A Beginner’s Guide to Using Trains in Georgia (With Train Route Map)

Everything you need to know about using trains in the country of Georgia – including which trains to take and which ones to avoid, how to buy tickets, and insider travel tips.

The first time I visited Georgia back in 2017, I got stuck on a slow train travelling from Gori and Kutaisi. After spending the better part of the day perched on a hard bench seat with no water and no food, I vowed to never take a train in Georgia again!

Since moving to Georgia in 2020, I have done a complete 360. Train has become my preferred way to get around. It’s more dependable (and safer) than freewheeling marshrutka vans, more affordable than private transfers, and easier than self-driving.

There is a big discrepancy between different train routes in Georgia – and unless you know the ins and outs of the different trains, you can easily make the same mistake I did and find yourself on a painfully inefficient commuter train.

Some of Georgia’s rolling stock dates from the Soviet era (and the seat covers probably haven’t been washed since 1982…). At the opposite end of the spectrum, there are modern high-speed trains, and somewhere in between, regional ‘fast trains’.

If, like me, you embrace slow travel and love the romance of the railroads, you will enjoy using the trains to get around Georgia. This guide will show you everything you need to know.

Note that there are only trains in Western Georgia plus a few select routes south of Tbilisi. There are no trains in Kakheti.

→ For a full overview of land transport options, see my full guide to getting around Georgia.

Interesting facts about trains in Georgia

The first train lines in Georgia were developed during the time of the Russian Empire as part of a broader Transcaucasus Railway project that sought to link Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia with Russia.

Construction on the region’s first railway began in Georgia in 1865 when workers broke ground at Poti on the Black Sea Coast.

Investment in the railways has been closely linked to industry and agriculture. At first, trains were used to ferry oil from Baku to Batumi, then to transport manganese from mines in Western Georgia to processing plants. During the Soviet era, the train network expanded significantly to help with distributing other products including wine, citrus fruit and tea.

Today, Georgia has 10 domestic train routes, 2 international passenger routes, and one scenic railway (the latter is currently out of commission), servicing more than 35 stations.

In spring/summer 2026, Georgian Railway implemented a major railway modernisation project. Journey times between Tbilisi and Western Georgia were reduced by around 30-60 minutes as a new 8.3-kilometre twin-bore tunnel came online. Video-surveillance systems, fencing and other measures have been installed at 25 level crossings in Guria to improve safety as train speeds increase.

Two new routes are also planned – Tbilisi-Kutaisi-Tbilisi and Tbilisi-Akhaltsikhe-Tbilisi – along with the planned relaunch of the Kukushka toy train in December 2026.

Here are a few interesting facts about Georgia’s railways:

• Georgian Railway LLC was founded in 1872. As of 2022, it is fully state-owned.
• The Poti-Zestafoni railway was the first train line in Georgia. The first passenger train ran from Poti to Tbilisi on October 10, 1872.
• In 1883, the Tbilisi Baku train line was launched to transport oil from Azerbaijan’s oil fields to the port at Batumi.
• In 1932, the first electric traction train in the USSR ran through Georgia’s Surami Pass.
• Since the breakup of the USSR, Georgia continues to use Soviet-era trains on many lines. Newer Chinese and Swiss trains are available on some routes, notably the popular route from Tbilisi to the Black Sea.
• There are no trains in Eastern Georgia (Kakheti). The train network was established from 1915, but today these stations are all abandoned. Today, trains only run in Western and Southern Georgia.

This is an updated/adapted version of an earlier map created by DiscoverGeorgiaBlog. I have created my map in Google Maps so you can interact with it.

Click here to open the map.

Please note that it only covers major train routes. Line markings are approximate and do not follow the train tracks exactly.

I’ve also included a few notable abandoned train stations that have particularly interesting architecture!

Types of trains in Georgia

There are 5 different types of trains in Georgia for domestic and international routes:

1. Stadler KISS express trains

These double-decker Swiss-manufactured trains were purchased in 2016 and can reach speeds of up to 160 km/hour.

The four Stadler trains are exclusively used on the Tbilisi Batumi route.

2. Local trains

All other domestic trains are classified by Georgian Railway as ‘local trains’. They are more comfortable than electro trains, but slower than the Stadler trains.

These trains include the Tbilisi Ozurgeti train, the Tbilisi Zugdidi train, and the Tbilisi Poti train.

3. District electro trains

These old electro Soviet-era trains have hard plastic seats or benches. Tickets go for a symbolic price (50 tetri to 2 GEL) and can only be purchased on board using the coin machine.

These trains are used for domestic routes that are less frequently used by tourists: Tbilisi to Khashuri, Tbilisi to Borjomi, and Kutaisi to Sachkhere via Chiatura.

4. Commuter electro trains

Similarly vintage, these trains are found on two commuter routes: Tbilisi to Gardabani via Rustavi, and Khashuri to Zestafoni.

5. Sleeper trains

Sleeper trains are used for international routes, Tbilisi to Baku (Azerbaijan) and Batumi/Tbilisi to Yerevan (Armenia).

Since the Tbilisi Zugdidi overnight train was axed in 2020, there are no longer any domestic night trains in Georgia (aside from a few Stadler night train services between Tbilisi and Batumi in summer).

Domestic trains in Georgia

Tbilisi Batumi train

The Tbilisi Batumi train connects the capital with the Black Sea Coast, stopping at Kutaisi International Airport along the way. It pulls into Ureki and Kobuleti before terminating at Batumi Central. Average travel time is 4 hours.

There are at least three services on this route each day, with additional trains added during summer.

There are three classes on this train: Second, First, and Business. This is the most expensive train in Georgia, with tickets starting from 35 GEL.

The train is very modern, with soft seating arranged over two levels. In second class, there are power outlets for each row, and the train has WIFI (but be warned, it’s often out of order). There is no dining cart, but there are vending machines on board.

This service is extremely popular and well-used, particularly between June and September. If you’re travelling in this period, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets as far in advance as possible (30-40 days in advance). Trains often sell out at this time of year.

→ See my Tbilisi to Batumi Transport Guide for more tips.

Tbilisi Zugdidi train

This train connects Tbilisi and Zugdidi in Samegrelo region, the departure point for travelling to Mestia and Svaneti. It also stops at Rioni Railway Station, thus you can use this service for travelling between Tbilisi and Kutaisi.

This train is quite old and the second class wagons are a bit worse for wear, with some broken seats and raggedy upholstery. I highly recommend upgrading to the first class cabin, which is spacious and much more comfortable. There are usually vending machines on this train selling bottled water and snacks.

Journey time is 5 hours and 20 minutes.

→ See my Tbilisi to Zugdidi Train Guide for more tips.

Tbilisi Poti train

This is the most comfortable train in Georgia in my opinion – I even prefer it over the Tbilisi Batumi train. Like the Zugdidi train, it passes through Rioni, so you can use it for travelling between Tbilisi and Kutaisi. I take this train almost every month.

Second class on the Poti train is much more comfortable. The wagons are in better condition, and there are power outlets. There is also first and business class. There are usually vending machines on this train selling bottled water and snacks.

Journey time is 4 hours and 40 minutes.

→ See my Kutaisi to Tbilisi Transport Guide for a full explanation of the different trains departing/arriving from Kutaisi.

Tbilisi Ozurgeti train

In 2025, trains on this route were upgraded. They now seat more passengers, and travel time has been reduced by 2 hours. It is still slow going, though – the journey from Tbilisi to Guria takes around 6.5 hours. Tickets cost 16 GEL for second class or 28 GEL for first.

If you are visiting Guria tea region, a better option is to take the fast Stadler train to Ureki then transfer to a taxi (another 40 minutes to Ozurgeti).

It does create a third option for getting from Tbilisi to Kutaisi (Rioni Station), although the journey is slightly longer, and there is no business class.

This service replaces the old Tbilisi–Kutaisi I train, which was cancelled in March 2025.

Tbilisi Borjomi train

This passenger electro train is very old school, with hard plastic seats and zero mod cons. It’s not terribly convenient, but if you’re in it for the experience, you might get a kick out of riding this train.

There are currently two daily services on this route, departing Tbilisi in the early morning and the evening and taking just over 4 hours to reach the historic spa town of Borjomi. Tickets cost a few GEL and can only be purchased on board with card (no cash).

Kutaisi Batumi train

This electro train runs between Kutaisi I and Batumi, stopping in Guria and at half a dozen stations along the Black Sea Coast.

There are two services each day in the early morning and afternoon. The journey takes 4.5 hours. Tickets cost a few GEL and can only be purchased at the station.

→ See my Kutaisi to Batumi Transport Guide for alternative suggestions.

Kutaisi Sachkhere train (spring-summer-autumn only)

Note: This train pauses services in winter (approximately between late December and late March).

This electro train heads north-east from Kutaisi into Upper Imereti, stopping at the historic mining town of Chiatura before terminating at Sachkhere. Journey time is 3.5 hours, and tickets are purchased at the station or using the machine on board. The fare is just 50 tetri!

If you want one old-school, slow train travel experience in Georgia, this route would be my top pick. This part of Georgia is astonishingly beautiful and the journey is very scenic.

Sachkhere Railway Station is one of the loveliest in the country, and it’s quite a delight to arrive here by train, even if you do have to get up at 5am to make the train.

Note that this service is often paused during the winter months (December through to March). In 2025, it relaunched on March 24th (2026 dates TBC).

See my Sachkhere Travel Guide for things to do when you arrive.

Tbilisi Gardabani train

This commuter train was reinstated in 2023. It links Tbilisi with Gardabani, a city close to the Azerbaijan border, stopping at the industrial city of Rustavi along the way. This train line then continues over the border to Ganja and Baku.

Total travel time is one hour, with two services each day, and tickets cost a few GEL (purchased at the station or on board the train).

Khashuri Zestafoni train

This is another short commuter line that links Khashuri and Zestafoni in Western Georgia.

The Kukushka Railway from Borjomi to Bakuriani

Georgia’s only scenic rail, the toy train Kukushka (‘cuckoo’ in Russian) is a 37-kilometre narrow-gauge railway that runs between Borjomi spa town and Bakuriani winter resort. It first opened in 1902.

Riding the Kukushka is a very popular winter activity in Georgia. In 2020, the train was put on hold and sadly, services have still not resumed.

The line and its infrastructure requires a massive amount of money to bring it up to standard, and Georgian Railways has no plans to invest in the scenic train in the near future.

Update: In April 2026 it was announced that the line and its historic stations will indeed be restored. Service are set to resume as early as December 2026. Watch this space for further updates.

International trains

Georgia Armenia train (operational)

This international sleeper train links Tbilisi to Yerevan and Gyumri in Armenia. In summer, it originates in Batumi on select days of the week. Recently brand new cabins were added to the train, making it quite a comfortable way to travel.

→ See my detailed guide to the Tbilisi Yerevan Train.

Georgia Azerbaijan train (operational)

This night train service is the only rail link between Tbilisi and Baku. In the future, it will be part of the longer BTAK line between Baku and Kars (see below).

After a six-year break, trains between Tbilisi and Baku relaunched on May 26, 2026.

→ See my detailed guide to the Tbilisi Baku Train.

Georgia Turkey train (planned route)

The Kars-Tbilisi-Baku railway linking Turkey and Azerbaijan via Samtskhe-Javakheti region in Southern Georgia launched cargo services in 2017. Passenger services have been tested, but so far nothing has been scheduled.

If and when it gets up and running, this will be the first and only rail link between Turkey and Georgia. The old Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi train, established in 1899, was severed in 1993 when the Turkish-Armenian border was closed.

See this guide to the BTAK for more information and updates.

Classes & ticket types

There are four ticket classes on Georgian trains. Overnight trains have different ticket types, covered in the sleeper train guides linked above.

Day coach

This is the most basic type of seating, and it’s the only option for certain trains including the Tbilisi Borjomi train. Seats might be soft or hard plastic.

Second class

On the fast trains, second class normally has soft recliner seats configured in two rows of three. This is the most budget-friendly option and it is perfectly fine for shorter journeys.

On the Batumi fast train, the second class carriage is more open. Every row has a couple of power outlets.

First class

First class on the fast trains has two rows of twin seats with a central aisle. There are also a few four-seat arrangements with a table in the centre. You get more legroom, a foot rest, a tray table, and access to a power socket.

On the Batumi train, first class has comfier seats with extra legroom and a dedicated power socket for each person.

Business class

Business class is only available on a few routes: the Poti train, the Zugdidi train, and the Batumi train. This is a good option if you plan to work during the journey: On the fast trains, you get a table, and on the Batumi train, you get a separated recliner seat with a built-in tray table and footrest.

How to check the train schedule

I normally use the official Georgian Railway website to check the train schedule. Georgian Railway is also quite active on Facebook, posting updates when additional train services are added during summer, and sharing information about major disruptions when they occur.

If you’re looking to travel to one of the smaller stations along the line, the Georgian Railway Map website also has an interactive schedule feature that is very helpful.

How to buy railway tickets in Georgia

Tickets for local electro trains cannot be purchased online. You might be able to buy them at the station, otherwise you can simply use the ticket machine on board the train. These trains are never likely to sell out.

Buying train tickets online via the official Georgian Railway website

The official Georgian Railway ticket portal is my preferred way to purchase tickets. It sometimes has routes available that are not displayed on TKT.GE.

To use the site, you first need to create an account. Put your passport number in the ID number field, and validate via email code.

Tickets can be purchased up to 20-30 days in advance, seat selection is available on all routes for an additional 1 GEL, and payment can be made with any credit/debit card.

After you pay, download your PDF ticket. On the day of travel, you can simply show this digital ticket on your phone – there is no need to print anything.

→ Buy tickets online via Georgian Railway

Buying train tickets online via TKT.GE

TKT.GE is a popular third-party website/app for buying railway tickets.

Ticket sales open 10-20 days in advance. There is an additional service fee and transaction fee added when you use the website, usually 1-5 GEL total depending on the train.

It’s possible to buy tickets without creating an account. Enter your passport number in the Identity # (personal ID) field. If your passport has letters in it, you will need to use the desktop version of the website rather than the app. (For whatever reason, the app won’t accept letters in the ID number field.)

Payment is made by Visa or Mastercard.

When your purchase is complete, you will receive an e-ticket by email containing your travel info and a QR code. On the day of travel, you can simply show this digital ticket on your phone – there is no need to print anything.

→ Buy tickets online via TKT.GE

Buying train tickets online via 12GoAsia

Another way to buy Georgian Railways tickets is through the 12Go platform. There are extra fees, so prices end up being a little higher again.

There are a couple of advantages to using 12GoAsia: You can pay in a different currency, you can checkout with PayPal or Google Pay, and you can add optional insurance.

After the purchase is complete, you get instant confirmation via email or Facebook messenger.

→ Buy tickets online via 12Go

Buying tickets in-person from the train station

The easiest way to get train tickets is to show up in person and pay with cash. This avoids having to pay any extra fees.

Most stations have staff that speak English. Otherwise, staff have a calendar and route map you can point to. You might be asked to present ID at the time of purchase so make sure you have your passport with you. In Tbilisi, payment is with cash only.

How far in advance should you buy train tickets?

The answer depends on what time of year you’re travelling in Georgia. In summer (June to early September), trains are far more likely to sell out, particularly the Batumi train. Extra services are always added, but even those fill up fast.

The same applies if you’re travelling around a major holiday such as Orthodox Easter or Christmas/New Year (especially around December 31). People go home for these occasions, and trains are more likely to be full.

As a general rule, I recommend you buy your tickets as far in advance as possible (20 days for most routes). In the off-season, you can get away with buying tickets 2-3 days ahead of time.

It is common for people to return tickets at the last minute, so there is always a chance that you might be able to buy a ticket at the station on the day of travel.

How to read your train ticket

Tickets issued by TKT.GE are written in Georgian. Here is how to read the ticket so you know your wagon and seat number:

Boarding a train at Tbilisi Central Station

In the capital, all passenger trains depart from Tbilisi Central Railway Station, which is adjacent to the Station Square metro. See the exact location here on Google Maps.

To get there from the centre, take the First Line (red line) metro to Station Square. Exit the station and walk to the left – the building you want is the very large one with a shopping arcade at the bottom and a car park out front.

Make your way to the third floor, where you’ll see the ticket desks and an electronic timetable board. Access to the platforms is via the outdoor stairs. Luggage storage is available at the office on platform 1.

Upstairs, there is a food court that is open from 10am. There are bathrooms at the rear (1 GEL), and there is plenty of seating with power sockets if you need to charge up.

If you need to buy bottled water and snacks, there are several convenience shops and coffee stands inside and outside the station building. For something more substantial, exit out the back to Dadiani Street. There are several 24/7 bakeries here that sell khachapuri and the like.

Trains that originate in Tbilisi will normally be there waiting 20-30 minutes ahead of the departure time. I recommend arriving early and boarding as soon as you can.

When it’s time to board, there is no need to show a printed ticket. All you need is the e-ticket/voucher on your mobile phone. The steward never scans the QR code or barcode, they only reference your seat number and name.

You might also be asked to show your passport/ID card, so make sure you have it handy.

When locating your wagon, note that wagon numbers are printed on an A4 sheet of paper hanging in the small window at the front of each carriage. Wagon 1 isn’t always first!

Etiquette on Georgian trains

There aren’t many hard and fast rules here, but I can offer a couple of pointers.

All trains in Georgia are strictly non-smoking. Whenever the train is making a longer stop, you will see people pile out onto the platform to light up.

Most trains make a longer stop at Khashuri – but I don’t recommend disembarking as it pulls away without so much as a whistle and you might get left behind!

Avoid blowing your nose loudly on a train as it’s considered rude to do so in public. Listening to music, watching a TV show or having a vibrant phone conversation, on the other hand, are totally acceptable! Trains can be pretty noisy so if you plan on resting or working during the journey, definitely pack your headphones.

Bathrooms are locked when the train is pulling into the station.

Eating and drinking on the train is allowed. Use the small trash cans provided or take your rubbish with you. If I open a bag of fruit or a packet of biscuits I will usually offer one to the person next to me. They usually decline, but I think it’s the polite thing to do – and sometimes they will return the favour with something even more delicious.

There are no dining carts or food vendors on trains in Georgia (only vending machines). You must bring your own water and snacks with you. At Khashuri Station, you can buy fresh bread snacks from the vendor or duck into the convenience store on the platform – but you have to be lightning fast.

Whenever the train is approaching a major station, the steward will come through and make an announcement in Georgian and/or English.

In my experience, stewards are very attentive and professional and pay particular regard to foreign travellers who might need some extra help. If you are alighting before the final station, they will come and tap you on the shoulder to let you know your stop is coming up next.

10 tips for using trains in Georgia

1. Arrive at the station early. I usually arrive at least 20 minutes early. If I’m getting on at the first station, this gives me more time to find my seat and settle in.
2. Don’t bother printing your train ticket. If you buy your ticket online, the digital receipt is all you need. When you board, the steward will cross-check your seat number and name on the rota. They never scan the QR code.
3. Have your passport handy. Some stewards like to check your passport/ID card as you board.
4. Bring plenty of food and water. Trains in Georgia do not have dining carts (some have vending machines on board). There is only one opportunity to buy snacks at Khashuri Station.
5. Bring a power bank. Not all trains have outlets. Those that do (all seats on the Tbilisi Batumi train and first class/business class carriages on the other trains) only have one outlet to share between the pair of seats. These are Schuko-type sockets with two round prongs – not USB ports, so you’ll need your adaptor.
6. Buy unlimited data for the day. Whenever I’m taking a train, I always purchase 24 hours of unlimited data from Magti so I can stay online throughout the journey. Reception on board the train is usually pretty good, but there are a couple of places where the signal drops out, around Rikoti and Kharagauli.
7. Luggage storage. There is plenty of room on the train in the overhead racks and tall racks at the end of the wagon. If you can’t find a place to put your things, the steward will help you.
8. Travelling with a bicycle or skis. Carrying large luggage items such as a bicycle or skis is allowed on some train services but not on others. Always check first.
9. Travelling with pets. Birds and small animals are permitted inside the train cabin so long as they are inside a crate/carrier. The crate should be no larger than 55 x 35 x 20.
10. Accessible travel. Trains in Georgia are wheelchair friendly.

Trains in Georgia FAQ

Is it safe to take the train in Georgia?

Yes! Train travel is absolutely safe – much safer than road travel, in fact.

Train is the local way to travel. You will always see families with young kids, elderly people and solo women on the trains.

Are the trains in Georgia usually on time?

Having taken well over 100 train rides and experienced maybe two or three delays, my answer is yes. The older trains (e.g. the Zugdidi train) are more likely to be delayed, but this is a rare occurrence. On the whole, the trains run true to schedule and are rarely delayed or cancelled. 

Scheduled down days are normally announced in advance via the Georgian Railway Facebook Page. If there is very bad weather (e.g. heavy snow or gale force winds), the trains might be delayed or cancelled. Facebook is the best place to look for announcements.

Do trains in Georgia have WIFI?

Some do, some don’t. The Tbilisi Batumi train has WIFI but in my experience, it is very spotty and sometimes it doesn’t work at all.

This train is very bad for phone reception – even when I use my mobile data, the connection is extremely weak. It’s worse on the upper level so I always try to sit downstairs.

Is there food available on trains in Georgia?

Trains in Georgia DO NOT have dining carts. The Batumi, Poti and Zugdidi trains normally have a few contactless vending machines on board. Make sure you pack enough water and snacks to last the journey just in case they are out of order.

Are there night trains in Georgia?

There are no domestic night trains in Georgia. The Tbilisi Zugdidi night train was cancelled in 2020 and has not started up again. In summer there might be extra trains to Batumi departing Tbilisi at midnight, but they do not have sleeper beds, they only have reclining seats.

There are two international night trains from Tbilisi to Yerevan (Armenia) and Baku (Azerbaijan). The former is working as normal, but at the time of writing, the latter is still suspended.