Planning a trip to Georgia and looking for an affordable way to travel between its largest cities? The Tbilisi to Batumi bus offers a budget-friendly and convenient option, along with other choices like trains and private transport, perfect for solo travelers, families, or groups. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bus travel between Tbilisi and Batumi, including journey durations, ticket prices, and where to purchase your tickets.
Georgia is a captivating destination, offering diverse landscapes, from the capital city through the towering Caucasus Mountains to the Black Sea coast in Batumi.
Interested in exploring other travel options to Batumi? Then read our article on the Tbilisi Batumi Train.
Table of Contents
TBILISI TO BATUMI BUS OPTIONS
The country offers a variety of transportation options between its largest cities, Tbilisi and Batumi. The choice of transport depends on the individual traveler. On our trips around Georgia, we’ve used trains, buses, and minivans. If you’re traveling as a group or with family, you can also rent a private car or use one of the private services that transport groups between cities. These options are very affordable and great for budget travelers.
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The bus is one of the cheapest options for transportation between Tbilisi and Batumi, and a great alternative, especially during peak season when trains are often sold out and crowded, which can be uncomfortable. The train and bus take about the same amount of time, with only a minimal difference between them.
➡️ Buy your ticket for the bus ⬅️
One of the most popular bus companies for transporting passengers in Georgia is City Bus Georgia, which is favored by both locals and tourists which operates four times a day
Another option for the Tbilisi to Batumi bus route is the Turkish company Metro Turizm, which operates four times a day.
Both companies depart from Tbilisi’s main bus station, Ortachala Bus Station.
WHERE IS THE BUS STATION IN TBILISI?
Ortachala Bus Station is located in the Ortachala district of Tbilisi, near the Kura River. Unfortunately, it is not within walking distance of the city center. The nearest metro station to the bus station is Isani, which is 1.6 km away. It’s a good idea to buy everything you need in the city before traveling by bus, as the station offers very limited shopping options.
Note: Both City Bus Georgia and Metro Georgia have one more stop in Tbilisi on another side of the city called Mari Market.
WHERE TO BUY A TICKET FOR THE TBILISI TO BATUMI BUS?
Bus tickets can also be bought at the station, not only to Batumi but also to other cities in Georgia and neighboring countries like Armenia and Russia. Various companies have offices at the station offering these tickets. However, the fastest option is to buy tickets online. A website where you can compare departure times and prices is 12go.asia.
Traveling during the high season? Be sure to book your tickets in advance on 12go.asia!
HOW MUCH DOES A TICKET COST?
The ticket price depends on the company you choose. With City Bus Georgia, the ticket price is €14, and with Metro Turizm, it is €15. You can also buy tickets on the official websites of the transport companies, City Bus Georgia and Metro Georgia.
➡️ Buy your ticket for the bus ⬅️
HOW LONG DOES A JOURNEY TAKE?
The bus ride from the capital city of Tbilisi to the port city of Batumi takes approximately 6 hours. The buses make a few stops along the way, including in Kutaisi, Kutaisi Airport, Ureki, and Kobuleti, before arriving at the final stop at Batumi Central Railway Station, which is located 4 km from the city center.
HOW DOES A BUS LOOKS LIKE?
A regular large bus is equipped with comfortable seats in a 2+2 layout and is designed for long-distance travel. The bus is air-conditioned, offers Wi-Fi, and features an entertainment portal for a comfortable ride. On CityBus Georgia, you can enjoy free coffee, and an attendant is available to assist you during your journey.
Metro Turizm (Metro Georgia) buses offer similar amenities. Some buses may also have a toilet on board, although this is not always available. The bus will make a few stops for restroom breaks, depending on the length of the journey.
WHERE IS BUS STATION IN BATUMI?
Metro Turizm buses stop at Batumi Railway Station. From there, you can easily reach the city center by taxi or marshrutka, which stop right in front of the station.
Note: Batumi Railway Station is located about 4 km from the city center, not directly in the heart of Batumi.
You might need to take a taxi from Batumi Intercity Bus Station to the city center. We used Bolt, and luckily, we had an Airalo e-SIM because there was no Wi-Fi.
Some buses also stop at the Argo Cable Car Station, one of Batumi’s major attractions, which is within walking distance of the city center.
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When purchasing your ticket, it’s always best to confirm with the company where exactly the bus will stop, as this can vary depending on the bus service.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR TRANSPORT FROM TBILISI TO BATUMI
There are several other transportation options available between Tbilisi and Batumi, aside from the Tbilisi to Batumi bus, including regular buses, minivans, trains, and private cars or shared taxis.
➡️ Buy your ticket for the train Tbilisi-Batumi ⬅️
Trains run three times a day and are a convenient way to travel to Batumi.There are also regional trains running in Georgia, but they take longer and are slower.
If you’re looking for private transportation for yourself or your group, you can find private taxis or minivans operating between Tbilisi and Batumi on 12go.asia. The advantage of taxis is that they’ll drop you off directly at your designated address, so you won’t need to arrange additional transportation from the station to your hotel. Another option is to rent a car in Georgia.
➡️ Buy your ticket for the Bus ⬅️
BATUMI TO TBILISI OPTIONS
If you’re traveling from Batumi to the capital, Tbilisi, you have the same options as when traveling in the opposite direction. If you’re planning to visit Georgia during the summer season, be sure to buy your tickets in advance.
Check out our article One Day in Tbilisi for the best things to do, local food you have to try, and tips for getting around.
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CONCLUSION
There are many affordable and convenient transportation options between the two largest cities of Georgia, Tbilisi and Batumi. Buses and trains are among the best and most budget-friendly options for both travelers and locals. Depending on your preferences, you can also consider private transportation by taxi or minivan, which is especially beneficial for families with children or larger groups of travelers. If you prefer not to worry about transportation during your trip to Georgia, renting your own car can give you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace.
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If you’re traveling to Georgia during the summer months, it’s highly recommended to secure your tickets in advance. Batumi is a popular tourist destination, and train or bus tickets can often sell out. Whatever transportation option you choose, traveling in Georgia is affordable and suitable for all types of travelers.
➡️ Buy your ticket for the Bus ⬅️
Q&A
How to get from Tbilisi to Batumi?
From the capital, Tbilisi, there are many options to get to Batumi. More budget-friendly options include buses, trains, minivans, and shared taxis. For groups or families, private transportation options such as taxis, minivans, or car rentals are available.
How much does it cost to go from Tbilisi to Batumi?
The price depends on your budget. Train tickets range from €12 to €40, depending on the class you choose. Regular buses cost €14, while private taxis start at €150 per car. Renting a full minivan starts at €156, and renting a car in Georgia for a day will cost around €36.
Is Batumi nicer than Tbilisi?
Batumi is the second-largest city in Georgia, attracting tourists with its beaches and location on the Black Sea. Tbilisi, located inland, is a modern city offering a vibrant atmosphere with a rich cultural and historical heritage. If you’re into exploring museums, architecture, and the dynamic city life, Tbilisi is the place to be. On the other hand, Batumi is ideal for relaxation, offering a more laid-back vibe with its coastal beauty. Both cities have completely different vibes, and which one is nicer depends on personal preferences. If you’re seeking culture and history, Tbilisi is a great choice, but if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, Batumi would be perfect.
Does Batumi have a beach?
Yes, Batumi has a pebble beach along the Black Sea coast. The beach stretches for several kilometers and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists during the summer months. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and the sunset, which is set directly over the sea, makes it a great spot to enjoy the view. The promenade by the beach is lined with bars, restaurants, and cafes, and you’ll also find several tourist attractions nearby.
OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
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Accommodation: We use Booking.com where we always find great deals for hotels.
For hostels, we use Hostelworld where we find cheaper options and meet new people.
Rental cars: To rent your car with free cancellation check out Discover Cars.
Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets worldwide we use Direct Ferries.
All travel options in one place: Omio.com we use for easy travel planning where we can find trains, buses, ferries, and more.
Tours and other activities: Wherever we go we look at GetYourGuide to find the best tours and many other activities around the world!
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!
Reviews: Before we travel somewhere we always look at Tripadvisor, where we always find a summary of restaurants, places to visit, or hotels with current ratings and photos from people who have visited this place recently.
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!
