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There are, unfortunately, no direct flights from Japan to Azerbaijan.
But—that also means you get to choose your stopover, and that can make your trip a lot more fun.
I’ve visited Baku four times so far, and I’ve taken a completely different route every single time. Once I went on the fastest route, and another time I spent over 30–40 hours with three connections. Based on those real experiences, I’ve put together this guide on how to choose your route. Information is current as of May 2026.
Baku’s gateway is Heydar Aliyev International Airport (airport code: GYD). It’s a modern, easy-to-use airport located about 30 km from the city center.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the main routes from Japan to Baku.
Transit city | Approx. total time | Recommendation | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Istanbul | 15–17 hours | ★★★★★ | First-timers, stability & ease |
Doha | 15–17 hours | ★★★★☆ | Those who want to enjoy the airport |
Dubai | 16–18 hours | ★★★★☆ | More departure airport options |
Beijing | 13–15 hours | ★★★☆☆ | Budget-conscious travelers |
Details for each route are below.
Recommendation: ★★★★★
If you’re flying from Japan to Baku, this is the first route I’d suggest you look at. Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai to Istanbul, and from there it’s about 2 hours to Baku. With just one connection, the journey is relatively easy on your body.
On my third trip to Baku, I used this route. I left Haneda at night, transited in Istanbul, and arrived in Baku around midday the following day. Out of my four trips, this was the simplest and felt the most like a “normal vacation.”
Recommendation: ★★★★☆
Qatar Airways consistently ranks among the world’s top airlines on Skytrax. If you care about in-flight service quality, this is a great option.
When I used this route, I was honestly shocked by how huge the airport was. The futuristic design, the many art installations, and indoor gardens all made it feel more like a museum than an airport. It has even been awarded “World’s Best Airport,” and you can really feel why. With plenty of shopping and dining options, you won’t get bored even with a long layover.
Recommendation: ★★★★☆
Emirates operates many direct flights from various cities in Japan to Dubai. From Dubai to Baku, you can fly with Emirates or its low-cost subsidiary flydubai. The big advantage here is the wide choice of departure airports.
When I used this route, I didn’t have much time to fully explore the airport, but I did manage to buy the famous “Dubai chocolates.” There were so many kinds that I ended up glued to my phone, comparing options while standing in front of the shelves—but I somehow managed to pick good souvenirs in the end (laugh).
Recommendation: ★★★☆☆
Air China operates direct flights from Narita and Haneda to Beijing, and from Beijing to Baku there are also flights operated by the same airline.
The China route was very straightforward, with a simple connection and short total travel time, so it felt easy on my body and quite comfortable. That said, Beijing Airport is very busy, and it can be crowded even late at night, so it’s safer to allow a generous layover.
The mainstream routes are comfortable—but they can be pricey.
What I’ve learned over my four trips is that if you’re willing to increase the number of connections and combine cheaper tickets (including LCCs), you can significantly cut costs.
“More layovers” sounds like “more hassle,” but it can also mean “a chance to visit one more country.”
Because there are no direct flights, you actually get the benefit of choosing your transit country. If you pick a stopover that you genuinely want to visit, your trip becomes much more special.
With that mindset, I’ve tried various routes. Here are some of the more “adventurous” ones I’ve taken.
I combined LCCs and cheap tickets to get to Singapore first, then flew via Doha to Baku. The total travel time was over 30 hours, but I had about half a day in Singapore, so I grabbed a taxi and went to see the Merlion.
I flew from Bangkok to New Delhi with Thai AirAsia X, then onward to Baku.
I love Thai food, so I enjoyed a Thai meal inside the airport in Bangkok. When I stepped outside the airport in New Delhi, it was late at night, yet the area was packed with people. Flower petals—probably scattered as a welcome gesture—were all over the streets. It was a scene I’d never see in Japan, and I loved feeling that “I’m really in another country” moment (laugh).
I decided to go all-in on a European route. I flew from Baku to Rome, then returned to Japan via Switzerland.
When I used this route, I didn’t have much time, so I stayed inside the airports. But the idea of being able to add a bit of European sightseeing on your way back from Baku feels like such a luxury. If you schedule a half-day layover, you could probably leave the airport and explore the city.
Even if you stay airside, there’s still plenty to enjoy: local food, souvenir shopping, and more. I also love checking out Starbucks in different countries—menus and tumblers vary by location, so it’s become a little personal hobby of mine. In Rome, I bought chocolates at the airport as souvenirs, and they were a huge hit (laugh).
This was a Central Asia + East Asia route I used on my way back to Japan. I flew from Baku to Tashkent (Uzbekistan), then via South Korea to Narita.
My flight arrived in Korea late at night, and my flight to Japan was the next day, so I left the airport, stayed at a hotel, and flew home the following day. Even in that short time, I got to enjoy Korean food and convenience store culture—it was a lot of fun. If your schedule allows, you could even intentionally delay your return by a day and enjoy Korea a bit more.
I haven’t personally joined these yet, but if your layover is 6 hours or more, you can often leave the airport and go on a short tour. Some airports even offer free transit tours, which can turn a long layover into a mini-trip.
Below are some well-known examples.
If you use services like Kiwi.com or book separate tickets with different airlines, you’re usually not protected if your first flight is delayed and you miss your connection. The airline is not obligated to rebook you.
Here’s a quick matching guide:
There is no single “correct route” to Baku.
Because there are no direct flights, your choice of transit city can completely change the feel of your trip—and make it much more interesting. I hope you’ll have fun experimenting with different routes and turning your journey itself into part of the adventure.
Note: All information in this article is based on the situation at the time of writing. Airline routes and schedules may change. Please always check the latest details on each airline’s official website or flight comparison services before booking.
