — the same price no matter how far you go (as of April 2026)
• Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)

The flat fare is one of the best things about the Baku Metro. Whether you're going one stop or riding to the end of the line, the price is always the same. Many major sights are within walking distance of a station, so the metro is a great way to keep your travel costs low.

How to Ride: 5 Steps

STEP 1. Enter the Station

Every station has a security checkpoint at the entrance.

Large bags go through an X-ray machine. Smaller items stay with you as you walk through a metal detector. It's similar to airport security, but quicker.

⚠️ No photography is allowed inside the station—anywhere. This includes photos and videos taken on a smartphone or camera. Using your phone for maps or music is fine, just make sure you don't point it at anything.

STEP 2. Get Your BAKICART

To ride the metro, you need a BAKICART—a prepaid transit card, similar to an Oyster Card or Suica.

Machines are available at every station. You can switch the language to English at the start, so the process is straightforward.

Buying for the first time: Insert 5 AZN. You'll receive a card with 3 AZN already loaded (2 AZN is the card fee).

Adding credit: Place your card on the card reader, then insert your money. Whatever amount you put in will be added to the card right away—so only insert what you need.

⚠️ The machines don't accept large banknotes. Have small bills or coins ready before you get to the machine. The easiest option is to get small change when you exchange currency, before you arrive at the station.

STEP 3. Pass Through the Turnstile

Hold your BAKICART up to the reader on the turnstile. When the light turns green, push through and head to the platform.

STEP 4. Board Your Train

Take the escalator down to the platform after the turnstile. The escalators go quite deep—longer than you might expect.

Check that you're getting on the right train. More than one line or destination can share the same platform, so it's easy to board the wrong train. Before you travel, check your route on Google Maps—it will show you which line and direction to take.

When transferring between lines, follow the color-coded signs for your next line. You don't need to tap your card again when you transfer.

STEP 5. Exit at Your Stop

When you arrive, get off the train and follow the signs to the exit.

There's no need to tap your card when you leave. Because the fare is flat-rate, your card is charged once at the entrance—that's it. Just walk straight out.

Stations Near Major Attractions

Ready to Ride?

The Baku Metro is one of the most practical ways to explore the city.

• Low flat fare (approx. 0.6 AZN per ride)
• Easy access to major attractions
• Simple transfers with a single BAKICART

The security checks and no-photography rule are different from what most travelers are used to, but they're easy to follow once you know about them in advance.

Get your BAKICART, follow the steps above, and you'll be moving around Baku with confidence in no time.