Tbilisi to Bakuriani: Ski Resort Guide (2026)

TL;DR: The essentials about getting from Tbilisi to Bakuriani. Compare driving, marshrutkas, train via Borjomi, and private transfers with 2026 schedules, winter road tips, and onward connections.

Overview

Bakuriani is Georgia's most family-friendly ski resort, set at 1,700 metres in the Lesser Caucasus about 185 kilometres southwest of Tbilisi. Known for gentle slopes, affordable lift passes, and a laid-back village atmosphere, it draws skiers in winter and hikers in summer. Getting there takes three to four hours by road, and most routes pass through the nearby spa town of Borjomi.

Below are the 2026 transport options, including winter-specific advice for driving in snow.

Tbilisi to Bakuriani: Options at a Glance

Option 1: Rent a Car and Drive

Self-driving is the best option if you want to stop along the way and carry ski equipment at your own pace. The route follows the E60 highway west from Tbilisi past Gori, then turns south at Khashuri through Borjomi, and climbs 30 kilometres up the mountain to Bakuriani.

The entire road is sealed and well signposted. The final mountain section from Borjomi has tight curves and steep gradients but nothing technically difficult. In winter, the road is regularly cleared, though winter tyres are mandatory and you should carry antifreeze (bottles are sold cheaply at roadside stalls near Khashuri).

A standard sedan handles the route in summer, but for winter driving we strongly recommend a 4x4 with proper snow tyres. Our Toyota 4Runner and Chevrolet Suburban come equipped for mountain conditions. Browse the full 4x4 fleet in Tbilisi.

Fuel for the round trip costs around 100 to 120 GEL. There are petrol stations along the highway, in Borjomi, and at the Bakuriani turn-off.

Best Stops on the Drive

• Mtskheta: Georgia's ancient capital with UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Just 20 minutes from Tbilisi. See our day trips guide.
• Gori: Home to the Stalin Museum and the ancient Uplistsikhe Cave City.
• Surami: Hilltop fortress and famous nazuki sweet bread from roadside vendors.
• Borjomi: Taste the mineral water, walk through Central Park, and ride the cable car. See our Borjomi excursions guide.
• Libani Sanatorium: A dramatic abandoned Soviet sanatorium visible from the Borjomi-Bakuriani road. A worth visiting for urban exploration fans.

If you are combining Bakuriani with a wider trip through western Georgia, a rental car opens up Kutaisi, Batumi, and the Samtskhe-Javakheti highlands. See our road trip itineraries.

Option 2: Private Transfer

A private transfer is the most comfortable way to reach Bakuriani, especially for families with children and ski gear. Door-to-door service starts from around 200 GEL per car. Drivers are available 24/7 and use vehicles with proper winter tyres during the cold months.

You can request sightseeing stops at Mtskheta, Gori, Borjomi, or Surami along the way at no extra charge since you have the driver for the full day.

For travellers arriving at Tbilisi Airport, a direct transfer to Bakuriani avoids the hassle of getting into the city first. Provide your flight details when booking and the driver will meet you in the arrivals hall.

Option 3: Direct Marshrutka from Tbilisi

Direct marshrutka minivans to Bakuriani depart from Didube Bus Terminal in northern Tbilisi. To find the stand, take the metro to Didube station and exit into the market. The terminal you need is Bus Station Nige, on the left as you exit the last tunnel.

There are at least four direct departures daily, including vans at 9am, 10am, and 11am. The fare is 15 GEL and the journey takes about three and a half to four hours.

Alternatively, take a marshrutka to Borjomi first (every hour from 8am to 7pm, 12 GEL, 2.5 hours) and then transfer to a Bakuriani-bound van from Borjomi Bus Station. Borjomi to Bakuriani departures run at 8:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 12:15pm, 3pm, and 4:30pm. The fare is 3 GEL and the ride takes 45 minutes.

Marshrutkas are cramped and the driving style is aggressive. We do not recommend them for mountain travel in winter. Read our marshrutka guide for survival tips.

Option 4: Train to Borjomi + Taxi or Van

There is no direct train to Bakuriani. The historic Kukushka narrow-gauge railway from Borjomi to Bakuriani stopped running in 2020 and has not resumed.

You can take the evening train from Tbilisi Central Station to Borjomi (6:25pm departure, arriving 10:40pm, just 2 GEL). From Borjomi Parki Railway Station, a taxi to Bakuriani costs 60 to 70 GEL and takes about 45 minutes. However, we do not recommend driving mountain roads at night, so consider staying overnight in Borjomi and continuing the next morning by marshrutka.

The return train from Borjomi to Tbilisi departs at 5:50am. For more Georgian rail tips, see our trains guide.

Option 5: Organised Day Tour

If you just want to see Bakuriani and Borjomi without the logistics, a guided day tour from Tbilisi is the easiest option. Tours typically include hotel pickup, a visit to Borjomi Central Park and mineral springs, about three hours at the Bakuriani ski resort, and return to Tbilisi by evening. Prices start from around 80 GEL per person.

Getting Back: Bakuriani to Tbilisi

All options work in reverse. Direct marshrutkas from Bakuriani Bus Station to Tbilisi depart at 8am, 9am, 11am, 12pm, 12:40pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4pm, and 5pm. The fare is 15 GEL.

Marshrutkas from Bakuriani to Borjomi run at 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 6pm (3 GEL). From Borjomi, connect to a Tbilisi-bound van (12 GEL, departures roughly hourly from 8am to 6:30pm).

Vans from Bakuriani can also stop in Khashuri or Gori on request. There is one daily direct van to Kutaisi at 3pm (20 GEL) and occasional vans to Batumi (30 GEL).

With an FSTA rental car, you can drop off in Tbilisi or arrange a different location like Kutaisi Airport.

Winter Driving Tips for Bakuriani

• Winter tyres are mandatory on the Borjomi-Bakuriani mountain road. All FSTA 4x4 vehicles come with winter tyres during the cold season.
• Carry antifreeze. Bottles are sold cheaply at roadside stalls around Khashuri.
• Check road conditions before departing. Heavy snow or avalanche risk can cause temporary closures. Contact the GeoRoad hotline at +995 32 2 31 30 76 for updates.
• Drive during daylight hours. The mountain section has no street lighting and can be icy after sunset.
• Fill up in Borjomi. There are limited fuel options between Borjomi and Bakuriani.

Continuing from Bakuriani

Bakuriani is a natural base for exploring the wider Samtskhe-Javakheti region. With a rental car you can reach:

• Borjomi: 30 to 40 minutes north, with hot springs and the national park
• Vardzia Cave Monastery: About two and a half hours south, one of Georgia's most spectacular sites
• Rabati Fortress (Akhaltsikhe): A restored multicultural fortress, roughly 90 minutes away
• Abastumani: A charming village with an observatory and forest trails, one hour west

Tbilisi to Bakuriani FAQ

Is the road to Bakuriani safe in winter?

Yes. The road is sealed, regularly cleared, and open year-round. Winter tyres are mandatory and a 4x4 is recommended. Avoid driving at night and check conditions before departure.

Can I do Bakuriani as a day trip from Tbilisi?

Yes, with a rental car or private transfer you get about four to five hours at the resort. An organised day tour is another option. Marshrutka timing is tight for a comfortable day trip.

Do I need a 4x4 to drive to Bakuriani?

In summer, a standard car handles the road fine. In winter, a 4x4 with winter tyres is strongly recommended for the mountain section from Borjomi.

Can I take the Kukushka train from Borjomi to Bakuriani?

Unfortunately no. The historic narrow-gauge Kukushka railway ceased operations in 2020 and has not restarted as of 2026.

What is the best time to visit Bakuriani for skiing?

The ski season runs from December to March. January and February offer the most reliable snow. Read our best time to visit Georgia guide.

Can I rent a car in Bakuriani?

Local options are very limited. Pick up a car in Tbilisi before heading south. FSTA offers free delivery to your hotel or any address in the city.

Pros and cons

Rental car or self-drive

• Pros: Best for flexible timing, scenic stops, luggage, and routes that continue beyond one town or viewpoint. Groups can share the daily cost instead of paying per seat on every transfer.
• Cons: One traveler needs to manage navigation, parking, fuel, and local road conditions. It is less useful if the whole day stays inside a walkable city center.

Marshrutka, minivan, or bus

• Pros: Usually the cheapest choice for a simple point-to-point journey. Works well when the plan follows a known route and does not need extra stops.
• Cons: Schedules, luggage space, comfort, and exact arrival points are less flexible. Some services leave when full or require a station transfer.

Private transfer or driver

• Pros: Door-to-door service is easier with luggage, children, late arrivals, or a one-way route. The driver handles navigation while you keep control over planned stops.
• Cons: It costs more than shared transport. After dropoff, you may still need a separate transport plan at the destination.

Train

• Pros: A calm scheduled option when the route is served by rail. Good for travelers who prefer not to drive or negotiate with drivers.
• Cons: Rail does not reach every village, trailhead, winery, or hotel area. Station transfers and ticket availability still need to be planned.

City public transport

• Pros: Low-cost and useful for short city movements when stations match the route. It avoids parking and city traffic stress.
• Cons: It is less convenient with luggage, late-night arrivals, or multiple stops far from stations. Crowds, transfers, and payment cards can slow down a tight plan.

Walking

• Pros: Best for slow neighborhood detail, cafes, markets, viewpoints, and short historic centers. No parking, tickets, or driver coordination are needed.
• Cons: Weather, hills, uneven pavements, and luggage can make the day harder. It only works well when the main sights are close together.

Rental pricing and feature reference

For trips like this guide, these are the current FSTA rental and add-on prices used across the website.

Service	Current price	Booking note
Full off-road insurance	EUR 29/day	For paved and off-road driving with no road restrictions; includes tires, glass, underbody, and scratches with EUR 0 responsibility for covered damage.
Roof tent	EUR 27/day	Available on eligible vehicles, subject to availability and route suitability.
Camping equipment	EUR 149 flat fee	Cooking and outdoor kit rented as one package.
Daily car rental	From EUR 53/day	Current starting rate from FSTA fleet data; model-specific rates are shown in the vehicle comparison table.
Standard Insurance	EUR 9/day	For paved-road trips only; off-road damage is not covered.
Cross-border documents	EUR 89 flat fee	Available for eligible cross-border trips with paperwork prepared before travel.
Yacht trip	EUR 250 flat fee	Private yacht or lake trip for up to 5 people where the selected country and city support it.
Helicopter tour	EUR 3,000 flat fee	Private 3-hour helicopter tour for up to 7 people, with route and takeoff details confirmed after request.
No deposit	Included	No blocked deposit in FSTA rental terms.
Unlimited mileage	Included	Useful for long self-drive routes and cross-country planning.
Free second driver	Included	A second driver can share the road without an extra daily fee.

Expert sources and local authority checks

This guide cites official transport, tourism, road, rail, park, or local travel references where relevant. Fares, travel times, opening hours, and road conditions can change, so FSTA checks these sources and local route notes before publishing.

• Tbilisi Transport Company standard tariff - official Tbilisi metro, bus, minibus, and ropeway fare rules.
• Georgian Railway passenger ticket portal - official train ticket search and passenger schedule checks.
• Roads Department of Georgia restrictions - official road restriction and closure notices for mountain and highway routes.
• Georgia Travel official destination guide - official country destination context for regions, cities, culture, and parks.
• National Parks of Georgia - official visitor information for protected areas and national parks.