How to Cheaply Get From Tbilisi to Batumi (5 Best Options)

One of the most popular places to visit in Georgia is Batumi and it is truly one of the best additions to your itinerary when visiting the country in the Caucasus.  This post details 5 affordable ways to get from Tbilisi to Batumi (and back from Batumi to Tbilisi).

We are not listing organized tours from one city to the other as it more-or-less requires a multi-day tour.  We are also not including flights as one of the cheaper options but we list a little info on how to fly from one city to another.

Please keep in mind flying is not an environmentally-friendly option between these two Georgian cities. If you have additional questions for how to get to Batumi from Tbilisi, please leave a comment or send us a message!

How to Get From Tbilisi to Batumi

This post is about how to get to Batumi from Tbilisi affordably and comfortably.  It will also cover which transportation is ideal depending on your needs as a traveler.

Batumi is located approximately 380 kilometers from the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi and is one of the best places to visit on Georgia’s Black Sea coast.  This means that it is best done as a multi-day trip and not as a day trip.

If you’re looking for how to get back to Tbilisi from Batumi, please see our notes at the bottom of this post detailing that.

Train to Batumi

One of the most common types of transportation to Batumi is the train.  This is the fastest option for getting to Batumi and takes only 5 hours compared to the other forms of transportation… and it is one of the more comfortable forms.

Megan has taken the train in Georgia several times to various places and it is her preferred way to get around.

The only problem with taking the train in Georgia is that there are only a few trains departing daily from Tbilisi (about four regular departures).

The current Tbilisi to Batumi train schedule and daily departures is as follows:

For additional information (and in-depth procedures), please visit Georgian Railways website… but do note that you will need to create an account to follow up on the schedule and timetable.

Tbilisi – Batumi Train Ticket Prices (and How to Buy)

There are two travel classes on the Tbilisi-Batumi train and the prices vary accordingly.

You can purchase tickets online from this website after creating an account, but to be honest, many people have had issues doing so.  If you are presented with issues, you can purchase tickets from the train station in purchase the day prior to your trip.

Tickets appear and are for sale 40 days prior to the departure.  Summer seasons may book up quickly, so try to purchase in advance or be flexible with your travel plans.

Train Departures

The Tbilisi-Batumi trains depart from the Tbilisi Central Railway Station (100 meters away from Station Square Metro Station).  This is also where the trains from Tbilisi to Yerevan and Baku depart from.

Bus to Batumi from Tbilisi

Another affordable option for getting to Batumi from Tbilisi is to take a minibus (marshrutka) or a regular bus.  The ride takes about 6 hours.

We break down the two options for getting to Batumi by bus below.

Minibus (Marshrutka) to Batumi

Minibuses depart from the domestic Tbilisi bus station ‘Didube’.  To get there, you can use public transportation but we recommend just taking a taxi in Tbilisi from a taxi app as it is easier.

From Didube, you can also find taxis to Kazbegi, Kutaisi, and Borjomi.

Minibuses are not always the most comfortable option, however.  They will often ram them full of people and they can make many stops along the way to pick up new passengers.  They also don’t always run on a set schedule and leave once filled to capacity.

If you’re stuck in an awkward place in the minibus, it can make for a cumbersome journey.  In addition, not all marshrutkas are created equal.  Some are nice, some are not.

Bus to Batumi

The best option for getting to Batumi without taking a train, in our opinion, is to take a scheduled bus there.  The buses are modern and spacious and you won’t have random stops along the way to pick up people on the side of a street.

The company that operates the Tbilisi-Batumi route currently is called Metro Georgia and they are known for providing excellent service throughout their routes.

While the prices may be a bit steeper, you will be granted amenities such as a TV, Wifi, air-conditioning, and a comfortable seat for your journey to Batumi.

The bus will make a few scheduled stops along the way to allow travelers to stretch their legs, grab some food, and get refreshed.

Metro Georgia Bus Schedule (Tbilisi-Batumi)

The Metro Georgia buses leave daily at the following times to Batumi:

In addition to the schedule above, there is an added route on Fridays with a departure of 9:30 AM from Tbilisi.

All Metro Georgia buses to Batumi leave from the Ortochala Bus Station at Gulia Str. N1 in Tbilisi.

Batumi Bus Ticket Prices with Metro Georgia (and How to Buy)

Obtaining a ticket for your Batumi trip is pretty easy through the Metro Georgia website or you can purchase from their office or selling point locations in Tbilisi that are as follows:

• Gulia Street N1 (Ortochala Bus Station)
• Chavchavadze Street 16
• Crossing of Akhmeteli and Aghmashenebeli Streets
• Berika International at Mtskheta Street 2
• Discovery at Old Tbilisi Avenue 10

The ticket price with Metro Georgia from Tbilisi to Batumi is currently 30 GEL ($9.35).

Taking a Taxi to Batumi

Taking a taxi is always an option but it will definitely not be the most affordable option, naturally.  But, it adds privacy and if you have the right amount of people, it is definitely a viable option.  It will also allow for stops at your will along the way.

A taxi from Tbilisi to Batumi will cost approximately anywhere from 300-350 GEL ($94-$110).

Renting a Car in Georgia

Alternatively, another option for getting to Batumi is by rental car.  If you choose to hire a car in Georgia, you will have the luxury to enjoy stops along the way and there are some nice rest stops and places to eat throughout.

The drive from Tbilisi to Batumi will take about 6 hours and you can make some cool stops along the way such as Gori, Kutaisi, or Mtskheta (and more).

>> Click here to check rental car prices in Georgia

Flights to Batumi

Not the most practical or eco-friendly way to get to Batumi, in our opinion… but it is still an option and maybe a better option during the winter if you’re rushed.

We advise traveling by train… by the time you go through all airport procedures and checkpoints, it truly will be able the same amount of time as taking the train from Tbilisi to Batumi.

How to Get From Batumi to Tbilisi

Are you already in Batumi and want to find out how to get back to Tbilisi?  Here are our options for how to return.  It includes train and bus options for visitors.

Train to Tbilisi

If you have already enjoyed your Batumi trip and want to get back to Tbilisi, you will find the train back an easy and affordable option.  It is also the fastest (5 hours).  Here is the schedule back to Tbilisi from Batumi:

As noted above, the ticket prices for the Batumi-Tbilisi train route are as follows:

Bus to Tbilisi

Another great option for returning to Tbilisi from Batumi is to that the Metro Georgia buses.  We detailed more specifics regarding them above (they have air-conditioning and wifi!).

Metro Georgia Bus Schedule (Tbilisi-Batumi)

The Metro Georgia buses leave daily at the following times to Tbilisi:

In addition to the schedule above, there is an added route on Sundays with a departure of 8:00 PM from Batumi.

All Metro Georgia buses to Batumi leave from the Batumi (new) bus station at Gogoli Street N1 in Batumi.

Batumi Bus Ticket Prices with Metro Georgia (and How to Buy)

Obtaining a ticket for your Tbilisi trip is pretty easy through the Metro Georgia website or you can purchase from their office or selling point locations in Batumi that are as follows:

• Tbel Abuseridze Street 65
• Chavchavadze Street 48
• Geo Tour at Gorgiladze Street 24
• Argo Tour at Gorgiladze Street 48

The ticket price with Metro Georgia from Batumi to Tbilisi is currently 30 GEL ($9.35).

Organized Tours in Batumi

Once you’re in Batumi, we definitely recommend making the most of your stay there!  One of the best ways to do this is by taking a Batumi tour!  Here are a few recommended tours we suggest to help you maximize your time in the seaside city:

• City Highlights & Batumi Boulevard Walking Tour (3 hours)
• Adjara: Batumi Botanical Garden & Mtirala National Park (8 hours)
• Cycling And Kayaking in Kolkheti National Park from Batumi (6 hours)
• Gonio Castle and Adjarian Highland Tour from Batumi (6 hours)
• Day trip to Batumi from Kutaisi (12 hours)

Where to Stay in Batumi

There are several places to stay in Batumi for those visiting.  Here are three great options for all budgets:

• Luxury:  Tapis Rouge VIP Boutique Hotel 5* Batumi
• Mid-range:  Old Batumi Villa
• Budget:  M55 Hostel

If you’re heading the other way around from Batumi to Tbilisi, here are some of our Tbilisi recommendations for accommodation:

• Luxury:  Silver 34 Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range:  Tiflis Family House
• Budget:  City Hostel

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• What to do in Tbilisi in winter
• How to take a taxi in Tbilisi
• Why you should visit Kazbegi
• How to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan
• Things to do in Tbilisi

Megan Starr

Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now splits her time between Frankfurt, Germany and Arctic Finland after also living in Norway, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.