The Baku–Tbilisi–Baku passenger train service is set to resume operations starting May 26, 2026, marking the restoration of one of the region’s key international railway connections after a six-year suspension.
The decision was announced during Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s official visit to Baku within the framework of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). Azerbaijan and Georgia reaffirmed their strategic partnership by signing a comprehensive package of bilateral agreements focused on economic cooperation, energy, transport, and regional connectivity.
The signing ceremony took place on May 18 in Baku with the participation of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
Both leaders emphasized the growing importance of Azerbaijan and Georgia as major regional transport and logistics hubs connecting Europe and Asia. The newly signed agreements aim to strengthen cooperation in railway infrastructure, energy transit, and cross-border transportation.
Among the key documents signed were:
* agreements on natural gas supply and transit;
* electricity export and transit cooperation between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye;
* confirmation of the completion and modernization of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway project;
* and a coordination protocol transferring railway infrastructure management to the joint venture “BTKI Railways” LLC.
In addition, the parties officially agreed to restore daily passenger train services on the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route from May 26, 2026.
According to Azerbaijan Railways (ADY):
* the train will depart Baku daily at 23:10 and arrive in Tbilisi at 08:41 the next morning;
* departure from Tbilisi is scheduled for 21:00 with arrival in Baku at 06:24.
The route will include stops at:
Baku, Bilajari, Yevlakh, Ganja, Agstafa, Boyuk Kesik, Gardabani, and Tbilisi.
Passenger transportation will be operated using modern Stadler sleeper trains manufactured in Switzerland.
The railway connection between Azerbaijan and Georgia had been suspended since 2020 due to pandemic-related restrictions. The restoration of the route is expected to significantly boost tourism, business travel, and regional connectivity across the South Caucasus.
