The Baku Funicular: A Complete Guide — History, Prices, Opening Hours and What to See at the Top

In short. The Baku Funicular links the seaside boulevard on Neftchilar Avenue with Highland Park and Martyrs’ Lane. The line is 455 metres long, the ride takes about three minutes, and a ticket costs 1 manat one way, payable in cash or by bank card. It runs Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00 with a break from 13:00 to 14:00; Monday is a maintenance day. It is the first and only funicular in Azerbaijan.

The funicular in numbers

History: from 1960 to today

The funicular was built on the initiative of Alish Lambaranski, who was running the city at the time. The official opening date is 5 May 1960. A curious detail for those who like precision: an archive issue of the newspaper Kommunist dated 3 June 1960 reports the launch “yesterday” of the fifth funicular in the Soviet Union. That’s why different sources give different opening dates.

In Soviet times the cars were specially made in Leningrad, and the equipment came from Kharkov. The funicular became part of city life, sparing pedestrians the steep climb from the waterfront to the upper town.

A long series of repairs followed. The funicular closed in the late 1980s and ran again from 2001. Major overhauls took place in 2001 and 2007. In April 2011 a full reconstruction began: modern cars were bought and the stations and systems renewed. The funicular reopened on 23 May 2012 — and that’s the form it runs in today.

How the funicular works

It’s a classic cable system: two cars are linked by a single rope and move in opposite directions, counterbalancing each other. As one goes up, the other comes down. The line is single-track, with a passing loop halfway where the cars pass each other.

The drive is electric, with the machinery housed at the station. Each car holds up to 28 people, and the speed is about 2.5–3 metres per second. According to the operator, the funicular can carry up to 300 passengers an hour.

Where the stations are and how to get there

The lower station stands on Neftchilar Avenue, by the Bahram Gur monument, where the seaside boulevard meets the climb to the upper town. On maps its address is 1 Shovkat Alakbarova Street, Sabail district.

The upper station brings you straight out into Highland Park, by Martyrs’ Lane and the viewpoint over the bay. The Flame Towers are a stone’s throw away.

How to reach the lower station. The easiest way is on foot along the seaside boulevard or from the Old City. The nearest metro stations are Icherisheher and Sahil, both an easy walk through the centre.

Prices and opening hours

A ticket costs 1 manat one way, so a return trip is 2 manat. You can pay in cash or by bank card.

Opening hours as of 2026:

The hours have changed over the years — you may see references to opening until 22:00. If you’re going in the evening or on a public holiday, check the official website funicular.az.

Two tips that save time. Don’t turn up at 12:50 — many tourists don’t know about the break and wait an hour at a closed station. And don’t plan the trip for a Monday.

What to see at the top

Martyrs’ Lane. Azerbaijan’s main memorial, where those killed on 20 January 1990 and in the Karabakh war are buried. It’s a place of remembrance, so visitors are expected to be quiet and respectful, keep noise down and avoid photo shoots by the graves.

The Eternal Flame. The monument at the end of the lane is one of the most recognisable spots in the upper town.

The Highland Park viewpoint. The best panorama of Baku: the whole bay, the boulevard, the Old City and the Caspian on the horizon. This view is why most people come up.

The Flame Towers. The three flame-shaped towers stand right next to the upper station. In the evening their façades turn into a giant light display.

When to go

The best time is an hour to an hour and a half before sunset. You’ll see the panorama in daylight, catch the sunset over the bay and watch the lights of the city and the Flame Towers come on. Just remember the funicular runs until 20:00: in summer sunset is late, so you may need to walk down.

In summer, go in the morning or towards evening: in the midday heat the stairs are an ordeal, and the funicular is a real help.

In windy weather — and Baku is the city of winds — the viewpoint is cool even in summer. Bring a light jacket.

A half-day walking route

The funicular fits neatly into the classic route through central Baku.

1. The Old City (Icherisheher). The Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, narrow lanes. About two hours.
2. The seaside boulevard. A walk along the waterfront to the lower funicular station. About 20–30 minutes.
3. The funicular ride up. About three minutes.
4. Highland Park and Martyrs’ Lane. The viewpoint and the Eternal Flame. About an hour.
5. The Flame Towers. A close-up view, and in the evening the light show.

You can come down by funicular or on foot via the stairs and park paths.

Funicular or stairs

You can also walk up to Highland Park by a long staircase and park paths. For the young and fit it’s a pleasant walk, especially in cool weather.

The funicular wins if you’re with children or older relatives, in the heat, or simply saving your energy for the evening. For one manat you skip the steep climb and arrive at the top fresh.

Important in September 2026: Formula 1

The funicular’s lower station is on Neftchilar Avenue, part of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix circuit. From 20 to 28 September 2026 this part of the city is closed to cars, and since 22 September access has been restricted to the stretch of the boulevard from Azneft Square to the Sea Terminal.

Whether the funicular runs on these days hasn’t been officially announced. If you’re planning a visit before 28 September, check funicular.az in advance. Details of the closures are in our separate piece.

After the funicular — beyond Baku

Central Baku is compact: the Old City, the boulevard and Highland Park are easy to explore on foot and link by funicular. But Azerbaijan’s biggest experiences — Gobustan’s rock carvings, the mountains of Gabala, old Sheki, forested Guba — begin outside the city, and your own car is the easiest way to get there.

Karavan Rent A Car in Baku matches a car to your route — from a compact saloon to a seven-seat minivan if you’re travelling as a big family. We covered how to plan your way around the city without traffic jams in a separate piece.

FAQ

How much is a ride on the Baku Funicular?

1 manat one way, 2 manat return.

How do I pay?

In cash or by bank card.

What are the opening hours?

Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 20:00, with a technical break from 13:00 to 14:00.

Does the funicular run on Mondays?

No, Monday is a maintenance day.

How long is the ride?

About three to four minutes. The line is 455 metres long.

Where is the lower station?

On Neftchilar Avenue, by the Bahram Gur monument, next to the seaside boulevard.

Where does the funicular take you?

To Highland Park, Martyrs’ Lane and the viewpoint. The Flame Towers are nearby.

When did the funicular open?

The official date is 5 May 1960. After a full reconstruction it reopened on 23 May 2012.

Is it the only funicular in Azerbaijan?

Yes, the Baku Funicular is the country’s first and so far only one.

Conclusion

The Baku Funicular is three minutes and one manat between the waterfront and the city’s best panorama. It has run since 1960, survived several reconstructions and remains one of the simplest ways to see Baku from above. Come an hour or so before sunset, remember the lunch break and Mondays — and plan a walk through the Old City the same day.

And when you want to see Azerbaijan beyond the capital, Karavan Rent A Car in Baku will prepare a car for your route. Message the official chat on WhatsApp or Telegram: +994-55-455-22-45.

Read also

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• Baku traffic jams: why the city stalls and how to drive without losing time: read the article