Travel

How to get from Yerevan to Tbilisi: Train, Bus, Plane, and Transfer Options

Влада • December 07, 2024

1. Your Guide to Traveling from Yerevan to Tbilisi

We wholeheartedly support you if you’re thinking about how to get from Yerevan to Tbilisi! The distance between Yerevan and Tbilisi is just 270 kilometers, which is quite manageable. However, if you’re driving, expect the journey to take around five hours, while the train ride will take about ten hours. The roads wind through beautiful mountains, and you’ll need to cross the border, but don’t worry — it’s all part of the adventure!

This route is very popular, with many travelers coming from Russia to Georgia via Armenia or simply exploring the two cities back and forth. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for getting from Yerevan to Tbilisi. You can choose from a train, a plane, a transfer service, or a minibus. We’ll review each option’s pros and cons.

How to get from Yerevan to Tbilisi

2. How to Get from Yerevan to Tbilisi by Train: Slow but Reliable

Travel Time: 10.5 hours
Ticket Price: Starting from $30 (80 Lari or 12,000 Dram for a Platzkart seat)

Trains on the Yerevan-Tbilisi route run three times a week (every other day) from the railway station. They typically depart at 9:30 PM and arrive early at 7:35 AM. However, schedules may vary between winter and summer, so it’s best to check the exact times in advance. As they say, the train won’t wait, even if you’re Armenian!

During your journey, you’ll make two stops at the border: on the Armenian side, border guards will check your documents right in the train cars, while on the Georgian side, you’ll need to step out to show your passport at a window.

You can purchase tickets online by visiting the Armenian railway website at railway.am

In addition to the Platzkart class, there are pricier options available: coupe (starting from 15,500 Dram) and even SV (24,000 Dram). Children under 5 travel free but won’t get a separate seat, while kids aged 5 to 10 receive a 45% discount. Bed linens and luggage up to 37 kg are included in the ticket price, so if you’re bringing a suitcase full of dried fruits, pastries, and cookies from Aunt Gayane, the train is definitely a better choice than flying 🙂

Tickets can be purchased no earlier than 40 days before your departure.

“This train isn’t exactly a luxury ride! It’s quite old… The Platzkart can get stuffy like a sauna, especially in summer! But we’re not picky; we can manage. Plus, you can stretch out and try to sleep while waiting for border checks at night. 

There’s water available and the restroom works. Just keep in mind that aligning with the schedule isn’t always convenient. And spending 10 hours on the road isn’t exactly a walk in the park. So if you can afford it, go for SV. You’ll get air conditioning, a toothbrush, napkins — they even give you cookies! Just remember to bring your own tea and don’t forget your cup,” shares Tigran, a traveler from Yerevan.

Yerevan Tbilisi train

3. Minibus and Bus from Yerevan to Tbilisi: Affordable but Not Always Comfortable

Travel Time: 6 hours
Ticket Price: Starting from 7,330 Dram

Starting at 7 AM, minibuses and buses from Yerevan to Tbilisi operate from the central bus station located at Admiral Isakov Street 6, as well as stops at Abovyan Street 60 and Arshakunyats Avenue 34/13. Tickets are usually purchased on-site, so there isn’t a fixed schedule. Minibuses fill up quickly and leave as soon as they’re full. In Tbilisi, they stop at the Ortachala bus station.

Another option is the Mercedes Sprinter minibuses, for which you can buy tickets online.

“I’m telling you, my friend: if you’re planning to go to Georgia by minibus, be ready for an adventure! Don’t forget your motion sickness pills; the drivers can be quite speedy. At the border, they might ask you to take out your belongings, which isn’t always convenient. And don’t even get me started on the trunk space — definitely not ideal for large suitcases. Sometimes the cabin gets packed with bags too. So think it through! But hey, it’s cheap and faster than taking the train,” shares Tigran.

How to get from Yerevan to Tbilisi

4. Flight from Yerevan to Tbilisi: Fast but with Limitations

Flight Time: 35 minutes
Ticket Prices: Starting from $67 (26,500 Dram) without baggage

If you’re looking for the quickest way to travel from Yerevan to Tbilisi, flying is your best bet. Flights depart daily from Zvartnots Airport and arrive at Shota Rustaveli International Airport. You can easily purchase tickets online and check in electronically.

“Flying is definitely fast, but it comes with some downsides. First, baggage costs extra, and you’ll have to pay for any excess weight. Second, flights can sometimes be delayed. Third, you still need to get to the airport, and once in Georgia, you’ll need to find a taxi. These are additional expenses,” comments Tigran.

If you’re flying, you can arrange a GoTrip transfer to pick you up at Tbilisi Airport and take you where you need to go on time. Alternatively, you can also use a transfer service from Yerevan to Tbilisi (as well as to Yerevan Airport).

Yerevan Tbilisi taxi transfer

5. Transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi: A Journey Tailored to Your Taste

Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours (the distance from Tbilisi to Yerevan is 270 km, but you’ll need to cross the border, which usually takes about an hour).

Price: Starting from $144 for a round trip on the same day.

GoTrip transfers are perfect for those who want more than just a ride from Yerevan to Tbilisi — they want to enjoy the journey itself. The convenience of our service lies in your ability to choose your driver based on price and reviews, vehicle type, trunk size, and other filters.

You won’t have to stick to a schedule; you create your own! You select the time, and the driver will call you and arrive at the designated spot to pick you up.

Along the way, you can make as many stops as you like – for free. There’s plenty to see, including:

  • The Armenian Alphabet Monument
  • Mount Aragats
  • The medieval fortress of Lori Berd
  • The cliffs of Maiori Dzor

You can explore these sites and take photos while your driver waits for you at no extra charge. The road is long and beautiful, so feel free to stop at cafes in both Armenia and Georgia.

Book a transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi with no deposit

The cost is calculated for the entire vehicle, you can easily bring friends or family — this won’t increase the price. If you have a child, you can request a child seat, which will be installed for free.

While this transfer may be pricier than taking a minibus, it offers much more comfort. Plus, you can cancel your booking on the website without any penalties if your plans change.

If you find yourself missing Yerevan and want to return on the same day, the return trip can be complimentary if the driver is coming back too! Just remember to mention your plans on the website.

Traveling is a school where one learns things they didn’t know before. May each journey bring you valuable knowledge, heartfelt connections, delightful experiences, and memories you’ll cherish!

 

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