Georgia

Brief History

The Georgian railroad is one of the most important parts of the Eurasian transport corridor and the shortest route linking Europe with Central Asia.
The railway was founded in 1865. In 1871, the first train covered the Poti-Kvirila section (today Zestafoni). And on October 10th 1872 the first train arrived from Tbilisi to Poti. This date is considered the birthday of the Georgian railroad.

General Information and Statistics

«Georgian Railway» is a transportation company engaged in the maintenance and operation of Georgia's railroads.. Georgian Railways passenger traffic totaled 2,684,000 people in 2017

The total length of the railway line on the territory of Georgia is more than 2 thousand 344 kilometers. The 5,400 railway stations in Germany are used by 21 million passengers every day (2022, including long-distance and regional travellers).

At the current time, the fully electrified mainline of the Georgian Railway has a length of 1,324 km.

What connections to other countries there are.

At the moment there is only communication with Armenia. Before the pandemic, it was also possible to get to Azerbaijan.

Are trains fast in Georgia in general? How much time to cross the country?

In 2016-2017 JSC Georgian Railway purchased new passenger trains from the Swiss company Stadler, which fully meet modern standards. The train reaches speeds of up to 120 Km/h. The train travels from Tbilisi to Batumi in 5 hours and 12 minutes.

What railway companies are available?

The main provider of long-distance services is " Georgian Railway».

What train types are available in Georgia

«Stadler» train
Stadler train is a new and the fastest train in Georgia. The double-decker operates daily on the route Tbilisi-Batumi-Tbilisi. All zones of the train are non-smoking; facilities for passengers with disabilities are provided. Free Wi-Fi and water are available on board. Carriages are equipped with air-conditioner, soft chairs, a small desk, TV and other conveniences.
Speed: up to 120 km/h
«High-speed» train
High-speed train regularly connects cities of Tbilisi-Batumi. The carriages offer two classes of comfort: the first and second class. Cars are equipped with climate control, soft comfy reclining chairs, tables and TVs. All train zones are smoke free.
Speed: up to 100 km/h.

«Standard train»
Standard inexpensive train of the national company Georgian Railways. It has a low speed and it includes only 1 second-class car, accommodating 56 passengers. Car is equipped with soft seats and air conditioning.

Most important train stations / hubs.

Top rated Train stations in Georgia are- Batumi Central Station, Tbilisi Cental, Bakuriani Railway Station, Ureki ralway Station, Mtsvane Kontskhi Railway Station, Borjomi Railway Station, Kutaisi, Poti.

Websites to buy train tickets for Georgia?

https://ticket.railway.ge/Home/Index, https://tkt.ge/railway, https://biletebi.ge/startup.aspx?id=90

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Georgia?

«Georgian Railway» has an app.

Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Georgia?

In addition to buying tickets on the official website and aggregators, it is possible to buy tickets at the ticket offices of train stations.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

There is no possibility to buy tickets by phone.

Return the ticket.

Two hours before the train departs, the ticket can still be returned. The amount of the refund will directly depend on how many hours are left until the moment of departure.
The return of tickets purchased on the official website of the Georgian railways can be carried out there. To do this, fill out a special form and specify the data on the purchased tickets.

Train ticket prices

You can also buy train tickets on the day of the trip, but tickets may not be available, it is best to buy tickets a couple of weeks before departure. The cost of a Tbilisi-Batumi ticket starts at 12.3 euros.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

The Tbilisi-Yerevan train is a rail connection between the capitals of Georgia and Armenia. The trip takes about 10 hours. Ticket prices start at 28.3 euros.

Where to find timetables.

The train schedule can be viewed:
1. https://tkt.ge/railway?culture=en
2. https://www.railway.ge/ru/общий-график-движения-поездов/
3. https://www.advantour.com/georgia/trains/timetable.htm

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

Advance train tickets are usually the cheapest way to travel by train.

Types of tickets.

There are no train or Interrail passes in Georgia. There are one-way or round-trip tickets.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Georgia

There are no Interrail/Eurail Passes in Georgia.

Saver price.

Ticket prices in Georgia are fixed and do not change depending on the date, etc.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

Ticket prices in Georgia are fixed and do not change depending on the date, etc.

Flexible tickets.

Flexible tickets are not available in Georgia.

Rules of boarding.

A passenger is allowed on-board the train only after presenting their ticket and personal identification document.

Discounts for group travel.

Group trips are available, but they do not provide a discount.

Age groups and discounts.

One child under 5 years of age may accompany a passenger free of charge if he/she does not occupy a separate seat.
If more than one child 5 years of age is traveling with a passenger and for each child between 5 and 10 years of age, a children's travel document must be purchased.

Age limitations for minors.

Children 10 years of age and older travel according to the rules for adults;
Minors under the age of 16 are only allowed on the train when accompanied by an adult.

Handicapped passengers.

The Stadler train has facilities for passengers with disabilities.

Seat reservations in Georgia trains.

Seat reservations are included in the ticket price.

Comfort classes on the trains.

Georgian trains have 2nd and 1st class. The seats in first class are more comfortable and reclining, as well as there is a table, charging 220 for each seat. "Stadler" train also has Business Class

Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Georgia.

There is no dining car on the trains. But there is a vending machine with water and snacks.

Night trains in Georgia?

There are no night trains in Georgia at the moment.

Are there trains transporting cars?

There are no trains carrying cars in Georgia.

Important train routes in Georgia.

Tbilisi – Batumi / 5:12 hours / from 12,30 EUR / 4 trains a day
Tbilisi – Zugdidi / 5:48 hours / from 5,60 EUR / 1 train a day
Tbilisi – Poti / 5:22 hours / from 5,60 EUR / 1 train a day
Zugdidi – Zestafoni / 2:42 hours / from 4,95 EUR / 1 train a day
Tbilisi – Senaki / 4:42 hours / from 5,60 EUR / 2 trains a day

International train routes.

For 2023, there is only one international train route – Tbilisi – Yerevan.
Due to the pandemic, the Tbilisi-Baku road is closed.

Tourist / scenic routes in Georgia.

Trains in Georgia connect the major cities of the country. There are no special tourist routes in the country. But on the way to any city, you can enjoy the beauty of Georgia through the window.

Luggage information.

For one purchased ticket, a passenger may take a baggage by weight not exceeding 36 kg of hand luggage.

Bicycle on the train.

Free transportation of shrunken bicycles.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

No information.

Luggage lockers on the stations in Georgia.

Batumi:
There is a luggage room at the train station.
Tbilisi:
There is one luggage room at the train station.

Lost and Found Items.

No information.

Pets on the trains.

When traveling on any class of train the passenger may carry small pets and birds free of charge if they are in special containers that do not occupy a separate seat for passengers. If the passenger wants the container to occupy a separate seat, he or she must purchase an additional travel document for the container.
When transporting small pets and birds by train the passenger must have a veterinary certificate, which must be shown to the conductor when boarding the train.