How to get to Vale from Tbilisi

Today, we’ll tell you how to get to Vale — a small Georgian town on the border with Turkey. At first glance, it may seem like there’s little for tourists here besides a quick and hassle-free border crossing (travelers say that document and car checks are much faster and easier here than at Sarpi).

But Vale charmed us with its nostalgic atmosphere. So why not combine business with pleasure? If you’re on a visa run, give this small town a chance to leave a lasting impression.

Vale has the feel of a peaceful sanatorium, where you can enjoy fresh air and admire the surrounding mountain peaks. Among its sights, you’ll find two Churches of the Holy Mother of God and John the Baptist, the Basilica of the Virgin Mary, and the local House of Culture.

The distance between Tbilisi and Vale is 217.5 km, but there is no direct train connection.

If you enjoy traveling by train, you can still get to Vale affordably with a transfer. There are two options:

Option 1: Via Khashuri

Trains depart twice a day from Tbilisi Central Railway Station (metro Station Square). The first train leaves at 8:20 AM and arrives in Khashuri at 9:50 AM. The ticket costs about 12 GEL.

You can buy tickets online or at the station. Printing them is not necessary – simply show the conductor a screenshot with your booking number. Don’t forget to take your passport.

Upon arrival in Khashuri, you can take a taxi to Vale. The journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, and the fare typically ranges from 80 to 100 GEL, depending on the taxi company, demand, and weather conditions.

🚕 Important: Local taxis sometimes drive fast and unpredictably. If safety is a priority, consider booking a GoTrip transfer instead. On our website, you can choose a car and a driver who will ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

🕒 Departure times: 08:20 AM & 5:25 PM daily
⏳ Travel time: 1h 30m by train + 1h 40m by taxi or transfer
💰 Cost: ~12 GEL (2nd class), 25 GEL (1st class), 42 GEL (business class) + 80-100 GEL for a taxi or from 115 GEL for a transfer

Option 2: Via Zestafoni

Trains on this route also depart from Tbilisi Central Railway Station in the morning, evening, and at night, making it easier to choose a convenient time. However, this option takes longer.

The distance between Zestafoni and Vale is 145.8 km, which you can cover by taxi in about 3 hours. The fare is typically 130-160 GEL, or you can book a transfer for a more comfortable ride.

🕒 Departure times: 08:20 AM, 5:25 PM & 12:30 AM daily
⏳ Travel time: 3h 8m (day trains) or 9h 8m (night train) + 3h by taxi or transfer
💰 Cost: ~12 GEL (2nd class), 25 GEL (1st class), 42 GEL (business class) + 130-160 GEL for a taxi or from 207 GEL for a transfer

Pro Tip

Before traveling, check the schedule and fares on the official Georgian Railways website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Another option for getting to Vale cheaply is to take a minibus, though you will need to change buses along the way.

First, you need to travel from Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe. You can board a minibus at Okriba or Nige bus stations (both located near the Didube metro station). Buses depart every hour from 08:00 to 18:00, as soon as they fill up. The journey takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a ticket costs 15 GEL.

Akhaltsikhe is just 10 minutes away from Vale. A taxi will take you there for 15 GEL.

• Departure time: From 08:00 to 18:00 (every hour)
• Travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes + 10 minutes by taxi
• Cost: 15 GEL + 15 GEL (taxi)

We know that some of you prefer to travel around Georgia by car. You can rent one in Tbilisi and drive to Vale.

Rental prices start at around 140 GEL per day. For this price, you can rent a Ford Fusion or Toyota RAV4. The cost of gasoline depends on the car model, the highway you take, and other factors, but it is approximately 80-110 GEL.

To reach Vale quickly, follow this route: ს1 and Khashuri-Akhaltsikhe-Vale (Republic of Turkey Border)/ს8.

Without stops, the entire journey takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

• Travel time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (excluding stops)
• Cost: From 140 GEL per day + 80-110 GEL for gasoline (some companies may require a deposit)

Pro Tip

If you’re traveling from Batumi, it’s best to take the longer main road via Zestafoni and Borjomi. Unlike the shorter route through Khulo, it is safer and fully paved. The road from Tbilisi is now in good condition.

You can order a taxi from Tbilisi to Vale using an app. YandexGo, Maxim, and Bolt operate in Georgia. The cost of a one-way trip is approximately 185-225 GEL.

What should you keep in mind? In bad weather, taxi fares may be higher. You cannot choose the driver or car in the app, so the experience depends on luck. Local taxi drivers sometimes like to chat, may drive abruptly, and in economy-class cars, cleanliness is not always a priority.

• Travel time: About 3 hours 30 minutes
• Cost: From 185 GEL

Pro Tip

If you’re traveling with children or pets, opt for a higher class than economy or book a transfer for a more comfortable ride.

A transfer is a great option if you’re traveling with children or a large group, don’t want to worry about public transport schedules, and value comfort.

You can book a car from Tbilisi to Vale on our website. Simply plan your route by selecting your departure and destination points, as well as your preferred date.

Flexible stops: You can add stops along the way – for example, to take a walk in Borjomi Park or visit attractions near Vale. The driver will also be happy to recommend the best places to stop for lunch or buy souvenirs.

The cost of the transfer remains the same regardless of delays or extra stops. You can take your time and enjoy the journey without worrying about additional charges.

Book a transfer from Tbilisi to Vale

Choose a driver and car based on reviews, vehicle type, seating capacity, luggage space, and other amenities on the website. Once you place an order, the driver will contact you to confirm the details and pick you up at the agreed location.

• Travel time: About 3 hours 30 minutes (excluding stops)
• Cost: From 209 GEL

We wish you a smooth and enjoyable journey!