Vale–Türkgözü: the inland Georgia–Turkey crossing
Easiest: a car door to door: from $180 (per car, not per person)
Vale, near Akhaltsikhe in southern Georgia, faces Türkgözü (Posof district) in Turkey and is the inland route to Ardahan and Kars. As of 27 October 2026 it is on the Revenue Service 24-hour list; it is used mostly by vehicles and public transport on the Turkish side is thin. We drive you from Tbilisi to the Georgian checkpoint in about 3.5 hours (≈220 km via Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe) for $180 per sedan; you cross and continue with a Turkish-side car arranged in advance. Kartsakhi, the other inland crossing, is not on the 24-hour list. Checked by the RideGE team on .
- Statusopen, 24 hours
- From Tbilisi≈220 km, ~3.5 h
- Turkish sidePosof, Ardahan, Kars
- Kartsakhidaytime, not on 24 h list
Is the Vale border open?
Yes — Vale is on the Revenue Service list of 24-hour checkpoints (reported 2026) and the Georgian tourism administration lists Vale (Adigeni) among land checkpoints with a duty-free zone.
Vale or Sarpi: which one?
| Going to | Crossing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Trabzon, Rize, Hopa | Sarpi | coast road, walkable |
| Ardahan, Kars, Erzurum | Vale | shorter inland line |
| Lake Çıldır / Aktaş | Kartsakhi | daytime only; check on the day |
Can I walk across at Vale?
Vale is used mainly by cars and trucks; arrange a vehicle on the Turkish side before you go. We stop at the Georgian checkpoint because Georgian cars need extra papers for Turkey.
What is on the way from Tbilisi?
Borjomi (spa town and park) and Rabati fortress in Akhaltsikhe are directly on the route — free stops up to 1 hour in total. Vardzia is a 1-hour detour from Akhaltsikhe.
Which documents do I need for Turkey?
Your passport and, depending on nationality, a Turkish e-visa from the official portal. For re-entry to Georgia keep your health insurance, required for tourists since 1 January 2026.
How much is a car from Tbilisi to Vale?
$180 per sedan, $240 per minivan, $270 per 4x4, one way, door to checkpoint.
How much does a private car cost?
| Route | Sedan | Minivan | SUV 4x4 | Sprinter | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi → Vale border (Turkey) | $180 | $240 | $270 | $360 | $435 |
| Vardzia & Rabati day trip from Tbilisi | $330 | $430 | $490 | $660 | $785 |
| Tbilisi airport → Borjomi | $150 | $200 | $225 | $300 | $360 |
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 Vale open 24 hours?
It is on the 24-hour list reported in 2026.
How far is Vale from Tbilisi?
About 220 km, 3.5 hours.
Do you drive into Turkey?
No, we stop at the Georgian checkpoint.
Is Kartsakhi a good alternative?
Only in daytime; it is not on the 24-hour list.
Can we see Vardzia on the way?
Yes, ask for the extra time — about 2–3 hours more.
Can you pick me up at Vale coming from Turkey?
Yes, book Vale → Tbilisi on WhatsApp at the same price.
Sources and checks
- Travellers' reports (independent travel guide) · published 2026-10 · checked
- Georgian National Tourism Administration — Customs and border checkpoints · checked
- Republic of Türkiye — official e-Visa application system · 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
- Sarpi border: Batumi to Turkey in 2026
- Vardzia and Rabati from Tbilisi: one long day by car
- Borjomi and Bakuriani by car: ski, spa and the mountain train
Book a car
Bookings are operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong).