Marshrutka & Bus
Marshrutkas — The Backbone of Land Transport
Marshrutkas (მარშრუტკა) are minibuses (mostly Mercedes Sprinter) that connect virtually every city and village in Georgia. They operate without a fixed schedule — when they are full, they leave. The system seems chaotic but works surprisingly well.
| Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi → Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) | 3–3.5h | 10 GEL (€3) |
| Tbilisi → Kutaisi | 4h | 15 GEL (€5) |
| Tbilisi → Batumi | 5–6h | 25 GEL (€8) |
| Tbilisi → Sighnaghi | 2h | 7 GEL (€2) |
| Tbilisi → Telavi | 2.5h | 10 GEL (€3) |
| Kutaisi → Mestia (Svaneti) | 5–6h | 20 GEL (€6) |
Departure Points in Tbilisi:
- Didube Bus Station: North (Kazbegi, Gudauri), West (Kutaisi, Batumi)
- Ortachala Bus Station: East (Kakheti: Sighnaghi, Telavi), South
- Station Square: Trains and some buses
Simply go to the bus station, shout your destination — someone will guide you to the right bus.
Trains (Georgian Railway)
The rail network is limited, but the main route Tbilisi → Kutaisi → Batumi is excellent:
- Tbilisi → Batumi: 5h, from 25 GEL (€8). Comfortable, air-conditioned, stunning scenery.
- Tbilisi → Kutaisi: 5.5h, from 12 GEL (€4). Slower than Marshrutka, but more comfortable.
- Night Train Tbilisi → Batumi: Sleeper car available — depart in the evening, arrive by the sea in the morning. Booking via railway.ge.
💡 Tipp
The "Gogo" app shows Marshrutka departures in real-time. For the night train Tbilisi–Batumi, book the sleeper car (1st class, approx. €15) — you save a hotel night and wake up by the Black Sea.
