Newcastle have been drawn to play Qarabag in the playoff round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, and although the draw has been kind to the Magpies in terms of the challenge they will face on the pitch, it is far from ideal for matchgoing Newcastle fans.
Qarabag are based in Azerbaijan, making this one of the most problematic fixtures possible in European football. One saving grace is that they currently play their home matches in Baku, the nation's capital, as opposed to Aghdam, where they originated.
The match will be played at the Tofiq Bahramov Respublika Stadionu in Baku, which has become Qarabag's home for big European matches.
So, just how are Newcastle fans meant to get to Baku for the match on Wednesday, 18 February? Let's take a look at some of the best options.
How can Newcastle fans travel to Baku?
Direct to Baku?
The easiest way to get to any European away match is to simply take a direct flight from your nearest airport to the airport nearest the stadium you are visiting. In this case, it should come as no surprise to learn that there are no direct flights from Newcastle International Airport to Baku.
The only way to fly direct from the United Kingdom to Baku is via London Heathrow. There is a flight that departs London at 22:05 on Tuesday, 17 February and arrives in Azerbaijan at 07:35 local time on matchday. The price of this flight is rising by the hour, so you will need to act quickly if you are to get on it.
2529 – Newcastle United's UEFA Champions League Play-Off journey of 2529 miles to Qarabag will be the longest-ever distance travelled by an English team in the history of the competition. Expedition. pic.twitter.com/MNRKHNA6Pj
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 30, 2026
Accept the changes
The main issue with the above direct flight is that it means Newcastle fans also have to travel across the entire UK to get to London Heathrow, and that in itself can be costly.
It could be more cost-effective and more of an adventure to take one of the scenic routes on offer.
Via Poland: One of the most popular options available is to fly out to Krakow in Poland from Newcastle on Monday, 16 February. From there, you will take an immediate connecting flight to Warsaw, where you can enjoy a night in the Polish capital before flying to Baku on the morning of Tuesday, 17 February
Via Turkey: Another popular option is to fly out to Antalya from Newcastle on the morning of Monday, 17 February. From there, you will get on a connecting flight to Ankara, and after a short layover in the Turkish capital, you will fly out to Baku that same night.
One trip, four countries: One of the most insane trips that is being discussed by some Newcastle fans is to travel through four countries in 29 hours to get to Baku. The route involves an overnight stay in Gdansk on Monday, 17 February, before travelling through Stockholm and Istanbul to get to Baku in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
FGG says: Adventure awaits
Newcastle fans wanted to see their team in the Champions League so that they could go toe-to-toe with the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. However, the chance to visit an unusual city like Baku is arguably what European away days are all about. Our tip? Take the most mental route possible and make memories that will last a lifetime.