First Baku-Aghdam passenger train arrives at destination PHOTO/UPDATED

The passenger train that departed from Baku to Aghdam earlier today, on August 30, at 07:10 local time has successfully arrived at its destination.

The historic arrival follows a 32-year suspension of passenger rail services between the two cities, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

09:35

Passenger rail services between Baku and Aghdam have officially resumed for the first time since 1993, Azerbaijan Railways CJSC announced.

The route will be operated by modern FLIRT trains manufactured by Swiss company Stadler. Under the new schedule, trains will depart from Baku on Saturdays at 07:10 and arrive in Aghdam at 11:53. The return service is set to leave Aghdam at 18:20, reaching Baku Railway Station at 22:55, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

The journey will include stops at several stations, including Baku, Binagadi, Ujar, Laki, Yevlakh, Barda, Kocharli, and Tazakand, before reaching the newly built Aghdam railway and bus terminal. Passengers will be offered four classes of service—standard, standard+, business, and first—with ticket prices starting at 12 manats ($7). A full ticket to Aghdam will cost 12.80 manats ($7.53). Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available throughout the journey.

To streamline access to the recently liberated territories, travelers purchasing tickets on the Baku–Aghdam–Baku route will automatically receive the necessary entry permit via the online booking system.

Passenger rail services to Aghdam were last operated in 1993, before the city came under occupation. At that time, the Baku–Aghdam line ran via Khankendi and covered a 371-kilometer distance in eight and a half hours.

By Sabina Mammadli