Several car-rental companies keep desks at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), so you can collect a vehicle within minutes of clearing arrivals. A car makes it easy to explore beyond the city — the rock carvings and mud volcanoes of Gobustan, the fire sights of the Absheron peninsula (Yanar Dağ and the Ateshgah fire temple), and the mountains around Gabala and Sheki.
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Where to pick up your car
The rental desks sit in the terminal; depending on the company, the cars are either right outside or in a nearby lot a short walk away. Booking online before you fly almost always secures a better rate and guarantees availability, which matters in the summer season and over holidays. Bring your confirmation and a little patience — paperwork at the desk takes a few minutes.
What you need
- A valid driving licence, usually held for at least 1–3 years
- An International Driving Permit alongside your national licence is recommended and often required
- A credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit
- Your passport and rental confirmation
- Minimum age is usually 21–23; younger drivers often pay a surcharge
Insurance, excess and fuel
Read the cover carefully before you sign. Basic rates usually include collision damage waiver but leave a sizeable excess/deductible, which you can reduce with extra cover. Check the fuel policy too — "full-to-full" is usually the fairest. Photograph any existing scratches at handover so there is no dispute on return.
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Excess / deductible | How much you are liable for, and whether you can reduce it |
| Fuel policy | Prefer full-to-full; note the nearest station |
| Mileage | Often unlimited, but confirm |
| Extras | Child seats, additional drivers, GPS — add at booking |
Driving in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan drives on the right, and the car is left-hand drive. Distances are in kilometres and signs are in Azerbaijani (Latin alphabet), often with English on main routes. The motorway network out of Baku is modern, but city traffic is heavy and local driving can be assertive — take it steady. Outside the city, fill up when you can and take care on rural and mountain roads. For rules, speed limits and what else surprises visitors, see our full guide to driving in Azerbaijan for first-timers. Rates, age limits and insurance terms vary by company and can change, so confirm the details when you book.
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KG Connect Editorial Team · Editorial team
The editorial team at KG Connect researches, writes and reviews this independent guide to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). We check details against official airport, operator and government sources, show when each page was last reviewed, and correct errors as soon as we learn of them. We do not work for the airport.
Reviewed & updated July 2026 · Disclaimer