Booking Georgian Train Tickets Online: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

You have two weeks in Georgia, a Batumi beach day on the list, and a summer weekend that looks busy. Turn up at the station without a ticket and you may be stuck with a cramped minibus or a much later train. Many travellers also struggle with the online booking page for the first time: unfamiliar station names, passport fields, and a card payment that may redirect to your bank. This tutorial walks you through booking Georgian Railway tickets online in 2026, from the first click to boarding the train.

Georgian Trains in 2026: Routes and Train Types

Georgian Railway (Sakartvelos Rkinigza) is the most comfortable way to cross the country, especially between Tbilisi and the Black Sea coast. Two routes matter most for visitors.

• Tbilisi–Batumi: Run mainly by modern Stadler Kiss double-decker electric trains. The journey takes about 5 hours. A sleeper train with couchettes also runs on this route, typically in peak season or as an overnight option.
• Tbilisi–Kutaisi: Stadler trains are common. The trip takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Trains serve Kutaisi-I (the central station) and Kutaisi-II, which is near Kutaisi International Airport.

Trains also link Tbilisi with Zugdidi (the gateway to Svaneti), Poti, and other regional centres. Those routes are booked the same way as the two main ones.

Step-by-Step: Booking on tickets.railway.ge

The official portal is tickets.railway.ge. Use this site rather than a reseller. It works in Georgian, English, and Russian, so switch to English first.

Step 1: Open the site and choose English

Type the address into your browser. Since the early 2025 update, the site works well on a phone, so you can book from your hostel bed.

Step 2: Select route, date and passengers

1. In the “Departure” field, start typing “Tbilisi” and pick Tbilisi (Central) from the dropdown.
2. In the “Arrival” field, type “Batumi” and pick Batumi (Central). For the airport, choose Kutaisi-II instead of Kutaisi-I.
3. Use the calendar to choose your departure date. Tickets are typically available up to 60 days ahead. The window used to be 40 days, so if your date is greyed out, it may simply not be open yet.
4. Enter the number of passengers. Children under 5 typically travel free without a separate seat. Children aged 5–10 typically get a discount of about 50% on selected classes. Rules can change, so check the on-screen price before paying.
5. Click “Search”.

Step 3: Choose your train and class

The results page lists departure and arrival times, duration, and available classes. Stadler trains show 2nd Class, 1st Class, and Business Class. Sleepers show 3rd, 2nd, and 1st. Click “Select” next to your train. On Stadler trains you then see a seat map, and on sleepers you see cabin options. Greyed-out seats are taken.

Step 4: Enter passenger details

For every traveller you need:

• First name and last name in Latin characters, exactly as in the passport
• Document type (passport or ID card) and document number
• Gender and date of birth

Add an active email address and a phone number. Staff check these details at boarding, so one typo can cause problems.

Step 5: Pay

Check the booking summary and total. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Some local cards, such as TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia cards, may also offer direct payment. Enter the card number, expiry date, and CVV/CVC. Your bank may open a 3D Secure page, so keep your banking app or SMS code ready.

Step 6: Save your e-tickets

A confirmation page appears and the e-tickets go to your email. Print them or save them on your phone. On the platform, show the e-ticket together with the passport or ID card that matches the ticket.

Picking the Right Class: Seat, Couchette or Cabin

The class you choose changes the journey more than the price suggests, so decide before you reach the seat map.

Stadler Kiss (day train). 2nd Class is fine for most people. Choose 1st or Business if you want more space for the 5-hour ride to Batumi. These trains are fast and modern, and you can pick a window seat on the map.

Sleeper (overnight). 3rd Class (platskart) is the budget bunk in an open carriage. 2nd Class (couchette) gives you a compartment. 1st Class is a private cabin. By 2026, some older sleeper carriages on the Tbilisi–Batumi route have been refurbished, with improved privacy and amenities in 2nd and 1st class cabins. Not every carriage has been updated, so look at the cabin details on screen.

If you only need a seat to Batumi and plan to sleep in a hotel, take the Stadler. If you want to save a night’s accommodation and arrive by the sea in the morning, the sleeper is the better choice.

What Changed Since 2024

• Better website: In early 2025, tickets.railway.ge was significantly updated. It has a cleaner layout, works better on phones, and links directly to international payment gateways, so foreign card payments are smoother.
• Dynamic pricing: From mid-2025, Stadler Kiss fares vary. Tickets bought further ahead or for off-peak times may be slightly cheaper. The fares in this guide are averages.
• More trains: Daily frequencies on Tbilisi–Batumi and Tbilisi–Kutaisi are up 10–15% in peak season (June–September) compared with 2024.
• Contactless metro entry: Since late 2024, Tbilisi metro turnstiles accept contactless Visa and Mastercard bank cards, so you can reach the station without buying a Metromoney card.

2026 Budget Reality

These are estimated 2026 fares in GEL. Dynamic pricing means the exact amount depends on the day you book.

Budget

• Sleeper 3rd Class (platskart), Tbilisi–Batumi: 35–45 GEL
• Tbilisi–Kutaisi-II, 2nd Class: 25–30 GEL
• Metro single ride: 1.20 GEL

Mid-range

• Stadler Kiss 2nd Class, Tbilisi–Batumi: 45–55 GEL
• Sleeper 2nd Class (couchette), Tbilisi–Batumi: 60–75 GEL
• Tbilisi–Kutaisi-II, 1st Class: 40–45 GEL

Comfortable

• Stadler Kiss 1st Class, Tbilisi–Batumi: 70–85 GEL
• Sleeper 1st Class (private cabin), Tbilisi–Batumi: 90–110 GEL
• Stadler Kiss Business Class, Tbilisi–Batumi: 100–120 GEL

For comparison, a marshrutka from Tbilisi to Batumi costs 25–35 GEL, and from Tbilisi to Kutaisi 15–20 GEL. The train costs more but gives you a reserved seat or bed and a fixed ticket.

Boarding Day: ID, Stations and Getting There

Bring the passport or ID card used for booking, plus the e-ticket on your phone or on paper.

To reach Tbilisi Central, the metro costs 1.20 GEL. Tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard at the turnstile, or use a Metromoney card (2 GEL refundable deposit, topped up with cash). With Metromoney, further rides on metro, buses, and the Tbilisi cable car within 90 minutes are free. Bank cards are meant to apply the same transfer logic, but check your receipt rather than assuming it works the same way.

If you have luggage or an early departure, use Bolt or Yandex Go. Both accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express in the app. In Tbilisi, standard rides start with a base fare of 3.50–4.00 GEL plus 0.80–1.00 GEL per km, and the minimum ride is 5.00–6.00 GEL. Linking your card avoids small-change problems.

When the Train Doesn’t Fit: Marshrutka Backup

Trains do not go everywhere. For Kazbegi, Mestia, Telavi, and most small towns, marshrutka minibuses are the intercity backbone. Most routes have no online booking. You go to the station, find your destination, and pay the driver in cash.

• Didube Bus Station (at Didube Metro): Kutaisi, Batumi, Mestia, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), Borjomi, Gori
• Samgori Bus Station (at Samgori Metro): Kakheti (Telavi, Sighnaghi) and David Gareja
• Ortachala International Bus Station: mainly international routes, with some domestic long-distance services including some to Batumi

Fares: Tbilisi–Kazbegi 20–25 GEL, Tbilisi–Mestia 45–55 GEL, Tbilisi–Telavi 12–15 GEL. Marshrutkas usually leave when full. On popular routes like Tbilisi–Kutaisi that may mean every 15–30 minutes at peak times, but on quieter routes the wait can be 1–2 hours or more. Long-distance departures such as Mestia often leave early, around 07:00–09:00. Carry small notes (5, 10, 20 GEL). One suitcase or backpack is usually included, and extra luggage may cost 5–10 GEL.

A limited pilot for online booking exists on select premium routes, such as Tbilisi–Batumi express marshrutkas and Tbilisi–Mestia, through third-party aggregators like georgianbus.com. It adds a booking fee of 2–3 GEL. Treat it as a pilot, because most routes are still cash on the day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Typing names the wrong way. Use Latin characters exactly as in your passport. Your ID is checked at boarding.
• Using a different ID at the platform. The document number you entered must match the document you show.
• Confusing Kutaisi-I and Kutaisi-II. One is the central station and the other is near the airport.
• Waiting until the last day in peak season. June to September is busy, even with 10–15% more daily frequencies than in 2024.
• Not planning for the card step. Your bank may ask for 3D Secure authentication. Keep your phone nearby.
• Assuming prices are fixed. With dynamic pricing, the same train can cost different amounts on different days.
• Taking only a big banknote to the minibus. Marshrutka drivers may not have change.
• Buying through an unofficial site. Use tickets.railway.ge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy Georgian train tickets online?

Yes. tickets.railway.ge works in English, Georgian, and Russian, and accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. You enter passport details in Latin characters, pay by card, and receive the e-ticket by email. Some local Georgian cards may also work for direct payment.

How far in advance can I book a train?

Tickets are typically available up to 60 days before departure. The window used to be 40 days, so check the calendar on the site. For summer weekends, book as soon as your date opens, because early Stadler Kiss tickets may be slightly cheaper under dynamic pricing.

Do I need to print my train ticket?

No. You can print it or save it on your phone. At boarding, show the e-ticket together with a valid passport or ID card that matches the ticket details. Make sure the name and document number you entered during booking are correct.

How much is the Tbilisi–Batumi train in 2026?

On the Stadler Kiss, expect 45–55 GEL in 2nd Class, 70–85 GEL in 1st Class, and 100–120 GEL in Business Class. Sleeper tickets run from 35–45 GEL in 3rd Class to 90–110 GEL in a 1st Class private cabin. The trip takes about 5 hours.

Is the train better than a marshrutka?

Choose the train for comfort, a reserved seat, and online booking. Choose the marshrutka for lower prices (Tbilisi–Batumi costs 25–35 GEL), frequent departures, and routes trains do not serve, like Kazbegi or Mestia. Marshrutkas mostly take cash and leave when full.

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📷 Featured image by Sergio Guardiola Herrador on Unsplash.