Yerevan to Tbilisi 2026: Transfer Price, Distance & Border Crossing
Updated July 2026 · ~280 km · ~5–6 h by car · Bagratashen–Sadakhlo border
| Option | Cost (pay driver / operator) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer (car) | ~300–400 GEL, fixed per car | ~5–6 h | Door-to-door, luggage, border comfort, stops |
| Shared marshrutka | ~8,000 AMD / 50–55 GEL per seat | ~6 h | Solo/budget, frequent morning departures |
| Train (4x/week) | ~$35–60 per seat | ~10 h (overnight) | Slow scenic ride, sleeping berth |
How far is Tbilisi from Yerevan?
Tbilisi lies about 280 km north of Yerevan, and the overland drive takes roughly 5 to 6 hours including the border stop. The main route runs north from Yerevan through the Debed river gorge and the old copper-mining towns of Vanadzor and Alaverdi, then crosses into Georgia at the Bagratashen–Sadakhlo checkpoint before continuing up to the Georgian capital. It is one of the busiest international corridors in the South Caucasus, used daily by tourists combining Armenia and Georgia in a single trip, so it is well served by shared vans, private cars and a slow seasonal train.
Option 1: Private transfer — door to door across the border
A fixed-price private transfer is the most comfortable way to make the crossing, especially with luggage or a family. Expect about 300 to 400 GEL per vehicle in 2026 — a flat fare for the whole car, not per person — agreed when you book and unaffected by traffic or border queues. Because OrbiTrip takes no commission, you pay that agreed amount directly to your licensed driver at the end of the ride. The driver waits for you at the frontier while you clear passport control on foot, then picks you up on the other side, which removes the main stress of a self-organised crossing. You can also ask to break the journey at the Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries or the Debed canyon, which a marshrutka will never do.
Option 2: The Yerevan–Tbilisi marshrutka
The cheapest way to travel is the shared marshrutka (minibus) that leaves from Yerevan’s Kilikia central bus station throughout the morning. A seat costs roughly 8,000 AMD, about 50–55 GEL, paid in cash to the driver, and the vans terminate near Avlabari or Ortachala in Tbilisi. It is reliable and social but cramped for a six-hour ride, everyone waits together at the border regardless of how fast your own paperwork is, and there is limited room for large suitcases. If you are a light-packing solo traveller on a budget it is unbeatable value; for groups the maths quickly favours a private car.
Check your date — Yerevan to Tbilisi fixed priceOption 3: The overnight train
South Caucasus Railway runs a train between Yerevan and Tbilisi a few times a week, more often in summer. Tickets cost about $35 to $60 depending on class, and the ride takes around 10 hours, usually overnight, so you trade speed for a sleeping berth and a slow window onto the Armenian highlands. It is a memorable journey for rail fans but impractical if your schedule is tight or the timetable does not line up with your dates — always check current departures before planning around it.
Crossing the Bagratashen–Sadakhlo border
The border is straightforward for most nationalities: you leave the vehicle, walk through Armenian exit control, cross a short neutral zone and clear Georgian entry, then rejoin your driver or van. Georgia offers visa-free entry to citizens of a long list of countries, and Armenia is similarly open, but you should confirm your own visa status before travelling. Keep your passport, any onward tickets and cash for a snack handy; queues are usually short outside peak weekends. Our companion Tbilisi to Yerevan guide covers the same crossing in the opposite direction, and if you are flying out of Georgia, the Kutaisi Airport to Yerevan route is a useful onward option.
When to choose which
Choose the private transfer if you have luggage, are travelling as a couple or group, want the driver to handle the border logistics, or would like to stop at the Debed-valley monasteries on the way. Choose the marshrutka if you are solo, budget-focused and comfortable with a fixed shared schedule. Consider the train only if the dates suit and the slow overnight ride appeals. Whichever you pick, carry some Georgian lari for arrival — our Georgia money and tipping guide explains the cash-first culture, and a local SIM card makes the first hours in Tbilisi easier.
How booking works with OrbiTrip
Open the Yerevan → Tbilisi search, set your Yerevan pickup and Tbilisi destination, then choose date, time and vehicle class. The fixed price you see is the price you pay — no surge, no online card checkout. OrbiTrip is a free platform that connects you with a licensed driver; you settle the agreed fare directly with them and receive their contacts after confirmation to arrange the exact pickup point and border timing.
Book your Yerevan → Tbilisi transfer →
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Yerevan to Tbilisi?
About 5 to 6 hours by road for the roughly 280 km, including the stop at the Bagratashen-Sadakhlo border. The overnight train is slower at around 10 hours.
How much is a Yerevan to Tbilisi private transfer in 2026?
A fixed-price private transfer is about 300 to 400 GEL per vehicle, not per person, paid directly to the driver at the end of the trip. OrbiTrip takes no commission and there is no online card checkout.
How much is the marshrutka from Yerevan to Tbilisi?
A shared marshrutka seat from Kilikia bus station is roughly 8,000 AMD, about 50 to 55 GEL, paid in cash to the driver. Vans leave through the morning and terminate near Avlabari or Ortachala in Tbilisi.
Where is the Armenia to Georgia border crossing?
The main crossing is at Bagratashen on the Armenian side and Sadakhlo on the Georgian side, on the direct route via Vanadzor and Alaverdi. You walk through passport control while your driver or van waits.
Is there a train from Yerevan to Tbilisi?
Yes, South Caucasus Railway runs a train a few times a week, more often in summer, costing about 35 to 60 dollars and taking around 10 hours, usually overnight. Check current timetables before planning around it.
Can I stop at Haghpat or the Debed canyon on the way?
Yes, with a private transfer you can add a stop at the Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries or the Debed gorge. Agree it at booking and the fixed price still covers the route while the driver waits.
OrbiTrip — a free platform connecting travellers with licensed Georgian drivers. Fixed prices, paid directly to the driver.