How to Get from Tbilisi to Batumi: A Complete Guide to All Transport Options

Planning a trip from Tbilisi to Batumi but not sure which way is best?

You're not alone. This is one of the most popular routes in Georgia — from the capital to the sea, from busy streets to palm trees, from mountains to the coast. The only thing is, there are many options, and each has its pros and cons: some are faster, others cheaper, and some more scenic and convenient.

Plane, train, bus, minibus, car rental, taxi, or private transfer — which to choose?

We’ve broken down each option in detail: how much it costs, how long it takes, where to buy tickets, when to travel, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Save this guide, compare, and choose — may your road to the sea be just as enjoyable as your vacation!

The distance is 374 km. The road is well-paved: partly two-lane, partly four-lane highway. The most difficult section is the serpentine after the mountain pass (with tunnels, climbs, descents, and curves). Without traffic or long stops, you can get from one city to another in 5.5 hours. Let’s compare all the ways to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi in 2023: by plane, train, bus, minibus, taxi, and private transfer.

By Plane

• Travel time: 1 hour (+ transfers)
• Cost: 125 GEL ($46) plane ticket + 30 GEL ($11) transfer to Natakhtari + 30 GEL ($11) transfer from Batumi Airport
• Departure: Natakhtari Airport (23 km from Tbilisi)

Small aircraft by Vanilla Sky airline operate from Natakhtari Airport. Baggage allowance is 15 kg per person.

The schedule changes seasonally, so check in advance on the website or better — by phone. Most of the year, flights are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:00 AM, arriving at 10:00 AM. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, flights operate from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. In summer, there are more flights.

You can get to Natakhtari by shuttle (meeting point near the metal bicycle sculpture on Rose Revolution Square across from Radisson Blue), by taxi, or by pre-booked GoTrip transfer.

Batumi Airport is located 7 km from the city center. Bus stops are right outside the terminal. Buses No. 9 and No. 10 run from 7:00 to 24:00 in summer and from 8:00 to 22:00 in winter. Taxis can be hailed or ordered through apps (cheaper than private drivers), or book a GoTrip transfer in advance.

Pros:

• Fastest option
• Safe

Cons:

• Airport is 23 km from Tbilisi
• Tickets must be booked in advance, often sell out
• Limited baggage allowance (15 kg)
• Booking issues possible
• Miss the scenic drive and roadside attractions
• Inflexible flight schedule
• Complicated refund process

By Train

• Travel time: 5.5 hours (e.g. 8:00–13:14, 10:25–15:39, 17:05–22:19)
• Cost: 35 GEL ($13) for 2nd class, 75 GEL ($27.5) for 1st class
• Departure: Tbilisi Central Railway Station

Modern double-decker Stadler trains depart three times a day. Tickets can be purchased at www.railway.ge. Registration and passport number are required. Tickets can be paid by card.

You don’t need to print the ticket — showing a screenshot with the booking number is enough. Bring your passport — it will be checked before boarding.

In high season, 2nd class tickets sell out quickly. 1st class is twice as expensive, but the only difference is slightly more comfort and space. Often, only single seats are left. If you book several tickets, they might be in different parts of the carriage. Buy tickets early to avoid this.

Pros:

• Cheaper than flying
• Safe
• No baggage weight limits
• Power outlets and restrooms onboard
• Air conditioning

Cons:

• Fixed schedule
• Need to book tickets online or at the station
• Can be noisy
• No dedicated space for large suitcases
• Weak Wi-Fi and poor mobile signal
• No onboard food or drinks — bring your own
• Miss out on scenic stops
• Refund process is complicated

By Bus

• Travel time: approx. 6.5 hours (e.g. 12:00–18:30, 18:00–23:59, 23:59–6:30)
• Cost: 40 GEL ($15)
• Departure: Central Bus Station

Metro Georgia buses depart several times a day. These are large, modern buses for about 50 passengers.

Check availability and book tickets online or at Metro Georgia offices (Gulia St. 1 or Ortachala Stop on Chavchavadze St. 16, at the Akhmeteli & Agmashenebeli intersection).

Pros:

• Affordable
• Safer than minibus
• Tickets available online with seat selection
• Luggage space provided

Cons:

• Inflexible schedule
• Long travel time
• Miss out on scenic places and restaurants en route
• Can be noisy

By Minibus (Marshrutka)

• Travel time: approx. 5.5 hours
• Cost: 30–35 GEL ($11–13)
• Departure: Didube Bus Station

Marshrutkas depart hourly. You can’t buy tickets online — come to the station early, find a minibus, and pay the driver in cash. They leave when full.

This is the cheapest option but less safe and less comfortable. Drivers tend to be fast and aggressive, which can be tough on the serpentine section. Passengers often get carsick.

Pros:

• Cheapest option
• Depart every hour
• No need to buy tickets in advance

Cons:

• No guaranteed departure time
• Limited luggage space — often stored in the back
• Lower safety level
• Cramped and uncomfortable
• Frequent stops to pick up/drop off passengers
• Hot and stuffy in warm months
• No scenic views or food/rest stops
• Cash only

Taxi

• Travel time: approximately 5.5 hours
• Cost: 350–450 GEL ($130–165)

You can get from Tbilisi to Batumi by taxi using any mobile ride-hailing app. The cost is displayed during booking and may vary depending on demand, time of day, and day of the week.

You can choose the vehicle class (sedan or minivan), but you won’t be able to check the condition of the vehicle or who your driver will be in advance. The driving style of some local drivers may be uncomfortable or even unsafe — especially for those not used to sudden braking or acceleration.

Pros:

• Can be ordered anytime
• Relatively fast
• More comfortable than a minibus (if you're lucky with the driver and vehicle)
• Suitcases can be placed in the trunk (though if there's a gas tank installed, space might be limited — and you can’t check that beforehand)

Cons:

• More expensive than other options
• No option to choose your driver or car
• Can be uncomfortable due to aggressive driving
• The driver may smoke, play loud music, or start unpleasant conversations
• Extra stops and waiting time may cost extra

Car Rental

• Travel time: approximately 5.5 hours
• Cost: from 140 GEL/day ($50) + fuel ≈100 GEL ($35) + deposit from 300 GEL ($100) + return fee ≈100 GEL ($35)

Renting a basic car (e.g., Toyota Prius) in 2023 costs around 140 GEL per day. Fuel from Tbilisi to Batumi will cost about 100 GEL for a compact car.

Most rental companies require a refundable deposit of $100–$200 (luxury models up to $1000).

Available cars book quickly, so it’s better to reserve in advance — especially for weekends.

If you're not returning the car to Tbilisi, there will be a one-way return fee, typically at least half the daily rental rate.

If you're staying in Batumi for a few days, you'll need to pay the daily rental rate for each day — regardless of whether you use the car or not.

Pros:

• No fixed schedule — travel on your own time
• Comfortable (you can choose a suitable car)
• Insurance and space for luggage
• You can make scenic stops along the way

Cons:

• After adding fuel, deposit, and return fees, it becomes the most expensive option
• Paid parking in Batumi (10 GEL/day, 20 GEL/week — payable via mobile banking or bank kiosks)
• The mountain road can be challenging for inexperienced drivers
• You’ll need to plan your route and stops yourself

GoTrip Private Transfer

• Travel time: approximately 5.5 hours
• Cost: from 340 GEL ($125) per car

With GoTrip.ge, you can book a private transfer with a driver for a specific date and time. You can choose your car and driver in advance. The price is fixed and includes all stops and waiting time.

You can also book a return transfer — if you plan to return the same day, the price stays the same. Just indicate the return trip during booking.

Drivers are trained, familiar with the roads, scenic rest stops, and reliable roadside cafes. Unlike with buses, minibuses, or taxis, GoTrip allows you to stop at beautiful spots without extra charges.

You can even turn your transfer into a sightseeing tour, visiting interesting places along the way. Minor route deviations don’t change the price.

Pros:

• Flexible schedule — choose the exact date, time, and pick-up location
• Fixed price includes all stops, waiting time, and return trip (if same-day)
• You know the vehicle and driver in advance, with reviews available
• Safe and comfortable — drivers are experienced, responsible for the vehicle’s condition, and trained in guest service (in Russian or English)
• Free cancellation

Cons:

• Cannot be paid by card — payment is in cash at the end of the trip (card payment option is coming soon)
• More expensive than minibuses or trains, but you can split the cost among passengers and even include a same-day return within the price

Which Option to Choose?

It all depends on your budget, schedule, comfort preferences, and travel goals.

If you want to get to the coast quickly and with minimal effort — choose a plane or GoTrip transfer.

If you're focused on saving money — go with the train or bus.

If you’d like to explore along the way and control your own schedule — car rental or GoTrip with stops is your best bet.

EASYBOOKING Tip:

Plan your trip in advance — during the high season, tickets sell out fast, and prices for transport and accommodation rise as dates get closer.

Call 1240 — your journey to the sea will be easy, comfortable, and reliable.