Asia > 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Azerbaijan can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Azerbaijan; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Azerbaijan?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Azerbaijan?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Azerbaijan
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Baku | GYD |
Should You Rent a Car in Azerbaijan? 🚗🔥🕌
Azerbaijan is a country of striking contrasts — futuristic skyscrapers in Baku, medieval caravanserais in the mountains, and mud volcanoes bubbling in Martian-like desert landscapes. Travel here offers both modern convenience and remote adventure. But the big question is: should you rent a car in Azerbaijan? Let’s explore your options.
🚍 When You Don’t Need a Car
You can travel comfortably without a car if you plan to stay mostly in Baku or visit popular nearby attractions using tours or public transport.
✅ No-Car Friendly Scenarios
| Situation | Why You Don’t Need a Car | Transport Options |
|---|---|---|
| Staying in Baku | Metro, taxis, and buses cover everything | Metro, Bolt taxi app |
| Day trips to Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes | Guided tours are easy and affordable | Tour bus or jeep |
| Visiting Sheki by bus | Comfortable long-distance coaches | Intercity bus services |
| Using organised excursions | Transport is included | Tour packages |
➡ Baku is modern and easy to navigate without driving.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
If you love independence, scenic drives, and off-the-beaten-path villages, a car gives you complete freedom. Azerbaijan’s landscapes truly shine when explored by road.
✅ Best Regions for Driving
| Region | Why Driving Is Ideal | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Absheron Peninsula | Explore at your own pace | Fire Mountain, Ateshgah Temple |
| Quba & Khinaliq Mountains | Stunning high-altitude scenery | Khinaliq village, Caucasus views |
| Gabala & Sheki Route | Charming towns along winding roads | Vineyards, medieval palaces |
| Lerik Region | Mountain passes | Long-living villages & nature trails |
➡ A car lets you stop for tea houses, viewpoints, and mountain photo ops whenever you like.
⚠️ Driving in Azerbaijan: What to Expect
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You drive on the right-hand side
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Baku traffic can be fast and assertive
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Highways are generally smooth and modern
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Mountain roads can be narrow and winding
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Fuel is affordable and widely available
🚕 Alternatives to Self-Driving
| Transport | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus/Coach | Intercity routes | Cheap and reliable |
| Taxi apps | City travel | Bolt is safe and affordable |
| Guided tours | Day trips & mountain access | Saves planning effort |
| Private driver | Flexible travel | Great alternative to renting |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City-only traveller | ❌ No | Baku has great public transport |
| Scenic mountain lover | ✅ Yes | Flexibility to explore remote views |
| Culture & history explorer | ✅ Yes | Small towns are spread out |
| Casual holidaymaker | ❌ Optional | Tours cover popular sites |
| Adventure traveller | ✅ Yes | Off-road and nature access |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Azerbaijan?
👉 If you want to explore mountain villages, countryside routes, and hidden historical sites, renting a car offers the best flexibility and adventure.
👉 But if your trip focuses on Baku and easy day tours, you can enjoy Azerbaijan without a rental car and rely on tours, buses, and taxis instead.