Car Rental in Baku - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Baku offers flexibility for exploring Azerbaijan's countryside and regions beyond the capital, making it ideal for road trips to places like Gobustan, Gabala, or the Caspian coast. However, it's generally not recommended for navigating central Baku itself, where traffic congestion can be heavy, parking is challenging, and the metro system efficiently covers major tourist areas. Azerbaijan drives on the right side of the road. Road quality varies significantly – main highways are typically well-maintained, but secondary roads outside the city may be in poorer condition. Driving in Baku can be challenging for tourists due to aggressive local driving styles, inconsistent adherence to traffic rules, and confusing signage that may not always be in English. Police checkpoints are common on intercity routes. If you're planning to stay within Baku's city limits and visit standard tourist attractions, public transportation and taxis are more practical options. Reserve car rentals for when you genuinely need the freedom to explore rural areas or create a flexible itinerary across multiple regions at your own pace.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for Baku specifically. Generally recommended for tourists driving in Azerbaijan - verify current requirements with rental agencies.

Minimum Age

Typically ranges from 21-25 years old depending on the rental company. Some agencies may have higher age requirements for certain vehicle categories.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. Check with rental agencies regarding acceptance of foreign licenses in Azerbaijan.

Credit Card

A credit card in the driver's name is typically required for security deposit purposes. Debit cards may not be accepted by most agencies.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is generally included, but additional coverage options are available. Verify what's included and consider comprehensive coverage for peace of mind.

Passport

Valid passport required for identification and rental agreement. Ensure it matches the name on your driver's license and credit card.

Rent from Heydar Aliyev International Airport for convenience, where both international chains and local agencies operate - compare rates but verify insurance coverage carefully as requirements may differ between providers.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos and check that you have the vehicle registration, insurance documents, and emergency contact numbers - road conditions in Baku vary significantly between modern highways and older districts.

Download offline maps for Azerbaijan before arrival as GPS signal can be inconsistent in some areas, and note that street signs may be in Azerbaijani (Latin script) - familiarize yourself with key Cyrillic characters as some older signs remain.

Fuel stations are readily available in Baku with both full-service and self-service options - paid parking is common in the city center and enforcement is active, so look for official parking zones marked with blue lines or use attended parking lots.

Plan to return your rental with a full tank as required by most agencies, and allow extra time for the return inspection at the airport - keep all fuel receipts and parking tickets until the final vehicle check is complete.

Baku drivers often change lanes without signaling and may not follow right-of-way rules at intersections - drive defensively and expect unpredictable maneuvers, especially on multi-lane roads like the coastal boulevard.

Traffic police checkpoints are common throughout Baku, and officers may stop vehicles for document checks - always carry your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents.

Rush hour traffic (typically 8-10 AM and 5-8 PM) creates severe congestion in central Baku and on major routes like the Heydar Aliyev Avenue - plan extra travel time during these periods.

Strong winds from the Caspian Sea can affect driving conditions on coastal roads and bridges, particularly during autumn and winter months - reduce speed and maintain firm steering control in windy conditions.