How to experience Gobustan
Hours, tickets, the journey from Baku and the route on site.
Opening hours
The reserve and museum are usually open daily during the day (roughly 10:00–17:00). Hours may change, and the site is closed on 1 January.
Tickets
Entry to the grounds and to the museum is charged separately and is inexpensive (cheaper for citizens than for tourists). Confirm exact prices on site.
Prices and hours differ between sources and go out of date — before travelling, check with the official site or by telephone with the reserve.
Getting there from Baku
Taxi or transfer
About 1–1.5 hours each way along the road by the Caspian — the simplest option.
Organised tour
Tours usually include transport, tickets, a guide and a trip to the mud volcanoes.
Public transport
By bus to the town of Gobustan, then a local taxi to the museum — economical, but slower.
The route on site
Petroglyph Museum → the trail across the rocks of Böyükdaş (petroglyphs, "yalli", boats, the Roman inscription) → Gaval Dash. The mud volcanoes are a separate trip by off-road vehicle or quad bike.
Tips
- Bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes — there is little shade among the rocks.
- Allow 1.5–2 hours for the museum and petroglyphs, and another half-day for the volcanoes.
- A guide helps you make out the carvings and understand their meaning.
- Reach the volcanoes only by off-road vehicle or via the new complex.