Popular Airport | King Khalid Intl. Airport |
---|---|
Popular Airlines | Azerbaijan Airlines |
Approximate Flight Duration | 2 hour 10 min |
Approximate Travel Distance | 1781 Km |
Located along the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan’s capital Baku is a rising star in the East gaining notoriety for its oil, gas, and caviar. Baku is a city that attracts the attention people migrating from Asia and other countries in the region, and businessmen from all around the world. The city’s only airport is the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, named after the National Leader and third President of Azerbaijan. The airport serves 5 million passengers annually.
You can get to the airport, which is located 25 km away, from the city center by car or a combination of the metro and airport buses.
The easiest and cheapest way to get to the airport from the city center is by airport bus. Bus line 116 departs from Vurgun Park, located in central Baku, and takes about 50 minutes to get to the airport.
The metro system in Baku provides transportation to many central locations in the city like the Old City, 28 May Street, and the Caspian Sea. However, to get to the airport from the city center you have to first take the metro and then get on a bus. From central locations in the city like the Old City, Cafer Cabbari, and Khatai you can take the metro to the 28 May and Koroglu stations. From here you can get on bus line 116, which runs to the airport or take a taxi to the airport.
Since the city is rich in oil, fuel is cheap, making traveling by car a very attractive option. Getting to the city center from the airport is very easy. One of the city’s most important avenues, Heydar Aliyev Avenue will connect you to the Boyuk Shor Highway, which goes to the airport. From the highway take the Airport exit. The airport contains indoor and outdoor parking lots where you can park your personal car for a certain fee.
Although it is not very large Heydar Aliyev International Airport is an important junction, especially for passengers traveling between Europe and Asia. The airport offers passengers a variety of eating, drinking, and shopping venues.
The airport has 2 terminals, Terminal 1, which was completely renovated, and Terminal 2, which serves domestic flights. The airport contains world famous fast food chains like Burger King, McDonald’s, and KFC, as well as restaurants that offer delicious flavors unique to Azerbaijani cuisine.
The international terminal has a large Duty Free shop as well as souvenir shops where you can buy items unique to Russian and Azeri culture. The airport features free wireless internet connection.
Taxis are available 24/7 at the arrivals area of King Khalid International Airport. They are usually metered, but confirming the fare with the driver beforehand is recommended. Expect the journey to the city center to take approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem offer alternative options to taxis with designated ride-hailing pick-up zones near terminals.
Public buses connect the airport to various parts of Riyadh, including the city center. They typically operate during daytime hours, but schedules and routes should be confirmed at the airport information desk. Look for clearly marked bus stops at the arrivals area.
Riyadh metro system consists of six lines, connecting 85 stations. Line 4, or also known as the Yellow Line, runs from King Khalid International Airport to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Passengers opting for public transportation can use the metro, as it is available at the airport exits, and tickets can be obtained from machines at the station.
Car rental agencies at the airport allow travelers to drive themselves to the city center. Ensure you have a valid international license and insurance. Parking is available at most hotels and key locations in Riyadh.
Many hotels in Riyadh provide shuttle services to and from the airport. Contact your hotel in advance to confirm pick-up arrangements and locations. These services are especially useful for first-time visitors.