If you’re planning to travel around Georgia using marshrutka vans – the most popular form of intercity road transport – then you’ll definitely find yourself visiting Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi at least a couple of times.
Didube is one of the main bus depots in the city. Minivans and shared taxis to popular day-trip destinations such as Mtskheta and Gori, the mountains north of Tbilisi, and destinations in western/south-western Georgia all depart from here.
Didube can be overwhelming and confusing, especially for first-time visitors.
In this quick guide, I’ll offer a few pointers for navigating the station and share schedules and fares for popular destinations.
For general tips on using marshrutka vans in Georgia, please see this post.
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What is Didube Bus Station?
Didube Bus Station is the main bus depot in Tbilisi servicing destinations in the north, west and south-west of the country.
It is located on the river in the north-east of Tbilisi, 8 kilometres from Freedom Square (~20 minutes by car), adjacent to Didube metro station.
There are a number of different bus companies located within Didube. Essentially it’s a big terminal with smaller separate stations nested inside. Most of these companies run marshrutka vans (micro-buses). Shared taxis are also available for many destinations.
The station complex itself is made up of several different buildings, car parks and roads. To add to the chaos, there is a busy bazaar on the same spot.
Key things to note:
- Most signage at Didube Station is in Georgian, but popular destinations are also signposted in English. Not all drivers or station staff speak English, but you can usually get by just fine as long as you can communicate where you’re going.
- Departure times for all routes are fixed, but it can be a challenge to find schedules online. See the next section for times and fares for popular destinations.
- If the van fills up, the driver will depart early. That’s why it’s important to arrive 30-40 minutes ahead of time to make sure you get a seat.
- Most ticket prices range from 5-30 GEL depending on the destination.
- Some routes require a paper ticket purchased in advance from the designated cash desk. For other routes, you pay the driver directly.
- Some routes are seasonal – there might be fewer vans or no vans at all during the winter low season.
Popular routes from Didube Bus Station
Marshrutka vans and shared taxis for the following destinations all depart from Didube. You can find additional vans/taxis to some of these places at other stations around Tbilisi as well.
- Buses to Northern Georgia: Mtskheta; Kazbegi (Stepantsminda); Gudauri; Shatili.
- Buses to Western Georgia: Gori; Kutaisi; Martvili; Oni (Racha); Chiatura; Zugdidi; Batumi; the Black Sea coast (Ureki, Kobuleti, Grigoleti, etc.).
- Buses to Southern Georgia: Borjomi (for Bakuriani); Akhaltsikhe (for Vardzia).
Buses that do not depart from Didube
Buses to Eastern Georgia (Kakheti wine region), Pankisi Valley and also Svaneti and parts of southern Kvemo Kartli region do not depart from Didube.
- Kakheti wine region (Sighnaghi & Telavi): Departs from Ortachala/Samgori/Isani – see this guide for full details.
- Mestia (Svaneti): Departs from Navtlughi Bus Station – see this guide for details.
- Pankisi Valley: Departs from Ortachala/Isani – see this guide for full details.
- Tusheti: 4WD/Jeep taxis depart from Telavi & Alvani – see this guide for details.
- Tsalka & Dashbashi Canyon: Departs from Ortachala.
- Bolnisi & Marneuli: Departs from ‘ South Bus Station’ in Samgori.
- International vans/buses to Armenia, Azerbaijan & Turkey: Departs from Ortachala/Avlabari metro station.
How to get to Didube Bus Terminal
Didube is easy to get to from the centre of Tbilisi by either metro or taxi.
From the city centre: Take the metro (main red line) to Didube station for 1 GEL, or take a taxi (~12 GEL from Freedom Square when booked through Bolt).
From Tbilisi Airport: Take the airport bus #337 to the end of the line at Station Square (1 GEL), then transfer to the metro and continue to Didube metro station (red line). Or take a taxi (~30 GEL when booked through Bolt).
From the railway station: Enter the metro at Station Square and take the red line travelling north to Didube metro station (1 GEL), or take a taxi (~7 GEL when booked through Bolt).
Navigating Didube Station – video tour
To see exactly where you need to go to catch your van/shared taxi, check out my Didube Bus Station video tour below. (If you don’t see the video, try turning off your ad blocker.)
Facilities at Didube
Public toilets
There are several bathrooms at Didube including one on the edge of the car park where the vans to Kazbegi depart from. All are clearly signposted. Make sure you have coins on you to pay with – prices are 20-50 tetri.
Luggage storage at Didube
There is a small, unofficial baggage room on the side of the market directly opposite the area where the Kazbegi vans depart from. Consider a secure storage alternative if you’re carrying valuables.
Food & drink
There are plenty of small bakeries, coffee stands and fruit shops inside the market where you can buy hot pastries, bottled water and other snacks.
If the journey time is 2 hours or more, the driver will make a rest stop part-way. Sometimes this is done at a bakery or shop, but not always – I recommend carrying enough snacks and water to last the journey just in case.
Georgia bus fares & schedules for 2024 – popular routes from Didube
Looking for an alternative way to travel around Georgia? I personally use and recommend GoTrip.ge for affordable intercity transfers with a private driver, and Local Rent for hiring your own car. Read more about GoTrip here and see my tips for hiring a car in Tbilisi here.
There is no one centralised, current timetable for Didube that I know of, so I have decided to create my own by piecing together information from various Facebook pages and schedules posted at the station.
I try my best to keep this information accurate by visiting the bus station in person every month or so. However, things do change – fares go up, services get dropped, and in winter some vans might not run at all.
If your plans hinge on getting the right van, I strongly recommend double-checking times locally before you travel.
Oftentimes this means going to the station in person the day before. If you’re staying at a guesthouse, you might be able to ask your host to make a call .
Some popular destinations have multiple services within Didube, and fares differ slightly depending on the company you use. In this case, I’ve provided a price range.
Prices are continuously going up up up at the moment due to the rising cost of fuel. I will try my best to keep this guide updated, but you should always double-check ticket prices locally.
The information below is for direct vans. If there is no direct service available, it’s usually pretty straightforward to transfer vans. The driver will help you.
Remember that marshrutka vans can drop you off anywhere along the route. If you need to get out early, mention your destination to the driver when you board. Usually the ticket price is the same.
For safety reasons, I highly recommend you avoid travelling by marshrutka van after dark.
Tbilisi to Mtskheta
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes starting from 8am
- Average travel time: 25-35 minutes
- Fare: 2 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk here)
- Departs from: Didube (main part)
→ Read my Mtskheta day trip guide to discover the best things to see and do in Georgia’s old capital.
Tbilisi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) & Gudauri
- Frequency: 11 times daily at 8am; 9am; 10am; 11am; 12pm; 1pm; 2.30pm; 3.30pm; 5pm; 6pm; 7pm
- Average travel time: 3-3.5 hours
- Fare: 15 GEL (10 GEL for Gudauri)
- Departs from: Didube (main part)
→ Read my detailed transport guide for travelling from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.
→ Read my detailed transport guide for the return journey, Kazbegi to Tbilisi.
→ Read my detailed transport guide for travelling from Tbilisi to Gudauri.
→ Read my Kazbegi Travel Guide for tips and the best things to see and do.
Tbilisi to Gori
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes between 7.30am & 7.30pm approximately
- Average travel time: 1-1.5 hours
- Fare: 5 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Avtostation Didube
→ Read my Gori Travel Guide for more transport tips and the best things to do in Gori.
Tbilisi to Kutaisi
- Frequency: Hourly between 6am & 7pm
- Average travel time: 4-4.5 hours
- Fare: 20 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Bus Station Nige & Okriba
- Information & contact: Bus Station Nige website
→ Read my Kutaisi City Guide for the best things to do in Kutaisi plus a suggested itinerary.
Tbilisi to Chiatura
- Frequency: Hourly between 7am & 7pm
- Average travel time: 2.5-3 hours
- Fare: 12-15 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Bus Station Nige & Okriba (find the Okriba ticket desk here)
- Information & contact: Bus Station Nige website
→ Read my Chiatura Guide for the latest information about the cable cars and other things to see and do.
Tbilisi to Oni (Racha)
- Frequency: Once daily at 9am (an extra afternoon service might be added in summer)
- Average travel time: 3.5-4 hours
- Fare: 30 GEL
- Departs from: Bus station Passengers
- Information & contact: Facebook / +995 599 120 929
Note: This van takes the new road through Sachkhere and does not stop in Ambrolauri. It only runs during the summer season (approximately April to October).
→ Read my Racha-Lechkhumi Guide for the best things to do in Oni and beyond.
Tbilisi to Martvili
- Frequency: 3 times daily (departures are in the morning, check times locally)
- Average travel time: 4-4.5 hours
- Fare: 25 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Okriba
→ Read my tips for visiting Martvili Canyon.
Tbilisi to Zugdidi
- Frequency: Hourly from 9am
- Average travel time: 5-5.5 hours
- Fare: 35 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Okriba
- Information & contact: Facebook
→ Read my detailed tips for the Tbilisi Zugdidi train.
→ Read my Zugdidi Travel Guide for the best things to do in Zugdidi and Samegrelo region.
Tbilisi to Batumi
- Frequency: Hourly between 7.15am & midnight
- Average travel time: 5.5-6 hours
- Fare: 25-35 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Bus Station Nige & Okriba
→ Read my detailed guide to travelling between Tbilisi and Batumi, including alternative transport options such as high-speed train.
→ Read my Batumi City Guide for the best things to do on the Black Sea coast.
Tbilisi to the Black Sea coast (Ureki, Kobuleti, Grigoleti)
- Frequency: Hourly from 7.15am
- Average travel time: 4.5-5 hours
- Fare: 30 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Okriba
→ Read my Kobuleti Guide.
Tbilisi to Borjomi
- Frequency: Hourly between 7am & 7pm
- Average travel time: 2-2.5 hours
- Fare: 12 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Bus Station Nige
- Information & contact: Bus Station Nige website
→ Read my detailed guide to travelling to Borjomi for tips and alternative transport options.
→ Read my Borjomi Guide.
Tbilisi to Bakuriani
- Frequency: Four times daily at 8am; 9am; 10am; 11am
- Average travel time: 2.5-3 hours
- Fare: 12-15 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Bus Station Nige & Okriba
→ Read my detailed guide to travelling to Bakuriani for tips and the best day tour options.
Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe
- Frequency: Every 40 minutes between 7.40am & 7pm
- Average travel time: 3-3.5 hours
- Fare: 12-15 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Bus Station Nige & Okriba
→ Read my Akhaltsikhe City Guide for the best things to do, including Rabati Castle and Vardzia.
Tbilisi to Vardzia (direct)
- Frequency: Twice daily at 10.10am & 11am
- Average travel time: 4-4.5 hours
- Fare: 22 GEL (purchased from the ticket desk)
- Departs from: Bus Station Nige
- Information & contact: Bus Station Nige website
→ Read my detailed guide to travelling to Vardzia for tips and the best day tour options.
Tbilisi to Shatili (Khevsureti)
- Frequency: Twice weekly at 10am on Wednesdays & Saturdays only (returns to Tbilisi at midday on Thursdays & Sundays)
- Average travel time: 4-4.5 hours
- Fare: 30 GEL
- Departs from: Didube main station (purchased from the same ticket desk as Mtskheta)
- Information & contact: Temuri (599 27 29 04) or Irakli (555 404 599)
Questions about travelling from Didube? Updates to share? Please leave your comments below.
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hey I just wanna say that your advice is amazing I’m gonna go soon to the didube station and hopefully go to gudauri but I wanted to ask about returning to tbilisi the same day
how is that possible?what are the steps
Hi Grace – note the spot where you get off the van in Gudauri, ask around for the last marshrutka van departure that day, then return to the same spot when you’re ready to leave.
Hello! Do you know if there is any way to get from Kazbegi to Gori directly (using public transport) without going all the way back to Tbilisi? Or maybe by stopping off in Mtskheta to take another bus north to Gori? Thanks!
Hi Harry – there is no direct marshrutka, no. You could definitely take the Tbilisi van and get out early near Mtskheta then flag down another van from the highway, but there’s a chance you won’t get a seat. Otherwise you can book a transfer (I recommend GoTrip) or just go through Didube.
Hi! do you have any advice on getting the marshrutka to Shatili from Didube?
I went to the bus station/area but couldn’t find any useful information today. so I am just hoping that if I arrive early on Saturday I’ll find the right bus…! thanks
Hi Heather – there are vans to Shatili on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10am from Didube. They depart from the area behind the Kazbegi sign, near the Aversi pharmacy. I am not sure if the drivers speak English but here is the contact info I have: Temuri 599 27 29 04 and Irakli 555 404 599.
Have a safe journey!
Hello.
First of all, your website is amazing. I’m finding so much detailed information I’ll be using during my trip to Georgia.
I’m writing you because I cannot find any information about sending bags from a place to another place inside Georgia.
I’ll leave Tbilisi by plane to Mestia and I’d like to send my bag (2 big bags) to the hotel I’ll be staying in Kutaisi.
Information offices don’t have a solutions, do you maybe have any suggestions about this, please?
Sorry to disturb you with that.
Thank you.
Regards.
Paolo from Italy
Hi Paolo, thanks so much!
The local way to do this is by putting your bags on a marshrutka van, but you need someone (I guess your host in Kutaisi) to be there to meet them at the other end. You could use DHL – I regularly receive packages from Tbilisi to Kutaisi, they have great service and their office is quite central. But I’m not sure of the prices, it could end up being expensive.
Sorry I don’t have a clear solution for you – perhaps you could also ask your host in Kutaisi and see if they have any suggestions? Best of luck!