From May 26, the one-way ticket prices (that is, from Baku to Tbilisi) for the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku passenger train, which will resume operations, will start at 81 manats when the journey begins from Baku, 67 manats from Yevlakh, 62 manats from Ganja, and 57 manats from Aghstafa. On the Büyük Kesik-Gardabani route, the price of one ticket starts at 51 manats.
It should be noted that the trips will be operated by “Stadler” trains consisting of new generation sleeper type carriages.
So, how reasonable are the prices?
Economist Natig Jafarli told Medianews.az that tariffs in the opposite direction are not yet known: “When those become known, it will be possible to make a general assessment. At least, it is not at the airplane price. Fortunately, it is cheaper than airplane prices. But for a train trip from Baku to Tbilisi to start at 81 manats is higher than expected. Initial expectations were for more reasonable prices.
It is also difficult to understand according to what logic the prices were calculated. If it is based on distance, that is not completely clear either. For example, the train reaches from Büyük Kesik to Gardabani in about half an hour. Why 51 manats is demanded for such a short distance is not clear.
After the ticket prices from Tbilisi to Baku are also announced, it will be possible to express a more accurate opinion regarding the total cost.
As for airplane tickets, they are quite expensive. Based on my personal experience, I can say that despite purchasing tickets in advance for July, a round trip ticket for one of my close relatives on the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku flight cost 492 manats.”
Naile Gasimova,
Medianews.az