Kutaisi → Mestia
Kutaisi to Mestia is about 235 km — five hours to the stone towers of Upper Svaneti, a UNESCO World Heritage region. Local drivers quote around 400 GEL for a car for 1–3 people; we are slightly above that with a driver who speaks English or Russian, free stops at the Enguri dam and a fixed price agreed in writing.
- Distance235 km
- Drive time5 h
- In winter6 h
- Pricefrom $175
Kutaisi → Mestia: price per car
| Car | Per car one way | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Toyota Camry / Prius or similar | $175 ≈ 455 GEL | $88 | $58 | — | — |
| Minivan up to 6 Mercedes Vito / Hyundai Starex | $205 ≈ 533 GEL | $103 | $68 | $51 | $34 |
| SUV 4x4 up to 4 Toyota Prado / Mitsubishi Delica, winter tyres | $220 ≈ 572 GEL | $110 | $73 | $55 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter, up to 16 seats | $330 ≈ 858 GEL | $165 | $110 | $83 | $55 |
return — same price · paid parking and entry fees not included. Prices updated 20 October 2026.
The road
Kutaisi → Zugdidi on the lowland highway (about 1.5 h), then 135 km up the Enguri gorge past the Enguri dam to Mestia (1,500 m). The road is paved all the way but narrow, with hairpins, rockfall sections and some unlit tunnels; livestock on the road is normal. We plan to drive the gorge in daylight.
Worth stopping
- Enguri dam viewpoint.
- Lunch in Zugdidi (Dadiani palace is in the town centre).
Good to know
- The daily marshrutka from Kutaisi costs about 40 GEL per person and takes 5–6 hours; a car makes sense for 3+ people or with luggage and stops.
- Small Vanilla Sky planes fly to Mestia from Tbilisi (Natakhtari) and Kutaisi a few times a week — weather-dependent and sold out early.
- In winter (Hatsvali and Tetnuldi ski season) we send 4x4s with chains; allow 6 hours.
Included
- Private car and driver, fuel, parking
- Driver speaks English or Russian (tell us which)
- Meet & greet with a name sign at airports, 60 min free waiting after landing
- Free stops on the way for photos, coffee or a monastery (up to 1 h in total)
- Child seat free on request
- Free cancellation up to 24 h; pay the driver — no prepayment for transfers
Kutaisi → Mestia: questions
How much is Kutaisi to Mestia by private car?
From $175 (≈ 455 GEL) for a sedan, $205 for a minivan, $220 for a 4x4 — per car.
Is the road to Mestia dangerous?
It is a paved mountain road with steep drops and hairpins, not an off-road track. With an experienced local driver in daylight it is a normal drive; we do not drive the gorge at night unless you insist and the weather is clear.
Can you also take us to Ushguli?
Yes — see Mestia → Ushguli day trip by 4x4, or include it in a multi-day trip.