How to Travel from Tbilisi to Kazbegi: 5 Options

Let’s explore how to travel from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, how long it will take, and what budget to plan for. But before, let’s talk about why to visit Kazbegi (or Stepatsminda).

The village of Stepantsminda (formerly known as Kazbegi until 2007) is located just 160 km from Tbilisi, offering a landscape and climate that are completely different and particularly beneficial for respiratory health. In just a three-hour drive, you can admire the majestic mountains of Georgia. The village itself boasts stunning views of Georgia’s most famous peak, Kazbek, a dormant volcano that rises to 5,000 meters. 

Some tourists come to Kazbegi to relax in hotels (the most well-known and upscale being Rooms Kazbegi), but mostly to enjoy hiking or mountaineering. Popular trekking routes (leading to Juta, Kazbegi Glacier, or the Truso Valley) are easily accessible from here.

One of the main attractions for visitors is the Gergeti Trinity Church, a 14th-century temple located at 2,100 meters. From this vantage point, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the village surrounded by mountains on one side and Kazbek on the other.

Kazbegi is situated just 10 km from the Russian border, which means that trucks often park along the road. This can make it challenging to navigate past oncoming vehicles in certain areas. The police manage traffic to prevent congestion caused by large trucks.

There are not so many options for traveling from Tbilisi to Kazbegi compared to other destinations in Georgia (Batumi, Mtskheta, or Mestia, for example). All routes follow the same path along the Georgian Military Highway. You can reach your destination by marshrutka (minibus), rental car, taxi, or through a transfer service GoTrip with a driver, as well as by joining a day tour. Choose the option that best suits your conditions, budget, and comfort preferences.

Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Cost: 15 GEL (about $5)
Departure Location: Didube Bus Station

Marshrutkas (minibuses) are the only form of public transportation available for traveling from Tbilisi to Kazbegi. These minibuses depart from Didube Bus Station starting at 9:00 AM, roughly every hour or whenever all seats are filled.

From Personal Experience:

Traveling to Kazbegi is quite easy due to its popularity as a destination. There are plenty of marshrutkas, but they fill up quickly, so it’s best to plan your trip for the morning to ensure you get a seat.

Once the winding road begins, it can be uncomfortable if you’re prone to motion sickness, especially given the aggressive driving style. The minibuses are usually packed, which can create a feeling of tightness (particularly since many tourists carry large backpacks). If you’re unsure about your tolerance for winding roads, it’s advisable to take motion sickness medication beforehand, as the route is indeed very curvy.

Pros:

• An affordable way to travel from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.
• Flexible departure times throughout the day, with many mimibuses available.

Cons:

• It can be cramped and uncomfortable (limited luggage space, as passengers often bring large backpacks into the cabin, blocking the aisles; seats can be hard).
• Safety concerns depend on the driver’s style (drivers may overtake dangerously to arrive faster; sharp turns are common), and seat belts are often not available.
• If you’re traveling with a group, you might not all fit in one marshrutka since they fill up quickly; you may have to wait for the next one to travel together.
• You may have to endure the driver’s music preferences (often Georgian pop or low-quality Russian music).
• The journey can be tiring, and you might even experience motion sickness.

Travel Time: 3 hours
Cost: Around $73 (approximately 200 GEL through an app)

Taking a taxi to Kazbegi is faster and more comfortable than traveling by marshrutka, despite the same distance (much will depend on the driver’s style). You can call a taxi at any time, whether you’re traveling alone or with up to three people. However, there can be challenges when returning, as popular apps do not operate in Stepantsminda, and you’ll need to negotiate with local drivers. The fare for the return trip may be significantly higher.

Pros:

• Shorter travel time compared to marshrutka.
• Available at any time.
• You can fit a large backpack or suitcase in the trunk (as long as it’s not occupied by a gas cylinder).

Cons:

• Approximately ten times more expensive than a marshrutka.
• Limited ability to choose your car and driver in advance (the first available driver will arrive; you can refuse the ride, but you’ll have to wait for the next one).
• Taxi drivers do not always maintain their vehicles diligently.

Travel Time: 3 hours
Cost: From $35 to $50 per day (approximately 10 to 135 GEL, for a basic car), plus about $20 for fuel one way.

Renting a car in Tbilisi to reach Kazbegi is relatively easy. Since many tourists choose to stay overnight in the village to hike or relax in a hotel, you’ll likely need to pay for two or three days of rental.

From Personal Experience:

When we first drove along the Georgian Military Highway, we were quite nervous. It was April, and with the snow melting, there were often potholes that could damage a tire. 

You need to be extremely attentive, which can be quite stressful. A driver unfamiliar with Georgia’s winding roads may find it hard to enjoy the journey.

Moreover, the presence of trucks waiting on the roadside to pass through the Upper Lars checkpoint complicates matters. Navigating around them can be intimidating due to the limited space on the road. It becomes even more challenging when snow is melting, especially in tunnels where you have to maneuver around trucks. Precision driving is essential, adding to the stress. Such conditions can be exhausting and may spoil your impression of the trip. Therefore, it’s best to travel during dry weather for a more enjoyable experience and less anxiety behind the wheel.

Pros:

• Comfortable (you can rent a car that meets your preferences in terms of body type and engine).
• There’s trunk space for your backpack or suitcase.
• Relatively safe (if you adhere to speed limits and overtake cautiously).
• You can stop at permitted places whenever you want to take photos (for example, on the way to Kazbegi, you’ll pass by the popular Gudauri Panorama—formerly known as the Friendship Arch—which is located not far from Kazbegi).

Cons:

• A deposit may be required.
• Rental cars are not always in perfect mechanical condition, and you are not insured against breakdowns on the road.
• The drive can be challenging due to the proximity to the border (with many trucks) and winding roads.

Duration: Approximately 10 hours
Cost: From $25 (68 GEL)

If your goal is to see the picturesque Kazbegi mountains without planning an overnight stay, a one-day tour is a good option.

Pros:

• You don’t have to pay for fuel or a deposit for a rental car, nor deal with any paperwork.
• Works for tourists without a driver’s license or experience driving on mountain roads.
• There’s no need to worry about the itinerary; you simply follow the guide’s program.
• If you’re traveling alone, it’s a good opportunity to meet new people.

Cons:

• Depending on the tour you choose, there may be up to 20 people in the group, which could feel uncomfortable in a crowded bus.
• You won’t be able to leave early, as you are tied to the tour schedule.
• Opportunities for stops are limited; any breaks must be coordinated with the guide and other tourists.
• The seats may be less comfortable than those in a private car.

You can also book a GoTrip day tour from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda (this is a route only with a driver, and you will make several stops).

Travel Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Cost: From $73 (196 GEL)

With GoTrip, you can choose a driver based on various parameters, including fuel and car type, language, number of passengers, and reviews. The driver will pick you up from your home or hotel at a time that is most convenient for you. You can make stops along the way (for example, at the Ananuri Fortress or Gudauri Panorama) and spend as much time as you like at each location; waiting time is free.

The Tbilisi-Kazbegi route is quite scenic, and the drivers are well-acquainted with it. You can ask them in advance about interesting sights along the way and plan stops at photogenic spots, such as the “rusty” mineral springs.

From Personal Experience:

If you’re running late for breakfast or lunch in Tbilisi, ask your driver to stop in Pasanauri. This village is famous for its khinkali (it’s believed that this dish originated here). In pasanauri khinkali, the meat is chopped rather than ground. They are delicious and cheaper than in the capital.

Book a transfer from Tbilisi to Kazbegi with free cancelation

Pros:

• Punctuality (you will leave exactly at the scheduled time).
• The price remains fixed; you know it in advance when booking your trip on the website.
• You can relax during the journey, enjoy the mountain views, and take videos and photos at your leisure.
• Safe (drivers take their time and drive carefully to ensure your comfort).
• You can choose a car based on brand, body type, and engine (detailed photos are available on the website).
• No cancellation fee if you decide to cancel your booking, and no prepayments

Cons:

• More expensive than a marshrutka, but if you’re traveling to Kazbegi without an overnight stay, you won’t have to pay extra for the return trip (if a driver is coming back to the same city). Moreover, you can share the transfer cost with friends.

A private transfer with GoTrip makes the journey from Tbilisi to Kazbegi a remarkable experience in itself. May it bring you joy and lasting memories!