How to get to Abovyan by plane, bus, transfer, taxi, and car

Abovyan is often called the northern gateway to Yerevan, and while it may not be the largest city in Armenia, it has its own unique charm with narrow green streets and a peaceful vibe. There’s plenty to see here, including the stunning Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the famous Arzni resort. Let’s dive into how you can get to Abovyan easily, safely, and affordably.

The journey from Yerevan to Abovyan is just 16 km along a scenic route. Nestled on picturesque hills and plains in the Kotayk region, you can reach this lovely city by:

• Bus
• Car
• Taxi
• Transfer

Pro Tip! Plan your visit for May or late August to early October. During these months, you can enjoy clear skies and pleasant temperatures that don’t exceed 24°C (75°F).

Unfortunately, you won’t land directly in Abovyan since there’s no airport here. But don’t worry! You can easily book a flight to Yerevan, where the friendly Zvartnots International Airport will welcome you.

Getting from Zvartnots Airport to Abovyan

Once you land, you can hop on public transport. The 201 bus runs from Zvartnots Airport and will whisk you away to Kilikia Central Bus Station in about 40 minutes.

At Kilikia, just grab a ticket for the 259 bus, which goes straight to Abovyan. It’s a budget-friendly choice, but remember that the journey will take around 2 hours. This might not be ideal if you’re traveling with kids or pets.

Other Ways to Reach Abovyan

You could also opt for a taxi or pre-book a transfer with GoTrip. The transfer service gets you there faster — about an hour by car — and offers peace of mind. You can see photos of each driver, his language skills and reviews on the website and choose your vehicle based on how many seats you need or the trunk size.

Plus, you can request a child seat for free. Right after you book, your driver will call to confirm details and meet you in the arrivals area with a name sign. Even if your flight is delayed, your driver will be waiting for you, along with complimentary water in the car. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to travel from Yerevan to Abovyan, public transport is your bet. There are two bus options available:

• Bus 259
• Bus 261

A Quick Note: The 259 bus departs from Kilikia Central Bus Station, with the first bus leaving at 8:30 AM and the last one at 8:45 PM. The journey takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes, and a ticket costs just 250 drams.

You can save some time by catching the same bus at the Northern Bus Station, where the ride to Abovyan is only around 9 minutes. Just remember to count the travel time to get to the bus station!

If you prefer the 261 bus, you can find it at the Central Railway Station. This option is convenient if you’ve just arrived by train from Sevan or another city. The 261 bus runs from 7:10 AM to 8:50 PM, taking about 55 minutes to reach Abovyan, also for 250 drams. If you catch it at the Northern Station, your trip will be around 10 minutes.

For the latest schedule and prices, check out the Yerevan Transport website.

Important! Both buses make several stops in Abovyan, so be sure to get off at the stop closest to the sights you want to see. For example, if you’re heading to the cathedral, it’s best to hop off at the bus station and take a short stroll there.

For those of you hitting the road in your car, you’re in luck! You can also rent a vehicle in Yerevan if you need one.

To drive from the capital to Abovyan, take the M4 highway and then turn onto H1. This is the quickest route at 16.3 km. If you prefer a backup option, you can stick with the M4 highway, which will stretch your journey to 18.5 km — just 2.2 km more.

In either case, you’ll spend about 30 minutes behind the wheel, not counting any fun stops along the way. And trust us, you’ll want to stop and soak in the stunning beauty of Armenia.

Pro Tip! While you’re in Abovyan, make sure to visit the picturesque Arzni resort, just 6 km away. It’s famous for its healing waters and has several sanatoriums that attract both tourists and locals from Yerevan alike.

Do you want to travel to Abovyan like a friend is driving you? Then book a transfer in advance. This way, you won’t have to worry about rushing from one bus to another.

Using the GoTrip website makes everything super easy. Just plan your route by entering your starting point and destination — like “Yerevan International Airport to Abovyan” — and select your travel date.

Once you do that, you’ll see a list of available drivers. You can check out their photos and details about the car, such as how many passengers it can hold, trunk space, and whether it has air conditioning.

Booking a Transfer from Yerevan to Abovyan

All vehicles are regularly inspected and well-maintained, so you can relax knowing you’re safe on the road. The drivers are friendly and know how to engage with customers. If the moment is right, they might share a funny story about life in Armenia, but they’ll never pry with awkward questions.

Another perk of using GoTrip is that you can make as many stops as you like along the way to enjoy the sights and explore attractions. There’s no time limit either, and all these stops are free. When you book your car, you’ll see the total price for your trip upfront, so there are no surprises later.

The transfer from Yerevan to Abovyan typically costs between $39 and $65, depending on the type of vehicle you choose.

Now that you know how to get to Abovyan with ease, we wish you a fantastic journey!