How to travel from Yerevan to Tbilisi

The distance between the capitals of Armenia and Georgia is just 270 kilometers (about 168 miles), but the drive takes around 5 hours due to winding mountain roads and the need to cross the border. In this article, we’ll explore various options for traveling from Yerevan to Tbilisi in 2024, weighing the pros and cons and discussing travel times.

Travel Time: 10 hours
Cost: Starting at 80 Lari (approximately $30)

Trains from Yerevan to Tbilisi operate every other day, with the journey taking about 10 hours and 5 minutes. The train stops at the border crossings in Ayrum and Sadakhlo, each lasting about an hour. You can purchase tickets in advance on the Armenian Railway website, railway.am.

Ticket Options (check the actual prices on the website):

• Coupe: Starting at 15,600 Dram (110 Lari)
• Platzkart: Starting at 12,000 Dram (80 Lari)
• Sleeping Car: 24,000 Dram (160 Lari)

Children aged 5 to 10 receive a 45% discount, while children under 5 travel for free but do not receive a separate seat. The ticket price includes bedding, service fees, and insurance.

Tickets for the Yerevan-Tbilisi train can be purchased no earlier than 40 days before departure. Passengers can board the train either at the railway station (Sasuntsi David Metro Station) or from the Almast platform, which is conveniently accessible by public transport. Departure is at 9:30 PM, with arrival in Tbilisi at 7:35 AM (schedules may vary, so it’s advisable to check the exact times on the railway website).

Advantages:

• Each passenger can bring up to 37 kg of luggage without incurring excess baggage fees, unlike flying from Yerevan to Tbilisi.
• Clean bedding and toiletries are included in the ticket price.
• The train is equipped with electricity and air conditioning  (sometimes it works poorly).
• Hot and cold drinking water is available.
• Sleeping arrangements.

Disadvantages:

• Passengers must disembark the train at night to pass through customs.
• The train does not run daily, so travelers need to plan according to the schedule.
• The travel time is longer compared to other options.

Personal Experience:

We departed from Yerevan with large suitcases. To ensure comfort and avoid inconveniencing others, we opted for a sleeping compartment. The interior was cozy and clean. The ticket price included snacks (cookies and a chocolate bar) along with a bottle of water. There is communal access to hot and cold water, but you need to ask the conductor for a cup; otherwise, you might find yourself without tea. Overall, it’s better to bring your own cup and tea.

The compartment has air conditioning that only activates after the train departs. There are reading lights and power outlets near the sleeping areas. The bedding package (all neatly packed) included slippers, a comb, a toothbrush, hand soap, and wet wipes. 

There is a shared restroom with a hygienic shower on board. The train provided a pleasant experience overall; however, there were some drawbacks. Passengers had to exit the train late at night for passport checks and border control. 

Travel Time: About 6 hours
Cost: Starting from 50-60 Lari

Buses and minibuses from Yerevan to Tbilisi leave from the Central Bus Station (6 Admiral Isakov Street) or stop at 34/13 Arshakunyats Avenue and 60 Khachatur Abovyan Street. You can buy tickets on-site, usually minibuses depart as soon as they fill up. There are several departures throughout the day starting at 7:00 AM. The final stop in Tbilisi is the Ortachala Bus Station, or you can get off at Isani Mall.

You can also find Mercedes Sprinter minibuses operated by tour companies. These have the advantage of allowing you to purchase tickets online in advance. They offer Wi-Fi onboard, and drivers usually make stops at cafes along the way for passengers to grab a bite to eat and take a break. Ticket prices start at 50 Lari.

If you’re planning to travel by minibus or bus, be prepared for possible motion sickness on the winding mountain roads. If you’ve never traveled in mountainous areas before, it might be a good idea to bring motion sickness medication just in case. Another downside is that you’ll need to take out all your bags and suitcases at the border for customs checks.

Personal Experience:

Traveling by minibus can be uncomfortable because drivers often try to fit as many passengers as possible, sometimes offering makeshift seats without seatbelts. Our driver was speeding (up to 130 km/h) and didn’t slow down much on the curves of the mountain roads, which felt pretty risky. The cabin was cramped, making it hard to get out during stops since passengers often blocked the aisles with their bags. There wasn’t much room in the trunk either, especially with a gas cylinder taking up space.

Pros:

• You can leave Yerevan for Tbilisi at a convenient time during the day.
• The prices are affordable.
• The travel time is shorter than taking the train (though it depends on how long it takes to cross the border).

Cons:

• Safety concerns (drivers may speed, and seatbelts might not be available).
• Limited luggage space; the cabin can feel cramped due to personal belongings.
• Uncomfortable seating makes it hard to rest or sleep compared to traveling by train.
• You might miss out on a minibus if all seats are filled by the time you arrive at the station.

Travel Time: About 5.5 hours
Cost: Starting at 300 Lari (around $110)

You can order a taxi using an app or negotiate with a driver in person. If you book through the app, you’ll get a fixed fare, but keep in mind that stops and waiting time may incur extra charges. If you choose to negotiate on-site, the price could be significantly higher.

Pros:

• The taxi will come to your specified address.
• There’s plenty of room for your bags.
• You can split the fare with fellow travelers.
• You can leave whenever you want.

Cons:

• You can’t choose the car, and some taxis may not be in the best shape.
• Extra Charges: You may need to pay more for stops and waiting time.
• Taxi fares are usually more expensive than taking the train or bus.
• Some drivers may engage you in conversation, which can be distracting.
• The safety of your ride can vary depending on the driver’s driving style.

Flight Time: About 35 minutes
Ticket Price: Starting at $140 (approximately 383.5 Lari) – prices vary by season

There are multiple flights each day from Yerevan to Tbilisi. Departures are from Zvartnots Airport, which is located 12.2 kilometers from the city center, and arrivals are at Shota Rustaveli Airport in Tbilisi.

Pros:

• This is the quickest way to travel from Yerevan to Tbilisi.
• There are many direct flights available daily, allowing you to choose a convenient departure time.
• If you can find a good deal, flying can be cheaper than taking a taxi.

Cons:

• Additional charges apply for checked luggage, and there are weight limits.
• Flights can be delayed by several hours.
• You’ll need to arrange transportation to and from the airport, which can add extra costs.
• Be sure to account for the details of electronic check-in after purchasing your ticket online.

Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours
Cost: Starting at $159 (about 435 Lari)

You can book a car with a driver at any time through the website. Choose your driver based on various parameters, including vehicle photos, passenger capacity, reviews, and trunk space. The interior will be clean, and the driver will arrive at the time you specify during booking.

The drivers prioritize customer comfort, avoiding unnecessary questions or intrusive conversations. You can request your preferred music during the entire journey.

Drivers adhere to traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds, and navigate mountain roads carefully. They will make stops upon your request and do not charge extra for waiting time.

Book a transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi with no prepayment and free cancelation

Pros:

• The cost of the trip is predetermined.
• You can schedule your ride at any convenient time.
• Enjoy a clean interior and a well-maintained vehicle.
• There’s enough room in the trunk for your belongings.
• Choose your car based on criteria such as body type, fuel type, and whether you’re traveling with pets (be sure to clarify any border crossing requirements regarding pets in advance).
• Free Cancellations: You can cancel your trip without incurring any fees.