There are many options for transport in Armenia and transportation in Georgia is accessible as well, but you may be wondering how to travel from Armenia to Georgia by land and is there a train service from Yerevan to Tbilisi?
It just so happens, there is! In fact, I’m fresh off the Yerevan to Tbilisi train and here to tell you how it went.
Keep reading to find out the answers to the following questions about travelling from Yerevan to Tbilisi:
⭐ Is there a train from Armenia to Georgia?
⭐ How do I get from Armenia to Tbilisi?
⭐ How much is a ticket on the Yerevan to Tbilisi train?
⭐ Where can I get a ticket for the Yerevan to Tbilisi train?
⭐ How long is the train ride from Tbilisi to Yerevan?
⭐ What is the Yerevan to Tbilisi train like?
How to travel from Armenia to Georgia
If you’re travelling to Armenia and wondering how you can get to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, there are several options you can consider.
Minibuses run regularly from about 6 am between Yerevan and Tbilisi.
The ticket costs 8000 AMD (US$20) and the journey takes about 5 hours. I imagine the roads are very windy considering that the distance between the two cities is only 280km.
If minibuses aren’t your thing, consider taking the Yerevan to Tbilisi train.
The Yerevan to Tbilisi train runs every second night, leaving from the Yerevan Tigran Mets Avenue Railway Station at 21:30 and getting into Tbilisi Railway Station (North) at 07:30.
The train is slower, but it’s more comfortable. It also costs more than the minibus. Each ticket costs 11,295 AMD or US$28.60.
This is the route we chose, but we got in closer to 08:30 though. So take note that arrival time may be later than stipulated.
How to Get to the Tigran Mets Avenue Railway Station in the Capital of Georgia
To purchase a ticket for the Yerevan to Tbilisi train, you’ll have to get to the Tigran Mets Avenue Railway Station.
As its name suggests, the station is located on Tigran Mets Avenue, a couple of kilometres from the city centre.
You could walk there if you’re feeling energetic, or hail a Yandex Taxi.
How to Buy a Ticket for the Yerevan to Tbilisi Train
When you walk into the station, it isn’t immediately obvious where the ticketing area is.
First, walk past the big empty entrance area with the huge chandelier, then to the left you’ll see two signs that you probably won’t be able to read.
The room behind those signs is where you can make queries (counter 1) and buy tickets (counter 2).
The Ticket
You can buy your ticket with Armenian Dram or by credit card.
They will ask for your passport then put the details from your passport on the ticket.
The ticket will also show you your carriage (wagon) and seat number.
What is the Yerevan to Tbilisi Train like?
The Yerevan to Tbilisi train has great facilities, including hot/cold water dispensers, charging ports for your electronics, and even showers!
The heat set a little high at 27°C though. I mean, I figured they’d have heat, but it was closer to a sauna!
It’s probably a good thing they had showers then.
If you’re travelling in winter and taking this train, it’s a good idea to keep your innermost layer light. Otherwise, you may feel uncomfortable on the train.
Sleeping Arrangements on Overnight Transportation in Georgia
Now, you’re probably wondering what the sleeping arrangements are on the Yerevan to Tbilisi train.
The 11,295 AMD ticket is a second class sleeper ticket for a bed in an open cabin.
That means that although the beds are in lots of four, like they would be in normal cabins, there are no doors.
That’s not really a problem as people are friendly and helpful.
If you feel it’s an issue, you could always pay more for a first class sleeper ticket.
There are power sockets and charging ports near most beds.
What Happens on the Yerevan to Tbilisi Train at the Armenian Border?
In the middle of the night, the conductor came around and woke us up as Armenian immigration came on the train at about 03:45.
In what was probably the most convenient immigration experience ever, we just stayed on our beds and the officers came to us.
About an hour after going through Armenian immigration, we hit the Georgian immigration point.
What Happens on the Yerevan to Tbilisi Train at the Georgian Border?
It was around 04:45 and freezing, but we had to get off the train. We lined up in front of temporary, container-type buildings on the platform.
There were stray dogs everywhere and some of them decided to join the line and get some attention.
One strange occurrence was people smoking in the immigration line; it was definitely the first time I’d seen that.
Back on the train, masked customs officers asked about cigarettes and alcohol. You can only bring a certain amount into Georgia without incurring customs duty.
With that done, we went back to sleep.
End of the Yerevan to Tbilisi Train Trip: Arrival at the Tbilisi Station
A little before 08:10, they turned the lights on and woke us all up for arrival just after 08:15. We were finally in the capital of Georgia!
The Tbilisi station wasn’t very impressive.
It was old, but it was a lot bigger and a little bit more crowded than Yerevan one.
Quick Summary of the Yerevan to Tbilisi Journey
And that concludes the overnight adventure from Armenia to Georgia. As travelling goes, this is one of the more comfortable experiences!
If you enjoy reading about uncomfortable, but awesome train rides, you may want to check out my epic journey on the famous Iron Train in Mauritania.
Answers to Questions About Transport in Armenia
⭐ Is there a train from Armenia to Georgia?
There certainly is. You catch it at Yerevan, the capital of Armenia and arrive at Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
⭐ How do I get from Armenia to Tbilisi?
You can take a train or a minibus, depending on how much you’re willing to pay and how long you want your journey to be.
⭐ How much is a train ticket from Yerevan to Tbilisi?
A ticket costs 11,295 AMD or approximately US$28.60.
⭐ How long is the train ride from Tbilisi to Yerevan?
The ticketed time is 10h but it could take slightly longer depending on how long immigration formalities take.
⭐ What is the Yerevan to Tbilisi train like?
Surprisingly comfortable with unexpected things like power points, showers and cold/hot water dispensers.
⭐ How can I get from Yerevan to Tbilisi?
There are a few ways to get from Yerevan to Tbilisi. The slower, but more comfortable option is the overnight train for 11,295 AMD or the quicker, slightly less comfortable minibus for 8000 AMD.
Now that you know how to travel from Armenia to Georgia by land, you could probably use this guide on Free and Fun Things to Do in Yerevan and this one on What to do in Tbilisi in Winter.
I love guides like this. It makes being overseas so much more enjoyable and stress-free because I can follow your steps (and pictures).
It’s always easier when someone can show you how it’s done!
Train travel is my favorite, and this train route seems like a fun one to take. I’ve never been to Armenia or Georgia, but I can’t wait to go by train when I get there!
I always prefer trains to buses! This one was more comfortable than most.
I like how there are overnight facilities on this train. I took an overnight train once from Koln to Berlin, and had nothing. Sounds like a much better experience!
Yeah. The shower was very unexpected!