How to Buy Train Tickets in Georgia: Online, Stations & Prices

In 2026, Georgia’s train network is more popular than ever — and that means popular routes like Tbilisi to Batumi sell out days in advance during summer. Travellers who show up at Tbilisi Central station on a July morning expecting to grab a ticket and jump on the next train frequently find every seat gone. Meanwhile, the official booking website confuses first-timers who aren’t sure whether they need an account, which class to choose, or whether a QR code on a phone is actually valid at the gate. This guide answers all of that, and covers every other way to move around Georgia — from sleeper trains and marshrutkas to metro cards and mountain 4x4s.

Georgian Railway Online Tickets: How to Use tkt.ge

The official ticket sales platform for Georgian Railway (Sakartvelos Rkinigza) is tkt.ge — not railway.ge, which is the corporate information site. That distinction trips up a lot of travellers. On tkt.ge you can search, select seats, pay, and receive an e-ticket without ever visiting a station. The site is available in both Georgian and English.

Step-by-Step: Booking a Train Ticket on tkt.ge

1. Go to tkt.ge in any browser. Switch to English using the language toggle at the top right if needed.
2. Register or continue as a guest. Creating a free account is optional but worth doing — it stores your passenger details and lets you view or cancel bookings later. Click “Register” and enter your email, a password, and basic personal details.
3. Select “Train” from the transport options on the homepage.
4. Enter your route. Type the departure station (e.g., “Tbilisi Central”) and the arrival station (e.g., “Batumi”). Choose your travel date and the number of passengers, then click “Search.”
5. Choose your train and class. Results show all available services for that day with departure and arrival times, journey duration, and seat classes with prices. On Stadler Kiss double-decker trains and the newer Stadler Flirt trains (fully operational across key routes by 2025–2026), classes are typically 2nd Class (Economy), 1st Class (Business), and in some cases VIP. Click your preferred train to open the seat map. Green seats are available; red are taken. Pick your seats.
6. Enter passenger details. Provide the full name and passport or national ID number exactly as they appear on the document. This information is checked at boarding — a mismatch can cause problems.
7. Pay. tkt.ge accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as cards from Georgian banks including TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia. Enter your card number, expiry date, and CVV, then confirm the payment.
8. Save your e-ticket. It arrives by email within a few minutes. It contains a QR code or barcode that inspectors scan on board. You can show it on your phone — no need to print.

Booking window: Tickets typically go on sale 30 to 45 days before departure. During summer and public holidays, the Tbilisi–Batumi route fills up fast. Book as soon as the window opens.

Buying Train Tickets at the Station

Ticket offices at Georgian Railway stations are reliable and, outside of peak summer weekends, rarely have long queues. This option works well if you have flexible dates or prefer not to book online.

Main Stations with Ticket Offices

• Tbilisi Central (Vagzlis Moedani): The largest station in the country. Ticket offices sit on the ground floor and are straightforward to find once you enter the main hall. Multiple windows are open simultaneously during busy periods.
• Batumi Central: Smaller but well-organised. Staff here are accustomed to tourists and some speak basic English.
• Kutaisi I (Central): The main city station. Quieter than Tbilisi, with shorter queues.
• Kutaisi II (Airport Station): A compact stop that primarily serves passengers connecting with Kutaisi International Airport.

Operating hours: Most ticket offices open around 08:00 and close around 22:00, but hours vary. If you’re arriving late or departing very early, confirm the hours via railway.ge before making the trip to the station.

Payment: Cash in GEL is accepted everywhere. Major stations also accept Visa and Mastercard by card reader. American Express is less reliably accepted at physical windows, so carry cash as a backup.

Language: At Tbilisi Central and Batumi Central, staff frequently understand basic English requests. At smaller stations, it’s wise to write your destination, desired date, number of passengers, and preferred class on a piece of paper to hand over. Staff will show you the options on their screen.

One practical advantage of buying at the station: you can see exactly which seats remain and pick your position on the train — window or aisle, upper or lower deck on a double-decker — without navigating an app interface.

Key Routes, Train Classes and Prices in 2026

Georgian Railway prices are set by the state and adjusted periodically. The figures below reflect 2026 pricing. All prices are one-way unless stated otherwise.

Tbilisi – Batumi

• Duration: approximately 5 hours
• Frequency: multiple daily services, especially in summer
• 2nd Class (Economy): 40–50 GEL
• 1st Class (Business): 70–80 GEL
• VIP Class (where available): 100–120 GEL

Tbilisi – Kutaisi

• Duration: approximately 3.5–4 hours to Kutaisi I; slightly shorter to Kutaisi II Airport station
• 2nd Class: 20–25 GEL
• 1st Class: 35–40 GEL

Tbilisi – Zugdidi (Sleeper Train)

• Duration: approximately 8–9 hours (overnight service)
• Platzkart (open berth): 30–40 GEL
• Kupe (4-berth compartment): 45–55 GEL
• SV (2-berth compartment): 70–85 GEL

Tbilisi – Borjomi

• Limited service; often a slower local train or requires a change
• Price: approximately 15–20 GEL

Children: Children under 5 travel free but do not receive a separate seat. Children aged 5 to 10 may receive a 50% discount on certain routes and classes — confirm this during booking on tkt.ge, as it varies by service.

Luggage: Standard tourist luggage is included without surcharge. Extremely oversized items can technically incur a small fee, but this is rarely applied to typical suitcases or backpacks.

The Tbilisi–Batumi Route: What You Actually Get On Board

The Tbilisi–Batumi run is by far Georgia’s most-used rail route, and it genuinely earns its popularity. The Stadler Kiss double-decker trains that operate this route — supplemented from 2025–2026 by newer Stadler Flirt trainsets — are among the most comfortable rolling stock in the South Caucasus.

In 2nd Class, seats are wide and well-cushioned with a fold-down tray table. The upper deck of a Stadler Kiss offers panoramic windows, and watching the Kolkheti lowlands flatten out towards Batumi as the light changes in the afternoon is genuinely one of the better train experiences in this part of the world. The air conditioning works reliably. There is a café car selling hot drinks, sandwiches, and small snacks — a coffee costs around 4–5 GEL. The train follows the Mtkvari river valley west out of Tbilisi before climbing briefly through Imereti and descending into Adjara. By the time the Black Sea appears through the trees roughly 40 minutes before Batumi, most passengers have their phones out.

1st Class adds wider seats, more legroom, and a quieter carriage. For a five-hour journey, the 30 GEL price difference over Economy is reasonable if you value the extra space. VIP compartments, where available, are small enclosed cabins — useful for families or groups wanting privacy.

The train arrives at Batumi Central station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the seafront and the main hotel strip. There is no need to arrange a transfer — the location is central enough to reach most accommodation on foot or with a short Bolt ride.

The Tbilisi–Zugdidi Sleeper: Gateway to Svaneti

The overnight train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi is a practical and underrated way to start a Svaneti trip. You board in the evening, sleep through most of western Georgia, and arrive in Zugdidi in the early morning — ready to catch a marshrutka or shared taxi north to Mestia.

The three berth options are worth understanding before you book. Platzkart is an open-plan carriage with rows of fold-down bunks — upper and lower — separated by a narrow corridor. It’s the cheapest option and perfectly functional for a single night, but there is no door and little privacy. The carriage smells faintly of instant noodles and wool by midnight, and the rhythmic clatter of the rails is part of the experience. Kupe compartments sleep four in a lockable cabin — two upper, two lower berths. Most independent travellers choose this. SV is a two-berth compartment, the closest thing to a private sleeper on Georgian rails, and at 70–85 GEL it is still remarkably good value.

Bed linen is provided in Kupe and SV. In Platzkart, a basic sheet and thin pillow are usually handed out by the attendant (provodnyk). Bring a light layer regardless of the season — the air conditioning on overnight services tends to run cold.

Book this train as early as possible. Kupe and SV berths on the Zugdidi sleeper sell out weeks ahead during the Svaneti hiking season (June to September). Platzkart usually has more availability but fills up too on peak dates.

Marshrutka Tickets: When the Train Won’t Reach

Georgian Railway connects the major cities, but it doesn’t reach Kazbegi, Sighnaghi, Telavi, or most of the places travellers actually want to explore. For those destinations, marshrutka minibuses are the answer — and buying a ticket is simpler than the train, if less comfortable.

Tbilisi’s Main Marshrutka Stations

• Didube Bus Station (accessible via Didube metro station): serves destinations north and west — Kazbegi/Stepantsminda, Gori, Borjomi, Kutaisi, and Mestia.
• Samgori Bus Station (accessible via Samgori metro station): serves eastern destinations including Sighnaghi, Telavi, and Lagodekhi.
• Ortachala International Bus Terminal: handles international routes (Yerevan, Baku) plus some domestic long-distance services to Batumi and Kutaisi.

There is no online booking system for most domestic marshrutka routes. You go to the relevant station, find the marshrutka with your destination displayed in its window (often in Georgian script — ask a local if unsure), and pay the driver directly in cash when you board or when you arrive, depending on the driver’s preference. Have small GEL notes ready. Drivers rarely carry much change.

Most routes depart on a fill-and-go basis rather than a fixed schedule. On the Tbilisi–Kazbegi run, minibuses leave from Didube roughly every 30–45 minutes during the morning. On less popular routes, you may wait an hour or more for the vehicle to fill. For very early departures to mountain destinations, some marshrutkas have a fixed morning departure time — ask at the station the evening before.

2026 Marshrutka Price Estimates

• Tbilisi – Batumi: 30–40 GEL
• Tbilisi – Kutaisi: 20–25 GEL
• Tbilisi – Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): 25–35 GEL
• Tbilisi – Sighnaghi: 15–20 GEL
• Tbilisi – Mestia (long-distance, often overnight): 50–60 GEL

Marshrutkas are significantly cheaper than trains on overlapping routes and often faster on road-friendly routes. The trade-off is comfort — older vehicles can be cramped, and drivers on mountain roads push a pace that not everyone finds relaxing. Large suitcases may end up on the roof rack under a tarpaulin. If your bag is truly oversized, the driver may ask for an extra seat fare.

Tbilisi Metro, Cable Cars and City Transit: How to Pay

Getting around Tbilisi itself is cheap and efficient once you have the right card in your pocket.

The Metromoney Card

The Metromoney card is the single payment method for Tbilisi’s metro, city buses, and two cable cars. Buy it at any metro station ticket window for 2 GEL (the card fee, non-refundable). Top it up with cash at ticket windows or self-service machines in any station. A single metro journey costs 1.00 GEL. If you tap again within 90 minutes, that second ride is free — useful when making a transfer or a quick bus connection.

The metro runs two lines: the Akhmeteli-Varketili Line (red) and the Saburtalo Line (yellow). These cover most of the city’s main areas. Hours are generally 06:00 to 00:00 daily.

Tbilisi Cable Cars

• Rike Park to Narikala Fortress: Pay with the Metromoney card. 2.50 GEL one way. Operates roughly 10:00–22:00/23:00, weather permitting. The views over the old town as you rise above the rooftops are worth the fare on their own.
• Turtle Lake (Vake Park): Also Metromoney card. 2.50 GEL one way. Seasonal, typically 10:00–20:00.

Batumi Argo Cable Car

The Argo Cable Car in Batumi departs from near the port and rises to the hills above the city. Buy tickets in cash or by card at the station. 30–35 GEL for a round trip. Operates seasonally, generally 10:00 to midnight in summer.

Chiatura Cable Cars

The Soviet-era cable cars that once made Chiatura famous have been largely replaced following a major rehabilitation project completed by 2026. Modern, safe lines now serve the town’s different levels. Most lines are free or charge a nominal fee of 0.50–1.00 GEL. Chiatura remains one of Georgia’s most unusual day trips from Kutaisi, and the new infrastructure makes it far safer than the rust-and-prayer experience of earlier years.

Taxis in Georgia: Bolt, Yandex Go and When to Use Each

Street hailing in Georgian cities is not recommended if you want a predictable fare. The two apps — Bolt and Yandex Go — cover Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and most major towns, and both show you the fare before you confirm.

Bolt tends to have a slightly larger driver pool in Tbilisi, which means shorter wait times during peak hours. Yandex Go is competitive on price for longer city rides. It makes sense to have both apps installed and check which offers a better fare before you confirm — the difference on a cross-city ride can be 5–10 GEL.

Typical 2026 Fares

• Short city ride in Tbilisi: 5–10 GEL
• Tbilisi International Airport to city centre: 30–45 GEL (higher during late night and early morning)
• Kutaisi International Airport to Kutaisi city: 20–30 GEL

Both apps accept card payment (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) linked in-app, or cash paid to the driver. Card is more convenient and removes any change-related friction. Always verify that the driver’s licence plate and car model match what the app shows before you get in.

4×4 Hire for Mountain Regions: When You Need It and How to Book

A standard rental car will get you to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) without difficulty. But the track from Stepantsminda up to Gergeti Trinity Church, the road from Mestia to Ushguli, and the Abano Pass into Tusheti are all a different matter entirely.

Where a 4×4 Is Non-Negotiable

• Ushguli (Svaneti): The road from Mestia to Ushguli requires a high-clearance 4×4, especially outside the short summer window. Even in August, sections are rough enough to damage a standard vehicle.
• Tusheti (Abano Pass): Open roughly June to October. Widely considered one of the most dangerous roads in Georgia. A local driver with experience of this pass is not optional — it is strongly advised.
• Gergeti Trinity Church above Kazbegi: Local 4×4 taxis at Stepantsminda handle this route routinely. A round trip costs 50–80 GEL.

Self-Drive vs Hiring a Driver

Self-drive 4×4 rental from agencies in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, or Batumi (including international chains like Hertz, Avis, and Sixt, plus many local operators) costs approximately 150–300 GEL per day, depending on vehicle type and season, with insurance usually charged separately. You will need a valid driving licence — an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for non-Georgian licences — and most agencies require the driver to be at least 21–23 years old with one to two years of experience. A credit card is needed for the deposit.

For Tusheti in particular, hiring a local driver with their own vehicle is the far better option. Expect to pay 250–500 GEL per day including fuel and the driver’s fee. You can find reliable local drivers through guesthouses in Mestia and Stepantsminda, or at Didube bus station in Tbilisi for the Kazbegi area. Demand exceeds supply during peak summer, so arrange this in advance wherever possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking on railway.ge instead of tkt.ge. Railway.ge is the corporate site. Ticket sales happen on tkt.ge. Many first-timers waste time clicking around the wrong site.
• Leaving the Tbilisi–Batumi train until the last minute in summer. Economy seats on popular July and August departures sell out weeks ahead. Book when the 30–45 day window opens.
• Turning up to Didube expecting a fixed timetable. Most marshrutkas leave when full, not on a clock. Build buffer time into your day, especially for morning mountain departures.
• Using only cash for taxis. Street taxis without apps charge unmetered fares, and negotiating a fair price as a tourist is hit and miss. Always use Bolt or Yandex Go.
• Assuming metro cards work on intercity trains. The Metromoney card is for city transport only. Train tickets are separate and bought through tkt.ge or at station windows.
• Taking a standard rental car to Ushguli or Tusheti. Rental agreements typically void insurance on unpaved mountain roads. Check your contract carefully — and consider a local driver for these routes regardless.
• Entering passenger names incorrectly on tkt.ge. The name on the e-ticket must match the ID presented at boarding. A typo can create a boarding problem, especially on busy services where inspectors check more carefully.

2026 Budget Reality: What Transport Costs in Georgia

Georgia remains excellent value for transport compared to Western Europe, but prices have risen moderately since 2024 due to general inflation. Here is a realistic breakdown by travel style.

Budget Traveller

• Intercity travel by marshrutka: 15–40 GEL per leg
• Metro within Tbilisi: 1.00 GEL per ride
• Overnight sleeper (Platzkart berth): 30–40 GEL
• City taxi (short ride): 5–8 GEL via app
• Realistic daily transport spend: 20–50 GEL

Mid-Range Traveller

• Intercity travel by 2nd Class train: 20–50 GEL per leg
• Metro plus occasional Bolt ride: 10–20 GEL per day in the city
• Kupe berth on sleeper train: 45–55 GEL
• Airport transfer by app: 30–45 GEL
• Realistic daily transport spend: 50–120 GEL

Comfortable Traveller

• 1st Class or VIP train: 70–120 GEL per leg
• SV sleeper compartment: 70–85 GEL
• Private driver for mountain day trips: 250–500 GEL per day
• 4×4 self-drive rental: 150–300 GEL per day plus fuel
• Realistic daily transport spend: 150–600 GEL (higher on mountain excursion days)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I buy Georgian Railway tickets online?

Buy tickets on tkt.ge — the official passenger sales platform for Georgian Railway. The site works in English and accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Railway.ge is the corporate information site and does not sell tickets directly to passengers. E-tickets are sent by email and valid on your phone.

How far in advance can I book train tickets in Georgia?

Tickets typically become available 30 to 45 days before departure. For the Tbilisi–Batumi route in summer and the Tbilisi–Zugdidi sleeper during the Svaneti hiking season (June–September), book as soon as the window opens. Economy seats on popular summer departures sell out weeks ahead of travel.

Can I buy marshrutka tickets online in Georgia?

No. There is no online booking system for domestic marshrutka routes. Go to the relevant station in Tbilisi (Didube for north and west destinations, Samgori for east), find the marshrutka heading to your destination, and pay the driver in cash when you board. Have small GEL notes ready as drivers rarely carry much change.

Is the Tbilisi metro card the same as a train ticket?

No. The Metromoney card (2 GEL to buy, topped up with cash) is only valid for Tbilisi metro, city buses, and the Rike Park and Turtle Lake cable cars. Intercity Georgian Railway tickets are completely separate and must be purchased through tkt.ge or at station ticket windows. The two systems do not overlap.

Do I need a 4×4 to visit Kazbegi and Svaneti?

For Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), a regular car or marshrutka is fine. For Gergeti Trinity Church above the village, use a local 4×4 taxi (50–80 GEL round trip). For Ushguli in Svaneti and Tusheti’s Abano Pass, a high-clearance 4×4 is essential — a local driver familiar with those roads is strongly advised, especially for Tusheti.

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📷 Featured image by Tonia Kraakman on Unsplash.