After a six-year suspension, passenger train services on the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route have officially resumed. The first service from Baku departed on May 25 at 23:10 and arrived in Tbilisi at 09:04 the following morning.
A welcoming ceremony was held at Tbilisi Railway Station, attended by Deputy Minister of Economy Tamar Ioseliani, representatives of the Azerbaijani Embassy, Georgian Railway CEO Lasha Abashidze, and other officials.
Georgian Railway head Lasha Abashidze said demand for the route is strong and ticket sales are active. He noted that the restoration of daily passenger services between Tbilisi and Baku was made possible through successful cooperation with Azerbaijani partners and will have a positive impact on economic development.
Deputy Economy Minister Tamar Ioseliani said the renewed rail connection will increase tourist flows and further strengthen people-to-people and economic ties between Georgia and Azerbaijan.
The service is now operated using modern Stadler train sets, offering upgraded comfort and international-standard travel conditions. Azerbaijani customs authorities also conducted special training for railway staff covering border procedures, baggage control, restrictions, and the use of a “smart customs” mobile application.
