Azerbaijan’s national state-owned rail transport operator, Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), has launched a new train route connecting the country’s second-largest city to the ski resort town of Gabala. The connection marks the second regional train service outside the capital city of Baku.
Previously, tourists and locals wanting to visit the mountain town of Gabala had to rely on buses and cars to do so. However, as Azerbaijan is looking to promote sustainable transport and regional tourism, a regional train service has been installed, linking the ski resort and nature destination of Gabala to Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, Ganja.
Since 12 January 2026, national rail transport operator ADY has started to operate the second regional train service outside of the nation’s capital. The new route covers approximately 139 kilometers and takes 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete. Every day, a train will be leaving Ganja at 10:10 am, returning from Gabala at 6:00 pm. Between Ganja and Gabala, trains stop at Goran, Yevlakh, Laki, and Aghdash.
For those wanting to travel between Baku and Gabala, a transfer at Laki station has been installed. Travellers are able to embark on the train destined for Gazakh in Baku, which will put them at Laki station at 10:50 am, while the new train for Gabala leaves at 11:12 am. At night, the Gabala–Ganja train stops at Laki station at 6:45 pm, while the connection to Baku leaves at 7:02 pm.
The connection between Ganja and Gabala is assured by Swiss Stadler trains, which are divided into four classes: Standard, Standard+, Business, and First Class. A basic fare ticket costs travellers 4.80 manats (€2.45). Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices or on the official website of Azerbaijan Railways.
What to do in Gabala?
Whether visiting during winter, summer, or anything in between, the mountain town of Gabala is well worth a visit when touring the country. During the coldest months of the year, it is the perfect destination for those who want to do some skiing and snowboarding in the Caucasus Mountains.
When the snow is gone, the area offers a range of activities, such as quad-biking, shooting, paragliding, and hiking. The local hotels’ swimming pools and spas are a welcome treat year-round, while the thermal springs and medicinal baths at Yengija or Chenot Palace offer a different kind of wellness experience.
However, while its natural beauty is what Gabala is best known for, the city also boasts a vibrant cultural agenda. One of its highlights is the Gabala International Music Festival, held every summer from late July to early August. The event offers a compelling reason to visit, combining classical music performances with the chance to explore the region’s cultural heritage, all while making the most of Gabala’s seasonal outdoor activities and mountain setting.
