Guide to Batumi Bus Stations: How to Travel to Georgian Cities and Villages

Batumi is not only a popular resort town but also an important transport hub connecting various regions of Georgia and offering routes to neighboring countries. In this article, we provide a detailed guide to the two main bus stations in Batumi, along with unofficial minibus stops. Learn how to reach major Georgian cities, rural villages, and find out the most convenient routes for travelers.

1. Old Batumi Bus Station

Address: 1 Mayakovskogo St.

The Old Bus Station remains the primary transport hub in Batumi, offering connections to cities across Georgia and surrounding areas. From here, you can travel to destinations such as Borjomi, Svaneti, Kutaisi, and even visit the famous Makhuntseti Waterfall. Despite the outdated infrastructure, the station is still convenient for travelers due to the variety of routes and affordable prices.

Getting There:

• Walking: 15 minutes from the cable car.
  
• Minibuses to the Bony market.
  

Transport:

• Buses: 1, 1a, 2, 2a, 4, 7a, 8, 12, 12a, 15, 16.
  
• Minibuses: 20, 23, 25, 3, 39, 44, 49, 56. Minibuses also depart from Baratashvili Street (34, 24, 32, 42).
  

Destinations:

• Kutaisi (15 GEL, 2.5 hours)
  
• Tbilisi (35 GEL, 5 hours)
  
• Samtredia (12 GEL, 16:40)
  
• Zugdidi (18 GEL, 7:00, 9:00, 12:00, 16:00, 18:30)
  
• Poti (10 GEL, every hour from 9:00)
  
• Chokhatauri (10 GEL)
  
• Ozurgeti (7 GEL, every 40 minutes from 8:30)
  
• Zestaponi (25 GEL, 15:30)
  

Special Features:

• Russian-speaking cashiers are available to assist.
  
• Routes are typically served by minivans, which might be less comfortable but are affordable and frequent.
  

2. New Batumi Bus Station (Closed)

Address: 1 Gogol St.

A few years ago, Batumi opened a new bus station, but it is now closed for passenger traffic. All bus routes have been moved to the Batumi Central Railway Station. The building is currently used for office purposes.

Getting There:

• Taxi (5-7 GEL).
  
• Buses: 3, 6, 8, 10, 10a.
  
• Minibuses: 25, 32, 39, 42.
  

3. Batumi Central Railway Station

Address: 3 Odisea Dimitriadis St.

The Batumi Central Railway Station has become the main departure point for international buses and long-distance routes within Georgia. It’s also home to companies like Metro Georgia and City Bus, which provide more comfortable buses for long trips.

Getting There:

• Taxi (5-7 GEL) or buses 3, 6, 8, 10, 10a.
  
• Minibuses: 31 and 40.
  

Destinations:

• Tbilisi (40 GEL, 6-6.5 hours).
  
• Moscow (280 GEL, 1.5 days).
  
• Yerevan (100 GEL, 11-hour mini-van trip).
  

Special Features:

• Metro Georgia and City Bus offer comfortable buses with onboard entertainment.
  
• Pets are allowed with permission and a carrier.
  

4. Unofficial Bus Stops

Apart from the official bus stations, there are several points in Batumi where minibuses for certain destinations gather. These stops are informal but functional for both locals and tourists.

1. Tbilisi Square (6 Tsereteli St.):
   Minibuses to Tbilisi and other cities depart here. These minibuses operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making them quicker than scheduled buses.
   
2. TechnoBoom Supermarket (1 Chavchavadze St.):
   Here, you can find minibuses traveling to nearby towns and villages.
   
3. Cable Car Station:
   Minibuses to various destinations depart from here. The schedule is flexible, and the rides can be faster.
   

5. Additional Travel Tips

1. Schedules and Prices:
   
   • Schedules at the Old Bus Station are often not updated, so it’s best to ask drivers or cashiers for the latest information.
     
   • Example prices: Kutaisi — 15 GEL, Tbilisi — 35 GEL, Poti — 10 GEL.
     
   • International trips to Russia and Turkey: 170-280 GEL.
     

1. Departure Process:
   
   • Minibuses at the Old Bus Station depart once full, so be prepared for potentially long waiting times.
     
   • It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance if you can, to ensure you get a seat.
     

1. Amenities:
   
   • There are ticket windows where you can purchase tickets for both domestic and international routes.
     
   • Buses and minibuses often provide Wi-Fi, comfortable seats, and entertainment onboard.
     

Batumi bus stations are important transport hubs from where you can travel not only to neighboring towns and villages, but also to neighboring countries. The old bus station at Mayakovsky 1 continues to be the center of route transportation in Georgia, despite its not very convenient conditions. At the same time, the new Batumi Central Railway Station offers more comfortable buses for long-distance routes, including international ones. Unofficial bus stations in different parts of the city also serve as convenient starting points for travel.

We hope that this guide will help you easily navigate the transport system of Batumi and make your trip around Georgia convenient and memorable.