Cost and Travel Options: How to Get from Tbilisi to Batumi

The route from Tbilisi to Batumi is 374 km long and consists of a well-maintained asphalt road, which is partly a two-lane and partly a four-lane highway. The most challenging section of the route is the serpentine area after the mountain pass, which includes tunnels, steep climbs, descents, and sharp turns.

Without traffic jams or stops, you can travel from one city to the other in approximately 4 hours (after renovation of the road). Let’s compare different transportation options for getting from Tbilisi to Batumi: plane, train, bus, minibus, taxi, and private transfer. 

Travel Time: 1 hour (plus transfer to Natakhtari)

Cost:

• Plane ticket: 125 GEL ($46)
• Transfer to Natakhtari: 30 GEL ($11)
• Transfer from Batumi Airport: 30 GEL ($11)

Departure Point: Natakhtari Airport

The fastest way to reach Batumi is by plane. Small planes operated by the Georgian company Vanilla Sky fly from Natakhtari Airport, which is located 23 km from Tbilisi. You can bring luggage weighing up to 15 kg per person.

The flight schedule varies depending on the season, so it’s advisable to check it in advance on the website or, preferably, by phone. There are more flights available in summer than in winter.

To get to Natakhtari, you can use the carrier’s buses (the meeting point is at the metal bicycle sculpture on Rose Revolution Square, opposite the Radisson Blu Hotel), take a taxi, or book a private GoTrip transfer in advance for your desired time and address.

Batumi Airport is situated 7 km from the city center. There is a bus stop right outside the airport, with Buses No. 9 and No. 10 servicing the route to the city. In summer, these buses operate from 7:00 AM to midnight, and in winter from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You can also call a taxi (which is usually cheaper when booked through an app than from private drivers) or arrange a GoTrip transfer in advance (a driver will pick you up at your address and will bring you to the airport).

From Personal Experience

Plane tickets can be purchased on the website or at the company’s office, but the booking form does not always work smoothly. On one occasion, I attempted to book a ticket through the website but found no available options for any of the dates. When I called the company’s hotline for clarification, the dispatcher informed me that tickets for the next few days were available. However, I was unable to book them online and opted for another travel option.

Pros:

• Fast
• Safe

Cons:

• The airport is 23 km from Tbilisi
• Tickets need to be purchased in advance as they sell out quickly
• Flights can be canceled right before departure
• Limited baggage weight (up to 15 kg)
• Issues with booking tickets online
• You miss out on scenic views and interesting places along the way
• Inflexible flight schedule

Travel Time: 5.5 hours (8:00 – 13:14, 10:25 – 15:39, 17:05 – 22:19)

Cost:

• 2nd Class: 35 GEL ($13)
• 1st Class: 75 GEL ($27.50)

Departure Point: Main Railway Station

Modern double-decker Stadler trains depart for Batumi two or three times a day from the Main Railway Station, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased on the state carrier’s website at www.railway.ge or at tre.ge/en. To buy tickets, you need to register and enter your passport number during the booking process. Payment can be made by card.

You do not need to print out the electronic ticket; simply take a screenshot and show the booking number from your mobile phone to the conductor. Be sure to bring your passport, as it will be checked when boarding the train.

During the high season, second-class tickets sell out quickly since first-class tickets are twice as expensive but only offer more comfortable seats and additional space. It often happens that only single seats remain available. If you order several tickets at once, there is a high chance that you will receive seats at different ends of the carriage. To avoid this issue, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance at the station ticket office.

From Personal Experience

Some seats on the train face backward relative to the direction of travel, which may be uncomfortable for children and individuals prone to motion sickness (this was my experience). When purchasing tickets, check with the ticket office to ensure that such seats are not assigned if they are unsuitable for you.

Pros:

• Cheaper than flying
• Safe
• No restrictions on luggage weight
• Charging ports for phones and electronics
• Amenities such as air conditioning and toilets

Cons:

• Inflexible schedule
• Tickets must be purchased in advance online or at the box office
• Can be noisy
• Limited space for large suitcases (most often left near the exits of the train)
• Poor internet connectivity (Wi-Fi is very weak, and mobile signals often drop)
• You need to bring your food and drinks, as tea or coffee is not sold on the train
• You miss out on scenic views and cannot make stops along the way

Travel Time: Approximately 6.5 hours (12:00 – 18:30, 18:00 – 23:59, 23:59 – 6:30)

Cost: 40 GEL ($15)

Departure Point: Central Bus Station

Metro Georgia buses leave for Batumi from the Central Bus Station in Tbilisi several times a day. These are large modern buses designed to accommodate 50 passengers, and the journey takes about 6.5 hours.

You can check for available seats and purchase tickets online through the carrier’s website or at the company’s offices (Gulia St., Building 1, Ortachala bus stop on Chavchavadze St. 16, Akhmeteli and Agmashenebeli crossroads).

Pros:

• Relatively affordable price
• Safer than a minibus
• You can buy tickets online and choose your seats
• No baggage weight restrictions; there is space for luggage

Cons:

• Inflexible schedule (you will spend the whole day on the road, arriving late in the evening or traveling all night without enough sleep)
• You will not be able to visit beautiful places or interesting restaurants along the way
• Compared to other options, the bus is the slowest

Travel Time: Approximately 5.5 hours

Cost: 30-35 GEL ($11-$13)

Departure Point: Didube Bus Station

Minibuses to Batumi depart from Didube Bus Station every hour. Tickets cannot be purchased online; you need to arrive at the station in advance, find a minibus, and pay the driver in cash for your ticket. Minibuses leave as they fill up.

In terms of cost, a minibus is the most affordable option, but it is less comfortable and safe than other kinds of transport. Drivers tend to drive fast and quite aggressively, which can be particularly challenging on serpentine roads. Due to the many turns, passengers often experience motion sickness.

Personal Experience

For me, traveling to Batumi by minibus was exhausting. The driver made dangerous overtakes, and I found myself praying to arrive safely. It was not only scary but also uncomfortable. On a hot day, the cabin felt stuffy and noisy, with passengers constantly talking on the phone and playing music. The driver made only one short stop during the entire journey. My back hurt, and my legs were swollen from the uncomfortable seat and cramped conditions. But maybe I am just old 😀

Pros:

• The cheapest option
• Departures every hour
• You can leave any day without buying tickets in advance

Cons:

• You cannot book a ticket or find out exactly when the minibus departs
• Minibuses lack convenient compartments for luggage; suitcases are stored in the back, where space is often limited
• Unsafe (some drivers drive fast and aggressively)
• Uncomfortable (no amenities, cramped conditions)
• Tiring stops for boarding and disembarking passengers
• In warm weather, it can be hot, noisy, and stuffy
• You cannot enjoy beautiful places along the way or stop at restaurants
• Tickets can only be purchased in cash

Travel Time: Approximately 5.5 hours

Cost: 350-450 GEL ($130-$165)

You can also get from Tbilisi to Batumi by taxi by placing an order through any mobile application. You will see the cost of the service when booking, which may change depending on demand, time, and day of the week.

Choose a tariff and type of car (passenger car or minivan), but you will not be able to check the condition of the vehicle in advance or find out who will be driving you. The driving style of local drivers can be dangerous and uncomfortable, especially for those who are not used to sharp braking and acceleration.

Personal Experience

I do not recommend choosing the cheapest economy tariff. The condition of the interior in such cars is often poor; drivers may smoke and play unpleasant music. The road to Batumi is long and challenging, so it is better to pay more than to endure discomfort for several hours.

Pros:

• Can be called at any time
• Relatively fast
• More comfortable than a minibus (if you get a good driver and car)
• You can store your suitcases in the trunk (though if there is a gas cylinder, there may not be enough space, and you will not know in advance)

Cons:

• More expensive than other types of transport
• No option to choose a driver or car
• May be uncomfortable due to aggressive driving
• The driver may smoke, bring up unpleasant topics for conversation, or play music you dislike
• You will have to pay extra for stops and waiting along the way
• If something happens to the car during the journey, you will not be provided with a replacement vehicle

Travel Time: Approximately 5.5 hours

Cost:

• From 140 GEL ($50) per day
• Gasoline: approximately 100 GEL ($35)
• Deposit: from 300 GEL ($100)
• Car return fee: from 100 GEL ($35)
  

Renting basic car models in Georgia (for example, a Toyota Prius) costs, on average, 150 GEL per day. Fuel for the trip from Tbilisi to Batumi will cost about 100 GEL for a small car. Most companies also require a refundable deposit of $100-$200.

Available cars are quickly booked, so it is advisable to reserve a vehicle for your desired dates in advance, especially if you are traveling on weekends.

If you do not plan to return the car to Tbilisi, you will need to pay extra for the drop-off. Typically, this amount is at least half the cost of a daily rental. If you intend to spend several days in Batumi, you will also need to pay for each day, regardless of whether you use the car or not.

From Personal Experience

The road to Batumi can be quite challenging. In 2024, the mountainous part of the route is still under repair (but in 2025 it should be already finished). Many drivers struggle with slow-moving traffic and attempt to overtake long lines of vehicles. Even for an experienced driver, making the journey without stops can be tiring. If you lack driving experience in Georgia, it will be even more difficult. To avoid traffic jams, it is best to leave as early as possible.

Pros:

• No need to adjust to a schedule
• Comfortable (you can choose a suitable car model)
• Insurance included and space for luggage
• You can make stops along the way

Cons:

• When factoring in fuel, deposits, and drop-off fees, this option can be the most expensive. City parking in Batumi is paid (10 GEL per day or 20 GEL per week; payment can be made via mobile banking or at an information kiosk at a bank).
• The route can be difficult for an unprepared driver (you may encounter dangerous overtaking on narrow sections of the road).
• You will need to independently research where it is best to stop along the way.

Travel Time: Approximately 5.5 hours

Cost: From 343 GEL ($125) per car

With GoTrip you can order a transfer with a private driver for your desired date and time on the GoTrip.ge website.

You can select a car and driver from the large database. The transfer price is fixed, and all stops and waiting times along the way are included.

The company’s drivers undergo training, know the roads well, and are familiar with picturesque places to relax and cafes along the route. Unlike buses, minibuses, and taxis, a transfer allows you to make unlimited stops without additional charges. You can also control the music in the car and choose your own songs for the entire journey. The cars are always dry-cleaned inside, and free of odors.

If you wish, you can turn a regular transfer into a full-fledged excursion and visit interesting places along the way. Small deviations from the route typically do not change the cost of the trip.

Book a transfer from Tbilisi to Batumi with free cancelation

Personal Experience

The road from Tbilisi to Batumi is very beautiful and diverse. Throughout the route, both the climate and the landscape change. When you pass through Surami, you will see many small kiosks along the road selling sweet bread called nazuki. Traditionally, sellers wave these buns to attract the attention of passersby. Ask the driver to stop so you can try the best nazuki in Georgia.

Pros:

• Flexible schedule (you can choose the exact date, place, and time of your trip in advance)
• Clean and safe cars
• Fixed price that includes unlimited stops and waiting time
• You know in advance what car and driver you will travel with; you can read reviews
• A safe and comfortable option since all drivers are experienced and responsible for their vehicles; they also undergo training in communicating with guests in the English language
• Booking without a deposit
• Free cancellation of the trip

Cons:

• Transfers cannot be paid by card; payment is made in cash at the end of the trip (this option will be available in a few months)
• A transfer with a private driver is more expensive than a minibus or train, but you can split the cost among passengers and include the return trip on the same day at no extra charge