Day Trip From Baku: Gobustan National Park & Mud Volcanoes

Gobustan Petroglyph Outdoor Exhibit

The outdoor petroglyph exhibit is just a few kilometers from the museum. The path starts at the parking lot and leads toward the rocks where drawings were carved thousands of years ago. This is the main attraction that Gobustan is best known for.

There are various types of petroglyphs – people, animals, dancing, hunting scenes. Some carvings are deep and clearly visible even from several meters away. Others are more faded but still noticeable. Near each important spot, you’ll find small signs with brief explanations. Everything is designed to be explored without a guide – you can go at your own pace and stop wherever something catches your interest.

The terrain isn’t difficult, but the path goes through rocky ground – at times you’ll need to climb steps or walk over uneven surfaces. It would be uncomfortable with poor footwear. There’s almost no shade, and on hot days the sun can be intense, so don’t forget to bring water.

From some spots, there are stunning views — you can see the rocks, the Caspian Sea in the distance, and the landscape feels like a semi-desert. I especially enjoyed standing there, just soaking in the silence and natural beauty — it’s a perfect place to escape the city noise.

Mud Volcanoes

The mud volcanoes lie about 10–15 kilometers from the petroglyphs. The road is unpaved, with the last stretch a pothole-filled gravel track that can be dusty and tricky to pass after rain. 

Upon arrival, you’ll see an empty plain dotted with about a dozen mud craters of varying sizes — some just a few meters high, others resembling small hills. Cold, grayish mud slowly bubbles up and flows down from them.

You can freely explore the area, but the ground is uneven and slippery, so be careful. It’s safer to walk around the craters rather than climb on top.

The site is fascinating not for its size or views, but its uniqueness. Mud volcanoes are rare, and if you haven’t seen them before, this place is worth a visit. You’ll need about 30–40 minutes to explore, but if you enjoy photography, you might spend a bit longer.

Note: Reaching the mud volcanoes isn’t as simple as it seems. The roads aren’t marked, the terrain is rough, and it’s easy to get lost. That’s why I recommend getting my PDF guide, which contains many useful tips.

How To Get From Baku To Gobustan

Gobustan National Park is about 65 kilometers from Baku. The trip takes roughly an hour, making it one of the most convenient day trips from the city. The key is to decide in advance how you’ll get there, as this can make the difference between a smooth journey and unexpected logistical hassles.

By Tour

Taking a tour is one of the easiest ways to visit Gobustan if you don’t want to worry about transportation or planning the route. These are usually full-day tours, starting around 9 A.M. and returning to Baku in the afternoon, between 3 and 5 P.M.

The itinerary often includes not only the Gobustan museum, the outdoor petroglyph exhibit, and the mud volcanoes but also additional sites like the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, the Fire Temple, or Yanar Dag.

You can book a tour online or locally—there are plenty of agencies in central Baku, especially around Fountain Square and Nizami Street. Prices depend on the program and group size. Group tours start from €20 (40 AZN), while private tours are more expensive, especially if you have a driver or guide just for your party.

The price usually includes transportation, museum tickets, guide services, and a trip to the mud volcanoes. Food, drinks, and tips are generally not included. Time at each site is limited, so if you want to stay longer somewhere, this option might not be suitable.

I couldn’t find any tours dedicated solely to Gobustan, so I chose to go on my own. Since much of the information online was either unclear or conflicting, I’m sharing the route I actually followed.

By Public Transport

If you want to get to Gobustan by public transport, the trip will be longer and less convenient than taking a tour. There is no direct route from central Baku to the museum or the mud volcanoes.

First, you need to get from central Baku to the Karvansaray shopping center. You can take city bus number 125, which departs from Azneft Square or the 28 May metro station. The journey takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

After getting off at the Karvansaray stop, cross the street and take minibus number 195, which goes to the town of Gobustan. This minibus runs less frequently, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning. The bus departs only when it is full. The ride takes about 45–60 minutes.

Once you arrive in Gobustan town, you’ll need to find a local taxi, which usually waits near the main intersection or the bus stop. Details on how much my trip around Gobustan National Park cost, how to negotiate with drivers, and tips to avoid overpaying can all be found in my PDF guide.

To return to Baku by public transport, you can take the same route back. It’s important to know that buses run infrequently, and the last routes from Gobustan to Baku leave around 5:00–6:00 p.m. So if you don’t plan your return properly, you might have to hire a taxi for the entire trip back.

Gobustan National Park Activities

How Long Does The Trip Take

If you plan to travel independently, a full day trip to Gobustan will take about 8–9 hours from departure in Baku to return. The duration depends on your mode of transport, how long you spend at each site, and whether you plan any additional stops.

The one-way trip takes about an hour and a half. You should allocate 2–2.5 hours for the museum and outdoor exhibit. Traveling to the mud volcanoes and spending time there will take about 1.5–2 hours. The remaining time depends on unforeseen circumstances and your preferences.

If you choose a guided tour, the day will be fully booked since the itinerary usually includes more sites, such as the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, Ateshgah, Yanar Dag, or other places around Baku. Unfortunately, this means you’ll spend much less time in Gobustan. The trip follows a strict schedule, so there’s no flexibility to stay longer somewhere or change the route.

I almost always prefer traveling independently because I can plan my time according to my wishes, stay longer where I find interesting, or chat with locals. If your priority is to see more places in a short time, a tour is a good choice. But if you want to travel more calmly, cheaply, and without rushing, an independent trip is definitely worth the extra planning.

Useful Tips For Trip To Gobustan Park

When planning a day trip to Gobustan National Park and the mud volcanoes, knowing a few things in advance can make your journey easier and help you avoid surprises.

Best Time To Visit

• Season: The best time to visit is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). The weather is milder and the sun less intense.
• Summer: Gobustan can be very hot in summer — temperatures often exceed +35°C, especially around midday. If you travel during this time, start your trip early in the morning.
• Winter: Weather conditions are unpredictable — some sections (especially near the mud volcanoes) can become difficult to pass due to mud or rain.

What To Bring

• Water: Bring at least 1–1.5 liters of water per person — there are no opportunities to buy drinks at the museum or near the volcanoes.
• Hat and Sun Protection: Gobustan’s terrain is open with almost no shade.
• Snacks: The trip lasts all day, so bring something to eat.
• Comfortable Footwear: It’s best to wear closed shoes with non-slip soles.