Ganja–Gabala Regional

Azerbaijan Railways (ADY / Azərbaycan Dəmir Yolları)
Azerbaijan
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The Journey

Navigate from Ganja Railway Station (Gəncə Dəmiryolu Stansiyası) to Gabala (Qabala) Railway Station across a span of 139km.

Scenery Highlights
  • Forested sections of the Lesser Caucasus foothills between Laki and Aghdash
  • Mountain meadow and alpine scenery on the final climb into Gabala
  • Panoramic Lesser Caucasus ridgeline views from modern Stadler panoramic seats
  • Approach to Gabala with views of the surrounding ski-resort slopes (winter) or summer wildflower meadows
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    1.83 hours

  • Distance

    139 km

  • Est. Price

    Budget (AZN 4.80 / AZN 6.50 / AZN 9.50 / AZN 12 — Standard / Standard+ / Business / First Class respectively)

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None — vending service

Ensuite: No

Meals: None — vending service

Ensuite: No

Meals: Complimentary tea / coffee / water service

Ensuite: No

Meals: Complimentary tea / coffee / water service; priority boarding

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

Swiss Stadler EMU regional trainset (electric multiple unit)

Locomotive Weight

N/A (electric multiple unit — distributed traction)

Track Gauge

1,520 mm (Russian broad gauge)

Braking Technology

Electronic braking (Stadler regenerative + pneumatic blended brake system)

Route Engineering Challenges

  • 139 km route across agricultural lowland and Lesser Caucasus foothills terrain

  • Single-track section between Laki and Aghdash with a passing loop at İsmayıllı

  • Winter operation in mountain climate — Greater Caucasus snow can occasionally close the line for 6–12 hours after severe January storms

  • Mixed-climate route — Caspian lowland at Ganja rises to ~600 m at Gabala, requiring EMU traction to handle the gradient change

  • Cross-platform transfer at Laki requires precise timetable alignment with the Baku–Ganja Express (12-minute transfer window)

  • Limited maintenance infrastructure on the Laki–Gabala section under the 2024–2027 ADY upgrade — track inspection vehicles are deployed from Ganja

  • Summer 30–40°C temperatures in the Laki lowland require EMU air-conditioning to operate continuously

  • Coordination of timetable with the Gabala Music Festival surge demand in July–August (Standard class regularly reaches capacity)

Train Type

Stadler EMU regional trainset (Stadler KISS-sharing platform)

Manufacturer

Stadler Rail (Switzerland) — delivered 2025

Capacity

~250 passengers per set across 4 classes

Operator

Azerbaijan Railways (ADY)

Service Start

12 January 2026

Route Length

139 km Ganja–Gabala

Highest Point

~600 m above sea level at Gabala terminus

Maximum Speed

140 km/h (operating), 80 km/h average in service

Travel Time

1 h 50 min in either direction

Track Gauge

1,520 mm (Russian broad gauge)

Electrification

25 kV AC overhead catenary

Stations Served

Ganja – Goran – Yevlakh – Laki (transfer) – Aghdash – Gabala (6 stops)

Cross-Border Connection

Onward from Gabala to Baku via Laki transfer on Baku–Ganja Express

Operating Days

Daily (both directions)

Time Zone

Asia/Baku (UTC+4)

Booking Horizon

24 days in advance via ticket.ady.az

Currency on Board

AZN; vending accepts AZN cash and most international cards via app-payment

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    1.83 hours

  • Distance

    139 km

  • Est. Price

    Budget (AZN 4.80 / AZN 6.50 / AZN 9.50 / AZN 12 — Standard / Standard+ / Business / First Class respectively)

Official Booking Provider