Gudauri ski season 2026/27: getting there and back
Easiest: a car door to door: from $140 (per car, not per person)
Gudauri is Georgia's biggest ski resort, about 120 km from Tbilisi airport — 2.5 hours up the Georgian Military Road. Resorts announce the opening date each autumn; in recent seasons lifts opened in mid to late December (for 2023/24 on 20 December) and ran into April, so for 2026/27 check the official announcement before booking non-refundable dates. Gudauri itself is below the Jvari pass and is usually reachable even when the pass beyond it is closed. Our car from Tbilisi airport with skis is $140 per sedan, $190 per minivan. Checked 27 October 2026. Checked by the RideGE team on .
- From TBS≈120 km, ~2.5 h
- Seasonusually mid-Dec → Apr
- From Kutaisi airport≈5 h
- Car from TBSfrom $140
When does the 2026/27 season open?
The opening date is announced by the resort each autumn and depends on snow. As a reference, the 2023/24 season opened on 20 December. Until the 2026/27 date is announced, book transfers with free cancellation (24 h) rather than fixed tours.
Is the road to Gudauri safe in winter?
The road is cleared daily; in snow it gets slow and chains may be required on the last climb after Pasanauri. We send 4x4s or cars with winter tyres and chains from December to March. Gudauri is reached before the Jvari pass, so a pass closure usually affects only Kazbegi trips.
Which airport is better for Gudauri: Tbilisi or Kutaisi?
| Airport | Time to Gudauri | Our car from | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi (TBS) | ~2.5 h | $140 | most flights, shortest drive |
| Kutaisi (KUT) | ~5 h | $260 | low-cost flights; long but direct |
How many ski bags fit in the car?
A sedan takes 2–3 people with skis; a minivan 4–6 with skis; for groups up to 16 a Sprinter. Ski bags are free; just tell us the number when booking.
Can I do Gudauri and Kazbegi in one trip?
Yes — the winter day Kazbegi + Gudauri runs when the pass is open, or a short Gudauri → Kazbegi transfer during your stay.
What if my flight lands at night?
We meet night flights; the night surcharge is $10 for pickups 23:00–06:00. The road is quieter at night but slower in snow.
How much does a private car cost?
Per car; ski and snowboard bags travel free — tell us how many.
| Route | Sedan | Minivan | SUV 4x4 | Sprinter | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi airport → Gudauri | $140 | $190 | $210 | $280 | $340 |
| Tbilisi → Gudauri | $130 | $170 | $200 | $260 | $320 |
| Kutaisi airport → Gudauri ski transfer | $260 | $340 | $390 | $520 | $625 |
| Gudauri → Tbilisi airport | $140 | $190 | $210 | $280 | $340 |
| Kazbegi & Gudauri winter day trip from Tbilisi | $200 | $260 | $300 | $400 | $480 |
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
How much is a transfer from Tbilisi airport to Gudauri?
$140 for a sedan, $190 for a minivan, $210 for a 4x4 — per car, skis included.
When does Gudauri open in 2026?
Not announced as of 27 October 2026; recent seasons opened in mid to late December.
Do I need a 4x4 for Gudauri?
Not required — in winter all our cars on this road have winter tyres and chains; 4x4 is an option.
Can you drive from Kutaisi airport to Gudauri?
Yes, from $260 per car, about 5 hours.
What if the road is closed?
You choose a new time free of charge or a full refund.
Can I cancel if there is no snow?
Transfers cancel free 24 hours or more before pickup.
Sources and checks
- Georgia Today — Winter season on Georgian resorts to open on December 20 (2023/24 season) · published 2023-12-07 · checked
- Georgian National Tourism Administration — Gudauri ski resort · checked
- Roads Department of Georgia — road status announcements · checked
Status and rules change. Before you travel, check the official source; we re-check these pages before each update.
You may also need
- How to get to Gudauri: ski transfers from Tbilisi and Kutaisi
- Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity without a tour: how to do it yourself
- From Kutaisi by car: Gudauri, Bakuriani, Tbilisi or Batumi
- Tbilisi airport (TBS) at night: how to get to the city
- Kutaisi airport (KUT) at night: city, Tbilisi or Batumi?
Book a car
Bookings are operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong).