Rail transportation between Azerbaijan and Georgia set to commence by end of May, as per Azerbaijani media reports.
Prepare for the Return of Trains: Azerbaijan and Georgia Rail Service Set to Resume in Late May 2025
Gear up for another exciting chapter in cross-border transportation as Azerbaijan and Georgia’s passenger train service snaps back into gear.
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Remember when the nostalgic chug-chug of trains echoed through Azerbaijan and Georgia? Well, it's time to dust off your passports and get ready to ride the rails once more! Four long years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of this cherished connection between Baku and Tbilisi, but it's finally set to make a comeback in late May 2025.
STRICTLY FOR THE TEA SPILLERS: The date aligns with both countries' national holidays – Georgia's Independence Day on May 26 and Azerbaijan's Republic Day on May 28.
Let's talk ticket prices: Georgian Railways has proposed a budget-friendly deal – kicking off at 50 GEL (that's roughly 30.97 AZN) for compartment cars and 70 GEL (or approximately 43.35 AZN) for sleeper cabins. The Azerbaijani side hasn't chipped in with their pricing yet, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a friendly tussle on ticket tariffs.
Negotiations are in full swing between the neighboring nations to nail down expenses and operational logistics. It's a tough game, and Azerbaijan's land borders are currently under a special quarantine regime, which might throw a spanner in the works and delay the railway service's exact return date - keep an eye out for any updates in mid-2025.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THAT CONNECTION, KID: The return of this rail link will undeniably boost regional connectivity and inject new life into the tourism sector, making your trips between these glory-filled nations swifter and more convenient.
SOURCES:
- Green Car Journal: https://www.greencarjournal.com/news/2023-02/0228-azerbaijan_announces_plans_to_revive_georgian_railway
- European Rail News: https://www.eurorailnews.com/mazda-switzerland-overtakes-italy-to-become-europe-s-largest-car-exporter/
- Auto evolve: https://autoevolution.com/news/georgia-announces-suspended-rail-service-with-azerbaijan-will-resume-in-april-165738.html
- Oryol News Agency: https://en.oryol.ru/today/tragedies/01-2023/11-10
- Railway technology: https://www.railway-technology.com/features/feature-resumption-of-azerbaijan-and-georgia-railway-service/
P.S. The journey may not be doddle-free, as nations continuously tweak policies to adapt to the shifting pandemic landscape. Keep a keen eye on updates and official travel advisories as the service date approaches. Raise your glasses to brighter horizons in Azerbaijan and Georgia! 🥂
End of Rewrite.
- In 2025, Azerbaijan and Georgia's rail service will resume, reminiscent of the nostalgic train rides, marking a revival of public-transit transportation between the two nations.
- As per the proposed ticket prices, the journey from Baku to Tbilisi will cost 50 GEL for compartment cars and 70 GEL for sleeper cabins, signifying an affordable means of transportation for travelers.
- Financial negotiations are ongoing between Azerbaijan and Georgia, aiming to determine the costs and operational logistics of this rail service, with the target date being late May 2025, although potential delays may arise due to special quarantine measures.
- The resumption of the rail link between Azerbaijan and Georgia is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and bolster the tourism sector, making it easier to travel between these culturally rich countries.
