How to Get to Akhaltsikhe from Tbilisi

Travel always teaches us something about ourselves. And if you’re planning a trip through Georgia, Akhaltsikhe is worth a stop.

The main highlight here is the Rabati Fortress — a historic complex that brings together an Orthodox church, a mosque, and a synagogue, all within its walls. From the top, you’ll get a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Akhaltsikhe is also a great stop if you’re on your way to Vardzia, the famous cave monastery. The two are just under 62 km apart, so it’s easy to include both in your route.

Minibus (or marshrutka) is the only form of public transportation that goes directly to Akhaltsikhe.

Minibuses run every hour from 08:00 to 18:00, departing from the Okriba and Nige bus stations — both located near Didube metro station. Keep in mind, the schedule is flexible. Drivers usually wait until the minibus is full before leaving, so if you need to depart at a specific time, it’s best to arrive early.

Tickets are sold on the spot and cost around 15 GEL. Just make sure to bring cash — cards aren’t accepted.

Pros:

✅ Cheap and straightforward

Cons:

⚠️ Drivers often speed, brake sharply, or overtake recklessly
⚠️ Limited space for luggage
⚠️ Can be noisy
⚠️ No air conditioning — it gets hot in summer

Departure time: 08:00–18:00, roughly every hour
Travel time: about 3 hours and 30 minutes
Cost: from 15 GEL

If you enjoy train travel and want to explore Borjomi along the way, this route is a great alternative.

Start by buying a train ticket to Borjomi — either online or at the ticket office at Tbilisi’s Central Railway Station (Station Square 2, Station Square metro station). Trains run twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Borjomi is famous for its mineral water, clean air, and beautiful riverside park. You can stay for a few hours — or even a couple of days — to relax and explore, then continue your journey to Akhaltsikhe by minibus.

Departure time:
Train: 06:35 and 18:35
Minibus: every hour from 08:00 to 18:00

Travel time:
~4 hours 20 minutes by train + 1 hour by minibus

Cost:
From 8 GEL (train) + 6 GEL (minibus)

Tip: Be sure to double-check the schedule and prices on the official railway or bus carrier websites before your trip.

You can also get to Akhaltsikhe from Tbilisi by taxi. Just use a ride-hailing app (like Bolt) — the price will be shown in the app right away. A one-way trip usually costs between 180–220 GEL, depending on the weather, traffic, and fare type.

Pros:
✅ Faster than a minibus
✅ You can call a taxi any time, day or night
✅ There should be a space for luggage

Cons:
⚠️ More expensive than public transport
⚠️ You can’t choose the car or driver in advance (only the fare level)
⚠️ Some drivers may smoke or drive aggressively
⚠️ You’ll need to pay extra for waiting time during stops

Travel time: about 3 hours
Cost: 180–220 GEL

Tip: If you’re traveling with children, consider booking a transfer instead. It may cost a bit more than a regular taxi, but it’s much more comfortable and safer. Plus, you can stop along the way to rest or explore at no extra charge.

Another option is to rent a car and drive to Akhaltsikhe on your own. As of now, you can rent something like a Volkswagen Jetta or Toyota Prius in Tbilisi for around 140 GEL per day.

Just keep in mind that prices can go up on weekends, especially for budget models — they tend to get booked quickly. Also, don’t forget to count the fuel costs.

Tip: Fill up your tank in advance. There are no gas stations along the mountainous parts of the route.

The distance from Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe is about 207 km, and the drive takes around 3 hours, excluding stops.

Pros:
✅ Comfortable — you choose the car that suits you
✅ Space for luggage
✅ Privacy — just you and your travel companions
✅ Faster (depending on your driving style)
✅ Freedom to stop wherever you like

Cons:
⚠️ More expensive when you add fuel and possible extra fees
⚠️ Can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to mountain roads
⚠️ May feel unsafe if you’re unfamiliar with the route or local driving habits
⚠️ You’ll need to return the car to Tbilisi or pay extra for drop-off

Travel time: about 3 hours
Cost: 140–190 GEL (rental) + 70–105 GEL (fuel)
Some companies may also require a deposit or charge for a car wash.

The last — and one of the most comfortable — options is booking a GoTrip transfer. For nearly the same price as a taxi, you can travel from Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe with much more convenience and peace of mind.

Start by heading to the GoTrip website. Choose your starting point (it doesn’t have to be Tbilisi — you can book from any city), destination, and preferred time.

Book a transfer from Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe

You’ll then see a list of available drivers — all verified and experienced, trained in both road safety and local etiquette. Each profile includes a photo, car details, reviews, and more, so you can make the choice that suits you best.

The price is fixed, no matter how many stops you make. After booking, your driver will contact you to confirm the trip and go over any details.

Pros:
✅ Flexible schedule — you set the time
✅ Fixed price — no extra fees for waiting
✅ You choose the driver and car
✅ Free cancellation
✅ Trained, professional drivers for a safe ride

Cons:
⚠️ Costs more than public transport — but it’s a great value if you’re splitting the fare with others

Travel time: about 3 hours
Cost: from 238 GEL

Tip: You can turn your transfer into a mini-road trip! For example, plan a route like Borjomi – Rabati – Vardzia (just list these stops when booking).

• Start with fresh air and mineral water in Borjomi
• Then explore the impressive Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe — don’t miss the observation deck!
• Finally, visit the ancient cave monastery of Vardzia and take in its powerful atmosphere and the frescoes of Queen Tamara