The distance between Tbilisi and Batumi is roughly 340 km by road and 265 km by rail. The fastest option is the Stadler express train: just over 5 hours for as little as 35 GEL (about 12 €) in standard class. Coaches cost 40–50 GEL and take 5.5–6 hours, marshrutka vans start from 25–35 GEL with lower comfort, and a rental car covers the route in about 5 hours with the freedom to stop along the way.
Key facts:
- Stadler train – the most comfortable choice: double-decker Swiss carriages with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and power sockets. Since late 2025, a new tunnel has cut travel time by approximately 30 minutes.
- Metro Georgia and City Bus coaches – modern vehicles with air conditioning, departing from Ortachala Bus Station. Tickets cost 40–50 GEL.
- Marshrutka vans leave from Didube metro station. Budget-friendly (25–35 GEL) but no fixed schedule, limited legroom, and rarely air-conditioned.
- Car rental – the only way to freely explore the coast and make stops en route. Prices from 25 $/day via Localrent.
- Private transfer through KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups – ideal for families and late-night arrivals. From 150–200 GEL per car.
- Domestic flights exist but are unreliable: frequent cancellations and limited schedules. Treat as a backup option only.
- Travel insurance is mandatory – since January 1, 2026, all foreign nationals entering Georgia must have medical insurance. Check visa requirements for your nationality before travelling.
Train from Tbilisi to Batumi: Schedule, Classes and Prices
The train offers the best balance of price, comfort and speed. The route is served by Swiss-made Stadler KISS double-decker trains – the flagship of Georgian Railway.
Schedule
At least two daily departures run year-round: a morning service (around 8:00 AM) and an evening service (around 5:10 PM). Extra trains are added in summer – in 2025, additional services ran on Fridays through Mondays. The same pattern is expected from July 2026.
Travel time is approximately 5 hours 10 minutes in summer and 5 hours 35 minutes in winter. Since December 2025, a newly opened tunnel has shortened the route by roughly 30 minutes compared to previous years.
Service Classes and Fares
(Updated: February 2026)
Summer tickets sell out quickly, especially in July and August. Book 10–21 days in advance through the official platform or app. Payment via Visa/Mastercard.
Practical Details
There is no restaurant car – only vending machines for drinks and snacks. Bring your own food and water. Wi-Fi is advertised but can be patchy in mountainous sections. Luggage up to 36 kg and 180 cm (sum of three dimensions) is included in the ticket price.
Departure is from Tbilisi Central Station (Station Square metro stop). Arrival is at Batumi railway station, about 4 km from the city centre. From there, a taxi via app costs around 5–7 GEL.
Coach: Metro Georgia and City Bus
Coaches are a solid alternative when train tickets are sold out.
Operators and Routes
The two main operators are Metro Georgia and City Bus Georgia. In summer, Omnibus adds a daily service. Altogether, 10 to 30+ departures run daily depending on the season.
(Updated: February 2026)
Where Coaches Depart
The main terminal is Ortachala Bus Station (1 Dimitri Gulia Street), on the south side of Tbilisi. There is no metro station nearby, so a taxi via app from Freedom Square costs about 7–9 GEL. Some City Bus departures leave from Dighomi district in northern Tbilisi – always verify your departure point when buying a ticket.
On arrival in Batumi, coaches stop at the city bus station. From there, taxis cost 5–7 GEL, or you can catch a local bus.
Marshrutka Vans and Shared Taxis
Marshrutka vans are the cheapest but least predictable option.
How It Works
Minibuses leave from Didube Bus Terminal (Didube metro station, Red Line). There is no fixed schedule – vans leave once full or roughly every hour. First departure around 7:15 AM, last around midnight.
Fare: 25–35 GEL (8–12 €). Cash only, paid to the driver. Travel time: 5.5–6.5 hours with one stop at a roadside café halfway (overpriced food, paid toilet).
Most vans have no air conditioning. In summer, a packed marshrutka gets hot. Not ideal for families with children or travellers with bulky luggage.
Shared Taxis
Near the marshrutka area at Didube, you will find sedan cars with "Batumi" signs on their dashboards. Price: 50–60 GEL per person (17–20 €). The car leaves when all 4 seats are filled. Faster and slightly more comfortable than a van, but driving style is entirely at the driver's discretion.
Car Rental: Freedom on the Road
Renting a car is the only way to turn the drive from Tbilisi to Batumi into a proper road trip with stops at Borjomi, Kutaisi, or Black Sea beach towns like Ureki and Kobuleti.
Road and Travel Time
The main E60/E70 highway is in good condition, mostly two-lane with some divided sections. Driving time without stops is about 5 hours. Summer traffic near Batumi can cause delays. In winter, check forecasts – mountain sections occasionally close due to snowfall.
Rental Costs
Prices start from 25 $/day for a sedan or compact crossover when booking through Localrent. An SUV starts from 33 $/day. Most offers include insurance with no deposit required. Cars can be delivered to the airport or your hotel. For more detail, see Car Rental in Georgia – Complete Guide and Hidden Pitfalls.
Petrol in Georgia costs approximately 1.14 $ per litre (updated: February 2026). The Tbilisi to Batumi route requires about 25–30 litres, meaning roughly 30–35 $ in fuel one way.
Driving Rules
Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 on open roads, 110 on motorways. Speed cameras operate on main routes. Seatbelts are mandatory, child seats are required. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03 ‰ – effectively zero.
Georgian driving can be unpredictable: aggressive overtaking, tailgating, and livestock on rural roads are common. Stay vigilant and avoid driving after dark on unfamiliar routes.
Private Transfer
A private transfer is the best option for families, travellers with lots of luggage, or anyone arriving on a late-night flight.
Book via KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups. A driver will meet you at the airport or pick you up from your hotel, and you can request stops along the way. Prices start from 150–200 GEL (50–70 €) for a sedan and 250–350 GEL for a minivan.
The advantage is a fixed price, confirmed at booking. Payment by card online.
Domestic Flight: Worth Considering?
Domestic flights between Tbilisi and Batumi do exist, but reliability is questionable. Flight time is around one hour, with tickets from 150 GEL one-way. Cancellations happen regularly and schedules are limited. Consider this option only as a backup and always verify current availability through flight aggregators.
Comparison Table: All Options
(Updated: February 2026)
What to See Along the Way
If driving or taking a transfer, a detour through Borjomi adds a couple of hours but lets you visit Borjomi Central Park and taste mineral water from the source. An alternative route via Kutaisi opens access to Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon. Approaching Batumi, consider stopping at Ureki beach, famous for its black magnetic sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I buy Tbilisi–Batumi train tickets online?
Yes, tickets are sold through the official railway platform and a third-party booking site. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Sales open 10–21 days before departure. In summer, book early – trains sell out fast.
2. What is the cheapest option?
Marshrutka vans from Didube start at 25 GEL (8 €). However, the difference from the train (from 35 GEL) is minimal, while comfort is incomparable. For an extra 10 GEL you get air conditioning, power outlets, a reserved seat, and predictable arrival time.
3. Is the road from Tbilisi to Batumi safe for driving?
The highway is generally in good condition. Main risks are aggressive local driving habits and livestock on rural road sections. Avoid night driving and mountain routes in winter without proper tyres.
4. Is travel insurance required for Georgia?
Yes, since January 1, 2026, medical insurance is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Georgia. You may be denied entry without it. Purchase a policy before you travel.
5. Can I travel from Tbilisi to Batumi at night?
Marshrutka vans run until midnight. In summer, night trains are added (from July). Night coaches from Metro Georgia and City Bus are also available – the earliest departs at 1:00 AM. For a late-night transfer, book in advance through KiwiTaxi.
Conclusion
For most travellers, the Stadler train is the clear winner. It is the most comfortable and reliable way to reach Batumi from Tbilisi at a reasonable price. If tickets are sold out, take a Metro Georgia coach. Rent a car if you plan to make stops or explore the Adjara coastline independently. Marshrutka vans are only worth it on a very tight budget.
Read also:
- Car Rental in Georgia – Complete Guide and Hidden Pitfalls
- Best Beaches in Georgia – Black Sea Coast Guide from Batumi to Anaklia
- First Time in Georgia – What You Need to Know Before Your Trip
- What to See in Tbilisi in 1, 2 and 3 Days – Routes and Practical Tips
- Georgia Travel Insurance – How to Choose and How Much It Costs in 2026
Sources:
Georgian Railway – official train schedule
TKT.GE – online train ticket sales
TRE.GE – Georgian Railway booking platform
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia – transport info
Batumi Transport – city transport authority