Georgia’s biggest and most developed ski resort, Gudauri is a popular winter mountain destination that can be reached from Tbilisi by road in a little over 2 hours in good conditions.
Aside from skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing at the emerging winter resort, Gudauri offers scenic viewpoints, banya-style saunas and cosy restaurants. All this with spectacular views of the Greater Caucasus mountains and the Jvari Pass, which sits at 2,200 metres.
The road to Gudauri from Tbilisi, the Georgian Military Highway, is an attraction in itself, with a dozen places to stop along the way for sightseeing and panoramic vistas.
The road is open all year, including throughout the winter months, making Gudauri a year-round destination.
In this Gudauri Transport Guide, I’ll show you exactly how to travel to Gudauri from Tbilisi, including the fastest, safest and most budget-friendly transport options for 2026.
→ Looking for the best winter activities in Gudauri on and off the slopes? See this guide for the best things to do in Gudauri.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.
In a hurry? Book a last-minute private transfer to Gudauri with GoTrip. The price is locked-in at the time of booking, drivers are vetted for safety, and you can make as many stops along the way as you like.
Tbilisi to Gudauri distance & travel time
Gudauri is located in Georgia’s Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Tbilisi.
It takes between 2-2.5 hours on average to reach Gudauri by road, depending on the type of vehicle you use, the time of year, and traffic conditions.
How to travel from Tbilisi to Gudauri
There are five options for travelling to Gudauri from Tbilisi:
- Private transfer
- Marshrutka minivan
- Shared taxi
- One-way winter tour
- Self-drive
There is no regular shared transport from Tbilisi Airport to Gudauri. There are direct buses from Kutaisi Airport to Gudauri in winter, operated by Georgian Bus. See my Kutaisi Airport Guide for details.
The fastest way to get to Gudauri from Tbilisi is with a private transfer, taking just over 2 hours and costing 180 GEL for up to four passengers.
The cheapest way to get to Gudauri is by marshrutka van, costing 15 GEL and taking around 2.5-3 hours.
For winter fun and snowy landscapes, an alternative option is to join a one-way transfer tour to Gudauri. This family-friendly program with a private guide organised by Friendly.ge features stops in Sabaduri Forest and Tskhvarichamia Bear Shelter on the way to the ski resort. You can book it as a return-trip to Tbilisi, or use it as a one-way transfer to Gudauri.
Book here on the Friendly.ge website and use the promocode WANDERLUSH for 10% off.
There is definitely no Tbilisi to Gudauri train! Passenger trains only run in Western Georgia, and there is no railway line in the mountains.
Efficient option: Tbilisi to Gudauri transfer
A transfer to Gudauri is the most efficient, comfortable – and probably the safest way – to travel.
If you are landing at Tbilisi Airport and you want to hit the slopes ASAP, a transfer is by far your best option.
Private transfer to Gudauri with GoTrip
GoTrip is a local website that you can use to book a private driver for any multi-stop itinerary or A to B transfer within Georgia or Armenia.
It is essentially a long-distance Uber, with fixed prices, and drivers who are vetted for safe driving practices and clean, properly appointed vehicles.
Learn more about using GoTrip in this write-up.
GoTrip is available 24/7, and is a door-to-door service – meaning you can use it to travel directly to your accommodation from the airport or any other address in Tbilisi or across Georgia.
If you want to do some sightseeing on the Georgian Military Highway on the way to Gudauri, you are free to make as many photo/food/tourist stops along the way as you want. The only condition is that you finish your trip within 24 hours.
Cars can accommodate bulky items such as skis and snowboards. GoTrip can provide child seats for kids on request. Some drivers speak English. And in winter, all cars are fitted with proper winter tires. If you are travelling with a group, there are cars available on the site that seat up to 15 people.
A transfer to Gudauri from Tbilisi starts from 180 GEL per car (up to 3-4 people). This is significantly cheaper than what most freelance drivers will quote. Click here to check prices for your travel dates.
I recommend booking your GoTrip transfer at least a few days in advance via the website. The price is locked in at the time of booking and won’t change. Payment is made in cash directly to the driver once the trip is complete.
→ Book a transfer to Gudauri here.
Shared transfer to Gudauri with Budget Georgia (summer only)
If you are visiting Gudauri in summer and you don’t mind travelling with other people, a group transfer to Gudauri is another option.
Budget Georgia offers shared transfers from May to October, departing from Tbilisi in the morning and arriving in Gudauri at midday. Prices start from 80 GEL per person.
→ Check availability for your travel dates on the Budget Georgia website and send an email enquiry mentioning Wander-Lush to save 10% on your booking. Shared transfers are also available from Kutaisi city and Kutaisi Airport.
Budget option: Tbilisi to Gudauri by bus (marshrutka minivan)
If you are on a budget, then shared transport to Gudauri is an affordable alternative to a private transfer.
There is no coach bus service to Gudauri from Tbilisi. Instead, there are marshrutka minivans.
Marshrutka vans are a popular form of intercity transport used throughout the countries of the former Soviet Union. They run on a fixed route, and can drop passengers off anywhere along the way.
Vans are inexpensive, but they are not 100% reliable because the schedule is somewhat flexible. They are not very comfortable either, and luggage space is limited (skis/snowboards will be stowed on the roof).
Drivers don’t stop for photos, so you won’t be able to do any sightseeing along the way.
Marshrutka vans also have a reputation for being a little unsafe. Drivers often speed and overtake dangerously. Personally I never travel by marshrutka van in the mountains – for me, the roads are too windy and the risk is not worth it.
New regulations to prohibit minivans from transporting passengers on journeys of more than 150 kilometres have been deferred until 2027. Vans on the Tbilisi-Gudauri route operate as normal.
Tbilisi to Gudauri bus schedule & fares
If you do decide to travel to Gudauri by marshrutka, you’ll want to take either a direct Gudauri van or a Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) van.
Both the Gudauri and Kazbegi vans depart from the same stop inside Didube Bus Terminal in the north of Tbilisi. To get there from the centre, ride the metro (red line) to Didube Metro Station. The bus terminal is adjacent to the metro.
→ See this post for detailed instructions and a video about navigating Didube.
Dedicated Gudauri vans depart Didube at 8am, 9am, 9.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6pm.
Tbilisi to Kazbegi vans that can also drop you off in Gudauri depart at 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.
If the van fills up, the driver will leave early – so it’s important to arrive at least 30-40 minutes early to secure a seat. Advance bookings are not possible.
In low season, the later vans might be cancelled due to low demand/reduced daylight hours. Never travel on a marshrutka van after dark.
The bus fare to Gudauri is 15 GEL per person, paid directly to the driver in cash. If it’s a Kazbegi van, the driver might charge you the full fare (20 GEL). Travel time to Gudauri is around 2.5-3 hours.
Gudauri is located on the highway, around 33 kilometres (45 minutes) before Kazbegi. Be sure to tell the driver you’re going to Gudauri and they will drop you off near the Wissol Petrol Station and Smart Supermarket on the roadside (see the location here).
If you are on a van that terminates in Gudauri, the driver might be able to take you further into the New Gudauri ski resort area on request.
VIP Mercedes minivan to Gudauri
Bus Station Nige (one of the private companies located inside Didube Bus Terminal in Tbilisi) runs Mercedes minivans to Gudauri. These ‘VIP’ vehicles are more comfortable, and because they are smaller, they will get you there a little faster.
The fare for these vans is dearer at 30 GEL per person, with departures throughout the day. Bus Station Nige is located immediately on your left as you exit the Didube Metro Station into the terminal area (see my Didube Station video guide for directions).
Shared taxis to Gudauri
Shared taxis to Gudauri are also available from Didube. This is slightly more expensive than a marshrutka van (from 40-50 GEL per person, depending on the driver), but you’ll have a bit more room to stretch out.
The downside is that you have to wait for the car to fill up with passengers, and again, you can’t do any sightseeing along the way unless your fellow passengers agree. On the plus side, the driver will take you closer to your accommodation in Gudauri.
Guided option: One-way tour to Gudauri with sightseeing stops
If you’re not in a rush to get to Gudauri, consider booking a full-day sightseeing tour from Tbilisi with drop-off in Gudauri in the late afternoon.
My preferred tour partner in Tbilisi, Friendly.ge, offers a terrific Gudauri day trip that you can modify to be a one-way transfer tour. Just let them know at the time of booking, and they will arrange to keep your luggage safely in the car. (And don’t forget to use the promocode WANDERLUSH to save 10% off the price.)
The day starts with hotel pick-up in Tbilisi. First stop is Sabaduri Forest, where you will stop for photos in one of Georgia’s most popular winter forests. You then visit the Bear Shelter in Tskhvarichamia, and make stops at Ananuri Fortress and Zhinvali Reservoir on the Military Highway before arriving at your accommodation in Gudauri.
This tour is only available in the winter months, roughly January through to March. I was lucky enough to join this tour recently and wrote all about my experiences in this Sabaduri Forest Guide.
→ Book the transfer tour here.
DIY option: Self-driving to Gudauri
Renting a car and driving in Georgia is the best option for maximum flexibility.
The road to Gudauri is open year-round, with occasional closures in winter if there is heavy snow or avalanche risk. Before setting out, always check the GeoRoad Facebook Page for updates.
The road to Gudauri is generally safe, but it is challenging in places, with a few hairpin bends and tunnels. As the only land connection with Russia, the highway is always busy with freight trucks either streaming along or parked on the road shoulder waiting to pass through the border crossing.
I only recommend driving yourself to Gudauri if you’re a confident driver who is familiar with mountain roads and comfortable with the Georgian driving style.
As always, I recommend renting through Local Rent, a platform that offers affordable cars from local agents (as an alternative to big-name international companies). Insurance is standard, and usually there is no deposit.
Another major advantage of Local Rent is that you can get your car delivered to any address in the city. If you are driving to Gudauri, you can meet your car somewhere on the highway headed north so that you don’t have to drive through the centre of the city.
Gudauri to Tbilisi: The return trip
A private transfer from your hotel in Gudauri down to Tbilisi starts from 180 GEL per car when booked through GoTrip. Drivers are available 24/7, and you can stop anywhere you like on the way back.
→ Book a transfer to Tbilisi from Gudauri here on GoTrip.
Marshrutka vans coming down from Kazbegi are normally full by the time they reach Gudauri, so you can’t always get a seat. But you can certainly try! Most drivers make a rest stop at the Smart Supermarket on their way through Gudauri, arriving at a quarter to the hour approximately.
There are a handful of vans that originate in Gudauri and go to Tbilisi each day, departing from the small bus station on the highway near the Wissol Petrol Station, or from New Gudauri.
It’s a good idea to head down to the bus station the day before and ask about departure times – or if you’re staying at a guesthouse in Gudauri, have your host call the driver to save you a seat.
Here are the details for two drivers in Gudauri who provide transport to Tbilisi:
- Gia (departs from Gudauri at around 9am): 595 09 93 17
- Timur (departs from Gudauri at around 11.30am): 574 07 17 58
In summer, there are additional marshrutka vans departing Gudauri in the afternoon at 3.30pm and 4.30pm. Double-check times locally.
Tbilisi to Gudauri FAQ
What is the road to Gudauri like? Is the road safe?
The road from Tbilisi to Gudauri is an older highway. It is single lane for most of the journey, and often busy with freight trucks.
If there is a long wait at the border then trucks will be parked on the side of the road in a long queue. This makes the road narrower, which in turn makes it more difficult for cars to pass each other. Georgian drivers love to overtake at high speed, so this can lead to accidents.
Because of the elevation, there is a risk of landslides in summer and avalanches in winter. If you decide to drive yourself to Gudauri, it’s very important that you stay abreast of the weather.
For accurate information about road closures or weather events, I recommend visiting the GeoRoad Facebook Page or calling the hotline on +995 32 2 31 30 76.
A new bypass road and a long tunnel are currently being constructed and should hopefully alleviate some of the issues caused by trucks and winter closures. They are scheduled to open later in 2026.
Is the road to Gudauri open in winter?
Yes, the road to Gudauri is open throughout the winter months.
Freight trucks use the highway throughout winter to transport goods through Russia. Remember that Gudauri is a ski resort, so winter is the most popular time to visit.
Occasionally the Georgian Military Highway closes for short periods (normally for a few hours or one day maximum) if there is very heavy snow or avalanche risk. Usually the road is closed after Gudauri – at the Jvari Pass – so you can still get to the ski resort. But you might not be able to go all the way to Kazbegi.
The road is regularly cleaned in winter, but some sections can be very icy, for example between Zhinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress. If you’re self-driving, make sure you have proper tires and take extra care around this area.
In late spring and summer, when there is heavy rain, there is a risk of mudslide. Sometimes the road closes for this reason. Keep an eye on the local news and contact GeoRoads for the latest information about closures.
Where to stop on the way to Gudauri from Tbilisi?
There are a dozen places to stop off on the way to Gudauri, including Ananuri Fortress, the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument, and the travertine mineral springs. If you have a car and driver, you can go even further than Gudauri to visit Kazbegi and Dariali Gorge.
For a full list of places to stop, see my guide to road tripping on the Georgian Military Highway.
What is the best way to travel from Tbilisi Airport to Gudauri?
The best way to get to Gudauri directly from the airport is by booking a transfer with GoTrip.
When you book online, enter your flight details in the comments field. The driver will wait for you if your flight is late, and when you land, they will be there to meet you in the arrivals hall to take you directly to your hotel in Gudauri.
→ Book a private transfer here on GoTrip.
You should never take a regular street taxi from Tbilisi Airport to Gudauri.
What is the best way to travel from Kutaisi Airport to Gudauri?
If you are flying into Kutaisi International Airport in western Georgia, you can take advantage of the shuttle service to Gudauri that runs during the winter ski season. Buses are operated by Georgian Bus and timed to depart the airport as flights arrive.
Tickets to Gudauri from Kutaisi Airport cost 60 GEL one-way. Travel time is around six hours. First you will be on the Tbilisi bus, then staff will help you to transfer to a smaller van before entering the city. In Gudauri, the driver will take you direct to your hotel provided it is centrally located (including in New Gudauri).
Large luggage items, including skis and snowboards, can be taken on board.
→ Reserve tickets online via the Georgian Bus website.
Can you take a day trip to Gudauri?
While it’s absolutely possible to do a day trip to Gudauri from Tbilisi, there isn’t really a reason to. Gudauri is a purpose-built ski resort – there isn’t a whole lot to do there unless you’re partaking in winter sports.
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) is 40 minutes up the road from Gudauri and is a much better choice for a day trip. It is even more scenic, and has several things to see, including the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church.
My top choice is this Kazbegi and Truso Valley 4×4 Group Tour with Friendly.ge. It covers some of the major stops on the Military Highway (including Gudauri) and a visit to Gergeti Trinity Church. Note that Truso Valley is only accessible from June to October.
If you are interested in seeing the ski resort in winter, you can pair a day trip to Gudauri with another magical snowy landscape near Tbilisi: Sabaduri Forest. Friendly.ge offers a wonderful family-focused winter tour to Sabaduri and Gudauri, which also includes a visit to the Tskhvarichamia Bear Shelter and several stops on the Georgian Military Highway.
→ Book either of these tours directly on the website and use the promo code wanderlush to save 10% on your reservation.
Where to stay in Gudauri
BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Ati Ambavi Boutique Hotel Gudauri (⭐ 9.5). This gorgeous hotel offers doubles, suites and studios, all beautifully furnished with cosy mountain-lodge-style decor and boasting mountain views. There is a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, and a sauna, plus a free shuttle bus to access the Shino Lift.
SKI-IN HOTEL: Marco Polo (⭐ 8.1). Located in Old Gudauri, this family-friendly hotel has ski-in ski-out access from the Pirveli Chairlift. Rooms are simple but elegant, with modern bathrooms. The hotel has an onsite spa and a restaurant.
MID-RANGE HOTEL: Hotel Toni (⭐ 9.7). With easy access to the Pirveli Chairlift, this hotel has an unbeatable location for the price. Rooms are basic but clean, and a home-cooked breakfast and dinner are available. The hosts here are known for being helpful and warm.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOSTEL: Riders House New Gudauri (⭐ 9.0). The most popular hostel in Gudauri, Riders House is one of the first buildings you come to when exiting the gondola. Choose from modern mixed dorms (4 or 6-bunk) or a private king room.
Georgia Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend for Georgia. Check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insurance is now mandatory for all travellers to Georgia. Insure your trip with HeyMondo, my preferred provider for single-trip and annual policies. Get 5% off when you book with my link.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Most flights into Georgia arrive in the early hours. Airport taxis should be avoided at all costs. For ease, pre-book a private transfer from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel or from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi with my partners at GoTrip.ge.
SIM CARD: Magti is my preferred provider, with prices from 10 GEL/week for unlimited data. See this guide for all the details about buying a Georgian SIM card.
ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Georgia. Use it to find family guesthouses, private apartments, hostels and hotels around the country.
CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a rental car in Georgia – use the Local Rent website to book through a local agent (prices start from $30/day).
PRIVATE TRANSFERS: GoTrip.ge is a terrific service for booking a private professional driver and car for the day. Use it for A-to-B transfers, a customised round-trip itinerary, or a multi-day trip. You can stop wherever you like for as long as you like without the fixed price going up.
DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Use Viator or Get Your Guide to browse a range of day trips and city tours. For alternative itineraries with expert guides, I recommend Friendly.ge. Use the promocode wanderlush for 10% off.
WINE TOURS: For in-depth day trips to Georgia’s wine regions, I recommend Eat This! Tours. Use the promo code wanderlush for 5% off.
You might also be interested in…
- The ultimate Georgia itinerary: Four detailed & custom-designed itineraries
- Georgia Travel Guide: All of my 200+ posts plus my top travel tips
- Georgia travel tips: 25 essential things to know before you go
- Places to visit in Georgia: 50+ unique & underrated destinations around the country
- The best things to do in Tbilisi: Favourites, hidden gems & local picks
- 35+ best restaurants in Tbilisi: Where to eat Georgian food
- 15 best day trips from Tbilisi: With detailed transport instructions
- The best time to visit Georgia: Month-by-month guide to weather, festivals & events
Hi there! Thanks for all your amazing recommendations and the helpful info!
I have a few questions:
1. To make sure I’m understanding, a minibus to Gudauri does not require pre-booking, correct? You just board the bus and pay the driver in cash?
2. For returning to Tbilisi from Gudauri, is the process for taking either of the minibuses the same? The pickup will be at the gas station for both?
3. If I am traveling with a backpack and a carry on suitcase, do you think there will be enough room on the bus?
Hi Isabella – to answer your questions: 1. Yes, correct. 2. Yes, but you should check before you depart and ideally save a seat the day before as there are limited services. The best way to go about this is by asking your accommodation to call the driver – take their number when you are on the way up from Tbilisi. 3. Yes, just arrive nice and early to make sure you can fit everything in.
Your blogs are my guide in my plans to visit Georgia soon. You helped a lot of travelers like me. Continue sharing thru your blogs. Very informative indeed.
Thanks so much, Janie!
Dear Emily,
What is the best time to visit Gudauri where we can have some fun with snow !!
Thanks dear
Hi Jaba, February until early April is usually the best time for fresh snow. There is still plenty of snow up there as I know. Enjoy!
Where in Gudauri can I pick a marshrutka or a shared taxi back to Tblisi
BTW. Snow conditions are superbe at the moment- Blue sky, perfect snow – had a perfect day today..
Thanks Andreas, glad to hear it! I will be there in a couple of weeks so I hope those perfect conditions persist. You can find vans near the Smart Supermarket on the main road.