Azerbaijan blends wild nature, historic towns, and quiet landscapes. Its wide roads lead to mountain lakes, remote villages, and serene national parks. Whether you're drawn to quiet forest trails or breezy coastal drives, renting a car in Azerbaijan makes it easy to explore at your own pace. It’s the best way for travelers to see more of the country without feeling rushed.
More Dutch travelers are choosing Azerbaijan for holidays, and many rent a car for a self-driving experience. The appeal lies in the country’s open landscapes, scenic routes, and the freedom to travel without strict schedules.
Unlike guided tours or public transport, driving lets you stop whenever you want to. You can take photos of the Caucasus Mountains, explore a quiet village, or try roadside food. This flexibility suits Dutch travelers who are used to driving in Europe and value independence on the road.
Car rentals in Azerbaijan are also affordable. Dutch visitors can rent a well-maintained car for as low as 47.60 AZN daily. Many companies include unlimited mileage, car insurance, free cancellation, and a low deposit.
Driving is on the right-hand side, similar to the Netherlands. However, road conditions can vary. While major roads are generally well-maintained, rural areas may have uneven or unpaved surfaces. Be cautious of sudden stops by other drivers and animals crossing the road.
Speed limits in Azerbaijan are strictly enforced:
Exceeding these limits can result in fines ranging from 10 AZN to 300 AZN, depending on the severity. Carry your Dutch driving license and an International Driving Permit to drive legally.
Here are five road trip routes that show off the best of Azerbaijan’s landscapes, culture, and small-town charm.
Best for travelers who enjoy architecture, heritage sites, and short scenic detours.
The drive from Baku to Sheki covers around 300 kilometers and takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. It’s a smooth journey starting with city views, then shifting into hills and forested areas. You’ll notice the air gets cooler and fresher as you approach the mountains.
One great stop along the way is Lahij, a small mountain village known for its narrow stone streets and skilled copper craftsmen. It’s a peaceful place to walk around, visit workshops, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
You’ll also pass Ismayilli, a town surrounded by forested hills and vineyards. It’s a good spot for a short rest and a quick meal at a roadside café.
Closer to Sheki, consider visiting Basgal, a quiet village known for its silk weaving history. It’s less touristy but charming, with restored homes and small craft displays.
Sheki is one of the most beautiful and historic towns in Azerbaijan. It sits at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, surrounded by green hills and clear streams.
The highlight of Sheki is the Palace of Sheki Khans. This 18th-century building is famous for its colorful stained glass windows, called shebeke, and detailed wall paintings. No nails or glue were used in its construction.
You’ll also find old caravanserais nearby, once used by Silk Road traders and now turned into museums or boutique hotels.
In Sheki’s old town, you can visit small art shops, try handmade sweets like Sheki halva, and enjoy tea in garden cafés. The town also hosts regular craft fairs and music festivals, like the Sheki Road Music Festival in late June or early July.
Best for couples, solo travelers, or nature lovers looking for quiet walks and clear air.
The drive from Ganja to Lake Goygol is about 43 kilometers and takes 45 to 50 minutes. The road leads you out of the city and into the green hills of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. As you drive higher, the air gets cooler, and the views become more scenic, with forests and mountain peaks surrounding the area.
Lake Goygol, meaning “Blue Lake,” is known for its clear water, alpine setting, and quiet atmosphere. It sits at 1,556 meters above sea level and is part of Goygol National Park. An earthquake in the 12th century formed the lake, which remains one of the cleanest in Azerbaijan.
Visitors can enjoy walking trails around the lake, peaceful picnic areas, and views of Mount Kapaz. It's also a good spot for birdwatching, especially during spring and autumn.
Just a short drive away is Lake Maralgol, a smaller and more secluded lake surrounded by thick forest. Reaching it requires a short uphill walk of around 300 stone steps.
The lake is named after the maral deer, which was once common in the area. The calm water, thick greenery, and bird calls create a peaceful setting, perfect for light hiking and nature photography.
Best for travelers wanting to escape crowds and enjoy open views and greenery.
The drive from Qabala to Zagatala is about 155 kilometers and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. It passes through green valleys, forested hills, and quiet farmland along the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Start your trip with a visit to Nohur Lake in Qabala, known for its still water and forested shorelines. You can rent a paddleboat, take photos, or enjoy local fish dishes at nearby restaurants.
Also worth a stop is Yeddi Gozel Waterfall, located a short drive from the main road. The waterfall flows over seven natural terraces, surrounded by shady trees and picnic areas.
As you reach Zaqatala, the scenery becomes more alpine. The town’s charm lies in its Azerbaijani and Georgian architecture, with wooden balconies, arched gates, and homes made of river stone.
Zaqatala’s central park is lined with walnut trees and leads to the ruins of a 19th-century fortress once used by Russian troops.
The Zagatala State Reserve offers dense forests, fast-flowing rivers, and peaceful hiking paths outside town. One scenic trail winds through valleys and forest clearings and connects Jar, Honzogor, and Gabizdere.
Starting in the Jar village, you’ll pass through shepherd camps on the Honzogor plateau and end in Gabizdere village. In Gabizdere, there’s the Jingoz Fortress and a powerful waterfall.
Best for travelers who enjoy lush forests, wildlife, and peaceful nature walks.
The drive from Lankaran to Hirkan National Park is about 52 kilometers and takes around 1.5 hours. The road leads from the flat coastal areas into the forested slopes of the Talysh Mountains. It’s a scenic route, with views of tea fields, citrus orchards, and green hills.
Lankaran is a laid-back city by the Caspian Sea, known for its warm weather, tea plantations, and rich food culture. Before heading to the park, you can explore Lankaran Bazaar, where locals sell fresh herbs, fruits, and homemade jams.
A visit to the Lankaran Fortress shows the city’s past under Persian and Russian rule. The town also has natural hot springs and seaside cafés worth visiting if you plan to stay longer.
At the end of the drive, the Hirkan National Park welcomes you with dense forests. The park is home to the ancient Hyrcanian forests, which have existed since the time of the dinosaurs.
Rare trees like Persian ironwood grow here. Visitors might also spot animals like lynx, wild boars, or the elusive Caucasian leopard.
The Khanbulan Lake route is a 4.5 km trail with peaceful views and picnic spots along the shore. It’s suitable for hiking and is open all year round.
Best for travelers who enjoy riverside towns and seasonal nature experiences.
The drive from Mingachevir to Goychay is about 66 kilometers and takes about 1 hour. The road cuts through central Azerbaijan, with flat farmland, vineyards, and small villages lining the way.
Mingachevir, built along the Kura River, is one of Azerbaijan’s major cities, often called the “city of lights” due to its hydropower station. The city offers peaceful riverside parks, pedestrian walkways, and river cruise options.
Locals often gather near the Mingachevir Reservoir, where you can try fish dishes at lakeside restaurants.
The Mingachevir History Museum is small but informative. It showcases regional crafts and the city's Soviet-era development. For those interested in archaeology, nearby ancient burial mounds and ruins point to the area’s deep past.
The drive to Goychay takes you through fields and vineyards, especially beautiful in spring and autumn.
Goychay is famous across the country for its pomegranates. If you visit in late October or early November, you might catch the Pomegranate Festival, a lively celebration with fruit tastings, folk music, and traditional dance.
One of the best road travel tips for Dutch travelers is to plan around the seasons. It helps make every drive in Azerbaijan safer and more enjoyable.
Spring is one of the best times to explore Azerbaijan by car. The weather is mild and flowers bloom. Qabala comes alive with green valleys and clear rivers.
Zaqatala is also lovely this season, with mountain air, blossoming orchards, and peaceful forest paths.
In Goychay, fruit trees bloom, and roadside markets offer fresh herbs, jams, and homemade bread. It’s a great season for slow drives, nature views, and light hiking.
Summer can get hot in the lowlands, so head for higher ground. Lake Goygol, tucked in the mountains, is cooler and surrounded by pine trees. The water is clear and perfect for a midday stop.
Hirkan National Park near Lankaran is another summer favorite. The coastal breeze, shaded roads, and nearby tea plantations make it a refreshing escape. Lankaran’s small towns also serve iced tea and fresh seafood. Bring sun protection and stop often to enjoy the mountain views.
This season transforms Azerbaijan into a sea of red, gold, and orange. Zaqatala and the forests around Ismayilli look especially vibrant.
It’s a good time to visit pomegranate farms in Goychay, where the annual harvest draws plenty of local attention. Roadside stands sell fresh juices and dried fruits.
Qabala also offers calm roads with trails and parks perfect for short walks. Autumn is great for photography, market stops, and cool-weather drives with wide-open views.
Winter is quiet but comes with some driving challenges. Snow can cover routes near Lake Goygol or Qabala, so only drive these if you have a 4x4.
Lower-altitude destinations like Lankaran stay more accessible. The road to Hirkan National Park remains open most days, and the forest looks calm and quiet under a light mist.
It’s a good time to enjoy the coast, visit warm tea houses, and take short day trips. Always check the forecast, fuel up, and avoid driving late in rural areas.
For Dutch travelers in Azerbaijan, driving unlocks more than just major cities. You can experience villages, forests, lakes, and coastlines at your own pace. These routes are perfect for slow travel and rich memories.
Renting a car with Finalrentals makes your trip even easier within your budget. You can start your journey right after landing with pick-up options at the Baku airport or downtown. Choose from many vehicles, from compact cars for city trips to SUVs for mountain drives.
