Azerbaijan unveils new regular bus service connecting Barda and Khankandi

A new regular bus service between Barda and Khankandi has been introduced.

The first bus on this route departed from Barda's bus station to Khankandi today, September 14, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The Barda-Khankandi route will operate three times a day, with buses leaving Barda at 7:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 4:30 PM (GMT+4). The service will be provided by high-comfort buses.

Tural Orujov, spokesperson for the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA), announced that the fare for this route will be 2.80 manats (approximately $1.65). “As part of the Great Return program, the Land Transport Agency of Azerbaijan has launched this new bus service to the liberated territories starting today. The route will also include a stop in Khojaly, with ticket prices set at 2.80 manats to Khankandi and 2.50 manats (about $1.47) to Khojaly,” he said.

Orujov also highlighted the conditions for travelling to Khankandi. “To travel to Khankandi, certain requirements must be met when purchasing tickets. Tickets can be bought online through the biletim.az portal. It is crucial to obtain the necessary permits in accordance with the entry rules for the liberated territories when purchasing tickets online. Without these permits, entry into the territory will not be permitted,” he added.

The Azerbaijani government had previously launched regular tourist bus trips to Karabakh, reclaimed as a result of the 2020 war against Armenia, starting in 2022. These trips, which began on January 24, 2022, marked the first opportunity for Azerbaijani civilians to visit the region since the early 1990s conflict between the two countries. The trips are exclusively for Azerbaijani citizens