Ninotsminda–Bavra: the Georgia–Armenia crossing towards Gyumri
Easiest: a car door to door: from $270 (per car, not per person)
Ninotsminda–Bavra crosses from Georgia's Javakheti plateau into Armenia's Shirak province and is the most direct line from Tbilisi to Gyumri. As of 27 October 2026 it is on the Revenue Service list of 24-hour checkpoints, but there is no through public transport, so travellers without a car usually go via Sadakhlo and change in Vanadzor. Our private car runs Tbilisi → Gyumri in about 5 hours, roughly 240 km, from $270 per sedan or $345 per 4x4, with the same car through the border. In winter the plateau gets snow and fog; we use winter tyres. Checked by the RideGE team on .
- Statusopen, 24 hours
- Public transportnone through the crossing
- Tbilisi → Gyumri≈240 km, ~5 h
- Altitudeplateau ~1,800–2,000 m
Is the Bavra crossing open now?
Yes — it is listed among the 24-hour checkpoints (Revenue Service list, reported September–October 2026). The Georgian tourism administration also lists Ninotsminda (Sameba village) among Georgia's land checkpoints.
Why choose Bavra instead of Sadakhlo?
| Going to | Better crossing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gyumri, Ashotsk, Shirak | Bavra | direct; Sadakhlo means a detour via Vanadzor |
| Yerevan, Dilijan | Sadakhlo | shorter and busier, more services |
| Akhalkalaki, Vardzia region first | Bavra | you are already on the plateau |
Can I cross at Bavra without a car?
In practice not easily: there is no through public transport on this crossing. Local taxis on each side are possible but not bookable in advance; for a fixed plan use a private car or go via Sadakhlo by minivan.
What is the road like in winter?
The Tsalka–Akhalkalaki–Ninotsminda road crosses an open plateau; snow, ice and fog are common from November to March. Road closures are announced by the Roads Department. We send cars with winter tyres and may switch to Sadakhlo at the same price in bad weather.
Which documents do I need?
Your passport; Armenian visa rules depend on nationality (e-visa portal of the Armenian MFA). Since 1 January 2026 Georgia requires tourists to have health insurance — keep it for the return.
How much does a private car from Tbilisi to Gyumri cost?
$270 per sedan, $335 per minivan, $345 per 4x4 — per car, door to door.
How much does a private car cost?
| Route | Sedan | Minivan | SUV 4x4 | Sprinter | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi → Gyumri via Bavra | $270 | $335 | $345 | $545 | $555 |
| Tbilisi → Yerevan | $285 | $350 | $360 | $575 | $580 |
| Vardzia & Rabati day trip from Tbilisi | $330 | $430 | $490 | $660 | $785 |
Pay 50% online to confirm, the rest in cash to the driver — or 100% online. Trips under $100 are paid in full online. Full refund if cancelled 24 h+ before pickup (multi-day: 7+ days).
Questions
Is Ninotsminda–Bavra open 24 hours?
It is on the Revenue Service list of 24-hour checkpoints as reported in 2026.
Is there a bus from Tbilisi to Gyumri via Bavra?
Not through the crossing; most public transport goes via Sadakhlo and Vanadzor.
How long is Tbilisi to Gyumri by car?
About 5 hours, 5.5 in winter.
Do I change cars at the border?
No, the same car and driver go all the way.
Can you combine Vardzia and Gyumri?
Yes — ask on WhatsApp for a 2-day quote with a night in Akhaltsikhe.
What if snow closes the plateau road?
We go via Sadakhlo at the same price or move your date free of charge.
Sources and checks
- Travellers' reports (independent travel guide) · published 2026-10 · checked
- Georgian National Tourism Administration — Customs and border checkpoints · checked
- Roads Department of Georgia — road status announcements · checked
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia — e-Visa portal · checked
- Travellers' reports (independent travel guide) · checked
Status and rules change. Before you travel, check the official source; we re-check these pages before each update.
You may also need
- Georgia land border crossings: status on 27 October 2026
- Sadakhlo–Bagratashen: crossing from Georgia to Armenia in 2026
- Guguti–Gogavan and Akhkerpi: the minor Georgia–Armenia crossings
- Vardzia and Rabati from Tbilisi: one long day by car
Sister service in Armenia
- Bavra–Ninotsminda from the Armenian side (ridearm.com) (ridearm.com)
- Yerevan → Gyumri (ridearm.com) (ridearm.com)
Book a car
Bookings are operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong).