5 Ways to Get from Tbilisi to Borjomi

When you hear the word “Borjomi,” what pops into your mind? Most likely, a refreshing glass of sparkling mineral water. Many travelers are eager to find out how to get to Borjomi to experience its famous mineral springs. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

If you have the chance, take a stroll in the National Park, soak in a warm sulfur pool, and ride the cable car over the stunning gorge (spoiler alert: there’s a Ferris wheel waiting for you at the top!). The views from up there are breathtaking — definitely worth it. If you want to know what else to see in Borjomi, read also this article.

Now, let’s dive into how to cover those 160 km and make your way from Tbilisi to Borjomi.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to reach Borjomi, why not hop on a train? It departs from the Central Railway Station in Tbilisi (near Station Square). Along the journey, you can enjoy the picturesque views of Georgian villages and maybe even catch a beautiful sunrise.

You can buy your tickets at the station about 30 minutes before departure, or if you prefer, grab them online or from the conductor once you’re on board.

Departure Times: 06:35 and 18:35

Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes

Pro Tip. Schedules and prices can change, so it’s best to check the latest info before you go at railway.ge.

If you’re looking for a cheap way to get to Borjomi, taking a minibus is an option. There are plenty of direct routes running from Tbilisi to Borjomi. You can catch these minibuses at the Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi (located at 143 Akaki Tsereteli Ave, near the Didube metro station). It’s an affordable way to travel, although you might find that taxi fares (to get to the station) can be higher than the minibus ticket price.

Just a heads up: while minibuses are budget-friendly and relatively quick, they might not be the most comfortable ride. Passengers often mention cramped seating and the lack of heating or air conditioning, plus some drivers have their own unique driving styles. But hey, it’s all part of the adventure, right?

Schedule: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (they leave as soon as they’re full)
Travel Time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes
Price: 12 Lari

Friendly Tip! If you’re heading to Akhaltsikhe, you can hop on a minibus that stops in Borjomi along the way. And if you don’t want to wait or are coming from a different bus station, you can take any public transport to Khashuri, get off at the roundabout, and switch to a minibus heading to Borjomi.

If you enjoy driving and want to rent a car in Georgia, getting to Borjomi is easy. Just hop on the S1 highway, which many drivers consider the quickest route. You can cover the 160 km distance in about 2 hours and 19 minutes (not including stops along the way).

Another option is to take both the S1 and S8 highways. The route is pretty much the same; just remember not to turn onto Akaki Bakradze Street at the start.

Travel Time: Around 2 hours and 20 minutes
Cost: Starting from 150 Lari per day, plus about 60 Lari for fuel one way (and sometimes the rental company might ask for a deposit).

Friendly Tip! If you’re not used to driving in mountainous areas, it might be a good idea to stick with public transport, grab a taxi, or book a transfer instead.

One of the easiest ways to get from Tbilisi to Borjomi is by taxi. You can use apps like YandexGo, or Bolt. For instance, with Yandex, fares start at around 160 Lari for a one-way trip. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

The return fare might be negotiable and could end up being higher than what you see in the app. Also, the driving style of some Georgian taxi drivers may not be for everyone.

Travel Time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes
Cost: Starting from 110 Lari

Friendly Tip! Make sure to confirm the fare before you start your journey.

Getting to Borjomi is easy with the Georgian transfer service GoTrip. Start by planning your trip on the GoTrip website: just pick your starting point, destination, and when you want to travel.

Once you do that, the booking system will show you available drivers (there are over 500 in the database). Each driver has a profile with a photo, reviews, and details about their vehicle ( number of seats, trunk space etc.). Take your time to find the driver that suits you best.

Every driver is well-trained and knows not only the roads but also all the beautiful spots along the way. Feel free to ask him for tips on where to eat or the best places for photos.

As for payment, the website shows you the final price for your transfer upfront. This means no surprises later, even if you’re running late or making extra stops along the way. You won’t need to pay a deposit either. Plus, water for passengers and a child seat (if you need one) are both complimentary.

After you submit your request, keep an eye on your email for confirmation and a call from your driver. He’ll check in with you about the trip details and pick you up at the agreed location.

Travel Time: About 2 hours and 15 minutes
Price: Starting from 189 Lari

So go ahead and book your transfer from Tbilisi to Borjomi.

If you want to not just reach Borjomi but also have an exciting day, I would recommend you consider a road trip with GoTrip.

You can book a ready-made route starting from Tbilisi or Kutaisi, and get ready for three fantastic stops along the way.

Borjomi

This is a place where you’ll feel the fresh mountain air. Here, you can admire a picturesque waterfall, ride the cable car, and of course, sample some mineral water straight from the source.

Akhaltsikhe

Next up is the charming town of Akhaltsikhe, home to the impressive Rabati Fortress. This fortress has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed, and now it features a mosque, an Orthodox church, a synagogue, and a museum filled with fascinating artifacts. Don’t miss the chance to climb one of the lookout towers for a stunning view of the surrounding area.

Vardzia

Finally, you’ll visit the incredible cave monastery of Vardzia. Carved into the Erusheti Mountain in the 12th century, it looks like a real-life city. It boasts 13 levels and around 600 rooms, with impressive dimensions of 900 meters wide and 60 meters deep. You’ll want to wear comfy shoes to explore this amazing place.

Book your one-day tour from Tbilisi to Borjomi.

Travel Time: About 9 hours and 55 minutes
Price: Starting from 277 Lari

Enjoy your journey!