Short answer. Traveling to Azerbaijan is easier than most people expect. The currency is the manat. Cards work in the cities and cash rules in the regions. Roads are good and distances are short. Everything worth seeing sits within 350 km of Baku.
Updated 9 August 2026.
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What should you know before traveling to Azerbaijan?
Before traveling to Azerbaijan, know the money, the language, the alphabet and the distances.
- Money. The manat, written AZN. Cards in cities, cash in villages.
- Language. Azerbaijani, with Russian widely spoken and English in the centre.
- Alphabet. Latin letters, so signs are readable.
- Distances. Short. Baku to Sheki is 300 km.
The official manat rate is set daily by the central bank.
How far apart is everything?
Baku to Sheki is 300 km and Ganja 350 km, the two longest drives.
| From Baku | Distance | Time one way |
|---|---|---|
| Gobustan | 65 km | 1 hour |
| Shamakhi | 120 km | 2 hours |
| Quba | 170 km | 2 h 30 |
| Gabala | 220 km | 3 hours |
| Sheki | 300 km | 4 hours |
| Ganja | 350 km | 4 hours |
The whole country fits into a week of driving.
Our week-long route links most of it.
When should you come?
Come to Azerbaijan in May, June, September or October, the easy months.
July and August are hot, and the coast fills up.
Winter is cold in the mountains and mild in Baku.
Our season guide covers each month.
What about driving?
Your national licence covers the first 30 days in Azerbaijan.
Whether you also need an international permit depends on your country.
The alcohol limit is zero, and that is enforced strictly.
Our documents guide has the table by country.
What do the roads look like?
Azerbaijani highways are good and the mountain roads are paved.
Speed limits are 60 in town, 90 on rural roads and 110 on motorways.
Cameras issue almost every fine, so watch the signs.
Our speed guide lists the limits and the amounts.
What should you carry?
Carry cash in manat, a local number, warm layers and a car charger.
- Cash in manat for villages, small cafes and mountain guesthouses.
- A local number or roaming that works outside the city.
- Layers. The mountains are much colder than Baku.
- A charger for the car. Navigation drains a phone quickly.
Fuel is cheap. AI-92 costs 1.10 AZN a litre nationwide.
What numbers should you save?
Save 101 for fire, 102 for police, 103 for ambulance and 112 for emergencies.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Fire | 101 |
| Police | 102 |
| Ambulance | 103 |
| Emergencies ministry | 112 |
Our Azerbaijani emergency guide explains who answers each one.
How do people usually get around?
People get around Baku by taxi app and metro, both cheap.
A car for anything outside the city, because buses do not wait.
Our minimum rental is two days, which suits a pair of day trips.
We deliver to your hotel for 10 USD when you need it.
Our decision guide works through when a car pays.
Two more things are worth knowing before you arrive.
The first is the gap between Baku and the regions.
Baku feels like a large European city.
Two hours away, villages run on a different rhythm entirely.
The second is how early things close outside the capital.
Small town kitchens stop serving well before ten.
Plan the evening meal earlier than you would in Baku.
What do we handle for a first visit?
- Deposit 200 to 300 USD, depending on the car. Cash or a card block.
- No mileage limit anywhere inside Azerbaijan.
- Minimum rental 2 days.
- Fuel comes back at the level you got it.
- ICBARI insurance is in the price. Full cover with a 300 to 500 EUR excess is optional.
- Delivery to your hotel for 10 USD, to the airport for 15 USD.
- Staff speak five languages, so the contract is explained.
Route ideas and opening times sit on the state tourism portal, azerbaijan.travel.
We have rented cars in Baku since 2023 and run 105 cars today. The office is open 24/7 and the phone answers at night.
BookingCarBaku staff speak Azerbaijani, Russian, English and Turkish.
Common questions
What currency does Azerbaijan use?
Azerbaijan uses the manat, written AZN. Cards work in cities, cash in villages.
Is English spoken?
English is spoken in central Baku, often. Outside the capital, Russian is more useful.
Can I drive on my own licence?
Yes, for the first 30 days in Azerbaijan. Some countries also need a permit.
How far is Sheki from Baku?
300 km, about four hours on paved highway.
What is the emergency number?
In Azerbaijan 102 for police, 103 for ambulance and 112 for emergencies.
When is the best time to come?
The best time to come is May, June, September or October. July and August are hot.
Planning the trip now? Message us your dates and we will hold a car.
