Day Trips from Tbilisi

October 29, 2026

Travel advisory, as of October 2026. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Russian-occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and against all but essential travel to areas next to their boundary lines. Anti-government protests have continued for well over a year in central Tbilisi, around the Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue. They have sometimes turned violent, often on Saturday evenings and political anniversaries, so keep away from them. Read the FCDO advice for Georgia and check travel.state.gov before you book.

Tbilisi is a good base for day trips because several of Georgia’s best-known places lie within a few hours by road. Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) are cheap but take cash only, and hired cars or private drivers are the easy option for double stops. Costs below come from secondary sources, so confirm them before you go.

Mtskheta

Mtskheta, the ancient capital, is about 20 km from Tbilisi. Marshrutkas leave Didube station every 15 to 20 minutes for about 1.5 to 3 GEL, and the ride takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes. The town has Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Samtavro Convent. Jvari Monastery stands on the opposite hill, and no public transport goes up to it. A taxi with waiting time costs about 40 to 80 GEL return. The churches are free, and covered shoulders and knees are expected. Both are working churches, so keep voices low.

Kazbegi by the Military Road

Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) is about 155 km north and takes 3 to 3.5 hours each way. A marshrutka from Didube costs about 15 GEL in cash. On the way you pass Zhinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress (free) and Gudauri. Gergeti Trinity Church sits at 2,170 m below Mount Kazbek. The road up has been paved since 2018, and a 4x4 shuttle costs about 25 GEL a person or 70 to 100 GEL a vehicle. Gergeti is an active church: cover shoulders and knees, and women bring a headscarf.

The pass section between Gudauri and Kobi, at 2,379 m, can close to traffic in snow and avalanche risk, mainly from December to March. In winter, ask your driver or hotel about the road on the same morning. Mountain rescue response may be limited, so keep to roads and marked paths. The FCDO safety page covers this.

Kakheti: Sighnaghi and Bodbe

Sighnaghi is about 110 km east, around 2 hours. It is a hill town of restored walls with 23 towers and wide views across the Alazani Valley. Bodbe Monastery, 2 km outside town, is a working convent that holds the tomb of St Nino, so dress modestly. Marshrutkas from Samgori or Navtlughi station cost about 10 GEL, with departures roughly every two hours.

David Gareja

David Gareja lies about 98 to 110 km south-east and takes 1.5 to 2 hours, paved as far as the Lavra. The Lavra is open, and a 10 GEL tariff is quoted, so carry cash. The Udabno cave monastery and ridge trail are reported closed, and border guards turn walkers back near the Azerbaijan border. Never walk onto the ridge, and check access in the same week. See this David Gareja guide .

Gori and Uplistsikhe

Gori is about 85 km west, around 1 hour 15 minutes. Uplistsikhe is a rock-cut town beside the Mtkvari, quoted at about 15 GEL. Gori’s Stalin Museum is a Soviet-era memorial museum, also about 15 GEL, and deserves a measured tone. Stay on main roads and at the sites, and do not walk north of the E60 highway toward the boundary line with South Ossetia.

Booking

Marshrutkas need no booking. For a driver or guided trip, a search such as Tbilisi day trips shows options for Mtskheta and Kakheti.