How to Get to Gori: Taxi, Transfer, Train, or Minibus

Residents often refer to Gori as the heart of Eastern Georgia. Founded by David IV the Builder in the 12th century, Gori is located in the central part of the Shida Kartli region.

Tourists typically visit Gori for its rich culture and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike the hustle and bustle of the capital, Gori offers a more tranquil experience. The ancient fortress that overlooks the city and its museums warmly welcomes visitors. One of the most famous attractions in Gori is the Joseph Stalin Museum. Many tourists also take the opportunity to explore the nearby cave city of Uplistsikhe, which is just a few kilometers away.

Gori is only about 90 minutes from Tbilisi, roughly 66 km in a straight line or 85 km by road. This makes it an ideal destination for a day trip. You can reach Gori by:

• Train
• Marshrutka (minibus)
• Rental car
• Taxi
• Transfer service

With its unique blend of history and culture, Gori is worth a visit!

In Gori, all trains and electric trains heading to Zugdidi, Poti, Borjomi, Kutaisi, and Ozurgeti make stops. You can purchase tickets at the ticket office at the Central Railway Station in Tbilisi (Station Square 2, Metro Station: Station Square) or online at tre.ge.

Departure Times: 08:40, 08:50, 17:30 (train) and 06:35, 18:50 (electric train)
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour (train) and 2 hours (electric train)
Cost: 8-39 lari (train) and 2 lari (electric train)

It’s advisable to check the schedule and prices on the official railway website – railway.ge. You don’t necessarily need to print your tickets; it’s sufficient to present your passport and state your ticket number on board.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to get to Gori, the best option is to take a marshrutka (minibus). These depart from the Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi (143 Akaki Tsereteli Avenue, Metro Station: Didube) and run every hour, making it easy to reach the city.

Departure Times: Daily from 08:00 to 20:00
Travel Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cost: 5 lari

You can also opt for a more comfortable ride on a minivan. These vehicles leave as soon as they fill up with passengers, providing a bit more comfort for a fare of 8 lari per seat. They also depart daily from the Didube Bus Station.

If you’re among those who enjoy driving even while traveling, let’s discuss how to get to Gori from Tbilisi in a rental car.

There are two similar routes you can take:

Route S1: This highway passes through Kaspi, Gori, Khashuri (in the Shida Kartli region), Zestafoni, Kutaisi, Samtredia (in the Imereti region), Abasha, and Senaki (in the Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti region) to the Abkhazian border.

The journey without stops takes about 1 hour and 26 minutes (87 km). Travelers note that this is the fastest route.

President Heydar Aliyev Embankment and Route S1: This option differs in that you drive straight without turning onto Nodar Bakhua Street. The entire trip takes approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes (85.9 km) but be prepared for potential traffic congestion.

Travel Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes (excluding stops)
Cost: Starting from 140 lari per day, plus 30-40 lari for fuel one way

You can also reach Gori by taxi. Simply request a ride through an app, selecting “Gori” as your destination, and you will see the fare for a one-way trip.

Keep in mind that prices may fluctuate based on factors such as weather, demand, and the day of the week. It’s advisable to compare rates from two different companies to find the best deal.

Typically, a trip to Gori costs around 70 lari one way. However, if you delay meeting your driver or wish to make several stops along the way, additional charges may apply.

That said, taking a taxi remains a more comfortable option compared to a marshrutka (minibus) for getting to the city. You won’t have to worry about public transport schedules and can travel alone or with friends.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes (excluding stops)
Cost: Starting from 70 lari

GoTrip offers even more advantages than traditional taxi services:

• Fixed Pricing: You know exactly what you’ll pay upfront.
• No Deposit Required: There’s no need to put down a deposit.
• Free Services: Enjoy complimentary waiting time, cancellations, and stops (regardless of the number), as well as a child seat and water for passengers.
• Driver Selection: Choose your driver based on their photo, reviews, and vehicle.
• Safe Driving: All drivers prioritize safety.
• Punctual and Courteous Service: All drivers undergo training to ensure a high standard of service.
• Customizable Routes: You can plan your own itinerary and visit interesting sites along the way to Gori, such as the city of Uplistsikhe, St. George’s Church, and Ateni Sioni.

How to Book a Transfer to Gori from Tbilisi

To book your transfer, visit the GoTrip website and specify your departure and arrival locations, along with your travel date. You can order a vehicle not only from Tbilisi but also from Batumi, Kutaisi, or other cities.

After entering your details, you will see the estimated travel time and the cost of the transfer. Remember, the price is fixed and will not change, even if the driver has to wait for you at a particular attraction.

You can select your driver based on their photo, reviews, and vehicle description (make, seating capacity, luggage space, air conditioning, internet). Once you confirm your request, you’ll receive a call from the driver.

Book Your Transfer Tbilisi-Gori-Tbilisi

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes
Cost: Starting from 118 lari

If you want to visit Gori but lack the time to plan an interesting itinerary, consider taking a day trip by car with GoTrip. We’ve already done all the planning for you!

Gori is the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. It is here that you will find the modest single-story house where he grew up, which is now part of the museum complex. We recommend starting your visit at the museum itself, which houses a wealth of personal belongings belonging to Stalin. In the courtyard, you can see the train carriage used by the leader during his travels. The museum provides a realistic depiction of that era, with one of its exhibits focusing on repression and torture.

Next, we will ascend a picturesque rocky hill to visit the Gorisitskhe Fortress, whose foundation dates back to the 6th century. From this vantage point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Liakhvi and Kura rivers. If you’re an artist, don’t forget to bring your sketchbook; you’ll want to capture this stunning scenery.

After Gori, your driver will take you to the remarkable cave city of Uplistsikhe, which is carved into volcanic rock. This site is one of Georgia’s oldest cities and has now become a museum reserve where visitors can explore over 150 caves.

Finally, you will return to Tbilisi in comfort and style, ready to enjoy a delicious meal while reminiscing about a day filled with new experiences.

Book Your Day Trip to Gori

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes
Cost: Starting from 118 lari