How to Get from Gudauri to Tbilisi: 4 Options in 2024-2025

The distance between the ski resort and the capital is 115 km. The only way to travel from Gudauri to Tbilisi is by car along the Georgian Military Road. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the mode of transport: minibus, taxi, rental car, or private transfer. These options vary in price, comfort, and perceived safety, as most of the route is winding. Let’s consider the pros and cons of these methods.

Travel Time: About 2–2.5 hours
Cost: 10 lari (approximately $3.50)
Departure Point: Near the Wissol gas station and Smart supermarket along the route

There are no direct minibuses or buses from Gudauri. Starting at 9:00 AM, minibuses depart every hour from Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). The driver makes a stop in the village near the supermarket if there are available seats (local bus station). Often, the minibus fills up in Stepantsminda, so passengers from the resort may have to wait for the next one.

There is no exact schedule. The last trip is around 5-6 PM. If there are no available seats, you risk staying another night. Reservations are not possible; payment is cash only to the driver.

From personal experience: If you want to take a minibus, don’t arrive at the stop early in the morning, as most tourists in Stepantsminda choose morning trips. Closer to noon, minibuses are usually less crowded, increasing your chances of getting a seat. Do not agree to be transported on a makeshift stool or chair! The road is winding, and it can be unsafe. Although you won’t be able to buckle up in standard passenger seats either, sitting in them will be more comfortable.

Pros:

• Low cost

Cons:

• Unsafe (minibus drivers may speed and overtake dangerously)

• No seat belts; uncomfortable seating

• No exact schedule or guarantee of available seats (you could get stuck and miss your flight)

• Insufficient space for transporting skis and sports equipment

• You’ll have to listen to loud music chosen by the driver that may not match your preferences

Travel Time: 2 hours
Cost: Approximately $50–60 (140–170 lari)

Taking a taxi will get you to the capital faster, but much depends on the driver’s style of driving. You cannot order a taxi at the ski resort through popular apps as you would in larger cities in Georgia. The easiest way is to find a taxi at designated stands. Be prepared to negotiate since Georgian taxi drivers may initially quote much higher prices, hoping for tourists’ inexperience.

Traveling by taxi will be more comfortable than by minibus, and you are likely to arrive at your desired time, which is especially important for those with flights from the airport (unless the car breaks down on the way; therefore, choose modern vehicles).

From personal experience: If you are staying at a guesthouse and have built a good relationship with the owners, try asking them for a driver’s contact. The owner might call a familiar taxi driver for you, which can help avoid inflated prices.

Pros:

• Faster than by minibus

• Assurance that you will leave

• Space for skis and luggage

Cons:

• Higher price compared to minibuses

• Need to negotiate to lower inflated prices

• No card payment option

• Difficulties choosing a car and driver (you may have to accept what’s available)

• Risk that the vehicle may not be in good technical condition and you could get stranded due to breakdowns

• Possible lack of space for luggage if the car has a gas cylinder

Travel Time: 2 hours
Cost: From $50 per day (from 140 lari) + about $10 for fuel one way (according to 2022 prices; also depends on engine type)

Renting a car can be problematic here since travelers usually arrive in the village from other cities in a rental car and return with it as well. There are no rental services at the resort.

Capital companies offer delivery of cars to Gudauri. In this case, you pay for delivery (at least half of one day’s cost), daily rental fees, and fuel. Thus, the total cost of the trip becomes the highest among all options. A deposit of 600 lari (about $215) may also be required.

From personal experience: The Georgian Military Road is challenging not only because it is predominantly winding but also due to a large number of trucks (for them, this is the only land route connecting with Russia). Trucks travel one after another, making it nearly impossible or dangerous to overtake them. Due to congestion at the “Upper Lars” border checkpoint, trucks may stop along the roadside while waiting, narrowing the road and making it harder to pass oncoming vehicles. In winter, road conditions worsen due to snow and ice on some sections. Therefore, if you have never driven in Georgia’s mountains before, this route may seem excessively difficult and exhausting.

Pros:

• Comfort

• Space for luggage and sports equipment

• Relatively safe (you are responsible for your speed and driving style)

• Ability to stop at scenic spots in permitted areas

Cons:

• Delivery fee increases overall trip costs

• Deposit required for vehicle

• Challenging route for unprepared or inexperienced drivers

Travel Time: 2 hours
Cost: From $63 (172 lari)

It’s best to book your trip from Gudauri to Tbilisi in advance on GoTrip’s private transfer website. The driver will arrive at your address at the designated time and take you to the airport or any point in Tbilisi. Upon request, they can make stops along the way if you’d like to photograph the Greater Caucasus Mountains or buy souvenirs by the roadside. Waiting during stops is included in the transfer cost and does not incur additional charges.

The route is not only scenic but also interesting. On your return from the resort, you can stop by mineral springs with iron-rich water (noticeable by their characteristic rusty color), stroll around Ananuri Fortress, and walk along the well-maintained embankment below (with picnic areas and a fenced children’s playground). Souvenirs are sold here as well, including papakhas (a traditional Georgian hat made from sheep wool costing from 60-70 lari).

Make sure to take photos along the way and enjoy panoramic views of Jinvali Reservoir surrounded by mountains (which provides drinking water for half of Tbilisi’s population).

From personal experience: Stop at a roadside restaurant in Pasanauri along your route. The village is known as the birthplace of khinkali (Georgian dumplings). Here they prepare them with chopped meat instead of minced meat. There are several restaurants along the road; choose any—you won’t be disappointed.

Pros:

• Accurate service (the driver arrives at your address on time)

• Fixed trip cost

• No need to drive or buy gas; you can relax during your trip while enjoying mountain views and making stops for wine tasting

• Safety (the company employs only verified drivers who have successfully completed special training)

• Choice of cars by make and engine type: gas or petrol (the website offers photos of cars inside and out; you can select based on trunk size for transporting sports equipment: skis, snowboards, helmets, boots, luggage)

• Free cancellation if you change your mind about traveling

Explore vehicle options and book your transfer on their website.

Let your journey along one of the most beautiful roads in the Caucasus be comfortable and unforgettable!