After more than three decades, the passenger train connecting Baku and Aghdam has officially resumed, offering travellers a new gateway into a region that is not only steeped in history but also undergoing rapid transformation. Suspended since 1993 as a result of the Karabakh conflict and the subsequent occupation by Armenian armed forces, the line could only be restored following the end of hostilities and the reintegration of the area into Azerbaijan. The relaunch of this route marks a milestone for Azerbaijan’s transport sector and is set to play a key role in reconnecting communities, boosting tourism, and driving regional development.
A journey long awaited
The first train departed from Baku Railway Station at 7:10 am on Saturday 30 August, arriving in Aghdam shortly before noon. For the hundreds of passengers onboard, the journey represented far more than a rail trip; it was a symbolic reconnection with a city and region once cut off due to conflict.
Passenger trains last operated between Baku and Aghdam in 1993, travelling via the Baku–Khankendi–Baku route. That service was suspended following the occupation of the region, leaving Aghdam inaccessible by rail for 32 years. The resumption of services is therefore regarded as a major achievement under Azerbaijan’s “Great Return” programme, which aims to restore life and infrastructure in liberated territories.
The Baku–Aghdam service will run weekly on Saturdays. Trains leave Baku at 7:00 am, reaching Aghdam at 11:53 am, while return services depart Aghdam at 6:20 pm, pulling back into Baku at 10:55 pm. Along the route, travellers can board at several stations, including Bilajari, Ujar, Laki, Yevlakh, Barda, Kocharli, and Tezekend.
The journey is operated with modern FLIRT trains manufactured by Swiss company Stadler, a notable upgrade from the rolling stock that served the route three decades ago. These state-of-the-art trains promise improved comfort, safety, and reliability, essential factors for attracting both commuters and tourists.
Travellers are offered four distinct classes of service: Standard, Standard+, Business, and First Class. Ticket prices are designed to be affordable, starting at 12 Azerbaijani manats (about €6.40) for shorter journeys, and 12.80 manats (about €6.80) for travel to the Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex.
A multimodal hub in Aghdam
Much of the excitement around the train’s return centres not only on the railway itself but also on the brand-new Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex. Inaugurated by President Ilham Aliyev earlier this year, the complex is the first multimodal transport hub of its kind in Azerbaijan.
Spanning nearly 8 hectares, the facility is designed to handle between 800 and 1,000 rail passengers daily, with the bus terminal catering for up to 1,500 people. A key feature is Azerbaijan’s first fully enclosed railway platform, allowing travellers to transfer seamlessly between train and bus services, regardless of the weather.
Beyond transport, the complex includes an array of amenities: spacious waiting halls, ticket offices, a library, shops, entertainment areas, restaurants, and rest zones. Parking facilities, bicycle stands, green areas, and electric vehicle charging stations further demonstrate a commitment to creating a modern, sustainable hub.
For visitors, the new complex is more than just a transport point. It symbolises Aghdam’s rebirth. Once labelled a “ghost city” due to its destruction in the 1990s, Aghdam is being actively rebuilt, with the terminal acting as a gateway for future tourists keen to explore the city’s evolving landscape.
Reconnecting a region
From a travel perspective, the restored route has enormous potential. It re-establishes public transport accessibility to the Karabakh economic region, opening the door to new tourism opportunities. For international travellers, the prospect of boarding a modern train in Baku, a city known for its striking blend of historic architecture and futuristic skyscrapers, and disembarking in a resurgent Aghdam adds a compelling new itinerary option.
The government also views the project as a catalyst for broader connectivity. Plans are underway for an Aghdam–Khankendi railway line and a new multimodal hub in Khankendi, scheduled for completion by 2026. Together, these projects are expected to create a robust regional transport network, stimulating both domestic mobility and cross-border trade.
Azerbaijan’s strategic location at the crossroads of the East–West and North–South international transport corridors means such investments resonate far beyond the local level. By integrating Aghdam into this network, the railway contributes to positioning Azerbaijan as a vital hub for both passengers and freight.
Tourism potential
The resumption of the Baku–Aghdam train invites travellers to experience a part of Azerbaijan that, until recently, was inaccessible. For cultural travellers, Aghdam holds deep historical significance, while for others it represents a symbol of resilience and renewal. The convenience of weekly train services, combined with the amenities of the new terminal, lowers the barrier for both domestic and international visitors to explore.
Moreover, with ticket prices kept at an accessible level, the service encourages spontaneous travel. A Saturday excursion from Baku to Aghdam, complete with a modern rail journey, a visit to the transport hub, and exploration of the city’s ongoing reconstruction, could quickly become a popular option for locals and tourists alike.
António Buscardini
