Tbilisi to Borjomi: 5 Travel Options (2026)

TL;DR: The complete guide to reaching Georgia's famous spa town from the capital. Compare trains, marshrutkas, private transfers, and rental cars with updated 2026 timetables and fares.

Overview

Borjomi has drawn visitors to its mineral springs and forested gorge since the days of the Russian Empire. Today the resort town remains one of the most popular day trips and weekend escapes from Tbilisi, thanks to its hot springs, hiking trails in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, a scenic cable car, and proximity to the Bakuriani ski resort.

The town sits 160 kilometres west of Tbilisi in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Driving takes roughly two to three hours on the main east-west highway, while the train is a slower but atmospheric alternative. Compare the 2026 options below by schedule, comfort, budget, and how much freedom you want after arrival.

Quick Comparison Table

Option 1: Rent a Car and Drive Yourself

Self-driving is hands down the best option if you want to stop along the way. The road from Tbilisi to Borjomi is fully paved, well signposted, and enjoyable to drive. You follow the main E60 highway westward past Mtskheta and Gori, then turn south at Khashuri and follow the Mtkvari River valley for the final 30 kilometres.

A standard sedan handles the route with no trouble. However, if you plan to continue to Bakuriani, explore the Samtskhe-Javakheti highlands, or venture into Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park on unpaved forest roads, a 4x4 gives you far more freedom. Our Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler are popular choices for this region. Browse the full 4x4 fleet in Tbilisi.

Fuel costs for the round trip are around 80 to 100 GEL depending on your vehicle. There are petrol stations along the highway and in Borjomi itself. We recommend downloading offline maps before you leave.

For travellers combining Borjomi with Kutaisi or Batumi, a rental car turns the trip into a multi-day western Georgia road trip. Check out our road trip itineraries for inspiration.

Option 2: Private Transfer

A private transfer is the most comfortable way to reach Borjomi without driving yourself. Door-to-door service starts from around 200 GEL per car, making it excellent value for two or more passengers splitting the cost.

The big advantage is flexibility. You can ask your driver to stop at Mtskheta to visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, swing by Gori to see the Stalin Museum, or detour to Uplistsikhe Cave City. At the turn-off for Borjomi, the town of Surami is famous for its fortress and nazuki sweet bread sold by roadside vendors.

Drivers are available round the clock. If you are arriving at Tbilisi Airport, you can arrange a direct transfer to Borjomi without going into the city first.

Option 3: Marshrutka Minivan

Marshrutkas are the go-to budget option for locals. They depart from Didube Bus Terminal in northern Tbilisi every hour on the hour from 8am to 7pm. The fare is 12 GEL per person and the journey takes roughly two and a half hours.

To find the marshrutka stand, take the metro to Didube station and exit into the market area. The terminal you need is Bus Station Nige, immediately on the left as you come through the last tunnel. Look for vans with "Borjomi" displayed on the windshield.

Vans leave early when they fill up, so arrive at least 30 minutes before the hour. In Borjomi, marshrutkas stop at Borjomi Bus Station in the southern part of town, but drivers will let you hop off at any point along the main road through town if you ask.

Fair warning: marshrutkas are cramped, and the driving style can be aggressive. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider a rental car or transfer instead. Read our full marshrutka survival guide for more tips.

Option 4: Train from Tbilisi Central Station

The Tbilisi to Borjomi train is one of the cheapest rail journeys in Georgia at just 2 GEL. However, the 2026 timetable has been cut to a single daily departure, and the timing is awkward for most visitors.

The train leaves Tbilisi Central Station at 6:25pm and arrives at Borjomi Parki Railway Station at 10:40pm. Heading back, the only return train departs Borjomi at 5:50am and reaches Tbilisi at 10:10am.

Tickets cannot be booked online. Buy them from the cash desk at the station on the day of travel. The train rarely sells out so there is no need to worry about availability. Payment is cash only.

The train itself has hard plastic seats and no air conditioning. It is atmospheric in a charming, old-school way, but it is not comfortable for the four-plus-hour ride. Make sure you arrive at Borjomi Parki station, which is a short walk from the town centre and Central Park, rather than the other Borjomi station which is further away.

For more Georgian rail tips, see our trains guide.

Option 5: Shared Group Transfer (Summer Only)

Between May and October, group transfer services run daily from Tbilisi to Borjomi. These shared vans depart at 8am and arrive around 10:30am. Hotel drop-off in Borjomi is typically included. Expect to pay around 30 GEL per person.

This is a solid middle ground between the marshrutka and a private car, especially for solo travellers who want something more comfortable without paying for an entire vehicle.

Getting Back: Borjomi to Tbilisi

All transport options work in reverse. Marshrutkas depart Borjomi Bus Station frequently throughout the day: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 4:45pm, 5:15pm, 6pm, and 6:30pm. Arrive 30 minutes early.

The only return train leaves Borjomi Parki Station at 5:50am. Private transfers can be arranged at any time.

If you have a rental car from FSTA, you can drop it back in Tbilisi or arrange a different drop-off location like Kutaisi Airport or Batumi Airport.

Best Stops Between Tbilisi and Borjomi

If you are driving or have a private transfer, do not miss these stops along the highway:

• Mtskheta: Georgia's ancient capital, home to UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery. Just 20 minutes from Tbilisi. See our Tbilisi day trips guide.
• Uplistsikhe Cave City: A sprawling rock-hewn town dating back 3,000 years. Budget about one hour for a visit.
• Gori: Famous for the Stalin Museum and an imposing medieval fortress. A natural lunch stop.
• Surami: Climb the hilltop fortress and pick up fresh nazuki (sweet bread) from roadside stalls at the Borjomi highway turn-off.

Alternative Route via Kvemo Kartli

For adventurous drivers, there is a scenic alternative route that avoids the main highway entirely. Instead of heading west on the E60, you drive south through Kvemo Kartli and the Javakheti Plateau before approaching Borjomi from the south.

This route takes about five and a half hours but passes through some of the most dramatic and least-visited landscapes in Georgia. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for parts of this route.

Reaching Borjomi from Other Cities

From Batumi

Borjomi is 275 kilometres from Batumi, roughly six hours by road. Direct marshrutkas are rare. You will likely need to change in Khashuri. Private transfers start from 270 GEL per car. Read our Tbilisi to Batumi transport guide.

From Kutaisi

Marshrutkas from Kutaisi to Akhaltsikhe pass through Borjomi. They run four times daily at 8:20am, 9:30am, 11:30am, and 1pm. The fare is 15 GEL, and travel time is about three hours. See our Kutaisi day trips guide.

From Kutaisi Airport

If you are flying into Kutaisi Airport, renting a car and driving to Borjomi is the easiest option. Check our Kutaisi Airport guide for details.

Continuing from Borjomi

Borjomi is a natural gateway to the wider Samtskhe-Javakheti region. With a rental car you can easily reach:

• Bakuriani: 30 minutes south, a popular ski resort in winter and hiking base in summer
• Vardzia Cave Monastery: One of Georgia's most spectacular sites, about two hours south
• Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe: A beautifully restored multicultural fortress complex, one hour away
• Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: Excellent multi-day hiking trails through old-growth forests

For the full list, read our Borjomi excursions and day trips guide.

Practical Tips

• Best time to visit: Borjomi is a year-round destination. Summer is busiest; spring and autumn offer beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. Winter pairs well with skiing in Bakuriani. Read our best time to visit Georgia guide.
• SIM card: Get a Magti or Geocell SIM for mobile data. See our SIM card guide.
• Travel insurance: Essential for any Georgia trip. See our insurance recommendations.
• Safety: The drive is safe and the road well maintained. See our Georgia safety guide.
• Budget: Borjomi is affordable. Budget 50 to 80 GEL per day for food and activities beyond transport. See our budget breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Tbilisi to Borjomi?

The train at 2 GEL is the cheapest option, followed by the marshrutka at 12 GEL.

How long does it take to drive from Tbilisi to Borjomi?

About two to two and a half hours via the main highway, depending on traffic and stops.

Can I do Borjomi as a day trip from Tbilisi?

Yes. With a rental car or private transfer, a day trip is very doable. The marshrutka schedule also allows a full day in Borjomi with early departure and late return. The train schedule is less convenient for day trips.

Do I need a 4x4 to drive to Borjomi?

No. The road is fully paved and any vehicle handles it fine. However, if you plan to explore Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park trails, continue to Bakuriani on icy winter roads, or take the alternative Kvemo Kartli route, a 4x4 is recommended.

Is the Borjomi train worth taking?

Only if you enjoy slow rail travel and do not mind the evening departure and early morning return. The scenery is pleasant but the seats are uncomfortable for four hours.

Can I rent a car in Borjomi?

Options in Borjomi itself are very limited. We recommend picking up a car in Tbilisi and driving to Borjomi. 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.