Baku to Sheki: Night Train, Bus or Car
Sheki is about 300 km from Baku: around 4.5 hours by car, about 6 by bus, or overnight on the Baku–Balakan train.
Sheki is about 300 km from Baku. By car the trip takes roughly 4.5–5 hours, the bus about 6 hours including a stop, and the Baku–Balakan night train via Sheki lets you sleep on the way and arrive in the early morning. If you want to arrive rested and go straight to your hotel, a private transfer is the most convenient option.
By night train
Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) resumed the Baku–Balakan night train on 3 January 2025. It stops at Yevlakh, Sheki, Qakh, Zagatala and Balakan, and the full run takes 8 hours 20 minutes. Since 1 July 2026 the train leaves Baku at 23:30; the return from Balakan departs at 21:10.
Under the 2025 timetable, with a 23:50 departure, the train reached Sheki at about 05:48. With the earlier departure, check the exact arrival time on ady.az or in the ADY app. At the January 2025 relaunch, ADY published fares to Sheki from 14.8 AZN (Standard), 23.9 AZN (Standard+) and 63.3 AZN (Business). Prices may have changed, so check before travel.
The train is good value and saves a hotel night, but you arrive very early and will usually need a taxi from the station to your hotel.
By bus or shared taxi
Buses leave from the Baku International Bus Terminal (Avtovagzal metro) and take about 6 hours with a stop. Travel blogs also mention shared taxis from roughly 20 AZN per person; prices and departure times are informal and agreed on the spot.
By car or private transfer
The drive is about 300 km and takes around 4.5 hours of driving, more with stops. A private transfer lets you choose the departure time, stop for photos or lunch on the way and arrive directly at your hotel. With a family or luggage this is the least tiring way.
What to see in Sheki
- Sheki Khan’s Palace (1797): from 1 January 2026 foreign visitors pay 15 AZN (previously 9). Photography is not allowed inside.
- The Caravanserai (18th–19th century): it works as a hotel today, and the ground floor can be visited.
- Kish Albanian church, about 5 km from Sheki: 15 AZN for foreign visitors from 2026.
Foreign children under 12 enter the Khan’s Palace and Kish free of charge.
With 4T Transfer
A private transfer Baku → Sheki costs $145 per sedan or $175 per minivan, one way, with about 5 hours on the road including a short stop. 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. To see Sheki in one long day from Baku, our private Sheki tour costs $190 per car for 12 hours. 4T Transfer has been operating since 2018 and has completed more than 50,000 transfers.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the night train from Baku to Sheki leave?
Since 1 July 2026 the Baku–Balakan train leaves Baku at 23:30 and stops in Sheki in the early morning. Check the exact arrival time on ady.az.
How much is the Sheki Khan’s Palace for foreigners?
From 1 January 2026 foreign visitors pay 15 AZN. Foreign children under 12 enter free. Photography inside is not allowed.
How much is a transfer from Baku to Sheki?
With 4T Transfer it is $145 per sedan or $175 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.
