Upper Lars (Dariali): Georgia–Russia border status
Easiest: a car door to door: from $170 (per car, not per person)
Upper Lars (Verkhny Lars; Georgian side Dariali) is the only open road crossing between Georgia and Russia, 11 km north of Stepantsminda and about 165 km from Tbilisi. As of 27 October 2026 it works 24 hours for vehicles only — you cannot walk across. Queues are normal, and from November to April the Jvari pass on the way can close after snow. We do not sell the crossing into Russia; we drive you from Tbilisi or the airport to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) for $170 per sedan and you arrange onward transport from there. Payment note: Russian bank cards are not accepted online. Checked by the RideGE team on .
- Statusopen, vehicles only
- Hours24 h
- On footnot allowed
- Our serviceto Stepantsminda only
Is Upper Lars open right now?
Yes, as reported in 2026 it is the only open Georgia–Russia crossing and works 24 hours; it is for vehicles only and long queues are normal. The road approach depends on the Jvari pass, which closes in heavy snow (November–April).
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 2023-06-22 | Russia opened 15 new lanes on its side: 39 lanes in total, 24 for passenger cars (ARKA) |
| 2026-09 | Travellers' guide: vehicles only, cannot walk across, Jvari pass closes in snow |
| 2026-10-27 | Re-checked by RideGE; we still do not sell the crossing |
Can I walk or cycle across Upper Lars?
Walking is not allowed: you must be in a vehicle. Travellers report that drivers with empty seats sometimes take pedestrians across, but this is informal and we do not arrange it.
Why don't you sell the crossing into Russia?
Our drivers do not take passengers across this border, and the UK and other governments currently advise against travel to Russia. We only drive to Stepantsminda on the Georgian side.
What happens when the Jvari pass is closed?
The Gudauri–Kobi section closes after heavy snow or avalanche risk, sometimes for hours, sometimes for days; the Roads Department announces it. If your Kazbegi transfer cannot go, you choose a free new date or a full refund.
How do I get from Tbilisi to the border area?
| Way | Time | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshrutka from Didube to Stepantsminda | 3–3.5 h | 20 GEL per person | some runs may not go in winter |
| Private car (us) to Stepantsminda | ~3 h | from $170 per car | any hour, luggage, stops |
Can I pay with a Russian bank card?
Online payment works with Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay issued outside Russia. You can also book on WhatsApp and pay the driver in cash (lari, dollars or euros) where cash payment is offered.
How much does a private car cost?
| Route | Sedan | Minivan | SUV 4x4 | Sprinter | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi → Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) | $170 | $220 | $230 | $360 | $370 |
| Tbilisi airport → Kazbegi | $170 | $220 | $230 | $360 | $370 |
| Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) → Tbilisi | $170 | $220 | $230 | $360 | $370 |
| Kazbegi day trip from Tbilisi | $190 | $250 | $290 | $380 | $465 |
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 Upper Lars open 24 hours?
Yes, it works around the clock for vehicles.
Can I cross Upper Lars on foot?
No, only in a vehicle.
Do you drive to Vladikavkaz?
No. We drive to Stepantsminda on the Georgian side only.
How far is Upper Lars from Tbilisi?
About 165 km; Stepantsminda is 11 km before the border.
How much is a car from Tbilisi to Kazbegi?
$170 per sedan, $230 per 4x4 — one way.
What if the pass is closed on my date?
You choose a free new date or a full refund.
Sources and checks
- Travellers' reports (independent travel guide) · published 2026-10 · checked
- ARKA News Agency — Fifteen new lanes open at Upper Lars border checkpoint · published 2023-06-22 · checked
- UK FCDO — Russia travel advice · checked
- Roads Department of Georgia — road status announcements · checked
- Travellers' reports (independent travel guide) · published 2026-09-26 · 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
- Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity without a tour: how to do it yourself
- Tbilisi to Kazbegi: marshrutka, group tour or private driver?
Sister service in Armenia
- Yerevan → Tbilisi → Kazbegi in one car (ridearm.com) (ridearm.com)
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