Tbilisi to Vardzia Transfer and Taxi Prices
Private transfer from Tbilisi to Vardzia: 227 km, about 3 h 50 min on the road. Verified 2026 price - sedan from 372 GEL (~$143), minivan from 529 GEL (~$204) per car. Per car, not per person; you pay the driver directly - review the full trip price before booking.
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As of 2026, a private transfer from Tbilisi to Vardzia starts from 372 GEL (~$143) for a sedan and from 529 GEL (~$204) for a minivan, per car.
Transfer price from Tbilisi to Vardzia — all car classes
| Car class | Passengers | Luggage | From (cheapest driver) | Typical (most bookings) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 1–3 | 3 bags | 372 GEL (~$143) | See current offers |
| Minivan | 4–7 | 6–8 bags | 529 GEL (~$204) | See current offers |
| SUV / 4x4 | 1–4 | 4 bags | 459 GEL (~$177) | See current offers |
Prices are live quotes from OrbiTrip drivers as of 2026-10-25: per car, not per person; confirmed at booking, the full trip price is shown before booking. Night pick-ups cost the same as daytime ones, and stops on the way are free. Why prices can differ: each driver sets their own tariff and we check prices every day; you see the exact fixed price before you book. Your driver is guaranteed to come: if a driver has a valid reason they cannot, we send another driver at the same price.
Drivers and cars available for Tbilisi → Vardzia
36 licensed local drivers work on OrbiTrip; below are cars from those closest to this route. The exact price of each driver for this date is shown on the booking page — no registration needed to compare them.
up to 7 passengers · Georgian, English, Russian · AC, WiFi, Large Trunk
New on OrbiTrip
See this driver's current offer
up to 4 passengers · Georgian, Russian · AC, WiFi, Large Trunk
New on OrbiTrip
See this driver's current offer
up to 3 passengers · Georgian, English · AC, WiFi, Large Trunk
New on OrbiTrip
See this driver's current offer
up to 4 passengers · Georgian, English · AC, WiFi, Large Trunk
New on OrbiTrip
See this driver's current offer
up to 3 passengers · Georgian, English, Russian · WiFi, Child Seat, Large Trunk
New on OrbiTrip
See this driver's current offer
up to 3 passengers · Georgian, English, Russian · AC, WiFi, Child Seat
New on OrbiTrip
See this driver's current offer
See all 36 drivers with exact prices →
Distance, travel time and road
| Distance | 227 km |
|---|---|
| Driving time | about 3 h 50 min (without long stops) |
| Road type | paved highway / main road |
| Prices checked | 2026-10-25 (live pricing engine) |
About the road from Tbilisi to Vardzia
The drive from Tbilisi to Vardzia covers 227 km and takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. You leave the capital and head west, gradually trading city streets for the plains and low hills of the Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions. The landscape stays mostly flat, with open fields and distant ridges, so the ride is easy and unhurried. Most travelers break the trip in Borjomi, known for its mineral water and green valley, then continue to Akhaltsikhe to walk through the Rabati Castle complex. A final stop at Khertvisi fortress, perched above the river confluence, sets the mood before you reach Vardzia, the cave monastery carved into the cliff. With a private car, you keep your luggage with you, stop wherever you like, and arrive door-to-door at the cave city, which is a real advantage since public transport to Vardzia is limited and often requires changes.
Tips for this trip
Leave Tbilisi early in the morning to enjoy the stops without rushing and to reach Vardzia well before the afternoon heat. The route is on paved roads and is doable year-round, but check conditions in winter if snow is forecast. Bring cash for small cafes and entrance fees, since card machines are not everywhere. A warm layer is useful only if you plan to spend time in the mountains, though this route stays mostly flat. If you travel with children, let the driver know in advance so a child seat can be arranged. Luggage fits easily in a private car, so you can bring what you need for an overnight in the area.
What is included in the transfer price
- Fixed per-car price agreed before the trip — no meter, no surge
- Door-to-door: pick-up at your address, hotel or terminal
- Luggage in the trunk (see the class table above)
- Short photo / coffee stops on the way by agreement with the driver
- No prepayment — you pay the driver in cash (GEL, USD or EUR) after the ride
- Free cancellation at any time — no fee
- Child seat — ask when booking (subject to the driver)
- Long sightseeing detours — agree time and price with the driver
- Entrance tickets to sights along the way
How to get from Tbilisi to Vardzia: private transfer vs taxi, train and bus
| Option | Door-to-door | Price | Time | Luggage / group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer (OrbiTrip) | yes | known in advance | about 3 h 50 min | yes — per car, group pays once |
| Taxi (street / app) | yes | metered or negotiated at pick-up | about 3 h 50 min | limited for long routes; luggage space varies |
Third-party options are listed for orientation only — OrbiTrip books private transfers. A per-car transfer is usually the cheapest door-to-door option for 2+ people with luggage; for a solo traveller on a budget the train or marshrutka may cost less.
Stops and scenic views on the way from Tbilisi to Vardzia
With a private driver you can stop where you like. Landmarks on or just off this road (typical detour in minutes):
- Borjomi — about 20 min
- Akhaltsikhe – Rabati Castle — about 40 min
- Khertvisi fortress — about 15 min
Agree the stops with your driver when booking; long detours may change the price.
FAQ: Tbilisi to Vardzia transfer
As of 2026, a private transfer from Tbilisi to Vardzia starts from 372 GEL (~$143) for a sedan and from 529 GEL (~$204) for a minivan, per car. The price is fixed and you pay the driver directly - no prepayment.
The drive is about 3 h 50 min for 227 km.
No. no prepayment is required and you can pay the driver in cash. Payment is cash only, to the driver; no prepayment.
Per car, not per person: sedan from 372 GEL (~$143) for up to 3 passengers, minivan from 529 GEL (~$204) for up to 7.
A sedan takes up to 3 passengers with 3 suitcases; a minivan up to 7 passengers with 6–8 suitcases; an SUV up to 4 passengers with 4 bags.
Yes. Short stops for photos, coffee or a viewpoint are usually free by agreement with the driver; longer sightseeing detours are agreed in advance and may change the price.
Yes, if a driver is available: the route page shows drivers who are online now with their fixed prices. Booking takes one minute and needs no registration.
Ask for a child seat when booking — many drivers have one, but availability depends on the driver and is confirmed before the trip.
Compare drivers and book free →
Other routes from Tbilisi and prices
- Tbilisi → Akhalkalaki — from 333 GEL (~$128)
- Tbilisi → Akhaltsikhe — from 356 GEL (~$137)
- Tbilisi → Anaklia — from 436 GEL (~$168)
- Tbilisi → Bakhmaro — from 616 GEL (~$237)
Popular routes to Vardzia
- Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) → Vardzia — from 388 GEL (~$149)
fixed prices, licensed Georgian drivers, pay the driver directly.
All Georgia transfer prices 2026 · Taxi vs private transfer · OrbiTrip home