How to Get to Tskaltubo: 5 Options for Any Budget

Wondering how to get to Tskaltubo from Tbilisi? We’ve got you covered — here are all the main ways to get there, whether you’re saving or splurging.

Tskaltubo is a spa town, renowned for its natural mineral springs and therapeutic properties. The air in its nearby karst caves is rich in salts and minerals, which is great for your lungs, heart, and nervous system.

But it’s not just about health treatments. Tskaltubo is also a beautiful little town surrounded by green hills and peaceful river valleys. Its grand, old architecture makes the views even more special.

Back in the day, Stalin ordered the construction of 19 luxurious sanatoriums here. Some are now abandoned (but still fascinating to explore), while others have been renovated into modern wellness resorts.

The distance from Tbilisi to Tskaltubo is about 235 kilometers. You can get there by:

• Train
• Minibus (marshrutka)
• Car
• Taxi
• Private transfer

Unfortunately, there’s no direct train from Tbilisi to Tskaltubo. But if you prefer train travel and want to save some money, there’s still a way to make it work.

First, take a train from Tbilisi to Kutaisi International Airport. Trains leave several times a day from the Central Railway Station (Station Square metro station). They’re comfortable and well-equipped, with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi (but it barely works), power outlets, and proper seats. Just keep in mind that the ride takes about 5 hours, which is longer than a minibus.

There’s also a seasonal train from Tbilisi to Kutaisi city (runs once a day), so depending on the time of year, that might be an option too.

You can buy tickets at the station or online. If you book online, there’s no need to print anything — just show the e-ticket on your phone along with your passport when the conductor checks.

Pro tip: If you’re buying multiple tickets and want to sit together, you can pay for the seat selection (1 lari per ticket).

From Kutaisi, it’s just a short 30-minute taxi ride to Tskaltubo. Prices vary depending on the driver, but you can expect to pay around 25–30 GEL for the trip.

Travel time: ~5 hours by train + 30 minutes by taxi
Cost: 33 GEL (2nd class), 71 GEL (1st class), 121 GEL (business class) + 25–30 GEL for taxi

Another budget-friendly option is taking a minibus (marshrutka). There are a few direct minibuses from Tbilisi to Tskaltubo that leave daily from Didube Bus Station (right next to Didube metro station). The only downside is they all depart in the afternoon and arrive quite late, which is why many travelers prefer going via Kutaisi or booking a private transfer instead.

You don’t need to buy tickets in advance — just pay the driver in cash when you board.

Departure times (approximate): 13:00, 14:30, 16:00, 17:00
Travel time: ~4 hours 20 minutes
Cost: from 30 GEL (double-check with the driver or dispatcher)

Tip: Minibuses sometimes leave early if they fill up quickly, so it’s smart to arrive at the station ahead of time.

Alternative: Minibus via Kutaisi

If the direct minibus times don’t work for you, you can easily travel via Kutaisi. Here’s how:

Go to Didube Station and catch a minibus to Kutaisi. They run every hour from 08:00 to 20:00 and take about 4 hours. The ticket costs around 30 GEL.

Once you arrive in Kutaisi, you have two options:

• Bus #34 from the bus station — it runs every 30 minutes. Just make sure to ask the driver if he’s going all the way to Tskaltubo, since several local minibuses use the same number.
• Minibus #30 from the Red Bridge area in central Kutaisi. These leave every 20 minutes and are another cheap and convenient way to get to Tskaltubo.

Total travel time: ~4 hours + 30 minutes
Cost: 30 GEL (Tbilisi–Kutaisi) + around 3 GEL (Kutaisi–Tskaltubo)

If you’d rather not rely on public transport schedules, renting a car and driving to Tskaltubo is a great option, especially if you want flexibility and the chance to stop along the way.

Right now, car rentals in Tbilisi start at around 140 GEL per day, though prices can go up on weekends or holidays when demand is higher, especially for budget-friendly cars.

The main route to Tskaltubo is via highway ს1. It’s a scenic drive, but keep in mind:

Travel time: around 3 hours 40 minutes (not counting breaks)
Cost: 140–190 GEL for the rental + 85–120 GEL for fuel
(Some rental companies may also require a deposit.)

Good to know:
Top off your tank before heading out — there are long stretches of highway, especially through the mountains, with no gas stations. Also, be prepared: the drive can be tiring if you’re not used to local roads. Expect a mix of traffic jams, roadwork, and drivers who like to go fast.

Taking a taxi is the fastest way to get to Tskaltubo — but also one of the priciest. The cost depends on the company, weather, and traffic, but most travelers end up paying around 210–270 GEL for a one-way ride.

You can book a taxi through an app, but keep in mind: you won’t be able to choose the car model or the driver. Also, drivers in Georgia often drive fast, and during peak hours, some might accept your order and then just not show up.

Travel time: ~3 hours 40 minutes
Cost: from 210 GEL

Tip: It’s best to book your taxi in advance. And try to avoid the absolute cheapest option — those cars are often older, not very clean, may not have AC, and sometimes the driver smokes.

The last — and arguably the most comfortable — way to get from Tbilisi to Tskaltubo is by booking a GoTrip transfer. For the price of a regular ride, you get more than just transport — you get a personal local experience.

Your driver will not only take you to the resort town but can also recommend great places to stop, eat, and explore along the way. Many of our travelers say the stories and tips from their drivers made the trip unforgettable — of course, only if you’re in the mood to chat.

Book a transfer from Tbilisi to Tskaltubo

With GoTrip, you get to choose your car, your driver, and set the exact time and date of departure. You’ll also see the final price upfront — no surprises, even if you stop along the way or take a little longer.

All our drivers live in Georgia, know the roads well, and are trained to make your ride safe, smooth, and pleasant. You can even add a return trip for free if the driver is heading back to Tbilisi.

Travel time: ~3 hours 40 minutes
Cost: from 235 GEL

Have a great trip and enjoy your time in Tskaltubo!