On January 3, 2025, Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) resumed passenger services on the Baku–Balakan–Baku route.

The first train on this route recorded over 90% occupancy, reflecting high demand for passenger transportation in this direction.

According to the schedule, sleeper trains will depart daily from Baku at 23:50, arriving in Balakan at 08:10 the next morning. The return train will leave Balakan at 22:10 and arrive at Baku Central Railway Station at 06:50.

Passengers can choose from standard, standard+, and business classes. Ticket prices are as follows: Baku to Yevlakh: Starting from 13.1 AZN (standard), 17.6 AZN (standard+), and 54.6 AZN (business). Baku to Sheki, Qakh stations, and Goynuk stop: Starting from 14.8 AZN (standard), 23.9 AZN (standard+), and 63.3 AZN (business). Baku to Zagatala station and Koragan, Goyam, Aliabad stops: Starting from 16.4 AZN (standard), 23.9 AZN (standard+), and 67.7 AZN (business). Baku to Balakan: Starting from 18 AZN (standard), 27 AZN (standard+), and 72 AZN (business).

The resumption of this route provides nearly half a million residents in the northwestern region with the opportunity to travel comfortably and safely using ADY trains. The route includes stops at Baku, Bilecari, Yevlakh, Sheki, Qakh, Zagatala, Balakan stations, and Goyam, Goynuk, Koragan, and Aliabad stops.

To enhance passenger comfort, modernized sleeper trains with five updated carriages have been introduced, offering smoother rides with reduced vibrations. Each train has a capacity of 189 passengers per trip.

The sleeper carriages have been upgraded with blackout curtains in standard class and high-quality bedding sets (mattress, pillow, duvet, covers, towel) made of soft, easy-to-clean materials for added comfort during long-distance travel.

Passengers are provided with travel kits: Business class: Bottled water, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet and dry wipes, sleep mask, comb, shoehorn, slippers, shaving kit (for men), cosmetic items (for women), and a special menu (cheese, sausage, bread, jam, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, kuku, unlimited tea/coffee, and cake), along with media services (movies, cartoons, music, and shows in four languages). Standard+ class: Bottled water, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet and dry wipes, sleep mask. Standard class: Bottled water, wet and dry wipes, and earplugs.

A mobile sales service is also available during the journey. Unlike regular trains, sleeper trains allow passengers to carry more luggage: 36 kg for standard and standard+ classes, and 50 kg for business class, free of charge.

Passengers also benefit from free Wi-Fi on the trains, enabling internet access, messaging, online searches, and other communication services.

To ensure the safe and uninterrupted operation of trains on the 1985-built Baku–Yevlakh–Sheki–Balakan railway line, ADY carried out extensive repairs on the 164-kilometer Yevlakh–Balakan section starting in November 2023. Tracks, switches, 47 bridges, and 37 unprotected crossings were inspected. Defective sleepers, rails, and fasteners were replaced, and repairs were made to damaged structures and crossings. Missing road signs were added. After the upgrades, train speeds increased from 48 km/h to 55 km/h, reducing travel time from 9 hours 35 minutes (pre-pandemic) to 8 hours 20 minutes. Further improvements are planned.

Tickets for the Baku–Balakan–Baku route can be purchased via ADY’s official website (https://ticket.ady.az/ticket-search/), the “ADY Mobile” app, or at railway station ticket offices. To streamline operations, tickets for intermediate stops (Goynuk, Koragan, Aliabad, Goyam) are now sold online. Passengers booking online should select the nearest major stations for these stops (e.g., Qakh for Goynuk and Koragan, Zagatala for Aliabad, and Balakan for Goyam).

All stations on this route (Sheki, Qakh, Zagatala, Balakan) have been renovated, with parking areas created for vehicles.

These efforts aim to enhance passenger comfort, improve domestic transportation quality, and expand services.

Globally, sleeper trains are considered the most suitable transportation for journeys spanning 6–12 hours and distances of 500–1,500 km. They offer unparalleled comfort and efficiency, especially for passengers who struggle to sleep on airplanes. Demand for sleeper trains is increasing worldwide, and this trend is expected to continue in 2025, as trains are seen as a more eco-friendly alternative to air travel, reducing carbon footprints. Sleeper trains also save passengers daytime hours and hotel expenses.

ADY continues to adopt modern practices and digital solutions to improve passenger services. Achievements in 2024 include the introduction of new trains, increased trips on the Baku–Agstafa–Baku route, the addition of new stops, free Wi-Fi on trains and at key stations, and the implementation of loyalty programs and dynamic pricing. As a result, ADY transported a record 8.5 million passengers in 2024, underscoring its commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction.

The resumption of the Baku–Balakan–Baku route at the start of 2025 will ensure greater mobility for residents of the region and make a significant contribution to the development of tourism in the northwestern region.