Ferries in the Caspian Sea
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Kmusser assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
This page aims to provide an overview of all the ferry services in the Caspian Sea between Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran.
All ferry journeys on the Caspian are cargo ships with space for passengers; do not expect a comfortable ride! Because of the nature of the trips, there is no set schedule for when boats arrive and depart, and despite promises of a departure time, weather or port congestion can delay ships for hours...or days. Pack your patience for an exciting adventure!
ServicesAs of 2015, the only routes available on the Caspian are from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, and Baku to Aktau, Kazakhstan.
Tickets and portsAs the main port of call on the western side of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan is the most common destination (or source) for passengers crossing the Caspian. Ships depart from Alat, 70 km south of the capital.
The crossingAzeri customs do not allow passengers on the ferry without having the visa of their destination in their passport, whether that be a tourist or transit visa.
Vehicles on the ferriesEach boat charges its own tariffs for vehicles.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Ferries in the Caspian Sea" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Kmusser assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons