Azerbaijan

Stepping off the jet bridge at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Bakı usually means you are ready to drop your bags and start exploring. Terminal 1 handles most international flights with a slick, futuristic architectural design that feels remarkably modern. After clearing passport control and collecting your bags from the carousel, you walk into the main arrivals hall. Wi-Fi is available if you need to check messages, but sorting your ride before you step outside saves time and hassle.

When I first stepped out of the arrivals hall at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the chill of the air-conditioning still clung to my jacket, and the scent of fresh coffee drifted from the nearby café. I had just landed after a long flight from Istanbul , and the last thing I wanted was to get lost in a city that was still new to me. Knowing the layout of the airport and the options for moving to Baku ’s city center made the transition smoother than I expected.