How to get to Etchmiadzin by train, bus, minibus, taxi, and car

Etchmiadzin (formerly known as Vagharshapat) is a city that holds a special place in the hearts of Armenians and Christians alike. It’s where the unique Armenian culture first took root! The Etchmiadzin Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world and the very first in Armenia. So, knowing how to get to Etchmiadzin quickly and comfortably is helpful.

Locals believe that if you haven’t seen holy Etchmiadzin, you haven’t truly experienced Armenia. They might be onto something!

Etchmiadzin is located in the Armavir region, just 20 km from Yerevan. There are three great ways to get there:

• By train
• By public transport
• By car

Plus, there’s the Zvartnots International Airport nearby. You can fly in and hop on a bus or minibus to reach these sacred sites — perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option. If comfort is your thing, you can book a GoTrip transfer right from the airport.

Now, let’s dive into the details.

If you’re planning a trip to Armenia from another country, the first step is to grab a plane ticket to Yerevan.

Getting from Zvartnots Airport to Etchmiadzin

Once you land at Zvartnots Airport, you can use public transport to reach Etchmiadzin. Start by catching the 201 bus or the 108 minibus, which will take you to the Kilikia Central Bus Station (located at Admiral Isakov Avenue, 6). From there, switch to the 202 bus or the 203 minibus that goes directly to Etchmiadzin. The whole journey takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes, including the transfer.

If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can take a taxi from the airport to Etchmiadzin, which should take around 20-30 minutes. Just keep in mind that prices can vary — private taxi drivers near the airport often charge more than those you find through apps. And they often don’t speak English.

For those who value both speed and safety, I recommend booking a GoTrip transfer in advance. You can choose a driver that fits your needs — like how many seats you need, trunk space, language skills, and customer reviews. Right after you place your order, the driver will call you to confirm the trip details and will meet you at the airport with a name sign. And don’t worry if your flight is delayed; your transfer will be waiting for you.

For those who can’t resist a little romance in their travels, taking the train from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin might be an option. Start your journey at the Central Railway Station (located at 80 Tigran Mets Avenue) and buy a ticket for the Yerevan – Gyumri – Yerevan electric train. This train passes through Etchmiadzin and runs every day at 7:55 AM, 2:25 PM, and 6:25 PM. The ticket costs just 500 drams (2$), and the ride takes about 34 minutes.

If you’re looking to visit the holy city in the evening and stay overnight, you might want to consider the Yerevan – Araks – Yerevan route. This train runs once a day, leaving at 7:35 PM and arriving in Etchmiadzin in about 30 minutes.

Typically, tickets are purchased right at the station, so it’s a good idea to check the latest schedule and prices on the railway website before you head out.

Important! The Etchmiadzin station is about 15 km from the city itself, so think ahead about how you’ll get from there to the cathedral. You can call a taxi or book a transfer to make it easier.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get to Etchmiadzin, using public transport is a good choice. From the Kilikia Central Bus Station (located at 6 Admiral Isakov Avenue), you can catch the 202 bus or the 203 minibus, both of which run every ten minutes. The entire trip takes about 30 minutes, and the best part is that the driver will drop you off just a few steps away from the entrance to the cathedral. Etchmiadzin is the final stop, so you won’t miss it.

Important! Between 10 AM and 5 PM, some buses pass through downtown Yerevan, stopping at Pak Shuka and France Square, making it even more convenient for travelers.

For those who prefer driving, reaching Etchmiadzin from Yerevan or another city is quite straightforward. The drive from Yerevan takes about half an hour along the M5 highway.

On your way, consider stopping in Zvartnots, which is just 12 km from Etchmiadzin. Here, you can visit the Zvartnots Temple. Although it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century and is currently under reconstruction, the columns are well-preserved and give a sense of the site’s former grandeur and beauty.

If you want to skip the hassle of checking public transport schedules and riding with a stranger, GoTrip transfers are a popular choice among visitors. On the website, you can easily plan your route one way or round trip. The system will then show you a selection of drivers to choose from, complete with photos, prices, reviews, language skills, and car details. For instance, you can see how many seats are available, the trunk size, and whether pets are allowed. Plus, if you need a child seat, the driver can provide one upon request — free of charge.

Book a Transfer from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin

You can take a transfer not just from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin but also from other cities — even Tbilisi, Georgia. The convenience of a transfer means you’ll be picked up in a spotless car by a friendly driver who speaks English — definitely something to keep in mind when making your choice. You won’t have to worry about safety either; all the drivers undergo thorough checks and training in customer service.

Another great perk of GoTrip is that you can make as many stops as you like along the way without any extra charges. You’ll see the price upfront before your trip starts, so there are no surprises later on.

Feel free to plan your route to hit all the must-see spots in Etchmiadzin. Besides the cathedral and churches, don’t miss the open altar, the repository of ancient manuscripts, and the Gevorgyan Spiritual Seminary. And if you’re up for it, you can even take a side trip to Ashtarak to check out some local temples.

As you can see, getting to this wonderful city can be both affordable and comfortable. Choose the option that suits you best.

Safe travels and unforgettable experiences await!