Baku Metro: The Underground Jewel of Azerbaijan

Baku Metro: You Will Get More Information below here

Introduction: More Than Just a Subway

When most travelers think of Baku, they picture the glittering Flame Towers, the UNESCO-listed Old City, and the endless Caspian coastline. But few realize that beneath the streets of this modern capital lies another treasure—the Baku Metro.

This is not your ordinary subway. The Baku Metro is:

A time capsule of Soviet grandeur.
A gallery of Azerbaijani art and culture.
The fastest, cheapest, and most fascinating way to explore the city.

At ToursBaku.com, we encourage our guests to take at least one metro ride—not just for convenience but because it’s an attraction in itself. Imagine marble halls that look like palaces, mosaics telling ancient stories, and locals rushing by in a rhythm that reveals the heartbeat of Baku.

Ready to explore? Let’s dive deep into the underground world of Azerbaijan’s capital.

1. The Birth of the Baku Metro: Pride of the Caucasus

The Baku Metro opened in 1967, making it the first metro system in the Caucasus and only the fifth in the entire Soviet Union. This was no small feat—Baku was chosen because of its status as an oil capital of the USSR and a city bursting with life and workers.

Unlike simple transport projects, Soviet planners designed metros as “palaces for the people.” That’s why many stations feel like underground museums, with marble pillars, chandeliers, and mosaics celebrating literature, history, and culture.

Over the decades, the metro survived political transitions, modernization challenges, and rapid urban growth. Today, it remains both a symbol of national pride and a practical lifeline for daily commuters.

2. The Metro Today: Lines, Stations & Expansion

As of 2025, the Baku Metro includes 3 active lines with 27 stations, serving nearly 700,000 passengers daily.

🚇 Red Line (Qırmızı xətt) – The Historic Backbone

Oldest and busiest line.
Connects Icherisheher (Old City) to Hazi Aslanov.
Key stops:
- Icherisheher – gateway to history, steps from Maiden Tower.
- 28 May – transport hub, connected to the railway station.
- Nizami – famous for its literary mosaics.

🚇 Green Line (Yaşıl xətt) – Expanding Horizons

Serves developing neighborhoods.
Modern stations with sleek, minimalistic designs.

🚇 Purple Line (Bənövşəyi xətt) – The Future in Motion

The newest line, built for expanding residential districts.
A symbol of Baku’s modern urban planning.

🌟 Fun Fact: By 2040, the Baku Metro plans to expand to 70+ stations, including a direct link to Heydar Aliyev International Airport—a game-changer for tourists.

3. Underground Palaces: The Most Beautiful Stations

Riding the Baku Metro feels like stepping into an art gallery. Each station has its own personality and theme. Here are some must-see stops:

Nizami Station: Decorated with mosaics that celebrate the works of Nizami Ganjavi, Azerbaijan’s legendary poet. A cultural masterpiece underground.
Icherisheher Station: The perfect starting point for tourists, combining modern design with motifs of the ancient Old City above.
Sahil Station: A marine-inspired station with shades of blue, located near Baku Boulevard.
28 May Station: The busiest hub, symbolizing the heartbeat of modern Baku.

✨ Insider Tip from ToursBaku.com: On our guided city tours, we sometimes include a metro ride between Icherisheher and Nizami stations. It’s the quickest way to travel and a fantastic cultural experience rolled into one.

4. Tickets, Fares & How to Use the Baku Metro

Using the metro is simple and budget-friendly, even for first-time visitors.

🎫 Tickets & Cards

Purchase a BakıKart (rechargeable transport card) at any station.
Works for metro + buses, making it a one-card solution for the city.

💵 Fares (2025)

Standard fare: 0.40 AZN (about $0.25 USD) per ride.
One of the cheapest metro fares in the world.

⏰ Operating Hours

06:00 AM – 01:00 AM.
Peak frequency: 2–3 minutes.

👉 ToursBaku.com Tip: Always keep a little cash in local currency (AZN) for topping up your BakıKart. Some machines accept bank cards, but cash is faster.

5. Safety, Comfort & Local Etiquette

The Baku Metro is widely considered safe, clean, and reliable. Police officers and metro staff are visible, and stations are regularly maintained.

Local etiquette to keep in mind:

Escalators: Stand on the right, walk on the left.
Respect: Offer seats to the elderly or parents with children.
Photography: Allowed, but avoid blocking commuters.
Cleanliness: Eating and drinking inside trains is not permitted.

Tourists often find that riding the metro gives them a glimpse of authentic Baku life—students, workers, and families all share the ride.

6. Why Tourists Should Experience the Metro

Why take the Baku Metro instead of just taxis or private transfers? Three simple reasons:

It’s Fast & Cheap – Save money and skip traffic jams.
It’s Beautiful – Some stations look like art museums.
It’s Local – You’ll feel the pulse of Baku, shoulder-to-shoulder with residents.

At ToursBaku.com, we love combining metro rides with walking tours. Imagine starting in the Old City, taking a quick metro ride, and stepping out into the heart of modern Baku—all in under 15 minutes.

7. The Metro’s Future: Big Plans for Baku

The Azerbaijani government is heavily investing in metro expansion. By 2040, the plan is to:

Triple the number of stations (from 27 to 76).
Add airport connections and suburban lines.
Introduce driverless trains with smart technology.

This means future travelers will find the metro even more convenient and impressive.

8. How ToursBaku.com Enhances Your Metro Experience

Sure, you can ride the metro alone—but with a ToursBaku.com guide, you’ll gain much more:

Guided Exploration: Learn the meaning behind mosaics, art, and station names.
Seamless Travel: We combine metro rides with walking tours, saving time while maximizing sights.
Cultural Insights: Hear stories about Baku’s Soviet past, modern growth, and local life—straight from passionate locals.
Customization: Prefer private transfers? We combine both, ensuring comfort and authenticity.

With ToursBaku.com, even a simple metro ride becomes part of your adventure.

9. Practical Tips for Tourists

📍 Download a Metro Map: English versions available online.
🚫 Avoid Rush Hour: Trains are packed between 8–9 AM and 6–7 PM.
💡 Learn Basic Words: “Çıxış” means Exit, “Giriş” means Entrance.
🧳 Don’t Overpack: Stations have stairs; elevators are rare.
📱 Use Navigation Apps: Google Maps and Moovit include Baku Metro routes.

✨ With ToursBaku.com, you won’t have to worry about language or logistics—our guides handle everything while you enjoy the ride.

10. Final Thoughts: Baku Metro as a Hidden Attraction

The Baku Metro is more than a way to get from A to B—it’s a journey into Azerbaijan’s soul. From the mosaics of Nizami station to the bustling energy of 28 May, every ride is a story.

So when you visit Azerbaijan, don’t just stay above ground. Go underground, ride with locals, and discover why the metro is one of Baku’s most underrated attractions.

👉 Start planning your Azerbaijan trip with www.toursbaku.com—and let us guide you through both the streets and subways of this unforgettable city.

Baku Metro