Any good Georgia trip should be headed from Tbilisi to Batumi at some point. While Tbilisi serves as the country’s cultural capital, Batumi offers a distinct cuisine and a more laid-back beach vibe. But how to get there in the first place?
In today’s transportation guide, we will break down step by stop how to get from Tbilisi to Batumi 5 different ways: by plane, by train, by intercity bus, by mini bus, by private transfer, and by rental car, sharing all booking info needed for an independent traveller.
By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to book the best transportation for your Georgia itinerary, from the fastest option to the cheapest way.
Key Takeaways
- Train: The fastest and best-value option—about 4 hours, from 36 GEL. Book seats on the Georgian Railways website; they can sell out, so reserve early. Depart from Tbilisi Central Station and show your ticket when boarding.
- Bus: A good backup if trains are full—about 5.5–6 hours, from 35 GEL. Buy online through Georgian Railways or Metro Georgia, or check Ortachala for departures.
- Minibus: The cheapest option, around 20 GEL and 6–7 hours. Go to Didube Bus Terminal; vans usually leave when full, so times are less predictable.
- Private transfer or rental car: Book a GoTrip transfer online for door-to-door travel (about 360–380 GEL), or rent a car for more flexibility and stops. Driving takes about 5 hours.
Where to Stay in Batumi
Still figuring out your trip details? Secure your hotel in Batumi along with your transport. These are 3 Batumi hotels at 3 drastically different price points:
| Budget | Back2ME | from $ 12 per night | Click for rates & availability. |
| Comfort | Hotel N16 | from $ 40 per night | Click for rates & availability. |
| Luxury | Hotel Indigo Batumi | from $ 90 per night | Click for rates & availability. |
How to Get from Tbilisi to Batumi
Sitting around 370 kilometres from each other, Georgia’s two largest cities, Tbilisi and Batumi, are well-connected by several modes of transport. In the following, we will break down how to get from Tbilisi to Batumi via plane, train, bus and car, from the fastest to the most affordable option.
By Plane via Tbilisi International Airport (TBS): The Fast(ish) Way
For many, taking a domestic flight from Tbisili International Airport (TBS) to Batumi International Airport (BUS), may seem like the most logical, and fastest, travel route from Tbilisi to Batumi. After all, a direct flight from Tbilisi to Batumi only takes around 45 minutes.
In practice, things are looking a little more complicated, though. For one, Georgian Airways currently serves the only direct connections from Tbilisi to Batumi, running 3 weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 AM each.
Starting from $ 102 ( 92 €) per person, these direct flights should in theory be bookable through the official Georgian Airways website.
When we checked the availability of tickets for the upcoming 12 months, we could not verify any available tickets. You might have more luck booking directly at a Georgian Airways office, but online you may find it practically impossible to book tickets for a direct flight from Tbisili to Batumi for now.
If you do manage to secure a seat on one of these flights though, you will be looking at a smooth 45-minute flight and a relatively calm arrival process in Batumi. Make sure to factor in some extra time in Tbilisi since the airport is located far from the center and traffic can get quite crazy.
Once you have made it to Batumi International Airport, you can simply exit the terminal on foot and catch the blue public bus line 10 and 10a.
On the bus, you can pay via NFC using your local debit or credit card. From the airport, the ride to the center takes between 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the location of your hotel in Batumi.
Would we recommend this option? Not really. Getting from Tbilisi to Batumi might seem like a great option, but can turn out to be quite the headache considering the limited availability of tickets and transfers – especially, if you consider the train route as a cheaper and, quite possibly, faster alternative.
By Train via Tbilisi Central Station: The Best Option
Without a doubt, taking a train is the best way of getting from Tbilisi to Batumi. Why, you ask? Well, there are three major arguments for taking the train over the plane in Georgia.
First, trains in Georgia are actually classic. Georgian Railways operates a modern fleet of high-speed trains on the Tbilisi-Batumi axis, connecting the three biggest cities of the country – Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi – in just a few hours.
Starting from just 36 GEL (second class) or 76 GEL (first class); the train journey from Tbilisi to Batumi is equally scenic as it is comfortable. As for booking tickets, you can simply visit the official Georgian Railways website and reserve your seats there. Note that seat selection costs 1 GEL extra.
From end to end, the Tbilisi Batumi train takes just about 4 hours, with three stops along the way at Kutaisi Airport Station, Ureki and Kobuleti. Each train is equipped with air-conditioning, Wifi, toilets and vending machines, so you don’t really need to prepare anything for the ride.
In Tbilisi, the ride starts at Tbilisi Central Railway Station which is fairly close to the center and accessible both by foot and by public transport. In Batumi, your train journey ends at Batumi Central Station, which is a little more removed from the center, but still connected to the public transport network.
Upon arrival at Batumi Central Station, exit the station, walk past the taxi drivers and catch one of the blue buses with the numbers 3, 8, 10 and 10A headed to the left towards the center. Again, you can pay your ticket with most foreign bank cards by tapping your phone and take ride should take around 15 minutes.
Would we recommend this option? In our opinion, this option ist the best option overall for travelling between Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi. The tickets are super affordable and the train surprisingly modern and comfortable for the price. Plus, overall this might not be much slower than taking a domestic flight.
By Bus via Gogoli Street or Ortachala Bus Station: The Second-Best Option
Why even think about taking a bus from Tbilisi to Batumi, if we are so adamant about the train being the best transportation option? Because the train tickets sell out fast.
If you decide to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi spontaneously, let’s say one day win advance, the train tickets may well be sold out already. In this case, you can simply switch to the bus tab on the official Georgian Railways website.
On the Georgian Railways website, you can buy bus tickets for City Bus, Georgian Bus, and Omnibus starting from 35 GEL, with discounted fares for children (35 % discount).
For the bus transfer, you are look at a travel time of 5h 30 to 6h, with at least one stop along the way where you will be able to use the toilet and grab some snacks. All buses are fairly modern, equipped with air-conditioning, and sometimes Wifi. Additionally, hot beverages are served onboard.
In Tbilisi, the buses booked through Georgian Railways depart from the new bus station on Gogoli Street. Alternatively, you can head to Ortachala Bus Station, where more bus companies depart from, and book your ticket on the spot. In most cases , the Gogoli Street will be much closer to our hotel in Tbilisi.
Note: Besides the buses on the Georgian Railways website, you can also get online tickets on the Metro Georgia website. This bus company has buses departing from both Tbilisi stations.
Once you have made it to Batumi, walk through the bus terminal, exit on the other side and hop on the blue public bus with the number 1 or 1A. Pay your fare by tapping your phone on one of the electronic terminals and lean back for around 10-15 minutes until you reach your hotel in Downtown Batumi.
Would we recommend this option? If you cannot make the train, the bus route is your next-best option. We took the bus on our last trip from Tbilisi to Batumi and found the journey quite comfortable and well worth the money, especially since they serve drinks in the bus.
By Mini Bus: The Cheapest Option
If 35 GEL for getting from Tbilisi to Batumi are not competitive enough already, you can make the trip even cheaper by opting for a mini bus from Tbilisi to Batumi.
To catch a mini bus from Tbilisi to Batumi, head to Didube Bus Terminal in the north of the city. From here, the bulk of mini buses depart for destination all over the country. To find a connection to Batumi, look out for signs or simply ask around and you will be pointed in the right direction.
From Tbilisi, a mini bus to Batumi should cost you around 20 GEL per seat. Rides typically depart once the bus is full, and schedules are not fixed, though there are many more connections in the morning than in the evening.
From end to end, the ride from Tbilisi to Batumi should take you around 6 to 7 hours with multiple stops along the way. In Batumi, you will, be dropped at Batumi minibus station. From here, you can either take a short bus to your destination or simply walk there, since it is quite central already.
Would we recommend this option? As you can image, the mini buses are not as comfortable as a coach bus, but they are not all that bad either. We personally prefer taking mini buses on shorter routes, from Kutaisi to Tbilisi for instance, but you can absolutely choose them for longer routes to save some money.
By Private Transfer via GoTrip: The Worry-free Option
If you are looking for a more comfortable solution with door-to-door service instead, booking a private transfer might be the way to go.
While you can find a whole bunch of private transfer companies and private drivers online, we believe booking your private transfer via GoTrip to be the easiest option.
Centred around private transfer all over Georgia, the GoTrip website makes hit surprisingly easy to secure your trip from Tbilisi to Batumi. Simply enter your details, pick on of the drivers, and pay for your ride to secure your trip.
For a private transfer from Tbilisi to Batumi, you can expect to pay between 360 GEL and 380 GEL. By splitting the cost between up to 3 passengers, you can travel from Tbilisi to Batumi by car for as little 120 GEL per person.
Would we recommend this option? Sure, the private transfer is much more costly than the train or bus routes. However, if you are looking for a hassle-free, comfortable, or family-friendly option, around 120 GEL per person, don’t seem too bad.
By Rental Car via Kutaisi: The Road Trip
Planning a round trip in Georgia? Scrap the private driver and simply make the drive yourself. By renting a car in Tbilisi, you will be able to turn your transfer to Batumi into a road trip.
At Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), you can find rental cars starting from as little as $ 24 (or 22 €) per day, including full coverage and no deductible. From Tbilisi, you are looking at a drive of around 370 kilometres to Batumi, taking around 5 hours in total via the Rikoti Highway.
In fuel costs, you can expect to spend another $ 41 (or 37 €), assuming your rental car runs on Octane 95 petrol priced at 1.50 € per litre or $6.36 per gallon. There are no tolls charged on Georgian highways.
Overall, you can expect to spend $ 65 per vehicle on your Tbilisi Batumi transfer, though we encourage you to make use of your rental car by adding a stop in Kutaisi along the way. In Georgia’s 3rd biggest city, there is quite some stuff to see as well, and you can visit the sanatoriums of Tskaltubo from there.
Note: The driving style of Georgians is quite aggressive compared to what you might be used to from Europe or the United States. Pay extra attention in traffic and drive defensively to avoid altercations. On highways, there are occasional speeding cameras you should pay attention to.
Would we recommend this option? Split between partners or a group of friends, renting a car in Georgia can be very affordable and grant you much more freedom, especially if you are itching to venture off the beaten path to places such as Tskaltubo.
Where to Stay in Batumi, Georgia
Kill two birds with one stone by booking your hotel in Batumi along with your transport. Since you will be itching to head to bed after spending 5+ hours in transfer and arriving late at night, we recommend staying at one of these hotels in Batumi:
| Budget | Back2ME | starting from $ 12 per night | Click here for rates & availability. |
| Comfort | Hotel N16 | starting from $ 40 per night | Click here for rates & availability. |
| Luxury | Hotel Indigo Batumi | starting from $ 90 per night | Click here for rates & availability. |
Travelling on a budget? Find more of the best hostels in Batumi in our extensive hostel guide for Batumi.
The Bottom Line
Unsurprisingly, there is no lack of options for travelling between, Tbilisi to Batumi, Georgia’s capital city and its second-biggest city. Between flights, train rides, intercity buses and private cars, the direct train from Tbilisi to Batumi operated by Georgian Railways is your best pick. To make this transfer as smooth as possible, book several days in advance, and make sure to arrive at the station in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi?
The best way to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi is the direct train from Tbilisi to Batumi operated by Georgian Railways. Taking around 4 hours in total, tickets for the Batumi train start from as little as just 36 GEL (second class) or 76 GEL (first class).
Is there a high speed train from Tbilisi to Batumi?
Yes, there is a high speed train line operating between Tbilisi to Batumi. From end to end, this train line takes around 4 hours, including 3 stops along the way. On this route, the trains reach speeds of up to 120 km/h.
Is it worth going to Batumi?
Yes, Batumi is worth visiting, if you are looking for a change of pace from Tbilisi. Located right in the shores of the Black Sea, Batumi has much more of a laid-back vibe, a distinct cuisine, a growing digital nomad scene, and some of the best coffee shops in Georgia.
How do I go to Tbilisi from Batumi?
To go to Tbilisi from Batumi, you can take a direct flight, a train, an intercity bus and a private car. In most cases, taking the train operated by Georgian Railways will be the most comfortable option for you. The train takes around 4 hours and individual train tickets start from 36 GEL.
Hey! We are glad you are curious about travelling the Middle East.
We are Nancy & Elias.
Over four years of backpacking and digital nomading made us fall in love with the Middle East. We have lived on the Red Sea coast in Egypt, lived in a Bedouin Camp in Jordan and travelled 6+ Middle Eastern countries overland.
As we continue to travel, we share our battle-tested travel advice on this blog, from travel reports and transfer guides to accommodation recs and saving hacks.
