Are you planning a trip to Georgia and looking for a unique and affordable way to travel between cities? Taking the night train from Kutaisi to Batumi might be just what you need! Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your journey.
Why take the night train?
First of all, why should you consider taking the night train instead of a bus or a taxi? Here are some advantages:
- It's affordable: A one-way ticket costs around 20 GEL (less than $7 USD).
- It's comfortable: The train has sleeping compartments with beds, pillows, and blankets.
- It's safe: The train is well-maintained and has security personnel on board.
- It's scenic: The route from Kutaisi to Batumi offers beautiful views of the Georgian countryside.
How to book your ticket
Booking your ticket for the night train is easy and can be done online or in person at the train station. Here are some tips:
- Book in advance: The train can get fully booked during peak season, so it's best to book your ticket a few days in advance.
- Choose your class: The train has three classes: first, second, and third. First class offers the most comfort and privacy, while third class is the most basic.
- Bring cash: The train station might not accept credit cards, so it's best to bring cash to pay for your ticket.
What to expect on the train
Once you board the train, you'll be assigned to your sleeping compartment. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Bring snacks and drinks: The train has a dining car, but it might not offer a wide variety of food and drinks. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea.
- Use the bathroom before bedtime: The train's bathroom can get crowded and messy during the night, so it's best to use it before bedtime.
- Keep your valuables close: Although the train is safe, it's always a good idea to keep your valuables close to you and not leave them unattended.
Tips for a good night's sleep
Sleeping on a train might not be as comfortable as sleeping in a bed, but there are some things you can do to make it easier:
- Wear comfortable clothes: The train's temperature can vary, so wearing layers is a good idea. Also, wearing comfortable clothes will help you sleep better.
- Bring earplugs and an eye mask: The train can be noisy and bright, so bringing earplugs and an eye mask will help you sleep better.
- Adjust your bed: The train's beds can be adjusted to different positions, so find the one that's most comfortable for you.
What to do in Batumi
Once you arrive in Batumi, there are plenty of things to do and see. Here are some recommendations:
- Visit the Batumi Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden offers stunning views of the Black Sea and a wide variety of plants and flowers.
- Walk along Batumi Boulevard: This scenic promenade offers great views of the sea and plenty of restaurants and cafes.
- Visit the Batumi Archaeological Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the region.
Additional tips and recommendations
Here are some more tips and recommendations to make the most of your night train journey from Kutaisi to Batumi:
- Pack light: The train compartments are not very spacious, so it's best to pack light and bring only what you need.
- Bring a power bank: The train might not have power outlets in the compartments, so bringing a power bank is a good idea to keep your devices charged.
- Be prepared for delays: The train might experience delays due to weather conditions or technical issues, so it's best to be prepared and have some extra time in case of delays.
- Be respectful of other passengers: The train compartments are shared with other passengers, so it's important to be respectful and considerate of their space and privacy.
Conclusion
Taking the night train from Kutaisi to Batumi is a unique and affordable way to travel in Georgia. By following these tips and tricks, you'll have a comfortable and enjoyable journey. And once you arrive in Batumi, you'll have plenty of things to do and see. Have a great trip!