How to get to Georgia from Russia in 2025

When is the best time to visit Georgia

Georgia is a southern sunny country. It is most loved for its unique character, culture, traditions, and, of course, cuisine. The most popular cities for tourism are — ancient Tbilisi and the resort city Batumi. If you are primarily interested in a beach holiday, then Batumi, the capital of Adjara, is for you. The best time for this is during the swimming season — from June to September. If you are more interested in the sights of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and other cities in Georgia, it's better to come in spring or autumn. At this time, nature is incredibly beautiful, and the sun isn't as scorching.

What documents are needed to travel to Georgia

In 2025, Russians only need a foreign passport to enter Georgia. PCR test checks for coronavirus and vaccination certificates have been canceled, and visas for Russians, which are sometimes mentioned in the news, are not yet planned to be introduced in Georgia.

However, as with any trip, it's useful to have proof of accommodation booking with you. It's not mandatory to buy insurance — in an emergency, you can call an ambulance for free. If treatment is needed, you will have to pay for it.

Airplane: the fastest and safest way

Dozens of flights depart daily to major Georgian cities, mainly with layovers in the capitals of CIS countries (Yerevan, Minsk, Baku) and Istanbul. Some carriers offer flights with very short connections — in such cases, passengers don't even have to leave the plane. If you have a long layover, it's a good chance to catch a glimpse of cities where Russians don't need a visa to exit the airport. Of course, it takes quite a while to get from Minsk airport to the center of the Belarusian capital, but the distance from other transit city airports to the center does not exceed 25 km.

By the way, what to do in case of connecting flights and long layovers has already been covered here.

In May 2023, information emerged that it would now be possible to get from Moscow to Tbilisi by direct flight. For now, flight permits are only granted to airlines not affected by sanctions. One such airline is Azimuth (information current as of 17.05.2023). Round-trip air tickets from Moscow to Tbilisi will cost a minimum of 40,000 rubles during the tourist season (June – October); in winter months, the lower price will be cheaper. If you are traveling to Georgia primarily for a seaside holiday, then you can take a direct flight to Batumi. In season, this will cost a minimum of 55,000 rubles.

Flying to Georgia from St. Petersburg will be more expensive: a flight St. Petersburg — Tbilisi — St. Petersburg will cost a minimum of 47,000 rubles, and St. Petersburg — Batumi — St. Petersburg — a minimum of 60,000 rubles.

Train: for lovers of railway romance

To enter the capital of Georgia by train, you first need to fly to Yerevan or Baku. There is no direct railway connection between Russia and Georgia. 

The train from Yerevan runs only at night on even dates. The journey will take about 10.5 hours, and a ticket will cost you 1,200–1,500 rubles. This option is suitable for those who want to see Yerevan along the way (by the way, don't forget to try the famous Artsakh zhengyalov hats there), but are not ready to navigate the Armenian-Georgian serpentine by car. 

The Baku train takes 12 hours, departing daily at 23:15. It was probably produced in Soviet times, but it stands out for its low price: a ticket will cost you 900–1,200 rubles. If you wanted to see the capital of Azerbaijan and then sleep to the rhythmic clatter of wheels, — this is the option for you.

Bus: the most budget-friendly option

The most budget-friendly way to get from Russia to the homeland of khinkali and Kindzmarauli is — by bus. You can take a bus from many cities in Russia, but they all ultimately pass through Verkhny Lars — the only land gateway between the two countries. 

The bus from Moscow to Tbilisi takes almost two days and is unlikely to suit those who get motion sickness: part of the route involves mountain serpentine roads. A one-way trip will cost around 5,000–8,000 rubles. This is definitely cheaper than flying, but significantly less comfortable. Also, it's worth remembering that in winter and spring months, the land border is sometimes closed due to weather conditions, as it is located in a mountainous area.

Car: for road trippers

For the owner of a comfortable car, no other mode of transport can replace a trip in their own vehicle. You will have to travel the same route as by bus — through the border crossing at Verkhny Lars. A car with Russian license plates can stay in Georgia for no more than 90 days. If you planned to stay in the country for a longer period, then within this timeframe you will need to leave Georgia and re-enter. From Tbilisi, it's easier to do this at the border with Armenia; from Batumi — at the Turkish border.

Via Vladikavkaz: the most optimal option

The most optimal way to get to Georgia in 2025, considering trip duration and cost, is — a route with a stop in Vladikavkaz. You can reach the capital of North Ossetia by train or plane. A train journey from Moscow will cost 4,000–10,000 rubles, while a plane ticket for the same route will be 7,000–12,000 rubles.

From Vladikavkaz to Tbilisi, people most often travel by marshrutka (minibus) or taxi. The journey will take about four hours. During the season, prices for them can fluctuate, but on average, it will cost 2,000–4,000 for a marshrutka and 5,000–8,000 for a taxi. When choosing a transfer, be careful: it's better to choose official car carriers, check vehicle documents and its external condition.

Also, buses run from Vladikavkaz to Georgia. They take longer, about seven hours, but cost around 1,000–2,000 rubles.

Is it possible to get to Georgia by water transport

Previously, water transport regularly ran from Sochi to Batumi during the summer season, but whether navigation will be established in 2025 is — still unknown. If this happens, this option can be considered the most exotic of all listed. Especially if you travel on the famous "Kometa".

In previous years, there was a ferry crossing between Istanbul and Batumi, but whether it will be resumed in 2025 — is, unfortunately, unknown.

Is it possible to get to Georgia via Abkhazia and South Ossetia

In 2025, the situation with the Georgian-Abkhazian and Georgian-South Ossetian borders has not changed. They remain closed to tourists due to the status of these republics. By the way, if you have visited these republics after 2008 — it's best not to mention it at border crossings, no matter how you travel to Georgia.

We wish you a smooth journey to Georgia and the most delicious khinkali!