Tbilisi to Poti Transfer: Private Car, Kolkheti National Park & Tips
Tbilisi to Poti at a glance
- Destination: Poti, a major seaport on the Black Sea coast of western Georgia
- History: built near the site of the ancient Greek colony of Phasis
- Main reason to visit: Kolkheti National Park, right next to the city
- On the water: boat tours on Lake Paliastomi and the Pichori river
- Nature: wetlands that are an excellent spot for bird watching
- Private transfer: door-to-door from your Tbilisi address, per-vehicle price shown before booking
Facts about Poti and Kolkheti National Park come from Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, Advantour and Eurasia Travel.
Why go to Poti?
Poti is a working port town rather than a resort, and that is part of its character: cargo ships at the quay, a compact centre with cafes and markets, and a slower pace than Batumi. It also has deep roots. The city was built near the site of Phasis, the ancient Greek colony on the coast of Colchis, the land of the Golden Fleece legend, although the exact location of the ancient town is still debated.
For most travellers, though, the main reason to come is nature. Kolkheti National Park surrounds the city, protecting coastal wetlands, rivers and Lake Paliastomi. It is one of the most unusual landscapes in Georgia and a complete change from the mountains and wine country most visitors see.
Kolkheti National Park and Lake Paliastomi
Lake Paliastomi is part of Kolkheti National Park and lies just outside Poti. The best way to see the park is from the water: boat tours run on the lake and along the Pichori river, through quiet channels lined with wetland forest. The park is also an excellent spot for bird watching, and other activities such as hiking and horse riding are offered.
We recommend starting at the park’s visitor centre, which can help organise boat tours and explain which routes are running on the day. Bring binoculars if you have them, insect repellent in the warmer months and a waterproof layer, as the coast here is often wet.
How to get from Tbilisi to Poti
The route follows Georgia’s main east–west highway: west past Gori, over the central mountains into Imereti and down to the lowlands near the coast. It is a long drive, so we suggest an early start and a lunch stop on the way. Public transport runs in this direction too, but you have to fit its timetable, get to and from the stations with your luggage and sometimes change on the way, which is why many travellers choose a private car with driver.
| Option | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport | Solo travellers on a tight budget | Timetables, stations and luggage to manage |
| Private car with driver | Families, groups, luggage, stops on the way | Door-to-door; see live prices for your date on this page |
| Private car with a Kolkheti stop | Nature lovers | Agree the stop and waiting time when you book |
With a private driver, stops are free and waiting is free, so you can plan a break in Imereti on the way, or go straight to the national park visitor centre before checking in. Tell your driver your plan when you book.
See drivers and live prices: Tbilisi to Poti
Planning tips for Poti
- Time: give the national park at least half a day; boat trips are the highlight and should not be rushed.
- Weather: the coast is often rainy, so keep the boat trip flexible and check conditions with the visitor centre the day before.
- Overnight or day trip: from Tbilisi, a night in Poti or a nearby beach town makes the trip far more relaxed than a same-day return.
- Luggage: a private car takes you and your bags straight to your accommodation, so you can head out to the park without carrying them.
Combine Poti with the rest of the coast
Poti sits between the beach resorts of Guria and Adjara to the south and Samegrelo to the north, so it fits well into a coastal route. Our Tbilisi to Ureki transfer guide covers the black magnetic-sand beach south of Poti, and our Tbilisi to Batumi transfer guide covers the main resort further down the coast. Flying into Kutaisi instead? Our Kutaisi Airport to Poti guide explains that shorter transfer.
Why travel with OrbiTrip
- Free stops on the way: lunch, viewpoints or a sight on the highway.
- Free waiting: no rush at the national park or at pickup.
- Free cancellation: change plans without penalty.
- Same price day and night: early departures cost the same.
- Pay the driver in cash: GEL, USD or EUR, no prepayment.
- Name-sign meeting: the driver meets you with a name sign.
- Child seat on request: mention it when you book.
- Book ahead: at least 90 minutes before pickup.
- Reliability: Your driver is guaranteed to come: if a driver has a valid reason they cannot, we send another driver at the same price.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Poti?
Poti is a major seaport on the Black Sea coast of western Georgia, in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region.
What is there to do in Poti?
Most visitors come for Kolkheti National Park next to the city: boat tours on Lake Paliastomi and the Pichori river, and bird watching in the wetlands.
How do I get from Tbilisi to Poti?
The easiest way is a private car with driver along the main east-west highway. Public transport means fitting a timetable and getting to the stations. See live prices for your date on this page.
Can I stop at Kolkheti National Park on the way?
Yes. Stops and waiting are free with OrbiTrip; agree the stop at the visitor centre when you book.
Is Poti an ancient city?
Poti was built near the site of Phasis, an ancient Greek colony, though the exact location of the ancient town is still debated.
How do I pay for the transfer?
Pay the driver in cash in GEL, USD or EUR. There is no prepayment, and cancellation is free.
Checked on 29 October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, Advantour and Eurasia Travel.
OrbiTrip Georgia — private transfers across Georgia with local drivers. Per-vehicle price shown before booking, no prepayment.