How to Get to Jvari from Tbilisi

Jvari Monastery is a truly magical place — it fills you with peace, gives you strength, and seems to spark the brightest thoughts in your soul. If you’re wondering how to get to Jvari, know that it sits high on a hill, overlooking another natural wonder: the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers. The waters are different colors, so you can clearly see the exact spot where they meet.

On both sides, you’ll see timeless mountains. And near the monastery walls, there’s a tree reaching up to the sky, with a branch where visitors tie ribbons and make wishes.

So, how do you get to Jvari to see it all with your own eyes? That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this article.

Unfortunately, there are no trains from Tbilisi to Jvari. But you can get to Mtskheta (the former capital of Georgia: what to see in Mtskheta, read here), and from there you can get to Jvari cheaply by taxi or public transport.

To do this, buy a ticket for the train to Borjomi at the Central Railway Station or online. Trains to Zugdidi, Ozurgeti, or Kutaisi are also suitable – they all stop in Mtskheta. The journey will take about 25 minutes. The ticket price is pleasant, from 2 to 8 lari.

Tip! If you buy several tickets and it is important for you to sit next to each other, you can pay 1 lari per seat and choose the seats you want.

Getting to Jvari from Mtskheta will not be difficult. The cities are located only 16 km from each other. You can take a minibus near Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Look for those that go in the direction of Jvari or to the village of Uplistsikhe. But it is best to check the schedule at the bus station.

You can also call a taxi from Mtskheta to Jvari. But keep in mind that the trip lasts only 15 minutes, and you will have to pay 40 lari. Also, remember about your comfort: the road to the monastery is narrow and winding, but here too, drivers like to drive fast.

You can also walk to Jvari, especially in good weather. The walk will take about 1.5 hours, depending on your physical condition and how fast you walk.

Departure time: 06:35, 18:35 (commuter train to Mtskheta), 08:45 (train to Mtskheta) + 12:00, 15:00, 17:00 (minibus to Jvari, it is best to check the schedule at the station)

Travel time: 25 minutes (commuter train or train to Mtskheta) + 15 minutes (minibus or taxi to Jvari) or 1.5-2 hours (on foot Jvari)

Cost: 2 GEL (commuter train to Mtskheta), 8 GEL (train to Mtskheta) + 5 GEL (minibus to Jvari) or 40 GEL (taxi to Jvari)

A popular and budget-friendly way to get to Jvari is by minibus (marshrutka).

Head to Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi and don’t hesitate to ask around which driver is going to Mtskheta. Minibuses in that direction usually leave every 30 minutes, depending on how quickly they fill up. No need to book in advance — just pay the driver in cash on the spot.

Tip: Don’t get off in the center of Mtskheta. Instead, ask the driver to stop at the Jvari sign. From there, you can walk up to the monastery — either along the bypass road or straight up the trail by the highway.

Departure time: every 30 minutes from 08:00 to 20:00
Travel time: around 40 minutes
Cost: 3 GEL

You can also take any minibus heading to Kutaisi, Gori, Batumi, Borjomi, or Kazbegi from Didube. Just ask the driver to drop you off at the foot of Cross Mountain, where Jvari is located. From there, it’s about a 35-minute hike up to the monastery via the trail.

If you prefer to be behind the wheel, renting a car is a convenient way to get from Tbilisi to Jvari.

A standard Toyota Prius rental starts at around 140 GEL per day, but don’t forget to factor in fuel costs.

Tip: Reserve your car in advance, especially for weekend trips. On Saturdays and Sundays, budget-friendly cars get snapped up quickly.

The quickest route is via ს1 and the Zahesi–Jvari Monastery road — it’s only 27 km and takes about 40 minutes. Just make sure to fuel up beforehand, as there are no gas stations near the monastery.

Travel time: about 40 minutes (not including stops)
Cost: from 140 GEL + around 20 GEL for gas + possible deposit (depending on the rental company)

Taking a taxi is one of the quickest ways to get to Jvari. You can order a car through apps like Maxim or Bolt — the price will be shown right away. A one-way trip usually starts from 30 GEL, but the final cost can vary depending on the fare, weather, and traffic.

While it’s faster than a minibus or train, a taxi isn’t always the most comfortable option. Taxi drivers in Georgia often drive fast, brake suddenly, or overtake aggressively. During peak hours, they may also cancel your ride without warning, so it’s best to book ahead of time. And if you go for the cheapest fare, don’t be surprised if the car isn’t in great condition or lacks air conditioning.

Travel time: about 40 minutes
Cost: from 30 GEL

One of the most convenient ways to get to Jvari from Tbilisi is by booking a GoTrip transfer and letting your driver take care of everything. You’ll be picked up at a time and place that works for you, in a car of your choice. And the best part? You won’t pay extra for stops along the way.

Book a transfer from Tbilisi to Jvari

Go to the website, enter your starting point and destination, and select your preferred time. You can book not only from Tbilisi, but from any city in Georgia.

Next, pick your driver and car. Each profile includes important details: number of seats, trunk size, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and whether pets are allowed. If you’re unsure, you can always check reviews from other passengers.

GoTrip has a network of over 500 verified and experienced drivers. They’ve all completed training and know Georgia’s roads well, so you can relax and enjoy a smooth, safe ride. After booking, your driver will call or message you to confirm the trip details.

Travel time: about 40 minutes
Cost: from 87 GEL

Tip: You can also book a ready-made route to Mtskheta, which includes stops at Jvari Monastery and Samtavro Monastery — perfect for a half-day getaway.