Are you traveling through the Caucasus and moving between Georgia and Armenia? Or perhaps you’re looking for the fastest way to travel between the capitals without flying? Armenia, a neighboring country to Iran, is easily accessible from Georgia. In our article Bus from Tbilisi to Yerevan, you will find a lot of necessary information, including the different transport options, where to buy tickets, the price list, and also our personal experience.
➡️ Read our article Santa Claus Express ⬅️
Table of Contents
OPTIONS FROM TBILISI TO YEREVAN
There are several transportation options for your journey from Georgia to Armenia, with many transport companies offering services between the cities. The fastest and cheapest option is by minivan. For groups, private minivan transfers between the capital cities are more comfortable. There is also the option of traveling by train, though it takes longer.
BUS FROM TBILISI TO YEREVAN
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Distance: 273km
- Arrive at the departure point 15-30 minutes before the bus leaves
- Buses from Tbilisi to Yerevan are not regular buses but minivans
- Each passenger is allowed up to 20 kg of luggage and one piece of hand luggage, included in the ticket price
- Some minivans allow pets to be transported in a carrier
- There are a few stops on this route for toilet breaks or to buy refreshments
- Children under two years old can travel on their parents’ laps for free
- When boarding the minivan, you must show your ID card, passport, or visa (if required)
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DO YOU NEED A VISA TO ARMENIA?
Before boarding bus from Tbilisi to Yerevan, first you need to know if you need a visa for Armenia. If you do, you can easily apply for one through the official e-visa website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. This site has a helpful visa search tool that allows you to check whether your country of origin requires a visa or not. Simply input your nationality, and the tool will provide the necessary information. Be sure to apply ahead of time to avoid any delays. Receiving an e-visa typically takes only a few days.
WHERE TO BUY A TICKET FOR BUS FROM TBILISI TO YEREVAN?
As mentioned earlier, many transportation companies offer tickets for the bus from Tbilisi to Yerevan. The best option is to buy a ticket online, but tickets can also be purchased from the driver if the minivan isn’t fully booked.
Regular minivans run on this route approximately 10 times a day, starting at 7 a.m., with the last one departing around 8-9 p.m., and some also offer direct transfers from the hotel.
Private cars or vans are available for your group, and some companies, like Hayreniq Tour, also offer a cancellation option.
➡️Buy your ticket for bus Tbilisi to Yerevan on 12go.asia⬅️
HOW MUCH DOES A TICKET COST?
Bus tickets between Tbilisi and Yerevan start at €12 per person for a minibus, while private car transfers begin at €98 per vehicle. There are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your preferences: group transfer, private group transfer, a private car transfer with 2 sightseeing stops, or the most affordable option with a minivan. More information on prices can be found below.
⬇️Book your transfer with 12go.asia⬇️
⬇️12go.asia options⬇️
Cheapest
Taxi ride with Hayreniq Tour
Hayreniq Tour minivan
Bestseller
Private minivan
⬇️Book your transfer from Tbilisi with GetYourGuide⬇️
HOW LONG IT TAKES?
The journey between the capitals of Georgia and Armenia usually takes 5 to 6 hours by minibus. A private journey may take less time, as you won’t have to wait for other passengers.
TIMETABLE OF BUS FROM TBILISI TO YEREVAN
Approximately 10 minivans run from Tbilisi to Yerevan daily. For the timetable, the journey itself, as well as pick-up and drop-off points, all this information can be found on 12go.asia.
Some minivans depart from Tbilisi Isani Mall to Yerevan Abovyan Street, while others depart from Avlabari Metro Station (Tbilisi) to Kilikia Bus Station (Yerevan).
WHAT DOES THE BUS LOOK LIKE?
Minivan from Tbilisi to Yerevan
As mentioned above, you won’t find regular buses on this route, but minivans. The van can accommodate 12-15 passengers plus luggage. Inside, the van has a 2+1 seating layout, so there is room for solo travelers as well. The seats are comfortable, the vans have air conditioning (which usually works), and some vans also offer Wi-Fi.
➡️Buy your ticket for bus Tbilisi to Yerevan on 12go.asia⬅️
WHERE IS THE PICK-UP POINT IN TBILISI?
Different transport providers have various pick-up points, but the most common are:
Tbilisi Isani Mall
Avlabari Metro Station
You can find the exact locations and a map directly on the 12go.asia website before purchasing a ticket.
WHERE IS THE DROP-OFF POINT IN YEREVAN?
Different transport providers have various drop-off points, but the most common are:
Abovyan Street
Kilikia Bus Station
OUR EXPERIENCE ON THE BUS FROM TBILISI TO YEREVAN
We left Tbilisi at 9 a.m. and bought our tickets on the 12go.asia website. The driver spoke Russian, which suited us, so we took advantage of it to ask for seats next to him for the best view. The route is scenic, passing through mountains and around Lake Sevan. After leaving the city, we entered the hills and smaller roads, passing through towns where the road almost disappeared completely. After an hour and 15 minutes of riding, we arrived at the Bagratashen border (Georgia).
NOTE: These Tbilisi to Yerevan minivan rides are notorious for dangerous driving and overtaking.
At the border, each passenger must take all their luggage and walk to passport and baggage control. The Georgian side was fast and smooth, taking only a few minutes. After passport control, you can also find duty-free shops. After the first check, we crossed the bridge over the Debed River to the Sadakhlo border (Armenia) for passport and luggage control. This check was also quick, and they inspected our luggage. If you have an Azerbaijani stamp in your passport, you may be asked questions at the border, as the two countries do not have good relations.
After crossing the border, it was 200 km to Yerevan, followed by a short stop for a toilet break and food shopping. In Armenia, the drive became even more scenic, passing through the mountains and around Lake Sevan, which is located 1,900 meters above sea level. After 5.5 hours, we arrived in Yerevan. Our minivan dropped us off on Abovyan Street, just a 5-minute walk from the Yeritasardakan metro station.
➡️Buy your ticket for bus Tbilisi to Yerevan on 12go.asia⬅️
TRAIN FROM TBILISI TO YEREVAN
The Tbilisi-Yerevan sleeper train operates on two schedules, depending on the season. In the winter months, it runs every other day, while during the summer months, it runs daily. The journey takes over 10 hours. The train has first, second, and third-class carriages available for passengers.
If you’re looking for a faster option, minivans are a better choice. If you’re concerned about the notoriously dangerous driving style of minivans, the train is a safer option, though it does take longer than the minivan.
Planning to visit Yerevan soon?
🛏️Booking hotels: Booking.com
1.Loft Host Yerevan (Affordable)
2.Ibis Yerevan Center (Mid-range)
3.Holiday Inn Yerevan (Luxury)
🏄🏻♂️Booking tours: GetYourGuide
1. Day trip Garni, Geghard, & Symphony of Stones (7-9 hours)
2. Full day group tour Lake Sevan & Dilijan (10 hours)
3. Traditional Armenian Cuisine Private Cooking Class (3.5 hours)
🚗Car renting: Discover Cars
🚑Insurance: SafetyWing
📲Sim-cards: Airalo e-sim
BUS FROM YEREVAN TO TBILISI
Just like the bus from Tbilisi to Yerevan, the route from Yerevan to Tbilisi offers minivans throughout the day. With classic minivans at very affordable prices, starting from €12. You can also choose private minivans, or taxis for your group.
Minivans depart from the following locations in Yerevan:
Abovyan Street
Kilikia Bus Station
And they arrive at:
Tbilisi Isani Mall
Avlabari Metro Station
Looking for transport from Tbilisi Airport to the city?
🚕Private taxi transfer🚕
Before purchasing a ticket on the 12go.asia website, you can view detailed information about departure times and locations, including where each particular minivan departs from.
12go.asia options:
Cheapest
Taxi ride with Hayreniq Tour
Hayreniq Tour minivan
Bestseller
Private minivan
Planning to visit Tbilisi soon?
🛏️Booking hotels: Booking.com
1.At Funicular Hostel (Affordable)
2.Iris Hotel (Mid-range)
3.Qarvasla Hotel (Luxury)
🏄🏻♂️Booking tours: GetYourGuide
1. Full day group tour Kazbegi (12 hours)
2. Day tour Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori and Uplistsikhe (10 hours)
3. Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri (2.5 hours)
🚗Car renting: Discover Cars
🚑Insurance: SafetyWing
📲Sim-cards: Airalo e-sim
DO YOU NEED A VISA TO GEORGIA?
The official website of the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers a search tool to determine whether or not you need a visa based on your country of origin. There is a list of countries on the website that do not require a visa for stays of up to one year. In addition, some countries are listed with different periods of visa-free stay, which are specified in the notes for each country.
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WATCH OUR VIDEO OF THE BUS FROM TBILISI TO YEREVAN JOURNEY
In our video, you can watch the entire bus ride from Tbilisi to Yerevan, giving you a clear idea of what to expect. Our journey was smooth and fast, with no delays at either border crossing. Both border crossings were hassle-free, and the entire experience was good.
Whether you’re planning your own trip or simply curious about the experience, our video provides a full overview of what this popular route is like.
➡️Buy your ticket for bus Tbilisi to Yerevan on 12go.asia⬅️
CONCLUSION
When traveling from Georgia to Armenia, you have several transport options to choose from, depending on your preferences. If you’re looking for an affordable and fast option, minivans are the way to go, taking around 5.5 hours and offering great value. However, some travelers may be hesitant to take the minivans after reading reviews, as they are often known for dangerous driving and risky overtaking at high speeds.
Looking for transport from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi?
🚌City Bus Georgia🚌
For those who prefer a more private and comfortable experience, private cars or taxis are available, though they come at a higher price.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind a longer journey, the train is an option, though it takes over 10 hours and is an overnight train. The train could be appealing for those who prefer a slower, more relaxed journey.
In the end, it depends on what’s most important to you-whether it’s getting there quickly, saving money, or enjoying a relaxed and more comfortable train ride.
Q&A
What is the best way to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan?
It depends on your preferences. If you want to get to Yerevan as quickly (and cheaply) as possible, then a minivan is the right choice for you. The journey takes 5.5 hours, and prices start at €12. Several minivans run throughout the day, so you have options.
Is there a bus from Georgia to Armenia?
Although it’s not a traditional bus service, there are minivans that run frequently throughout the day, providing a convenient and efficient way to travel between the two cities. These minivans offer flexibility in terms of departure times, making them a popular choice for travelers looking for a quicker and more affordable option compared to other forms of transportation.
Is there a train between Tbilisi and Yerevan?
There is a regular overnight train between Tbilisi and Yerevan, with schedules depending on the season. During the winter months, it runs every other day, while in the summer months, it operates daily. The journey takes over 10 hours.
Is Yerevan worth visiting?
Yerevan is definitely worth a visit. The city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, so it is rich in history. In addition, it has a pleasant atmosphere and distinctive architecture. The surrounding area offers mountains, lakes, and monasteries that are also worth exploring. From one of its popular tourist attractions, the Cascade Complex, you can enjoy a unique view of the beloved Mount Ararat.
OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
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Accommodation: We use Booking.com where we always find great deals for hotels.
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Rental cars: To rent your car with free cancellation check out Discover Cars.
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Travel insurance: Never travel without travel insurance! Ekta works all over the world and has 10 years of experience in the industry. It is your right choice!
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Luggage storage: Radical storage is such a helpful Luggage storage network! When we have a late check-in or an early check-out we don’t need to carry our luggage with us, we just simply put it in the Radical storage which operates in over 70 countries!
E-sim card: The best way how avoid all the stress of searching for local SIM cards or wifi signals and save time after you arrive in your new country is to get Airalo e-sim. Download and install a digital data pack from 200+ countries/regions!
