- Ferry Connections
- None applicable
Overall2.7/10Harder to reach than about 80% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- Winter tires are mandatory on mountain roads to Bakuriani; police enforce with checkpoints. Most rental companies (e.g., Local Rent) include them free.
- In winter (December–March), allow extra travel time (30–40 minutes) and expect snow/ice on the Borjomi-Bakuriani mountain section.
- Direct marshrutka minibuses from Tbilisi are cheap (~20 GEL) but can be cramped, uncomfortable, and not recommended for long mountain journeys in winter or with bulky ski gear.
- The evening train to Borjomi (6:25pm departure) is inconvenient for tourism; consider overnight stay in Borjomi before continuing to Bakuriani by marshrutka next morning.
- The iconic Kukushka narrow-gauge train between Borjomi and Bakuriani has been out of service since March 2020 with no confirmed reopening date as of 2026.
- From Tbilisi Airport, private transfer (~300 GEL, 2.5–3 hours) is safer and more comfortable than marshrutka, especially with ski equipment.
- Borjomi is a natural transit hub; many travelers stop there for food/breaks before continuing to Bakuriani.
- The road from Tbilisi to Bakuriani runs mostly on Georgia's E60 highway (good condition) until Borjomi, then becomes a mountain serpentine with elevation gains.
- Municipal buses within Bakuriani cost only 1 GEL and connect key ski areas (Kokhta, Didveli) to town center.
Airports
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
- Status
- primary gateway
- Distance Km
- 180
- Distance Miles
- 112
- Drive Time Hours
- 2.5
- Drive Time Hours Max
- 3
Kutaisi International Airport (KUT)
- Status
- alternative; winter mountain roads challenging
- Distance Km
- 175
- Distance Miles
- 109
- Drive Time Hours
- 2.5
- Drive Time Hours Max
- 3
- Note
- Not recommended for winter access due to difficult highway conditions
Ground Transport
Marshrutka Minibus (Direct From Tbilisi)
- Cost
- GEL 20
- Frequency
- 4 departures daily (approximately 9am, 10am, 11am, and afternoon departures)
- Journey Time Hours
- 3
- Notes
- Budget option; vans depart when full; cramped; not recommended for winter mountain travel or with heavy ski gear
Departure Points
- Tbilisi Didube Bus Station
- Tbilisi Nige Bus Station
Private Transfer/taxi From Tbilisi
- Cost
- GEL 300
- Journey Time Hours
- 2.5
- Notes
- Door-to-door service; comfortable; safe; fixed price booking recommended via GoTrip or similar; can include stops
Train + Marshrutka Connection
- Notes
- Most economical; inconvenient evening train departure; not recommended for night driving in winter; consider overnight stay in Borjomi
Legs
Tbilisi to Borjomi by train
- Cost
- GEL 2.00
- Departure
- Tbilisi Central Station (Station Square) at 6:25pm
- Frequency
- one evening departure only (as of 2026)
- Journey Time Hours
- 4.5
Borjomi to Bakuriani by marshrutka
- Cost
- GEL 3.00
- Frequency
- 6 daily departures (8:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 12:15pm, 3pm, 4:30pm)
- Journey Time Minutes
- 45
Borjomi to Bakuriani by taxi (alternative)
- Cost
- GEL 65
- Journey Time Minutes
- 30
Car Rental From Tbilisi
- Journey Time Hours
- 2.5
- Journey Time Hours Winter
- 3
- Notes
- Winter tires mandatory year-round; police checkpoints enforce this; southern approach (Akhalkalaki) closed in winter; recommended rental company: Local Rent (includes free winter tires)
Rail Connections
Borjomi-Bakuriani Narrow-gauge Railway (Kukushka/Cuckoo Train)
- Status
- not operational
- Heritage Status
- UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
- Historical Note
- 37km scenic heritage railway; operated 1902-2020; ceased March 2020; no reopening date confirmed as of July 2026
Tbilisi-Borjomi Electric Train
- Cost
- GEL 2.00
- Frequency
- one evening departure only (6:25pm from Tbilisi Central Station)
- Journey Time
- 4.5 hours
- Notes
- Morning train cancelled as of early 2026; slow service with stops at every station
Nearby Day Trip Access
Borjomi
- Transport
- Marshrutka or taxi
- Distance Km
- 30
- Drive Time Minutes
- 40
Akhaltsikhe/Rabati Fortress
- Transport
- Private transfer or car rental
- Distance Km
- 60
- Drive Time Hours
- 1
Local Transport Within Bakuriani
Municipal Buses
- Cost
- GEL 1.00
- Payment
- Transport card or bank card (AMEX not accepted)
- Operating Hours
- approximately 10:30am to 6pm
- Frequency Minutes
- 25
Routes
- Route 1: Kokhta — 25-meter slope — Didveli (ski area connections)
- Route 2: Didveli — town center — Police district (Bakuriani entrance)
Walking/on Foot
- Note
- Most popular means; small resort village; accessible town center
Taxis
- Note
- Available; less frequent hails; can order by phone for slightly cheaper rates
Bicycle and ATV Rental
- Note
- Affordable; easy to find in town center
Ferry Connections
None applicable
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Bakuriani
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.