Can you travel from Russia to Georgia by train?
Why there's no direct train and how to connect.
Short answer
There is no direct passenger train from Russia to Georgia: the railway through Abkhazia doesn't carry passengers to the rest of Georgia, and Georgian law bans entry via Abkhazia. You can take a train to Vladikavkaz, then a taxi or minibus via Upper Lars to Tbilisi, about 200 kilometres. Another option is a train or flight to Yerevan, then a train or minibus to Tbilisi.
Why
- Direct rail links between Russia and Georgia have been cut since the 1990s.
- Vladikavkaz is about 40 kilometres from the border, and the Upper Lars queue can be long.
- A direct flight remains the fastest option.
Details
Upper Lars can't be crossed on foot, only by vehicle, so from Vladikavkaz people take a taxi or minibus to Tbilisi or Stepantsminda.
Tip
If you want to go by train, buy a ticket to Vladikavkaz and arrange a transfer via Upper Lars in advance.
What may differ
Total travel time depends on the border queue, which can take from an hour to a full day.
Common misconception
There's a direct Moscow-Tbilisi train.
What actually happens
There has been no direct passenger train between Russia and Georgia since the 1990s.
People also ask
- Is there a train from Russia to Georgia?
Sources
- Georgian Railway: timetable and ticketsChecked at:
- Law of Georgia on Occupied TerritoriesChecked at:
Timetables and prices change, so check with the carrier before you travel.
How to Get to Georgia from Russia: Transport and RoutesRelated 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.