Are you planning a trip from Tbilisi to Batumi and wondering how to get there? Well, you're in luck because there are plenty of transportation options available for you to choose from. In this blog post, we'll cover all the different ways you can travel from Tbilisi to Batumi, including their pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision.
Option 1: Bus
Taking a bus from Tbilisi to Batumi is one of the most popular transportation options. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, such as Georgian Bus, Metro Georgia, and Avtovaz. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic, and costs around 20-25 GEL ($6-$8).
Pros
- Affordable: Taking the bus is one of the most affordable ways to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi. It's a great option for budget travelers who want to save some money on transportation costs.
- Frequent departures: There are several bus companies that operate on this route, which means there are frequent departures throughout the day. You can choose a departure time that suits your schedule.
- Comfortable seats: Most buses have comfortable seats with enough legroom to ensure a comfortable journey.
- Air-conditioned: The buses are air-conditioned, which is a relief during the hot summer months in Georgia.
Cons
- Can be crowded: Buses can get crowded, especially during peak travel season. This can make for an uncomfortable journey, particularly if you're traveling with a lot of luggage.
- Limited luggage space: There is limited space for luggage on the bus, which means you may have to keep your bags on your lap or under your seat.
- No toilet on board: There is no toilet on board the bus, so you'll have to wait for rest stops along the way.
- No food or drinks provided: There is no food or drinks provided on the bus, so make sure to bring your own snacks and water.
Option 2: Train
If you prefer a more scenic route, taking a train from Tbilisi to Batumi is a great option. The train departs from Tbilisi Central Station and takes around 5-6 hours to reach Batumi. There are two types of trains available: the express train and the regular train. The express train is faster but more expensive, while the regular train is slower but cheaper.
Pros
- Scenic route: The train journey from Tbilisi to Batumi is one of the most scenic in Georgia. You'll pass through beautiful landscapes and see some of the country's most stunning natural scenery.
- Comfortable seats: The seats on the train are comfortable, and there's enough legroom to ensure a comfortable journey.
- Air-conditioned: The train is air-conditioned, which is a relief during the hot summer months in Georgia.
- Food and drinks available on board: There is a dining car on the train where you can buy food and drinks.
Cons
- Limited departures: There are only a few departures per day, so you'll need to plan your journey accordingly.
- Can be crowded: Trains can get crowded, especially during peak travel season. This can make for an uncomfortable journey, particularly if you're traveling with a lot of luggage.
- Limited luggage space: There is limited space for luggage on the train, which means you may have to keep your bags on your lap or under your seat.
- No toilet in some carriages: Some carriages on the train do not have toilets, so make sure to check before boarding.
Option 3: Shared Taxi
Taking a shared taxi from Tbilisi to Batumi is a popular option among locals. The journey takes around 5-6 hours and costs around 30-40 GEL ($10-$13) per person. You can find shared taxis at the Didube bus station in Tbilisi.
Pros
- Affordable: Taking a shared taxi is an affordable option for those who don't want to spend too much money on transportation.
- Faster than bus: Shared taxis are faster than buses, which means you'll reach Batumi sooner.
- Comfortable seats: Most shared taxis have comfortable seats, which makes for a more comfortable journey.
- Air-conditioned: Shared taxis are air-conditioned, which is a relief during the hot summer months in Georgia.
- Flexible departure times: Shared taxis depart when they're full, which means you can leave as soon as the taxi is full.
Cons
- Can be crowded: Shared taxis can get crowded, especially during peak travel season. This can make for an uncomfortable journey, particularly if you're traveling with a lot of luggage.
- Limited luggage space: There is limited space for luggage in shared taxis, which means you may have to keep your bags on your lap or under your seat.
- No toilet on board: There is no toilet on board the shared taxi, so you'll have to wait for rest stops along the way.
- No food or drinks provided: There is no food or drinks provided on the shared taxi, so make sure to bring your own snacks and water.
Option 4: Private Car
If you prefer a more private and comfortable option, you can also hire a private car to take you from Tbilisi to Batumi. This option is more expensive, costing around 200-250 GEL ($65-$80), but it's also more convenient and flexible.
Pros
- Private and comfortable: Hiring a private car is the most comfortable and private way to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi. You'll have the car to yourself, which means you can travel in peace and quiet.
- Flexible departure times: You can choose a departure time that suits your schedule.
- More luggage space: There is more space for luggage in a private car, which means you can bring more bags with you.
- Possible to make stops along the way: You can ask your driver to make stops along the way, which is great if you want to take a break or see some of the sights.
Cons
- Expensive: Hiring a private car is the most expensive option, which may not be suitable for budget travelers.
- Not as affordable as other options: Private cars are more expensive than buses, trains, and shared taxis.
- No toilet on board: There is no toilet on board the private car, so you'll have to wait for rest stops along the way.
- No food or drinks provided: There is no food or drinks provided in the private car, so make sure to bring your own snacks and water.
Option 5: Flight
If you're short on time or simply prefer to fly, you can also take a flight from Tbilisi to Batumi. There are several airlines that operate on this route, such as Georgian Airways and MyWay Airlines. The flight takes around 1 hour and costs around 100-150 GEL ($32-$48) one way.
Pros
- Fastest option: Flying is the fastest way to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi. You'll reach Batumi in just one hour.
- Comfortable: Flights are comfortable, and you'll have plenty of legroom.
- Possible to book online: You can book your flight online, which is convenient if you don't want to go to a travel agency.
Cons
- More expensive than other options: Flying is more expensive than other options, which may not be suitable for budget travelers.
- Limited departure times: There are only a few flights per day, so you'll need to plan your journey accordingly.
- Luggage restrictions apply: There are luggage restrictions on flights, which means you may have to pay extra for additional luggage.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of transportation options available for you to choose from when traveling from Tbilisi to Batumi. Each option has its own pros and cons, so it's important to consider your budget, travel preferences, and schedule before making a decision. Whether you choose to take a bus, train, shared taxi, private car, or flight, you're sure to have a memorable journey through the beautiful landscapes of Georgia.