Baku to Gabala: Train, Bus or Private Transfer
Gabala is about 3–3.5 hours from Baku by road; the train takes roughly 3.5 hours and the bus around 3.5–4.
Gabala is about 220 km from Baku by road, roughly 3–3.5 hours by car. You can also take the Baku–Gabala train (about 3.5 hours) or a bus from the Baku International Bus Terminal (about 3.5–4 hours). For families, groups and anyone heading to a specific hotel, a private transfer is the most direct option.
By train
The Baku–Gabala railway line is 309 km long and is served by a modern four-car Stadler double-deck train with standard, business and first-class seats. Under the timetable valid from 16 May 2026, when a stop in Kurdamir was added, the train leaves Baku at 07:30 and arrives in Qabala at 11:02; the return leaves Qabala at 19:00 and reaches Baku at 22:27.
In summer 2026 Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) added extra weekend trips and a stop in Ucar. Schedules change by season, so check the current winter timetable on ady.az or in the ADY app before you plan. Fares are also best checked on ticket.ady.az: at the line’s launch in 2023 standard seats started from about 14 AZN, but prices may have changed since.
The train is comfortable and predictable, but it runs only a few times a day, and from the station you will still need a taxi to your hotel or to Tufandag.
By bus
Buses to Gabala leave from the Baku International Bus Terminal and take about 3.5–4 hours. It is the budget choice, though you are tied to the departure times and arrive at the bus station rather than at your hotel.
By car or private transfer
By road the trip takes about 3–3.5 hours. A private transfer lets you leave at any time, stop on the way and go straight to your hotel, Tufandag or Gabaland. With luggage, ski equipment or small children, this saves the most effort.
What to see in Gabala
- Tufandag Mountain Resort: opened in 2014, slopes between 956 and 1,920 m, 4 gondola and chair lifts and 10 trails. Ski season usually runs from early December to the end of March.
- Gabaland: a 16-hectare amusement park on Heydar Aliyev Avenue, open year-round and a good stop with children.
- Nohur Lake, about 5 km from town, and the Yeddi Gozel waterfall.
- Chukhur Gabala, the site of the ancient city.
- Nij, a village of the Udi people, and lavender fields in June–July.
With 4T Transfer
A private transfer Baku → Gabala costs $120 per sedan or $130 per minivan, one way, with about 3.5 hours on the road. The price is fixed per car, not per person. The driver helps with luggage, child seats are available on request and we answer on WhatsApp 24/7. Airport pickups include a name sign in arrivals, flight tracking and 45 minutes of free waiting after the actual landing. If you only have one day, our private Gabala tour costs $145 per car for 10 hours. 4T Transfer has been operating since 2018 and has completed more than 50,000 transfers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Baku to Gabala?
Under the timetable from 16 May 2026 the morning train leaves Baku at 07:30 and arrives in Qabala at 11:02. Check ady.az for the current winter timetable.
How far is Gabala from Baku?
About 220 km by road, roughly 3–3.5 hours by car. The railway line is 309 km.
How much is a transfer from Baku to Gabala?
With 4T Transfer it is $120 per sedan or $130 per minivan, one way, at a fixed price per car.
Updated 5 October 2026. Prices and timetables of other companies can change — please check before you travel.
