Vardzia and Rabati from Tbilisi: one long day by car
Easiest: a car door to door: from $330 (per car, not per person)
Vardzia, the 12th-century cave monastery cut into the Erusheti mountain, is about 275 km from Tbilisi — roughly 4.5 hours each way via Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe. There is no direct public transport: marshrutkas go to Akhaltsikhe, then a local bus or taxi for the last 60 km. Rabati castle in Akhaltsikhe is on the way. By car it is one long day of 12–13 hours: $330 per sedan with the driver waiting at Vardzia and Rabati. If you prefer two days, stay in Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe and continue to Armenia via the Bavra border. Checked 27 October 2026. Checked by the RideGE team on .
- From Tbilisi≈275 km, ~4.5 h each way
- Day length12–13 h
- Direct busnone (change in Akhaltsikhe)
- Car day tripfrom $330
How do I get to Vardzia without a tour?
| Way | Time | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Marshrutka to Akhaltsikhe + local bus | 6+ h one way | few local buses; hard as a day trip |
| Car for the day (us) | 12–13 h round trip | Rabati, Khertvisi fortress, Vardzia; driver waits |
How long do I need at Vardzia?
Plan 2–2.5 hours: the cave complex is a series of stairs and tunnels on several levels. Wear closed shoes; it is hot in summer and the upper levels are exposed.
Is it worth stopping at Rabati and Khertvisi?
Yes — Rabati castle in Akhaltsikhe is on the road (about 1 hour), and Khertvisi fortress stands above the river on the way to Vardzia (a photo stop).
Can I combine Vardzia with Borjomi?
Yes. Borjomi is on the route; as a one-day trip the stop is short. For a relaxed version, sleep in Borjomi and see Vardzia the next day — ask us for a two-day quote.
Can I continue to Armenia from Vardzia?
Yes — the Ninotsminda–Bavra crossing is about 1.5 hours from Vardzia; we drive to Gyumri. See the Bavra border page.
Is the road open in winter?
Yes, but the plateau sections can be icy; we use cars with winter tyres from December to March.
How much does a private car cost?
Per car, round trip, the driver waits. Entry tickets are paid on site.
| Route | Sedan | Minivan | SUV 4x4 | Sprinter | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vardzia & Rabati day trip from Tbilisi | $330 | $430 | $490 | $660 | $785 |
| Tbilisi airport → Borjomi | $150 | $200 | $225 | $300 | $360 |
| Tbilisi → Bakuriani | $160 | $210 | $240 | $320 | $385 |
| Tbilisi → Gyumri via Bavra | $270 | $335 | $345 | $545 | $555 |
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 Vardzia day trip from Tbilisi?
$330 for a sedan, $430 for a minivan, $490 for a 4x4 — per car.
Is there a bus from Tbilisi to Vardzia?
Not direct; you change in Akhaltsikhe.
How far is Vardzia from Tbilisi?
About 275 km, roughly 4.5 hours each way.
Are entry tickets included?
No, you pay entry fees on site.
Can we start from Tbilisi airport?
Yes, ask for a quote; we can also drop you in Borjomi.
Is a guide available?
A licensed guide is +$130 per day.
Sources and checks
- National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia — Vardzia museum-reserve · 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
- Borjomi and Bakuriani by car: ski, spa and the mountain train
- Ninotsminda–Bavra: the Georgia–Armenia crossing towards Gyumri
- Tbilisi airport (TBS) at night: how to get to the city
Book a car
Bookings are operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong).