Azerbaijan reopens scenic route to...

Sustainable tourism push sees revival of Baku-Balaken sleeper train

Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) has resumed its Baku-Balaken-Baku route, in a move designed to boost sustainable tourism and increase visitor numbers to the country’s northwestern region.

The service, which restarted on 3 January 2025, has already seen high demand with the debut train achieving more than 90% occupancy.

This revival follows a four-year hiatus after the service was suspended at the onset of the pandemic, and is part of ADY's three-year plan to restore cancelled routes.

"The resumption of the Baku-Balaken route is a significant step towards improving regional mobility and supporting tourism growth in the northwestern regions of Azerbaijan," ADY said in a statement.

Spanning 395 km, the scenic route connects the capital Baku with the northwestern town of Balaken and showcases the country’s varied landscapes, from the lunar-like landscapes of Gobustan National Park with its mud volcanoes and ancient petroglyphs, to the Greater Caucasus mountain range and lush forests of the Balaken region.

Key stops include Yevlakh, Sheki, Qakh and Zagatala, each offering cultural and nature-based experiences, from wildlife spotting at IIisu State Reserve to fishing in the crystal-clear waters of Nohur Lake. Other attractions include waterfalls in Guba and Gabala and the UNESCO-listed historic core of Sheki, once part of the Silk Road and home to the ornate 18th-century Khan’s Palace.

Sheki, Azerbaijan

The journey time is 8 hours 20 minutes, with trains departing daily from Baku at 23:50 and arriving in Balaken at 08:10 the following morning. The return journey leaves Balaken at 22:10, reaching Baku at 06:50.

With room for up to 189 passengers, the train features sleeper carriages with enhancements such as blackout curtains and noise-reduction measures, as well as amenities including Wi-Fi and mobile catering services. The service offers three classes of travel – standard, standard+, and business – with premium dining and media services available across some classes.

With its blend of modern comfort and scenic travel, the resumed service is expected to play a crucial role in Azerbaijan's tourism plans to surpass its pre-pandemic record of more than 3 million visitors in 2025.

A popular destination for residents in GCC countries, Saudi sits fourth in Azerbaijan’s top 10 source markets globally, according to data collated by Mabrian, while the UAE is in eighth position and Kuwait in tenth.

In 2024, Azerbaijan welcomed 2.4 million international tourists from January to November, marking a 24% increase from the previous year, with significant growth in visitors from India, China and Pakistan.

Already home to a number of luxury hotels, including Four Seasons Hotel Baku, Fairmont Baku and The Ritz-Carlton Baku, Azerbaijan continues to introduce new properties. The recently opened Mövenpick Hotel Winter Park Baku offers convenient access to the Winter Park area and the Old Town, renowned for its historic buildings and mosques.

ADY served around 8.5 million train passengers in 2024, setting a new record, with rail travel in Azerbaijan expected to grow in 2025 as other new routes are introduced, including from Baku to Aghstafa.

For more information, visit corp.ady.az/en

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