Marshrutka from Yerevan to Tbilisi — just $12–15 via Sadakhlo border crossing. About 5–6 hours. Fly into Yerevan, see Armenia, cross to Georgia — two ancient Caucasian civilisations in one trip.
Yerevan and Tbilisi are the twin capitals of the Caucasus — just 260 km apart, separated by the Armenian-Georgian border at Sadakhlo. Together they form one of the world's great dual-capital travel experiences: two ancient civilisations, two languages, two distinctive cuisines and wine cultures, two utterly different cities with deep historical ties. Whether you are based in Yerevan or just passing through on a Caucasus circuit, Tbilisi is a logical and rewarding extension. Here is how to do it.
Four ways to make the journey — from budget to fast.
Marshrutka — the classic choice. Shared minibuses depart from Kilikia Bus Terminal (Yerevan) to Tbilisi. Price: ~$12–15 (3,000–4,000 AMD or 40–50 GEL). Journey: about 5–6 hours including Sadakhlo border (usually 30–60 min). Departures: multiple times daily, first around 08:00. No booking needed — show up at the terminal.
Comfortable bus (Flixbus/local operators). Several bus companies operate Yerevan–Tbilisi. Price: $20–35. More comfortable seats, AC, scheduled stops. Book online in advance. Journey time similar to marshrutka.
Flight — fastest option. Yerevan Zvartnots (EVN) → Tbilisi (TBS): about 1–1.5 hours. Airlines: Armenian Airlines, Georgian Airways. From $50–80 one-way. Good if your time is limited or the bus does not suit. Tbilisi Airport is 18 km from the centre (Bolt/taxi ~20 GEL).
Private taxi — most flexible. Book a car from Yerevan to Tbilisi: $80–120 depending on comfort level. Direct, 4–5 hours, no bus stops. Good for groups of 3–4 sharing the cost. Driver will wait at the border. Ask your Yerevan hotel to arrange.
The main Armenia–Georgia land crossing. Generally fast and straightforward.
Location: 185 km from Yerevan, 75 km from Tbilisi. The border town on the Armenian side is Bagratashen; on the Georgian side, Sadakhlo. The crossing is at a low altitude — accessible year-round without weather issues.
Documents: Armenian citizens — Armenian passport. Russian citizens — foreign passport OR internal RF passport (both accepted). EU citizens — passport. No visa needed for Georgia for most nationalities. Processing time: usually 20–45 minutes in normal conditions.
Currency: Armenia uses AMD (dram), Georgia uses GEL (lari). Small exchange counters at the border. Better rates in Tbilisi city centre. Bring USD cash — it exchanges well on both sides. Cards: Georgian ATMs are everywhere in Tbilisi.
Tip: The Yerevan–Tbilisi marshrutka crosses Sadakhlo and drops you near Tbilisi's Liberty Square or Ortachala Bus Terminal. From there, take Bolt or Yandex Taxi to your hotel (~3–10 GEL depending on distance).
Two countries, one trip. The classic Caucasus circuit from Yerevan to Tbilisi.
Both cities are affordable by European standards. Tbilisi is slightly cheaper on average.
| Expense per day | Yerevan (AMD / USD) | Tbilisi (GEL / USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse/hostel | ~5,000 AMD / $13 | ~40 GEL / $15 |
| Mid-range hotel | ~15,000 AMD / $40 | ~100 GEL / $37 |
| Restaurant lunch with drinks | ~5,000 AMD / $13 | ~30 GEL / $11 |
| Local transport (taxi/metro) | ~2,000 AMD / $5 | ~10 GEL / $4 |
| Private guided tour (half day) | $50–80 | ₾90–170 / $33–62 |
| Daily total (budget) | ~$35–45 | ~$30–40 |
* Tbilisi is slightly cheaper overall. Both cities have excellent free walking areas and affordable food scenes.
Private tours in English with guide Timur. Groups up to 7 people, transfer included.
Gergeti Trinity Church, Georgian Military Highway, Ananuri fortress. The Greater Caucasus range — higher and more dramatic than Armenia's mountains, just 3 hours from Tbilisi.
Sighnaghi, Bodbe Monastery, qvevri wine tasting. Georgia and Armenia both claim ancient wine traditions — taste Georgia's interpretation, 8,000 years in the making.
Jvari, Svetitskhoveli, confluence of two rivers. Georgia's spiritual capital resonates powerfully with visitors from Armenia — two of the world's oldest Christian nations.
After the marshrutka ride from Yerevan, unwind with an evening tour: Narikala lights, Bridge of Peace, Mtkvari embankment. Tbilisi after dark — a perfect welcome.
Tbilisi walk + home-cooked Georgian dinner: khinkali, khachapuri, satsivi, churchkhela, wine. Compare Georgian and Armenian hospitality — both legendary, each unique.
Tbilisi → Kakheti → Kazbegi. Three unhurried days with accommodation — ideal for the Georgia half of a combined Yerevan–Tbilisi trip.
From the guide who regularly welcomes travellers coming from Armenia.
Exchange AMD to GEL or USD before crossing — better rates in Tbilisi than at the Sadakhlo border. USD is the best intermediate currency. Tbilisi exchange offices (Pushkin Street) offer excellent rates for USD and EUR.
Visa and Mastercard issued outside Russia work perfectly in Georgia. Armenian bank cards accepted everywhere. Contactless payments common. Georgian ATMs dispense GEL at standard rates.
Armenian SIM works on roaming in Georgia (expensive). Better: buy a Georgian SIM at Tbilisi Airport or a mobile shop. Geocell or Magti: 5–8 GEL for 10 days with 5GB data. Works across Georgia including Kazbegi.
Armenia and Georgia share a deep history: both are ancient Christian civilisations, both have long traditions of hospitality, wine and polyphonic music. Many Tbilisi streets have Armenian church ruins. Explore both sides of this extraordinary shared heritage.
Marshrutka drops you at Ortachala Bus Station (south of the centre) or Liberty Square. From Ortachala: Bolt/Yandex taxi to Old Tbilisi ~10 GEL. Metro Line 1 also connects to the centre. Tell the marshrutka driver your destination area — sometimes they drop closer.
April–May: both Yerevan and Tbilisi are stunning with spring blossoms. September–October: harvest season — wine in Georgia, pomegranates and grapes in Armenia. Both countries at their very best. Summer is hot (35°C+) but manageable with mountain days.
Guide Timur replies in 15 minutes. No deposit. Free cancellation within 24h.