Treatment in Naftalan — transfer from Baku and Ganja
Naftalan is a spa resort in Azerbaijan where Naftalan oil has been used for treatment since 1933. You book the sanatorium yourself; we drive you there in our own car with a driver — from Baku or from Ganja airport — and pick you up at the end of your course.
Photo: Ələddin Məlikov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
How the treatment works
- Doctor's consultation and testsUsually included in the sanatorium package. The treatment is prescribed by the sanatorium doctor.
- Naftalan bath37–38 °C for 8–10 minutes, then a shower and 15–20 minutes of rest.
- Other proceduresDepending on the package: applications, physiotherapy, paraffin, massage, iodine-bromine baths.
Recommended course: 14–21 days, 10–15 baths. Minimum stay: 7 nights, 5 nights in budget sanatoriums.
Why people go to Naftalan
- joints and spine
- skin: psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis
- nervous system
- blood vessels
- gynaecology, urology
Treatment is not suitable for everyone. Procedures are prescribed after a medical check at the sanatorium. We do not give medical advice or promise results.
Contraindications
Example list from one sanatorium (Chinar): tumours, acute inflammation, atrial fibrillation, tuberculosis, stage III hypertension, pregnancy and breastfeeding, epilepsy, glaucoma, after chemotherapy or radiotherapy, children under 6. Please check the full list with your doctor and the sanatorium.
Sanatoriums (for reference)
Reference only. You book the sanatorium yourself — please check prices and conditions with the sanatorium. We provide the transfer.
Premium
Five-star resort with 132 rooms combining Naftalan oil treatment programmes with a spa, pools and Turkish hamam.
about the hotel →Five-star health hotel opened in February 2011, offering doctor-supervised Naftalan oil baths and medical packages for joint, skin and nervous-system conditions.
about the hotel →Health hotel opened in February 2011 where medical staff assess each guest and prescribe a course of Naftalan oil baths and physiotherapy.
about the hotel →Mid-range
Wellness resort in Naftalan offering Naftalan oil treatments, two restaurants and a spa, with 86 rooms.
about the hotel →Treatment hotel set in pine gardens with 94 rooms in five categories and its own medical wing, indoor pool and spa.
about the hotel →Economy
Budget (from 5 nights)
Minimum stay from 5 nights.
Minimum stay from 5 nights.
What's included
Sanatorium package (you book it)
Room, meals, treatment as per the package. Doctor's consultation and tests are usually included — please check when booking.
4T transfer
- our own car with a driver, up to 6 people, price per car
- pick-up in Baku (hotel or any address) or at Ganja airport
- drive to the sanatorium and back at the end of the course
Getting there and the day off
The nearest airport is Ganja: direct AZAL flights from Moscow (Vnukovo) and St Petersburg. From Ganja to Naftalan ~50 km, about 1 hour.
Day off. There are no procedures at the Chinar clinic on Sunday — a good day for a trip to Ganja and Lake Goygol.
Transfer
| Route | Standard | Comfort | Business | Minivan 5 | Minivan 6 | Business minivan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baku → Naftalan | $150 | $188 | $225 | $170 | $180 | $240 |
| Baku → Naftalan, round trip | $300 | $376 | $450 | $340 | $360 | $480 |
| Ganja Airport → Naftalan | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Ganja Airport → Naftalan, round trip | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Prices per car, one way, USD. Back at the end of the course — the same class, the return trip costs the same.
How to book
- Book the sanatorium and choose your dates.
- Press "Book a transfer": choose the route, the car and the date, and pay the 30% deposit by card.
- The driver meets you in Baku or at Ganja airport, takes you to the sanatorium and picks you up at the end of the course.
Book: Baku → NaftalanBook: Ganja Airport → Naftalan
4T Transfer — private transfers and tours in Azerbaijan since 2018.
Questions and answers
How many days do I need?
At least 7 nights (5 in budget sanatoriums). The recommended course is 14–21 days, 10–15 baths. The exact course is set by the sanatorium doctor.
What is a Naftalan bath like?
A bath at 37–38 °C for 8–10 minutes, then a shower and 15–20 minutes of rest. Other procedures depend on the package.
Do I need medical tests?
There is a doctor's consultation and tests before treatment, usually included in the package.
Who should not take the treatment?
Example list from the Chinar sanatorium: tumours, acute inflammation, atrial fibrillation, tuberculosis, stage III hypertension, pregnancy and breastfeeding, epilepsy, glaucoma, after chemo- or radiotherapy, children under 6. Please ask your doctor.
When is the best time to go?
Sanatoriums are open all year. High season is roughly from May to October.
How do I get there?
From Baku ~330 km, about 4.5 hours by car. Faster: fly to Ganja (direct AZAL flights from Moscow-Vnukovo and St Petersburg), then ~50 km, about 1 hour. We meet you in our own car.
Do you book the sanatorium?
No. You book the sanatorium yourself; we provide the transfer. Please check prices and conditions with the sanatorium.