How to get to Vani from Tbilisi by bus, train, or car

Vani is located 250 km from Tbilisi, 40 km from Kutaisi, and 140 km from Batumi. Usually, tourists seek ways to reach Vani to enjoy the hot sulfur pools just a few kilometers away, explore the ancient settlement, and visit the local archaeological museum.Vani is a small town, so there are no direct public transport routes available. The most convenient way to get there is, definitely, by car, but there are some other options as well. We will explain to you how to get to Vani by:

• Bus (minibus)
• Train
• Car
• Transfer (taxi)

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get to Vani, taking a bus is a great option. However, you will likely need to make transfers along the way. Most buses operate on the “Tbilisi – Kutaisi Airport” route and depart daily from the Ortachala bus station. You will need to get off at the airport and then call a taxi to Vani, which is about 34.7 km away.

Another option is to purchase tickets online in advance for the Georgian Bus service. These buses are scheduled to align with flight arrivals at Kutaisi Airport. They leave from Freedom Square in Tbilisi (with a stop at Pushkin Square, adjacent to Rustaveli) and head to the airport. The ticket costs 25 GEL per person. Georgian Bus also provides service from Batumi to Kutaisi Airport, so be sure to check their schedule on their website.

If you prefer not to order a taxi, the easiest way is to travel to Kutaisi and then go to the local bus station located at 67 Chavchavadze Street. Some minibuses stop right next to McDonald’s, which can take you to Vani at a relatively low cost. Don’t forget to take some cash to buy the ticket from drivers. 

There is no train station in Vani itself, so you will need to travel to the nearest station, which is Samtredia. Two trains run from Tbilisi to Samtredia: the express train 870 and the commuter train 12.

The express train departs Tbilisi every day at 8:20 AM and arrives in Samtredia at 12:33 PM, making the journey in 4 hours and 13 minutes.

Ticket prices vary by class: 16 lari for second class, 28 lari for first class, and 43 lari for business class. Tickets for this route sell out quickly, so it’s better to book it in advance on the carrier’s website at ticket.railway.ge.

Once you arrive at Samtredia station, you’ll need to call a taxi to get to Vani, which is about 25 km away (approximately a half-hour drive).

Another option is the commuter train number 12, which leaves Tbilisi at 8:45 AM and arrives in Samtredia at 2:33 PM. This journey takes nearly 6 hours, and you will also need a taxi upon arrival. A ticket for the commuter train costs 10 lari.

Both trains are equipped with air conditioning and toilets. Be sure to check the schedule and ticket prices on the website before your trip.

As with many small towns in Georgia, the most convenient way to reach Vani is by car. The fastest route from Tbilisi is along the E60 highway. About six kilometers before Kutaisi, take the second exit at the roundabout. The entire trip will take approximately 4 to 5 hours.

The drive offers beautiful scenery, allowing for stops in Gori and Chiatura along the way, especially if you have time to spare. Ideally, you could spend the night in Kutaisi and then continue to Vani the next day, as the distance between the two cities is only 41 km, which can be covered in less than an hour.

If you’re traveling from Batumi, you can reach Vani in about 2 to 2.5 hours. The route will take you through Kobuleti and Ureki before you turn onto the E692 highway.

You can reach Vani from any city in Georgia using a GoTrip transfer. Simply create a route in the planner on their website, select your desired date, and choose a driver based on your preferences and language. We have a lot of English-speaking drivers.

For example, if you build a route from Tbilisi to Vani, the system will display the distance (253 km) and estimated travel time (3 hours and 48 minutes, excluding stops). You will also see profiles of available drivers, complete with descriptions, photos, reviews, and pricing.

The cost of the transfer starts at 298 GEL for the entire vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers. This price includes fuel, unlimited stops, waiting time, water for passengers, and a child seat if needed. In comparison, a taxi for the same route starts at 330 GEL but does not offer the option to choose your driver or vehicle.

You can book transfers for:

Tbilisi to Vani

Kutaisi to Vani

Batumi to Vani

This makes it easy and convenient to travel to Vani with all the necessary amenities included.

You can book a GoTrip transfer not only to cities in Georgia but also to Tbilisi or Kutaisi airports without needing to pay a deposit. Once you place your order, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the trip details, and the driver will call you shortly to discuss any specifics. The driver will wait for you in the arrivals area holding a name sign, assist you with your luggage, and safely take you to your destination.

During the journey, you can make stops for photos or snacks at a café. Just ask the driver for recommendations on the best places to stop.

You can also arrange a transfer to the famous sulfur pools located 1.9 km from the highway. The water temperature in the pools reaches between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that it’s advisable not to stay in the pools for more than 10-15 minutes.

The driver will also wait for you while you explore the archaeological museum, where you can see artifacts dating back to the 7th-3rd centuries BC, including Colchian amphoras and figurines. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Additionally, it’s enjoyable to stroll around Vani, which has recently been restored.

We hope you find the perfect option for getting to Vani. May your trip be filled with positive experiences and wonderful memories!