Rent a car in Baku

Baku and its surroundings are ideal for road trips, and many tourists choose car rental to explore the capital of Azerbaijan.

With a car, you can combine strolling through the ancient streets of Icheri Sheher, walking along the Primorsky Boulevard embankment, and trips to fascinating places like the burning mountain Yanar Dag and the Gobustan petroglyphs. You won’t have to adapt to bus schedules or overpay for transfers.

Car rental costs less than daily taxi rides: the average daily rental rate is comparable to 2–3 taxi rides around the city. Add to that the ability to spontaneously stop by a local market or have a picnic by the Caspian Sea — and the advantages become clear.

Where to Book a Car in Baku: Benefits of the Localrent Service

Many rental companies operate in Baku, but comparing their terms and prices manually is time-consuming and inconvenient. Localrent brings together verified rental providers. Here are the benefits of using Localrent:

1. Wide selection of cars. You’ll find a suitable vehicle: from budget models to crossovers and premium-class cars. Filters help you select by transmission type, engine volume, or brand.
2. Low deposits and small advance payments. Most cars are available with a deposit of $200–300. To reserve, you only need to pay 15–20% upfront; the rest is paid upon pickup.
3. Honest pricing. Rental prices on Localrent include all taxes and insurance — no hidden fees.
4. Customer support. If you have questions, you can contact managers via online chat, email, or messengers.
5. Excellent vehicle condition. Half of the fleet is less than 5 years old; many cars have real photos in their listings.

Localrent saves you time and makes car rental in Baku as comfortable as possible.

Car Rental Terms in Baku

Driver requirements may vary even for identical cars. Age and experience criteria are listed on each car’s page — be sure to check before booking.

What you need to rent a car in Baku:

• Driver’s license. National licenses with Latin transliteration are accepted; copies and digital versions are not. If your license is valid only in the issuing country, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Passport for identity and age verification.

The standard requirements for most cars are 24+ years of age and over 2 years of driving experience. Some vehicles are available to drivers aged 22+ with at least 2 years of experience.

Road Conditions in Baku

Road conditions in Baku may surprise tourists. Local drivers rarely strictly follow rules, especially at intersections without traffic lights. An unspoken rule of “first come, first served” often applies.

Drivers frequently change lanes without signaling, cut off others, and rush to get ahead, yet actively communicate through gestures and flashing headlights. Tourists often mention quick adaptation in reviews — the key is to stay alert and maintain distance. Despite the apparent chaos, accidents in Baku are rare.

Speed limits:

• In the city — 60 km/h;
• Outside the city — 90 km/h;
• On highways — 110 km/h.

Low beam headlights are required only at night, in tunnels, or during poor visibility.

Pedestrians often cross roads outside designated areas, even on busy streets — be prepared for sudden stops.

Gas Stations in Baku

Refueling in Baku is easy, even for first-time drivers in a foreign country. Most gas stations operate on a self-service basis: drive up to the pump, select your fuel type, insert the nozzle, and pay by card or cash via the terminal. Larger stations have staff to assist if needed.

Gas stations are common in the city, especially along main roads. On highways, stations appear every 20–30 km. Many stations have mini-markets with water, snacks, and car accessories.

You won’t have trouble with gas stations in Baku — just keep an eye on your fuel level before heading out of town!

Parking in Baku

Parking in Baku is rarely a problem. Outside the city center, you can park almost anywhere: on roadsides, in courtyards, or near small shops — as long as there are no prohibitory signs. Just don’t block driveways or traffic. In residential and suburban areas, free spaces are easier to find than in tourist zones.

Paid street parking is common in the center; lots are available at hotels and shopping centers. The first 15 minutes are usually free, and payment is typically coin-based. Place the receipt under the windshield for inspectors to see.

Multilevel parking garages are convenient for long stays in the center. They’re available near Fountain Square and around the old city of Icherisheher. These operate 24/7 and accept payment by cash or card at a machine or with staff. Covered garages often offer favorable rates for 6+ hour stays.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Booking a Car in Baku

To book a car in Baku:

1. Select rental dates and use filters to refine your search.
2. Choose a vehicle and review its details.
3. Fill out the booking form — provide contact info and main driver’s details.
4. Confirm the pick-up location and time.
5. Pay the advance — 15–20% of the total is paid online by card; the rest upon pickup.
6. You’ll receive a confirmation email with booking details — print it or save it on your phone.

To pick up the car, bring your original driver’s license, passport, and voucher. Check the car for damages and ensure they’re noted in the handover report. Sign the contract and get the keys.

We recommend booking a car a few weeks in advance if you plan to visit Baku during Formula 1 or festivals — demand is high during these times.

Where to Go and What to See by Car in Baku and Nearby

With a car in Baku, you can explore ancient temples, futuristic skyscrapers, scenic mountains, and romantic coastal routes. We recommend visiting these locations:

1. Gobustan Reserve. Just 60 km from Baku on a smooth highway. See 6,000-year-old petroglyphs depicting hunting, rituals, and ancient animals, plus dozens of mud volcanoes resembling lunar landscapes. Don’t miss the modern museum with 3D models and an audio guide.
2. Yanar Dag — the Burning Mountain. Only 25 km from downtown Baku lies a natural wonder where flames emerge from the earth due to underground gases. A nearby café offers a view of the burning slopes.
3. Ateshgah Fire Temple. Located 30 km from Baku in the Surakhany district, this 17th-century Zoroastrian shrine was built around natural gas vents. The on-site museum explains Zoroastrianism and the Silk Road trade routes, while the stone cells and altars take you back to the caravanserai era.
4. Neftchilar Avenue, Primorsky Boulevard, and Baku Embankment. A long paved road along the Caspian Sea offers views of skyscrapers, a yacht club, and green parks.
5. Mardakan Village. Located 30 km north of Baku, this is a journey through centuries: visit the Shirvanshahs’ castle tower (12th–14th centuries), the Pir-Hasan tomb, and the ancient Khanbaba bathhouse with authentic domes. End the trip with a stroll through the local market selling spices, carpets, and fresh pomegranates.

All of these sights are accessible even with a small car. Paved roads lead to each location, and all have convenient parking.

Best Places to Pick Up a Car in Baku

The most popular option is to pick up your car at Heydar Aliyev Airport. You can also collect it from a city office or request delivery to your address.

Note that not all options are available for every car. Some vehicles support all three pick-up locations, while others support only some. Exact pick-up options are listed on each car’s page.

What to Know Before Renting a Car in Baku

Popular choices among tourists in Baku include Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris, Chevrolet Cobalt, and similar models. They’re fuel-efficient — around 7 L/100 km in the city — yet powerful and comfortable. Their compact size is ideal for navigating the narrow streets of Icheri Sheher and finding parking in the center.

Many vehicles include extended insurance, covering damages above the deductible. Pay attention to this: sometimes cars with enhanced insurance cost less than similar models with basic policies.

Crossovers are also popular in Baku — not due to poor roads, but for their strong air conditioning and high seating position, ideal for long drives.

FAQ About Car Rental in Baku