How long is the drive from Russia to Georgia, and how far is it?
Distances from Moscow, St Petersburg and southern Russia, and journey times.
Short answer
From Moscow to Tbilisi via Upper Lars is about 2,000-2,100 kilometres, roughly 25-30 hours of driving, so people usually take two or three days with overnight stops. From St Petersburg it is about 2,700 kilometres, from Rostov-on-Don about 1,000 and from Krasnodar about 800. Add time for the border queue, which can be several hours in summer and on holidays.
Why
- Upper Lars near Vladikavkaz is the only open land crossing between Russia and Georgia.
- Vladikavkaz to Tbilisi is about 200 kilometres along the Georgian Military Road over the Jvari Pass.
- In winter the pass sometimes closes because of snow and avalanche risk.
Details
To enter with your own car you need its documents, and a power of attorney if the car isn't yours. Before setting off, check the pass road on the Roads Department of Georgia website.
Tip
Arrange the mandatory Georgian car insurance in advance and check the forecast for the Jvari Pass.
What may differ
Travel time depends heavily on the Upper Lars queue and the weather on the pass.
People also ask
- How far is Tbilisi from Moscow by car?
Sources
- Roads Department of GeorgiaChecked at:
- Georgian National Tourism AdministrationChecked at:
Information checked on October 3, 2026.
Driving to Georgia from RussiaRelated questions
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Is there a ferry from Batumi to other countries?
A passenger ferry operated by Ukrferry runs from the port of Batumi to Varna in Bulgaria, and the carrier's site publishes fares for the vessel Kaunas from 1 June 2026.
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How do you get from Kutaisi to Mestia?
The road from Kutaisi to Mestia takes about 4 hours 20 minutes, and on Wednesdays there is a flight from Kutaisi Airport to Mestia.
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Are there domestic flights in Georgia, for example to Mestia and Ambrolauri?
Domestic flights do exist in Georgia: from Natakhtari Airport near Tbilisi they go to Mestia, Ambrolauri and Batumi, and from Kutaisi Airport to Mestia on Wednesdays.
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Does Tbilisi Airport have left luggage and a business lounge?
Tbilisi Airport has a left luggage office in the departures terminal that is open 24/7, and a paid Primeclass Lounge past passport control by Gate 101.