Tbilisi Train Station: Complete Guide to Georgian Railway (Prices, Routes & Tips 2026)

If you’re planning a trip through Georgia, chances are, you’ll hop on one of the trains, and trust me, it’s a journey you’ll want to take.

Whether you’re headed to Batumi’s beautiful beaches or exploring the scenic countryside, taking the train is comfortable and budget-friendly.

Plus, it’s the perfect way to see the country’s stunning landscapes 🌿.

But before you hop on board, let me guide you through the essentials of Georgian Railway travel, from ticket booking tips to fun things to do while you wait at the station.

There’s Wi-Fi, tons of food options, and even a Dezerter Bazaar just around the corner!

Let’s dive in!

📍 Tbilisi Central Station is located at 2 Station Square. It’s part of a larger complex with a mall, food options, and shops, so there’s plenty to do if you arrive early or need to wait for a train. The quickest and cheapest way is by Metro, which is directly connected to the train station.

Booking Your Ticket

Buying a train ticket in Georgia is easy, and you can do it up to 20 days in advance through several options: at the station, using pay boxes, or even more conveniently, online (tre.ge) or via the mobile app 📱.

All you need is your ID number/Passport to book your spot, and if you’re traveling with children under 14, make sure to have their birth certificate or passport handy.

Don’t stress about missing the train. You can purchase tickets until 10 minutes before departure, but after that, sales are closed for passenger safety.

However, groups should plan, there are specific steps for group bookings (more on that later)

💡If you have a child under 5 with you, they cancel the ride for free as long as they don’t need a separate seat! If they do, a child ticket is required.

Train Schedule and Prices

Tbilisi to Kutaisi Airport

The Kutaisi route is the one I have taken most often, usually when flying out of Kutaisi International Airport. A word of personal advice: do not take second class. I made that mistake once and once was enough. The seats are uncomfortable, the carriages are old, and for a 3 to 4 hour journey it genuinely makes a difference to upgrade.
Based on current prices on tre.ge:

Journey time is approximately 3 hours 18 minutes to 3 hours 48 minutes depending on the train. Trains depart from around 17:00 in the evening. Always check tre.ge for the latest schedule as times change seasonally.

💡 My honest recommendation: Go Business Class. The difference between 15 GEL and 42 GEL is not significant but the comfort difference for a 3 to 4 hour journey absolutely is. Reclining seats, more legroom, power outlets, and a genuinely more pleasant experience.

🌱 Planning to visit Martvili Canyon from Kutaisi? Read my complete guide.

Tbilisi to Batumi

The Tbilisi to Batumi route is the most popular train journey in Georgia and for good reason. The scenery across western Georgia is beautiful, and arriving in Batumi by train feels like a proper arrival.

Journey time is approximately 5 hours 8 minutes. Thanks to a new tunnel that opened in late 2025, the journey is now around 30 minutes faster than it used to be.

There are at least two daily trains between Tbilisi and Batumi year-round, one morning departure around 8:00 AM and one evening departure around 5:00 PM. Additional services are added during summer months. Extra night trains run on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays during peak summer season.

⚠️ Book ahead for summer travel. The Tbilisi to Batumi train sells out quickly between June and September, especially on Friday and Sunday evenings. Weekend fares can be 30 to 40% higher than midweek prices. The cheapest days to travel are Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tbilisi to Zugdidi

Journey time approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Tbilisi to Ureki

Ureki is a small Black Sea resort town known for its magnetic black sand beaches, popular with Georgian families in summer.

Journey time approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Need to Cancel?

Plans change, and the railway gets that. If you need to return an unused ticket, you can get:

1. 100% refund if you cancel more than 15 hours before departure.
2. 85% refund if canceled between 4 to 15 hours before departure.
3. 70% refund if it’s less than 4 hours before departure.

However, keep in mind that lost or damaged tickets won’t be refunded, so hang onto them!

Traveling in Groups

Planning a group trip?

Here’s what you need to know.

You’ll have to submit a group booking application (available on the Georgian Railway website) at least 20 working days in advance. But don’t worry, railway employees will help guide you through the process, so you won’t be stuck wondering if your seats are confirmed.

It’s all pretty straightforward, and with a little planning, you’ll have your entire crew on board.

Traveling with Pets

Traveling with pets? No problem!

You can bring small pets or birds free of charge as long as they’re in a carrier.

Just remember that the carrier needs to be secure, 55x35x20 cm in size, and have enough ventilation and space for your pet to be comfy.

And of course, you’ll need a veterinary certificate to prove they’re healthy and vaccinated. If your pet wants their own seat, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them too!

Map of Trains in Georgia

What happens if the Train’s Late?

If the train is delayed, you’re covered!

Georgian Railway has a Delay Repay compensation system where passengers can get a minimum of 25% compensation for delays of 60-119 minutes and 50% for delays of 120 minutes or more.

Just make sure to fill out the Passenger Request Form, you can even submit it online!

What to Do Around the Station

Now, let’s talk about what to do while you’re waiting for your train. Tbilisi Central Railway Station is more than just a transit hub, it’s a hotspot for exploring local favorites!

Tbilisi Central Shopping Mall: Right above the station, you’ll find the perfect place to pass the time. From fashion to electronics, this mall has it all. 👉🏻 Click here to read more about the mall’s best shops and why it’s a must-visit before boarding your train.

Love authentic Georgian flavors? 🌶Dezerter Bazaar is just a few steps away from the station. This market is the place to grab fresh fruits, spices, and local treats for your journey. 👉🏻 Click here to read all about the market and how to navigate it like a pro!

Good news for digital nomads and social media enthusiasts, there’s free Wi-Fi at the station! Plus, the area around the station is filled with local cafés and restaurants, perfect for grabbing a quick snack or coffee before your departure.

Which Class Should You Choose?

Having taken Georgian trains multiple times, here is my honest breakdown:

II Class is the budget option. Seats are standard, carriages are older on some routes, and on a long journey like Batumi (5 hours) it can be uncomfortable. Fine for short trips or if you are on a tight budget.

I Class is the sweet spot for most travelers. Better seats, more comfortable, and not significantly more expensive than second class.

Business Class is worth it for longer journeys. Reclining seats, more legroom, power outlets, and a noticeably quieter carriage. The price difference is small enough that I always recommend upgrading for anything over 2 hours. I always travel Business Class on the Kutaisi route for exactly this reason.

Traveling by train in Georgia is safe, affordable, and comfortable, but it’s also a fantastic way to see the country’s beauty with options for family travel, group bookings, and even pets .

So, next time you’re planning a trip around Georgia, consider taking the train. It’s not just about the destination, it’s about enjoying the ride and soaking in the views.

Happy travels, and let me know in the comments if you have any tips or questions. 🗨️

✨ Planning your trip to Georgia? Read my complete guide to where to stay in Tbilisi to find the best neighborhood for your base, and my honest cost of living in Tbilisi guide if you are thinking about staying longer.