The Guide to Georgia’s Railways: From Stadler High-Speed to Scenic Local Lines (2026 Edition)

In 2026, the train isn’t just a way to get from A to B; it’s a tool for skipping the highway chaos and seeing the “real” Georgia. From the Stadler Express to the coast to the scenic gateway of Ozurgeti and the historic lines to Borjomi, this guide covers the logistics and the strategy of rail travel in the Caucasus.

Georgia Main Rail Routes

The rail network is the “backbone” of our train tours at Geotrend. Here is how to use these hubs to reach almost every corner of the country.

Tbilisi to Batumi train (The Stadler Express to the Black Sea)

The fastest way to the Black Sea coast and Georgia’s third largest city – Batumi. This double-decker Swiss train is pure comfort.

The gold standard for Georgian travel. It’s a 5-hour journey that bypasses the notorious traffic on the main East-West highway. Currently, it’s the fastest way to get to the coast during the Summer peak season.

Tbilisi to Zugdidi train (The Svaneti Gateway)

If you are planning to visit the towers of Mestia or hike in Svaneti, the Tbilisi-Zugdidi train is your best friend.

• The Move: Take the train to Zugdidi, then grab a pre-booked shuttle or taxi at the station for the 3.5-hour climb to Mestia. It turns a brutal 9-hour drive from Tbilisi into a comfortable rail journey followed by a scenic mountain ascent.

• The Schedule: In peak season, there are both daytime and overnight options. The daytime train is a refurbished fleet that offers a comfortable, air-conditioned ride through the heart of the country.

Tbilisi to Ozurgeti train (Guria & Black Sand Beaches)

This is a high-value route for “insider” travel.

• The Vibe: It takes you into Guria, the heart of Georgia’s tea plantations.

• Beach Access: Get off at the Natanebi station to reach the magnetic black sand beaches of Shekvetili or Ureki.

• The Secret: It’s a slower, older train, but it’s the most authentic way to see the lush, subtropical west of Georgia.

Tbilisi to Borjomi train (The Heritage Gateway)

The “Classic” passenger train. It’s slower and more basic than the Stadler, but it’s a strategic powerhouse.

• The Gateway: Once in Borjomi, you are perfectly positioned to reach the south. It’s a short transfer from here to the Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe, the world-famous cave city of Vardzia, or the observatory at Abastumani.

• Pro Tip: Use the train to get to Borjomi for the “slow” experience, then use a private driver to explore the deep south.

Tbilisi to Kutaisi train (The Cultural Heart)

Perfect for travellers flying into Kutaisi International Airport (KUT). The Stadler train takes you into the close outskirts of Kutaisi (with a free onward shuttle to/from the airport), allowing you to explore Imereti’s food scene without the headache of parking or city traffic.

How to Buy Georgia Train Tickets Online

Online sales of the train tickets in Georgia usually starts 20 days before the departure date. For the best seat selection (especially in First or Business Class), book 10–14 days ahead.

• Official Portals: Railway.ge, TKT.ge, or Biletebi.ge.

• Logistics: You need a Passport Number to book. Digital tickets are the standard now; just show the PDF on your phone to the conductor.

• Station Rule: Trains in Georgia leave exactly on time. If the schedule says 08:00, the doors close at 07:59.

• Pricing: Prices are fixed and very affordable, ranging from roughly 15 to 150 GEL ($6–$55) depending on the distance and class.

Why Rail is the Heart of Responsible Tourism

At Geotrend, our philosophy is built on intentional and impactful travel. We don’t use “responsible” as a buzzword; we use it as a tool to give you a better trip.

Choosing the rail lines to places like Borjomi or Ozurgeti isn’t about being “noble” – it’s about the feeling of being that kind of traveler. There is an amazing emotion you get when you step off a train in a place like Guria.

You realize you’ve avoided the stress of the highway, you’ve supported a local infrastructure that keeps these communities connected, and you’ve actually seen the country through a window instead of a windshield.

It’s the feeling of total relaxation that comes when you stop rushing. You aren’t just a “consumer” of the landscape; you’re an intentional guest in it and your only job is to watch the mountain landscapes of Imereti turn into the tea fields of Guria. That’s the feeling we’re protecting.

Tbilisi Central Station and Other Hacks

In our experience, the biggest mistake travellers make at Tbilisi Central is timing. The station is now incorporated into a busy shopping mall. Don’t let the storefronts distract you – the platforms are on the 2nd floor.

Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Georgian trains leave exactly on the minute. If you’re traveling with heavy luggage, get there early – the luggage racks at the end of the cars fill up fast, even in First Class.

Also, if you’re heading to Zugdidi to catch a van to Mestia, try to grab a window seat on the left side of the train – the views as you enter Western Georgia are worth it.

From Zugdidi station, shared vans (Marshrutkas) and private cars wait to take you up the mountain road (approx. 3.5 hours).

Comparison: Road vs. Rail Travel

To help you decide if the train is right for your itinerary, here is the breakdown of how rail stacks up against the road in Georgia.

Feature	Train (Stadler / Express)	Private Car / Mini-bus
Safety	Highest (Modern Swiss safety standards)	Variable (High-speed mountain driving)
Reliability	High (Punctual to the minute)	Medium (Subject to traffic/construction)
Comfort	High (AC, Wi-Fi, walk-around space)	Medium (Cramped for long hauls)
Cost	Fixed & Affordable	Higher (Fuel/Driver costs)
View	Panoramic (Passes through non-road areas)	Limited to the highway

Georgia Train Tours

If you want “Slow Travel” in its purest form, take the train to Ozurgeti. This route takes you through the heart of Guria, a region famous for tea plantations and polyphonic singing. It’s a nostalgic, peaceful journey that most tourists miss entirely. 

We’ve built our signature 8-day Georgia Train Tour Classic around these specific routes to give you the most honest version of the country.

For those who want to combine the modern comfort with our core philosophy of Responsible Tourism, our Georgia on Stadler Train Tour offers a premium 8-day experience across the country’s most iconic hubs.

This latter journey uses the high-speed Swiss fleet to connect you with the canyons of Martvili and the hidden villages of Machakhela, all while keeping your travel footprint low. It’s designed for the traveler who wants that amazing feeling of being totally intentional – enjoying the best of Georgia’s modern infrastructure while knowing every stop supports local family businesses.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions