Zaqatala has its own airport, Zaqatala International Airport (ZTU), which serves domestic flights from the capital city, Baku. International tourists will first have to land at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku and from there, connect to a local flight bound for Zaqatala. Flight time from Baku to Zaqatala is typically about one hour.
Traveling to Zaqatala by road can be an exhilarating experience with picturesque views. There are several intercity buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) that go to Zaqatala from various regions of Azerbaijan. The drive from Baku can take approximately 7-8 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. Car rental services are also available for those who prefer a more comfortable and private journey.
Rail services in Azerbaijan are operated by Azerbaijan Railways (Azərbaycan Dəmir Yolları). While there is no direct train to Zaqatala, you can take a train from Baku to nearby cities such as Sheki or even to Tbilisi in Georgia, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to Zaqatala.
Most foreign visitors require a visa to enter Azerbaijan which can be obtained through the e-Visa system, known as ASAN Visa. The processing time is usually three working days, and it allows tourists to stay up to 30 days in the country.
Within Zaqatala, transportation options include taxis, buses, and minibuses. Make sure to agree on the fare ahead of time or ensure the taxi meter is running to avoid overpaying.
The official language is Azerbaijani. It's helpful to know a few basic phrases, or you may want to have a translation app handy as not everyone might speak English.
Zaqatala is considered a safe destination for travelers, but it is always advised to follow usual travel safety precautions. It's also wise to have travel health insurance and be up-to-date with vaccinations as recommended by health authorities.
