How to get from Tbilisi to Batumi by minibus
The two most popular and frequently visited Georgian cities are Tbilisi and Batumi. Every tourist coming here must visit both of these cities. But how to get from the capital of Georgia to the beautiful Batumi?
There are many ways, but today we will talk about minibuses.
Where can you catch a minibus to Batumi?
Most minibuses start their journey from the Didube and Dedakalaki bus stations. Didube is located on the right bank of the Kura River, near the station of the same name of the metro.
The Dedakalaki bus station is located near the central railway station, but in fact, it is difficult to call it a real bus station, the territory is more like a parking lot for transport.
How often do minibuses run?
This type of transport delivers tourists from Tbilisi to Batumi much more often than state buses. Minibuses run almost every hour, and during the season, this interval can be reduced to half an hour.
How long is the journey?
The distance between Tbilisi and Batumi is about 380 kilometers. Buses usually cover this distance in 6 hours, but when traveling by minibus, this time can be reduced.
Here the driver has complete control over the movement, often tourist minibuses reach their destination in 4-5 hours.
Fare
The price practically does not differ from the cost of a bus ticket. On average, a trip from the capital to Batumi will cost a tourist 25-30 lari. It is worth noting that in the seasonal period, the price can increase several times.
Tips for travelers
The main thing to understand when choosing a minibus transfer is that this transport is operated by locals, not the government. Accordingly, there will be significantly fewer conveniences.
If you want to travel comfortably, we advise you to "book" your seat in advance by placing your things on it. If you are allergic, you should give preference to a bus, since the driver can smoke during the trip.
Advantages of minibuses
First of all, of course, it's speed. Local drivers know detours and often accelerate during the trip. Secondly, transfer by minibus is an opportunity to see other Georgian landscapes during the journey.
The third advantage of minibuses is that you have the opportunity to make a stop at any time, just ask the driver.
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Отдельный плюс — советы от местных и живые ответы на типичные вопросы: про багаж, комфорт, остановки по дороге. Теперь понимаю, что мой опыт «лихого» водителя и отсутствия кондиционера — не исключение, а нормальная грузинская реальность 🤭 Но при этом маршрутка остаётся самым атмосферным способом доехать до моря и увидеть по пути пол‑страны из окна.
А вы чем предпочитаете добираться из Тбилиси в Батуми: всё ещё выбираете маршрутку ради колорита или уже перешли на автобус/поезд ради комфорта?
Садиться на маршрутку можно на автовокзале Дидубе (там, где метро, не потеряетесь) или на Дедакалаки возле ж/д вокзала. Не пугайтесь, если Дедакалаки покажется вам парковкой для транспорта, так оно и есть. 😄
Маршрутки тут как маршрутные такси по Москве в старые добрые, чуть ли не каждые 30 минут отправляются. А если сезон, так и подавно чаще. Сама поездка? Ожидайте часов 5-6 на дорогу, но местные асы руля могут и быстрее пронестись. Стоимость? Около 25-30 лари, но если пик сезона, готовьтесь выложить больше.
Хотя это неплохой вариант для любителей экстрима, скорости и необычных пейзажей. До места назначения вас довезут достаточно быстро и возможно по нестандартному маршруту.