How to Reach Vardzia Cave Town and Monastery

The ancient monastery complex of Vardzia, carved into the mountainside, is located 235 kilometers from Tbilisi and about 100 kilometers from Borjomi in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The journey Tbilisi–Vardzia takes approximately four hours one way. In this short guide, I’ll explain how to reach the cave city of Vardzia using various modes of transportation and compare the pros and cons of each option.

From personal experience:

Even though the trip to Vardzia is lengthy, this remarkable destination should definitely be on your must-visit list. The atmosphere here is truly enchanting. Where else can you find 550 ancient caves spread across 13 tiers, reaching a height of 100 meters? It’s hard to believe this city was constructed in the 12th century! The thoughtful layout and cultural significance of the settlement are impressive. You can even find a church adorned with unique frescoes. If time permits, consider including a stroll through Borjomi and a visit to Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe during your trip. You can also stop by the stunning Khertvisi Fortress along the way.

You can spend plenty of time exploring Vardzia, which is open from 10 AM to 7 PM, and admission costs 15 lari. There’s a café near the parking area and some shops where you can grab a bite.

💸 Cost: 15 lari + 7 lari / or 70-80 lari by taxi
⏰ Travel Time: Approximately 5.5 hours one way

There are no direct minibuses (marshrutkas) to Vardzia. However, from Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi, minibuses to the nearest town Akhaltsikhe depart every hour from 7:40 AM to 7 PM. These drivers leave as soon as all seats are filled, so there is no fixed schedule. The journey to Akhaltsikhe takes about four hours, and tickets cost 15 lari, payable in cash to the driver.

Once you arrive at Akhaltsikhe, you’ll need to transfer to another marshrutka that will take you to Vardzia. These minibuses leave at specific times: 10:30 AM, 12:20 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:20 PM. The ride will take an additional 1.5 hours, and a ticket for this leg costs 7 lari.

Important Note: Returning from Vardzia by marshrutka can be challenging. The last minibus departs at 3 PM, which means you’ll have less than 1.5 hours to explore since the first marshrutka from Akhaltsikhe arrives at 1:30 PM. To fully enjoy the site, it’s advisable to stay overnight in a nearby hotel.

An alternative option is to take a taxi to the cave city. You can find drivers waiting near the bus stop across from the station. A round-trip taxi ride will cost between 70 and 80 lari, including the waiting time while you visit the caves.

Pros:

• More affordable than other transportation options.

Cons:

• No direct service; transfers are necessary.
• Inconvenient schedule.
• Limited opportunities for sightseeing along the way.
• The journey can be long, uncomfortable, and tiring.

💸Cost: 300-350 lari one way
⏰Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours one way

You can easily order a taxi using a mobile app. Simply enter “Vardzia” as your destination, and you’ll see the fare for your trip. Prices may vary depending on the time of day and demand, so it’s a good idea to compare rates in two different apps to find the best deal. On average, a taxi ride costs between 300 and 350 lari one way, with additional charges for waiting time.

It can be challenging to arrange a return taxi, so it’s advisable to negotiate with the driver for your return trip right from the start.

Pros:

• More comfortable and faster than taking a marshrutka.
• No need to adhere to a schedule or make transfers.
• You can stop along the way for sightseeing.

Cons:

• You cannot book a taxi in advance.
• You cannot choose your driver or vehicle.
• Additional charges apply for waiting.
• The driver’s driving style may be aggressive.

💸Cost: Starting at $50 per day + fuel + deposit (typically $100)
⏰Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours

To reach Vardzia from Tbilisi, you have two route options. Both roads are comparable in length and travel time.

The first option is the E60 highway, which takes you through Gori, Borjomi, and Akhaltsikhe (the northern route). This drive, without any stops, takes about 3 hours and 44 minutes (235 km).

The second option is the southern route through Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti, which takes roughly 4 hours (223 km).

Both routes offer beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a quicker and easier journey, the first option is your best bet. However, if you prefer a more picturesque drive, the southern route through Kvemo Kartli is stunning and allows plenty of sightseeing opportunities, including Lake Paravani. If you choose this route, it’s advisable to either leave very early in the morning or plan to stay overnight at a hotel near Vardzia.

Pros:

• No need to adhere to a schedule.
• Comfortable travel experience.
• You can choose your preferred route.
• Enjoy privacy without other passengers.
• Freedom to stop along the way.

Cons:

• Both routes may be challenging for inexperienced drivers.
• The drive can be tiring.
• A deposit is required.
• The condition of the rental car may not always be satisfactory.

💸Cost: Starting at 276 lari ($101) round trip
⏰Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours one way

You can book a transfer with local drivers through GoTrip not only from Tbilisi but also from Batumi, Kutaisi, and other cities. The price for this service is fixed and is displayed on the website at the time of booking. This fee covers the round trip (if you return on the same day), fuel, waiting time, and any stops along the way. You can select your driver based on reviews, vehicle specifications, and photos available on the site. Reservations can be made without a deposit, and cancellations are free of charge.

Booking Your Tbilisi-Vardzia Transfer with Free Cancellation

Booking Your Kutaisi-Vardzia Transfer with Free Cancellation

Pros:

• Fixed pricing.
• Complimentary services: return trip, waiting time, stops, bottled water for passengers, and a child seat if needed.
• Flexibility in choosing your route to the cave city of Vardzia.
• No deposit is required.
• Ability to select your driver based on vehicle type, reviews, and language proficiency.
• Punctual and courteous service from local drivers who have undergone guest service training.
• Enjoy your choice of music during the ride.
• Safe driving and reliable vehicles with clean interiors.
• Opportunities to explore interesting sites along the way (such as Rabati Fortress, the beautiful Vani Khabebi Monastery, and hot springs).

Cons:

• More expensive than taking a marshrutka (minibus).
• Cannot prepay with a credit card (the transfer is paid in cash at the end of the trip; card payment options will be available in the coming months).

💸Cost: Starting at 170 lari per person + entrance fees, private tours starting at $150
⏰Duration: Approximately 12 hours

Visiting Vardzia can be done as part of a guided tour. Typically, these excursions also include stops in Borjomi for a walk through the central park, Akhaltsikhe, and Rabati Fortress. In just 12 hours, you can see all these sites and return to Tbilisi late in the evening. Please note that all entrance fees are paid separately.

Pros:

• No need to arrange your transportation.
• The tour is fully organized by a guide or travel company.
• Opportunity to see multiple attractions in one day.

Cons:

• You must coordinate with the group.
• You cannot plan your schedule.

💸Cost: Starting at 292 lari ($109) for a round trip to all attractions
⏰Travel Time: 10 hours on the road + stops, total distance of 629 km

If you prefer not to rely on a guide or a tourist group, consider booking a ready-made road trip with GoTrip that includes transfers. This route features several interesting stops:

• Borjomi: Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful park and sample mineral water straight from the source (check out our article for more activities in Borjomi).
• Rabati Fortress: Explore this ancient fortress located in Akhaltsikhe.
• Vardzia: Visit the impressive cave city and monastery.

When you divide the cost of the transfer among all passengers, it often turns out to be more economical than a guided tour or taxi. You can also make additional stops along the way, so it’s best to start your journey early and dedicate the entire day to your travels. The price includes transfers to all locations, waiting time, and the return trip.

You can book a ready-made tour from Tbilisi to Borjomi, Rabati, and Vardzia or from Kutaisi to these attractions. Additionally, it’s possible to customize your own itinerary on the GoTrip website and arrange transfers accordingly.

Pros:

• Fixed pricing.
• Complimentary services: return trip, waiting time, stops, bottled water for passengers, and a child seat if needed.
• Flexibility in choosing your route to Vardzia.
• No deposit required.
• Ability to select your driver based on vehicle type, reviews, and language proficiency.
• Punctual and courteous service from local drivers who have undergone guest service training.
• Enjoy your choice of music during the ride.
• Safe driving and reliable vehicles with clean interiors.
• Opportunities to explore interesting sites along the way (such as Rabati Fortress, the beautiful Vani Khabebi Monastery, and hot springs).

Cons:

• More expensive than taking a marshrutka (minibus).
• Cannot prepay with a credit card (the transfer is paid in cash at the end of the trip; card payment options will be available in the coming months).