How to Travel from Kutaisi to Batumi by Bus, Train, Taxi or Car

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by Michael Rozenblit


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With Wizz Air flights to Kutaisi from all over Europe, more and more travellers are starting or ending their Georgia itinerary in the third-largest city. This means that travellers who want to spend some time at the Black Sea are looking for the best way to get from Kutaisi to Batumi or back.

Wondering about how you should travel between these two cities? Let us break down all the possible options for this route including by bus, train, taxi or car including how to get there from Kutaisi Airport.

Kutaisi Centre to Batumi

If you’re spending a few days in Kutaisi (and you absolutely should!), there are four main options for how to get to Batumi: bus, train, taxi or car.

By Bus

Like almost everywhere in Georgia, Armenia or Azerbaijan, the easiest way to travel between cities are local minibuses known as marshrutkas.

If you’re in the centre of Kutaisi, it will cost around 4GEL to get to the main bus station. You can use the Bolt Taxi app to order a taxi or ask your guesthouse or hotel to call one for you.

Tell your taxi driver that you want to go to Batumi and they will drop you off at the exact location where the marshrutkas depart. This is the same place that you would go if you want to travel from Kutaisi to Tbilisi.

The bus costs 15GEL and they depart regularly throughout the day when full. The journey time is around 2.5-3 hours and you will pay the driver when you get on board.

Bus Station in Kutaisi
Bus Station in Kutaisi

In Batumi, you will get dropped off at the central bus terminal which is where marshrutkas depart regularly to other cities in Georgia. If you need to get a taxi in Batumi, then you’ll need to use either the Bolt or Yandex taxi apps.

By Train

There are slow trains that run between the two cities and you can see the latest schedules on the Georgian Railways website.

The total journey time takes over 5 minutes so it is not the most convenient option.

You can take the train to Batumi from nearby Kopitnari train station which is located near Kutaisi Airport however there are only a few trains per day so the bus is still a better option.

Marshrutka to Kutaisi
Marshrutka to Kutaisi

By Taxi

If you prefer to take a taxi from Kutaisi to Batumi then expect prices to start at around 150-200GEL for a whole taxi though this is obviously negotiable depending on the mood and urgency of the taxi driver. You can pre-book drivers here to ensure you get a fair price.

You can also find shared taxis departing from the bus station where you would just pay for a seat in the taxi for a fraction of the whole price.

By Car

A great way to see Georgia is by renting a car and having the ultimate freedom to stop when travelling between major cities. If travelling by car it’s possible to detour to several places such as Prometheus Cave or Martvili Canyon.

You could also consider spending a few days in the Svaneti Region, basing yourself in Mestia and enjoying some day hikes or even tackling the Mestia to Ushguli Hike!

There aren’t many options for car rental in Kutaisi, so you’ll have more choices by renting through Localrent which connects private car renters with drivers.

Ushguli Town View
The town of Ushguli

Kutaisi Airport to Batumi

If you’re arriving at Kutaisi Airport and want to head straight to Batumi then you’ll be happy to know that there is no need to head into the city centre.

Georgian Bus operates full-size coaches that are timed to depart with flight arrivals. You can book a spot in advance online or once you clear customs, simply look for the Georgian Bus booth and buy a ticket.

Tickets cost 20GEK with the journey taking around 2 hours. In Batumi, you are dropped off in the centre of town .

As mentioned previously, there are also trains running from nearby Kopitnari Train Station but as there are only a few trains per day, it’s not as convenient as taking Georgian Bus.

The Green Bazaar is a highlight of Kutaisi
The Green Bazaar is a highlight of Kutaisi

Where to Stay Along The Way

Kutaisi

Pospolita Guesthouse – A family-run guesthouse in the centre of Kutaisi that offers a few different private rooms and is a great choice if travelling in Georgia on a budget. The owners are incredibly friendly and there is a great breakfast served every morning.

Hotel Veneto – A modern hotel located in the centre of town. They offer a range of private rooms including single rooms suitable for solo travellers and larger rooms that can accommodate families. Breakfast is included in the daily rate and the hosts can organise transfers and tours.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Kutaisi!

Batumi

Dzveli Batumi — A boutique hotel that is located a couple hundred metres from the beach and within walking distance of the centre of Batumi. They offer a range of private rooms suitable for couples and families with breakfast included in the nightly rate.

N16 Hotel — Another great modern hotel that is also well located within walking distance of the beach and the main Batumi attractions. Their private rooms are clean, comfortable and contain all the modern amenities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Batumi hotels!

Batumi Botanical Gardens
The lush Batumi Botanical Gardens

Travelling from Kutaisi to Batumi is a straightforward journey that is possible to do by several transport options!

Are you planning on travelling between these two cities? Have you been recently? Let us know in the comments below!

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Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia.

Comments

  1. Hi, trying to buy bus tickets from the K. airport to Batumi, neither of the 2 companies offers transfers late in the evening. Impossible to contact them by phone, either. Any advice? thank you!

    Reply

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