Tbilisi to Batumi by Car: Distance, Driving Time and Cost
Tbilisi and Batumi are linked by Georgia's main highway. Since the new Rikoti road opened at the end of 2025, the drive is much faster and easier: tunnels and four lanes instead of the old mountain switchbacks.
Distance and driving time
- Distance: about 350–370 km depending on where you start.
- Pure driving time: about 5 hours; with stops, 6–7 hours.
- Route: Tbilisi — Gori — Khashuri — Rikoti highway — Zestafoni — Samtredia — Kobuleti — Batumi.
The road is fully paved, with plenty of petrol stations and cafés.
Fuel cost
Premium 95 petrol costs over 4 GEL per litre (2026). An economical car uses 7–9 L/100 km, so the trip takes 25–33 litres — roughly 105–135 GEL, or $40–50. An AWD crossover uses a little more.
Stops along the way
- Gori and the Uplistsikhe cave town — 10 km off the highway.
- Kutaisi: Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery — a short detour.
- Martvili Canyon — if you can add a couple of hours.
- Black-sand beaches of Ureki and Maltakva — right before Batumi.
If you are not in a hurry, split the drive into two days with a night in Kutaisi.
One-way rental
You do not have to bring the car back to Tbilisi: pick up in Tbilisi, drop off in Batumi.
- Delivery in Tbilisi is $100, free for rentals of 7 days or more.
- Return the car at our Batumi office or Batumi airport.
- Unlimited mileage, insurance included, pay on pickup.
See free cars and prices for your dates on the booking page.
Tips for the road
- There are speed cameras on the highway — see Georgia traffic rules for tourists.
- Cows wander onto the road, especially in the evening — take care after dark.
- Driving at night is possible, but the road is prettier and safer in daylight.
- Petrol stations take cards; keep a little cash for roadside cafés.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Tbilisi to Batumi? About 5 hours without stops, 6–7 hours with breaks.
Can I pick up in Tbilisi and drop off in Batumi? Yes, one-way rental is standard — no need to drive back.
Car or train? The train is quicker centre to centre; by car you see Uplistsikhe, Kutaisi and the beaches on the way and have wheels at your destination.