Traveling from Georgia to the Caspian Sea: You Must Cross Azerbaijan

The Route

Georgia (country) does not border the Caspian Sea. To reach it, you must transit Azerbaijan.

Geography

• Georgia – South Caucasus; Black Sea coast.
• Azerbaijan – East of Georgia; entire eastern border is Caspian coastline (Baku, Sumqayit, Lankaran).
• Border crossing: Red Bridge (Tsiteli Khidi) / Azerbaijan's Qızıl Körpu – main land crossing.

Transport Options

• Train: Tbilisi → Baku (overnight, ~13 hrs).
• Road: Tbilisi → Baku via S1/E117 highway (~570 km, 8–9 hrs).
• Flight: Tbilisi (TBS) → Baku (GYD) – 1 hr 15 min.

Why Not Others?

• Russia – north of Azerbaijan; longer detour.
• Iran – south of Azerbaijan; requires Azerbaijan transit anyway.
• Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan – opposite Caspian shore; need ferry from Baku.