As part of our backpacking trip around the Caucasus Region back in 2019, we spent 2 short days in Baku before making our way to neighboring Georgia. Instead of taking an international flight, we did what many locals used to do: we crossed by train! So, we boarded the overnight train from Baku to Tbilisi with Azerbaijan Railways, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of our trip. Affordable, on time, comfortable, and such an authentic overland travel experience!
Is the Baku to Tbilisi Overnight Train Running in 2026?
UPDATE AS OF MAY 2026: Good news! The overnight train between Baku, Azerbaijan, and Tbilisi, Georgia, is officially resuming operations after a six-year suspension. However, travelers should still double-check the latest ticketing, border control, and entry regulations before planning their trip, as operational policies may continue to change. This guide is based on my personal experience riding this route in 2019, with updated notes added where necessary.
Buying Train Tickets for the Overnight Train from Baku to Tbilisi
Before our trip, I came across a helpful guide from Emily of Wander-Lush, who shared that tickets could be booked directly through the Azerbaijan Railways website. Based on our experience in 2019, booking our train tickets for the Baku to Tbilisi route was surprisingly easy.
Where to Buy Baku to Tbilisi Train Tickets?
Azerbaijan Railways Website
Back then, purchasing tickets online was straightforward. After completing the booking, we received a confirmation by email right away (this was not yet the official train ticket). As instructed, we still had to claim our printed tickets in person at Baku Central Railway Station.
Here's the official website: Azerbaijan Railways
To avoid any last-minute stress, we collected our tickets one day before departure. We simply showed our email confirmation at the counter, and they printed our official train tickets for us.
I honestly couldn’t read most of what was written on the ticket back then, but I assumed that it contained all my travel details, something you should definitely double-check before leaving the counter. Make sure to verify important details such as:
- Your full name
- Passport number
- Travel date
- Departure time
- Cabin or seat type
- Fare amount
In our case, the fare 33.81 AZN indicated the fare for a Second-Class Cabin ticket.
Booking Update for 2026
Since this train route was suspended for several years, booking procedures may no longer work exactly the same way as they did during our trip in 2019.
With the overnight train between Baku and Tbilisi now resuming operations, I highly recommend checking the official Azerbaijan Railways website directly for the latest information on ticket availability, booking procedures, and whether physical ticket collection is still required before departure.
Train Station in Baku: Azerbaijan Baku Train Station
Location, Facilities & Train Platforms
If you’re taking the metro, your stop is 28 May Station. Once you exit, you’ll see a modern building on your left, with store signs such as LC Waikiki and Pizza Hut.
Back in 2019, this building formed part of the train station complex, where passengers could claim tickets, buy snacks, exchange currency if needed, and even store luggage for a fee. It is absolutely useful if you plan to return to Baku later.
Behind this modern structure are the train platforms. Finding them was straightforward during our visit, we simply walked straight ahead and went down a few steps.
One thing I remember, though, was that seating at the platforms was quite limited. If you need to wait for your train, staying inside the main station building may be the more comfortable option.
The Overnight Train from Baku to Tbilisi Experience
Although the train (Train 38) didn’t look particularly modern from the outside, it turned out to be a neat, comfortable, and surprisingly decent way of crossing the border overnight.
At first, we wanted to book a First-Class Cabin, which came with a private compartment for 2 passengers. Unfortunately, we booked too late, and there were no seats left. Instead, we got a Second-Class Cabin, which had 4 beds in one compartment: 2 lower bunks and 2 upper bunks.
As first-timers, we boarded early because we wanted to get familiar with the train… and in the process, we forgot to buy water beforehand (rookie mistake!).
Back then, there was no Wi-Fi and no food cart on board, so having no water during a 12-hour train ride was definitely not ideal.
So if you’re taking this train, do yourself a favor and:
- Buy food and drinks before boarding
- Bring card games or something to pass the time
- Download movies, music, or entertainment in advance
- Get some sleep
- And last but not least, interact with your cabin mates!
Our Roommates – An Azeri Mother and Son
I mentioned earlier that we originally wanted to book a first-class cabin for privacy. In the end, booking the second-class cabin turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
We shared our compartment with locals, an Azeri mother and her teenage son named Adil, who spoke English fluently.
Adil was incredibly kind and translated the train announcements for us whenever needed. Honestly, I can’t imagine being in a private cabin and trying to figure out everything on our own! Sometimes, the unexpected parts of travel turn out to be the best ones!
The Border Crossing – Exiting Azerbaijan and Entering Georgia
Azerbaijan Border
For some reason, I thought we would reach the border between 3 AM and 4 AM (where I got that information, I honestly have no idea), so I kept waking up throughout the night to check if we had arrived.
Thankfully, Adil came to the rescue. He noticed me waking up from time to time and told me that we would only reach the Azerbaijan border at around 5 AM. Only then did I finally get a few hours of proper sleep.
At the border, officers came to our cabin and asked for our passports and supporting travel documents.
Immigration officers then collected our passports one by one and went out. Later, we were asked to step into another cabin where my friend and I were called separately. In my case, the officer took my photo (and honestly… imagine how I looked at 5 AM!).
Once our identity was verified, they returned our passports with the exit stamps.
Georgian Border
The train continued moving, and after a short while, we officially reached the Georgian border. Immigration officers came on board and asked for our passports again.
At first, the officer asked us for a visa even though we initially told him we were not required to have one. That’s when we realized our explanation was incomplete.
Based on our experience in 2019, my friend and I were not required to secure a visa for Georgia because we were UAE residents. So we showed our residence visa, and only then did he accept our documents.
NOTE: Visa and entry requirements may be different in 2026, so always double-check the latest regulations based on your nationality and residency status before your trip.
After taking our passports, the officer came back and asked us a few more questions about our trip: where we were going, our proof of onward travel, and even our travel insurance. Luckily, we had all of these ready, so the process went smoothly. After the short immigration checks, we were finally cleared to enter Georgia.
A few more hours later, our overnight train from Baku to Tbilisi with Azerbaijan Railways came to a stop at Tbilisi Railway Station.
If you’re arriving in Tbilisi and looking for easy ways to explore the city or nearby day trips, here are some tours worth checking out.
💡Continue Your Trip: More Georgia Travel Guides
If you’re taking the overnight train from Baku to Tbilisi, here are some of my other Georgia travel guides that might help you plan the next part of your trip.
