Tbilisi to Batumi in 2026: 7 Best Transportation Options

Thinking of going to Batumi coastal town in Adjara from Tbilisi and looking for the best and optimal ways to travel between these two cities? This comprehensive guide summarizes seven transportation options suitable for every budget, ensuring you find the best route from Tbilisi to Batumi and vice versa in 2023.

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Being a go-to summer destination, I have traveled from Tbilisi to Batumi numerous times and used public transportation, including train, marshrutka, taxi, and car. Therefore, considering your budget and timeline, you can choose which suits you best. Please note that the same options also apply to Batumi to Tbilisi route. 

If you are flexible regarding time and days, I recommend dedicating an entire day to this journey, as there are numerous fascinating places to explore along the route between Tbilisi and Batumi.

The train option is the fastest for those in a hurry, taking just over 5 hours to reach Batumi while providing a safe and comfortable overland travel experience.

This Tbilisi to Batumi details transportation guide adheres to 2023 updates as Georgia’s main highway is still underway, and things constantly change. Therefore, if you have an update that’s not in this post or have any questions, please leave a comment at the end of the post. I’d really appreciate your input! 

Tbilisi to Batumi: the essential info

Tbilisi to Batumi: distance

Batumi, the central town of the Adjara region, is located on the Black Sea coast, west of Tbilisi. The distance from Tbilisi to Batumi is 367.6 km via Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze Highway.

Tbilisi to Batumi: travel time

The time it takes to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi varies depending on the chosen mode of transportation. If you decide to drive or use a taxi, the traffic and road conditions are other factors. Using a car, the travel time via the Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze Highway is roughly six hours without stopping. Bus or marshrutkas take up to seven hours using the same highway and making a short 20-30 minute stop along the way. 

The fastest option is a Georgian Wings flight that takes only one hour to reach Batumi. The second fastest option is the relatively high-speed train, bringing you from Tbilisi to Batumi in 5 hours and 12 minutes. 

Tbilisi and Batumi trian stations

Tbilisi train station, officially Tbilisi Central Railway Station, situated at Station Square, is where you catch the Batumi train, conveniently located adjacent to the metro station with the same name (Station Square).   

The simplest way to reach the Tbilisi Central Railway Station is by metro. However, if you prefer a taxi, use a Bolt for a convenient and comfortable ride.

In the railway station building, you’ll find grocery stores, cafes, ATMs, and public toilets. For those needing a safe place to store their bags, a luggage storage office is available at a rate of 15 GEL per locker per day, operating from 7:30 am to 8 pm. 

Tip: First time using Bolt? Use code YRP76 to get discounts on your first rides. 

Tbilisi and Batumi airports 

Tbilisi International Airport is 17 km southeast of Tbilisi, easily accessible by the 337 bus departing from Station Square and stopping on Rustaveli Ave, Freedom Square, and Baratashvili Street in the center. The bus only runs during the day, and there is no night bus to and from the airport. Unfortunately, there is no metro going directly to the airport either. 

Alternatively, you can order a Bolt taxi for comfortable and faster travel to Tbilisi Airport. 

Batumi’s international airport is southwest of the city, approximately 6 km from the center. Bus number 10 runs from Batumi Airport to the Batumi Botanical Garden through the central part of the city so that you can get off close to your accommodation. 

Alternatively, a Bolt taxi would be your best bet if you want more comfort and have a lot of luggage. 

→ Check out my Batumi posts to plan your itinerary perfectly.

7 Best Ways to Get from Tbilisi to Batumi

When planning your journey between Tbilisi and Batumi, you’ll find several travel options catering to budget and time constraints. This section dives deep into all the details you need for a seamless trip. The best way to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi depends on your time and flexibility, so I advise you to read all the options provided here and choose the one that suits you most. 

Tbilisi to Batumi flight

If your schedule is tight, consider taking a domestic flight from Tbilisi to Batumi. The flight lasts only one hour, providing a convenient and time-efficient travel option.

From July 2023, Georgian Wings, a local company, offers flights from Tbilisi to Batumi 12 times a week in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. The prices start from 155 GEL one way, depending on class and ticket type. 

To return from Batumi to Tbilisi, the plane departs twice daily. You can see the schedule for both ways here.  

→ See prices and book Tbilisi to Batumi flights at the Georgian Wings website. 

Tbilisi to Batumi train

The train from Tbilisi to Batumi stands out from the typical trains in Georgia. Unlike the old-fashioned Soviet-era trains serving other routes like Tbilisi to Kutaisi, modern Stadler trains from Switzerland serve this route.

Besides being budget-friendly, the train journey is remarkably safe, making it an ideal choice for travel. 

Batumi Tbilisi train stops at Kobuleti, Ureki, and Kutaisi International Airport. It has the same stops in the opposite direction. As a side note, if visiting Kutaisi is on your itinerary. And if you want to travel from Kutaisi to Batumi or from Batumi to Kutaisi by train, this is the only option. 

Tbilisi Batumi train schedule and prices

Year-round, two trains run daily on the Tbilisi Batumi route, departing at 8 am and 5:05 pm. Georgian Railways adds two or three schedules late morning and night to meet the demand during summer. Generally, these trains run constantly, even on public holidays. 

The train has three classes to choose from: first class (75 GEL), second class (35 GEL), and business class (125 GEL). While first class offers reclining seats, more power outlets, and extra legroom, it is not that different from the 2nd class. For an even more spacious experience, business class boasts larger seats, tray tables, and ample room between chairs.

And if you don’t like the second class after boarding, you can change it to the business or first class on the spot, asking the attendant and paying the difference. 

All class seats have access to free WiFi, but it was not stable on my last journey, so I recommend having a backup (local SIM or Airalo eSim) or some entertainment. All the carriages also have air conditioning. I suggest having a lightweight cardigan or a scarf if it gets too cold. 

How to buy train tickets

To ensure a smooth journey, I highly recommend buying your train tickets online in advance, particularly during the peak seasons of summer and autumn when this route experiences high demand.

Tickets tend to sell out quickly in summer, even with additional services. If you plan to travel between June and August, purchase tickets as soon as they are available on the websites. If tickets are sold out, refresh the screen or recheck after 10 pm as they might become available. 

The most convenient way to buy tickets is through Tkt.ge, either through their website or mobile app. The main advantage here is choosing your preferred seat/s (for an additional 1 GEL), whereas the Georgian Railways website assigns seats randomly. Ticket sales on Tkt.ge and Georgian Raikways open ten days before departure.

Both websites are available in English, and you can securely pay using a credit or debit card. Remember that there is an extra service and transaction fee when using Tkt.ge. Thus, a second-class ticket with seat selection will cost you 39.15 GEL one way.

If seat selection is not a big deal for you and you are on a tight budget, buy tickets at the Georgian Railway website, as it doesn’t charge you extra service or transaction fees. 

Upon purchase on Tkt.ge, a PDF ticket with QR code will be sent to your email inbox within a few minutes. Georgian Railways sends a simple email with all the information about your tickets. 

When it’s time to board the train, show your ticket on your phone to the attendant; no need to print anything. Have your passport ready just in case they ask for proof of identity. 

Alternatively, if you prefer buying tickets in person, you can do so at Tbilisi or Batumi train stations. Bring your passport (hard copy) and pay in cash. If you are buying several tickets, you only need one passport. 

Return trip – Batumi to Tbilisi train

To return to the capital, the train from Batumi to Tbilisi is the same and offers similar schedules and prices. There are several departures a day during summer months, while it goes back to fewer options in the off-season. 

Important note when selecting a seat on Tkt.ge: Oto prefers to sit facing the direction the train or bus is heading to. So I was happy to pay extra and carefully selected our seats using the provided image of the Batumi train layout on Tkt.ge. However, after boarding, we realized that our seats were reversed – the same line but facing the direction backward. 

After enquiring about the issue, we got the following reply: the layout and seat numbers provided on Tkt.ge are of one particular train, and it remains the same if a train with a different seat layout runs on your chosen time and date. So be aware that you might be paying an extra few Lari for nothing. 

→ See the timetables and prices of the Batumi train at Tkt.ge or Georgian Railways

What Batumi train is like

The train from Tbilisi to Batumi resembles Western European trains, featuring amenities like air conditioning, charging outlets, and free WiFi. While I haven’t encountered any issues charging my phone during the journey, some second-class power outlets might not always work.

So, charge your devices beforehand or have a backup portable charger – I have Anker that allows me to charge my Google Pixel 7 several times and can even charge a laptop. 

During the trip, we noticed that the reception for our mobile data was spotty, and the WiFi was not quite working either. Therefore, if you plan on doing work that needs a good internet connection, don’t entirely rely on them and do something that you can do offline. 

Remember that none of the Georgian trains have a dining cart. Batumi train has a supplied and functional vending machine with sandwiches, chips, crackers, chocolate bars, water, and soft drinks.

The prices are slightly more compared to the grocery shops. You can either pay with a credit/debit card or cash. The machine takes coins and 5 or 10 GEL banknotes when paying with cash. I advise you to pack enough snacks, sandwiches, and water for the journey. 

Clean toilets are available on the train’s first level, and I’ve seen the attendants paying attention to having enough toilet paper and napkins inside. However, just in case, have a small pack of napkins too. 

There’s plenty of space on board for luggage, and despite the posted 30kg limit per person, no one checks it. A particular area on the ground level is for the big suitcases, while you can store your smaller bags or backpacks on the shelves above your seats. 

When you arrive at Batumi train Station

The train arrives at Batumi Central Station, approximately 4km from the Old Town and the main boulevard.

A Bolt taxi should cost around 8-10 GEL to reach the city center. Alternatively, public buses 10, 10a, and 15 go to the city center, costing 30 tetri. You can pay by tapping any credit/debit card; however, it will charge international cards a bit more. I was charged 80 tetri on my Wise card. 

It’s also important to know that Georgian TBC bank and Tbilisi travel cards are not working in Batumi, so having a Bank of Georgia card or Tbilisi’s MetroMoney Card is better. Once you get to the center, you can buy a Batumi travel card at the Information Center next to Argo Cable Car. 

Alternatively, you can hail a marshrutka from the bus station. Most of them will go to Batumi, but double-check with the driver before hopping on. Pay cash only. 

I don’t recommend walking to the city center, as the road turns into a highway and the footpath ends.

Tip: if you need to get to Batumi Airport, bus no.10 goes directly from the railway station to the airport.

Tbilisi Batumi marshrutka 

The most budget-friendly way to reach Batumi is by taking a marshrutka. This is my least favorite means of transportation when traveling from Tbilisi to Batumi or vice versa. Marshrutkas are usually uncomfortable, have limited leg or luggage space, and the ride standards and quality vary depending on the driver.

If you have motion sickness, have medication ready. The journey takes anywhere from 6:30-7 hours, including at least one rest stop that lasts for around 30 min. 

Marshrutkas often depart from the Didube Bus Terminal in Tbilisi adjacent to Didube Metro. Numerous vehicles go to Batumi daily, starting early in the morning at one-hour intervals or once full. The last marshrutka departs at midnight, but I don’t recommend driving at night for safety reasons. 

To secure a seat, arrive at least 30 min before. You may pay directly to the driver, or they’ll direct you to the cashier. The ticket costs 35 GEL. 

When you arrive in Batumi

Marshrutka stops at Argo Cable Car near the Batumi city center, so you can easily get to your accommodation via a bus or order a Bolt taxi.

Return trip – Batumi Tbilisi by marshrutka

Marshrutkas from Batumi to Tbilisi depart from the same Bus Station. They depart daily, starting early in the morning at approximately every hour. In the winter months, they leave a bit later than in the summer months. Travel time and ticket prices are the same. 

Tbilisi to Batumi Bus

Traveling by bus from Tbilisi to Batumi is another great option for those seeking budget-friendly comfort. They are more comfortable than marshrutkas and are slightly expensive. 

Metro Georgia and Omnibus currently run daily buses between Ortachala Bus Station in Tbilisi and Batumi. As a side note, Metro Georgia also continues its journey to Turkey. 

The buses of both companies are comfortable, with reclining seats, WiFi, and air conditioning. Metro Georgia also offers complimentary coffee, tea, and water. Omnibus provides complimentary water. 

Batumi bus schedule and prices

During winter, Metro Georgia typically runs 1-2 times per day and adds additional services in the summer. The average travel time between Tbilisi and Batumi is around 6:30 hrs. A one-way ticket costs 40 GEL per person. 

Omnibus buses run twice daily, in the morning and at night, taking around 6:30-7 hours to get from Tbilisi to Batumi. Like Metro Georgia, Omnibus also costs 40 GEL per person for one way. 

You can easily purchase tickets for both buses from their websites, where you can select seats. I advise buying it as soon as possible in the summer months as they get sold out fast, especially when train tickets are unavailable. 

How to get to Ortachala Bus Station

Buses depart from the bottom level of the station. Since there is no metro station close by, take a Bolt taxi to drive you close to the departure points. Alternatively, several municipal buses are going to the station from the Baratashvili Street stop, namely 350, 301, and 371 buses. 

When you arrive in Batumi

Both buses terminate at the Batumi Central Railway Station. So you’ll need to follow the same directions I explained above in the train section of the post. However, Metro Georiga can also stop at Argo Cable Car on the Tbilisi-Batumi route. 

Returning from Batumi to Tbilisi by bus

Both companies offer the same timetables and ticket prices for your return trip from Batumi to Tbilisi. You need to get to Batumi Central Railway Station for both bus companies to board the vehicle. 

Important: Metro Georgia won’t be able to pick you up at Argo Cable Car on the route from Batumi to Tbilisi. 

Tbilisi to Batumi with private transfer

I highly recommend booking a private transfer with GoTrip.ge for a fast, comfortable, and stress-free trip to Batumi.

GoTrip is a platform connecting you with professional long-distance travel drivers nationwide. Prices are transparent and fixed in advance, eliminating the need for negotiation.

You can set your schedule and create a personalized itinerary to make stops wherever and whenever you want between your departure and destination (see a short list of my recommended stops under the Driving a Car section below)

The drivers of GoTrip adhere to safe driving rules, while cars are clean and equipped with standard amenities, including child car seats.

Prices may vary slightly depending on the driver, car model, and number of seats, starting from 290 GEL (107 USD). 

Remember that the transfer price stays the same when you include a few stops on your way to Batumi. Just include your desired stops in the trip planner when booking. 

Another advantage of having GoTrip private transfer is that it will take you to your accommodation in Batumi, avoiding the hassle of finding public transport or getting a taxi. 

→ Check prices and book a transfer from Tbilisi to Batumi via GoTrip.

Shared taxi from Tbilisi to Batumi

If you can’t afford the private transfer with GoTrip, but still want a more comfortable experience, opt for a shared taxi to Batumi. Taxis also depart from Didube and look for Batumi signs on their windshields. If you feel you need help, you can always approach someone, and they’ll give you directions. 

One disadvantage of them is that you may need to wait until the driver gets all the passengers for departure. The price is approximately 50-60 GEL. 

Like marshrutkas, they also stop at Argo Cable Car, but the driver might take you directly to your accommodation for an additional fee. 

Driving a car from Tbilisi to Batumi

If you enjoy more flexibility, renting a car to drive to Batumi might be the best option. Set a whole day aside as the route offers numerous opportunities for food and sightseeing detours. 

For affordable prices, comfortable cars, and a user-friendly platform, I recommend Local Rent, a website that connects local agents and offers many vehicles. Some even include insurance in the price, and some don’t require an additional security deposit. 

Here are a few stops to make along the way: 

• Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia. 
• Gori – the birthplace of Joseph Stalin that offers much more than his house museum. 
• Uplistsikhe Caves – an ancient town cut in rocks that’s also very close to Gori
• Khashuri – quick stop for Nazuki – sweet tone bread
• Kutaisi – for lunch and sightseeing, but I honestly think you need to spend a few days and plan a separate trip here. 

→ Find your suitable car on Local Rent.