How to Get to Bakuriani
Bakuriani is a ski resort about 180 km from Tbilisi. You can reach it by marshrutka in 3 hours for ~$5–6, by taxi in 2.5 hours for ~$60–80, or by driving yourself. Below are all the options with real prices, travel times, and honest tips for every season.
Select your start point:
From Tbilisi to Bakuriani
Where from: "Nizhe" (Nadzaladevi) and "Didube" bus stations — both near the metro stations of the same names. Travel time: about 3 hours. Price: approximately 15–20 GEL (~$5–6) per person.
In high season — New Year holidays (Dec 25, Jan 7), and weekends in Jan and Feb — marshrutkas fill up quickly. If traveling with kids or ski gear, arrive at the station early.
An alternative for those who don't want to sit in a marshrutka for 3 hours straight: Tbilisi → Borjomi: train or commuter rail from "Station Square", about 3.5–4 hours. Borjomi → Bakuriani: marshrutka, ~1 hour, ~$3. The narrow-gauge "Kukushka" train Borjomi — Bakuriani is currently not working — don't count on it.
Route: Tbilisi → Gori → Khashuri → Borjomi → Bakuriani. Mostly on E60 highway — good roads. The Borjomi → Bakuriani section is a mountain serpentine with elevation gains.
In winter (especially Jan and Feb), expect snow and ice: allow an extra 30–40 minutes and ensure you have winter tires. In summer (Jun–Aug), the road is dry and travel time is standard. Distance: ~180–185 km. Time: 2.5–3 hours in good weather.
Best if you arrive on a late flight, travel with small children, or don't want to deal with marshrutka schedules. Travel time: 2–2.5 hours. Transfer cost: ~$55–80 one way — depends on car class and season. Drivers usually stop along the way if asked in advance.
From Kutaisi to Bakuriani
Direct Marshrutka Kutaisi — Bakuriani: Direct marshrutkas depart from the Kutaisi Central Bus Station. Travel time: about 3 hours. Price: ~$4.
The return marshrutka from Bakuriani to Kutaisi follows a similar schedule. Schedules change seasonally — check before you go.
By Car or Taxi from Kutaisi: Distance: ~200–205 km. Time: 2.5–3 hours. Taxi cost: ~$50–60. Route via the main highway east, then turn towards Borjomi and climb to Bakuriani.
From Kutaisi Airport (KUT) to Bakuriani
Marshrutka via the city: First, get from the airport to Kutaisi Central Bus Station. Then, take the direct Kutaisi — Bakuriani marshrutka. Total time: about 5 hours. Cost: ~$9–11 per person.
Taxi or Car Rental directly from the airport: Distance: ~175–180 km. Travel time: ~2h 40min. Transfer price: ~$55–70. Car rental: from ~$22–32 per trip (excluding deposit and extras).
From Batumi to Bakuriani
Via Borjomi: Batumi → Borjomi (~3.5h, ~$7) + Borjomi → Bakuriani (~1h, ~$3). Total: ~5.5–6 hours of travel time plus waiting for the connection.
Via Kutaisi: Batumi → Kutaisi (~3h, ~$4) + Kutaisi → Bakuriani (~3h, ~$4). Total: about 7 hours and ~$8 — longer but convenient if you want to visit Kutaisi too.
By Car or Taxi from Batumi: Distance: ~235–240 km. Time: ~4.5 hours. Transfer cost: ~$75–95.
From Borjomi to Bakuriani
Borjomi is the nearest major transport hub and a convenient transfer point if you're coming by train from anywhere in the country.
Borjomi — Bakuriani Marshrutka: several trips per day. Time: ~1 hour. Price: ~$3.
The "Kukushka" narrow-gauge railway Borjomi — Bakuriani is currently out of service. Use marshrutkas or taxis instead.
From Gudauri to Bakuriani
Gudauri and Bakuriani are Georgia's two main ski resorts. If you plan to visit both in one trip, here's what you need to know.
Distance: ~250 km. Travel time: ~4 hours by car. Transfer cost: ~$120–150.
Route: Gudauri → Tbilisi via the Georgian Military Highway, then E60 west → Borjomi → Bakuriani. There is no direct public transport between the resorts. Multi-marshrutka trips via Tbilisi are possible but will take the whole day.
In winter (Dec–Mar), the Georgian Military Highway sometimes closes due to avalanche danger — especially in Jan and Feb. Check the Jvari Pass status before you leave.
From Kazbegi to Bakuriani
Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) and Bakuriani offer different types of vacations: one for hiking and trekking to Gergeti, the other for skiing. If you want to combine them:
Distance: ~310 km (via Tbilisi). Travel time: ~4.5–5 hours by car. Transfer cost: ~$150–180.
No direct transport. Route: Kazbegi → Tbilisi via the Military Highway (~2.5h), then Tbilisi → Borjomi → Bakuriani (~2.5h).
In winter (Jan, Feb), the Military Highway might be closed — check before departure. In summer (Jun–Aug) and autumn (Sep–Oct), the road is usually open and very scenic. If driving, Tbilisi is a good midpoint to stay overnight.
From Mestia to Bakuriani
Mestia is the capital of Upper Svaneti, one of the most picturesque spots in the Caucasus. If you've been skiing at Hatsvali or trekking around Ushguli and want to finish in Bakuriani — it's a long journey but doable.
Distance: ~360 km (via Kutaisi or Zugdidi). Travel time: ~5–6 hours by car. Transfer cost: ~$180–220.
No direct transport. Two options:
Via Kutaisi (by marshrutka): Mestia → Zugdidi (~4h, ~$6) → Kutaisi (~2h, ~$3) → Bakuriani (~3h, ~$4). Total ~9–10 hours and ~$13.
By car or transfer: the most comfortable way. Transfer costs ~$180–220 depending on car class and season.
In spring (Mar–Apr) and autumn (Oct–Nov), mountain sections towards Zugdidi can be challenging after rain. In winter (Dec–Feb), the Nakra Pass sometimes closes — check road status before leaving.
From Goderdzi to Bakuriani
Goderdzi is a young ski resort in Adjara, famous for deep powder. If you've skied there and want to continue in Bakuriani:
Distance: ~195 km (via Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi). Travel time: ~3.5 hours by car. Transfer cost: ~$80–110.
No direct public transport. Driving route: Goderdzi → Khulo → Akhaltsikhe → Borjomi → Bakuriani. It's a beautiful stretch — Kura River canyons and Borjomi forests.
By marshrutka with transfers: Goderdzi → Batumi (~2h, ~$5) → Borjomi (~3.5h, ~$7) → Bakuriani (~1h, ~$3). Total ~9–10 hours and ~$15 — slow but budget-friendly.
In winter (Dec–Mar), the pass road from Goderdzi requires 4WD and winter tires. In summer (Jul–Aug), the road is good — a great combo for a mountain Georgia tour.
Quick Distance Reference:
| From | Distance | Travel Time (Car/Taxi) | Travel Time (Marshrutka) | Transfer Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi | ~180–185 km | 2.5–3 h | ~3 h | ~55–80 USD |
| Kutaisi | ~200–205 km | 2.5–3 h | ~3 h | ~50–60 USD |
| Kutaisi Airport | ~175–180 km | ~2 h 40 m | ~5 h (transfer) | ~55–70 USD |
| Batumi | ~235–240 km | ~4.5 h | 5.5–7 h | ~75–95 USD |
| Borjomi | ~30 km | ~1 h | ~1 h | ~15–20 USD |
| Gudauri | ~250 km | ~4 h | — | ~120–150 USD |
| Kazbegi | ~310 km | ~4.5–5 h | — | ~150–180 USD |
| Mestia | ~360 km | ~5–6 h | — | ~180–220 USD |
| Goderdzi | ~195 km | ~3.5 h | — | ~80–110 USD |
Critical Travel Tips:
Internal Transport:
There are municipal buses connecting the main zones — Kokhta, Didveli, and the village center. Price: 1 GEL per trip. Payment: transport card or bank card (AMEX not accepted).
Main routes:
Route 1: Kokhta — "25-iyanebi" — Didveli. Interval 25–35 mins, from ~10:30 to 18:00.
Route 2: Didveli — center — entrance to Bakuriani (Police district). Similar hours.
Already planning the slopes?
Official Bakuriani Ski-Pass prices for 2026 are now available.