Cars in Baku: Everything You Need to Know
If you are planning to visit Baku, the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, you might be wondering about the best way to get around. Whether you want to explore the historic Old City, admire the modern architecture, or enjoy the scenic views of the Caspian Sea, you will need a reliable and comfortable mode of transportation. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about cars in Baku, including how to rent a car, where to find a dealership, what to expect from traffic, and what are the alternatives to driving.
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Baku: A Multicultural City with a Rich History
Baku is a wonderful mix of old and new, where Persian, Turkic, Soviet and European influences blend together. The city lies on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and the southern side of the Absheron Peninsula, which protects it from harsh northerly winds. The name Baku is possibly derived from the Persian word for "wind-pounded city".
The first historical reference to Baku dates from 885 CE, although archaeological evidence indicates a settlement there several centuries before Christ. By the 11th century CE, Baku was in the possession of the Shirvanshahs, who made it their capital in the 12th century. The city was conquered by various empires over the centuries, including the Mongols, the Ottomans, the Persians, and the Russians. In 1920, Baku became the capital of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. After gaining independence in 1991, Baku emerged as a major cultural and economic centre of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus region.
Baku is also a major tourist destination, with many attractions and landmarks to offer. The core of present-day Baku is the Old City, or Icheri Sheher, which contains the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Old City is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. Other notable historic buildings include the Synyk-Kala Minaret and Mosque (11th century), the Divan-Khan Law Court (15th century), and the Seida Bakuvi Mausoleum (15th century).
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Around the walls of the fortress, modern Baku rises up on the slopes of the hills surrounding the bay. Along the waterfront, an attractive park called Baku Boulevard stretches for several kilometres. The park is home to restaurants, teahouses, shopping malls, and two iconic structures: The Carpet Museum and The Little Venice. The Carpet Museum displays a collection of Azerbaijani carpets and rugs from different regions and periods. The Little Venice is a network of canals and bridges that resembles Venice in Italy.
One of the most striking features of Baku's skyline is the Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers that resemble flames. The towers are illuminated at night with LED screens that display various animations. The Flame Towers house offices, apartments, a hotel, and a shopping mall. Another architectural masterpiece in Baku is the Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The centre hosts art and design exhibits, concerts, conferences, and other events.
Cars in Baku: How to Rent a Car
If you want to have more freedom and flexibility when exploring Baku and its surroundings, renting a car might be a good option for you. There are many car rental agencies in Baku that offer a wide range of vehicles at different prices. You can choose from economy cars to luxury cars or even vans and trucks.
Some of the most popular car rental agencies in Baku are Europcar, Best Rent a Car, Rent a Car Baku, Alfa Rent, and Avis. You can book your car online or by phone before your arrival or at their offices when you get there. Most car rental agencies have offices at Heydar Cars in Baku: How to Find a Dealership
If you are looking to buy a new or used car in Baku, you will have plenty of options to choose from. There are many car dealerships in Baku that offer a variety of brands and models, from economy to luxury, from local to foreign. You can find car dealerships in different parts of the city, especially along the main roads and highways.
Some of the most popular car dealerships in Baku are Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Baku , which is the official distributor of Rolls-Royce cars in Azerbaijan; AutoStar Caucasus, which is the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz cars, trucks and buses; Crystal Motors, which is the official dealer of Land Rover, Range Rover and Jaguar cars; Euro Style, which is the official dealer of Toyota cars; and Aztol Motors, which is the official dealer of Volvo and Suzuki cars and motorcycles. You can visit their websites or showrooms to browse their selection, compare prices, book a test drive, or get a quote.
When buying a car from a dealership in Baku, you should be aware of some important factors, such as the warranty period, the service and maintenance costs, the insurance and registration fees, and the availability of spare parts and accessories. You should also check the car's history and condition, especially if it is a used car. You can use online tools such as Carfax or AutoCheck to get a vehicle history report based on the car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). You should also inspect the car thoroughly and test drive it before making a purchase.
Cars in Baku: What to Expect from Traffic
Driving in Baku can be challenging for some visitors, especially if they are not used to the traffic conditions and the driving culture. Baku is a large and densely populated city, with over 2 million inhabitants and more than 500,000 registered vehicles. The traffic volume and congestion can vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, the weather, and the season. Generally, the peak hours are from 8:00 to 10:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00 on weekdays, when many people commute to and from work or school. The traffic can also be heavy on weekends and holidays, when many people go out for shopping, entertainment, or leisure.
One of the main challenges of driving in Baku is finding a parking space. Parking spaces are limited and often occupied by other vehicles or objects. Parking regulations are not always enforced or respected by drivers. Parking fees can vary depending on the location and duration of parking. Some areas have parking meters or signs that indicate the parking fee and time limit. Other areas have no parking signs or restrictions that prohibit parking at certain times or places. You should always check the signs and rules before parking your car to avoid getting a fine or having your car towed away.
Another challenge of driving in Baku is dealing with the traffic rules and etiquette. Traffic rules are not always followed or obeyed by drivers. Some drivers may speed, run red lights, change lanes without signaling, overtake from the wrong side, honk excessively, or drive aggressively. Traffic police may stop drivers for various reasons, such as checking documents, issuing fines, or requesting bribes. You should always carry your driver's license, passport, car registration, insurance, and rental agreement (if applicable) with you when driving in Baku. You should also follow the traffic rules and signs, drive defensively, wear seat belts, avoid distractions, and respect other road users.
Cars in Baku: What are the Alternatives to Driving
If you prefer not to drive or rent a car in Baku, you can still get around easily by using other modes of transportation. Public transportation in Baku is cheap, convenient, and relatively eco-friendly. You can choose from metro, buses, taxis, or minibuses.
The metro is one of the best ways to travel in Baku, especially if you want to avoid traffic jams and save time. The metro system has two lines that cover most of the city's areas and attractions. The metro operates from 06:00 to 00:00 every day, with trains running every two to three minutes. The metro stations are clean and safe, with security guards and metal detectors at every entrance. The metro fare is 30 qapik (0.18 USD) per ride regardless of distance. To use the metro you need to buy a BakiKart card (which costs 2 AZN or 1.18 USD) and load it with as many trips as you want.
B The minibus is another option for traveling in Baku, especially if you want to reach places that are not covered by the metro or the bus. The minibus, or marshrutka, is a small van that can carry up to 15 passengers. The minibuses have fixed routes and stops, but they do not have a fixed schedule. They depart when they are full or when the driver decides to. The minibus fare is 40 qapik (0.24 USD) per ride regardless of distance. To use the minibus you need to pay the driver in cash when you board or exit. You should also tell the driver where you want to get off, as they may not stop at every stop.
Cars in Baku: Conclusion
Cars in Baku are a convenient and comfortable way to explore the city and its surroundings. You can rent a car from various agencies, buy a car from various dealerships, or drive your own car if you have one. However, driving in Baku can also be challenging due to traffic congestion, parking difficulties, and traffic rules and etiquette. If you prefer not to drive or rent a car in Baku, you can still get around easily by using public transportation, such as metro, bus, taxi, or minibus. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you will enjoy the beauty and diversity of Baku.
Cars in Baku: FAQs
Do I need an international driving permit to drive or rent a car in Baku?
According to the official website of the Azerbaijan Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign citizens who have a valid driving license issued by their country of residence can drive or rent a car in Azerbaijan for up to one year without an international driving permit. However, some car rental agencies may require an international driving permit as an additional document. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your car rental agency before booking a car.
What are the speed limits and traffic fines in Baku?
The speed limits in Baku are as follows: - 20 km/h in residential areas - 40 km/h on urban roads - 60 km/h on suburban roads - 90 km/h on highways - 110 km/h on expressways The traffic fines in Baku vary depending on the type and severity of the violation. Some examples of traffic fines are: - Driving without a seat belt: 50 AZN (29.41 USD) - Driving while using a mobile phone: 100 AZN (58.82 USD) - Driving under the influence of alcohol: 500 AZN (294.12 USD) and suspension of driving license for six months - Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h: 50 AZN (29.41 USD) - Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 km/h: 100 AZN (58.82 USD) - Exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h: 200 AZN (117.65 USD) and suspension of driving license for three months
What are the best places to visit by car in Baku?
Baku has many attractions and landmarks that are worth visiting by car. Some of the best places to visit by car in Baku are: - Yanar Dag: A natural gas fire that burns continuously on a hillside near Baku. The fire is caused by gas seeping through fissures in the earth and igniting spontaneously. The fire is visible from a distance and creates a spectacular sight at night. - Gobustan National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that features ancient rock art, mud volcanoes, and natural gas vents. The rock art dates back to between 5,000 and 40,000 years ago and depicts scenes of hunting, dancing, and rituals. The mud volcanoes are small cones that erupt with mud and gas periodically. - Ateshgah Fire Temple: A historical religious site that was once a place of worship for Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs. The temple is built around a natural gas vent that produces an eternal flame. The temple displays various inscriptions, sculptures, and artifacts related to the different religions that used it.
What are the best road trips from Baku?
Baku is also a great starting point for exploring other regions and cities of Azerbaijan by car. Some of the best road trips from Baku are: - Baku to Sheki: A scenic route that passes through mountains, forests, lakes, and villages. Sheki is a historic city that is famous for its architecture, cuisine, and handicrafts. The main attraction is the Sheki Khan's Palace, a masterpiece of Islamic art and design. - Baku - Baku to Quba: A picturesque route that follows the Caspian Sea coast and the Qudiyalchay River. Quba is a charming city that is known for its carpets, fruits, and Jewish community. The main attraction is the Quba Carpet Museum, which displays a collection of colorful and intricate carpets from different regions and periods. - Baku to Ganja: A historic route that crosses the Kura River and the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. Ganja is the second-largest city of Azerbaijan and one of the oldest in the Caucasus. The main attraction is the Nizami Mausoleum, which honors the famous poet Nizami Ganjavi, who was born in Ganja.
What are the best car rental tips for Baku?
Here are some useful car rental tips for Baku that can help you save money, time, and hassle: - Compare prices and reviews of different car rental agencies online or by phone before booking a car. You can use websites such as Skyscanner, Kayak, or Rentalcars to find the best deals and offers. - Book your car in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays, when the demand and prices are higher. You can also get discounts or free upgrades if you book early. - Choose a car that suits your needs and budget. Consider factors such as size, fuel efficiency, comfort, safety, and features. You can also opt for extras such as GPS, child seats, or insurance, but they may cost extra. - Check the car's condition and documents before signing the contract. Make sure the car is clean, functional, and has no damages or scratches. Also check the mileage, fuel level, and expiry date of the registration and insurance. If you find any problems or discrepancies, report them to the car rental agency immediately. - Return the car on time and in good condition. Fill up the tank before returning the car, unless you have a prepaid fuel option. Also clean the car and remove any personal belongings or trash. If you damage or lose the car or any of its parts, you may have to pay for repairs or replacements.
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