Tbilisi to Mestia | The Best Way to Get to the Svaneti Region
Looking for all the logistics on the journey from Tbilisi to Mestia? There are many ways to get to to Mestia from Tbilisi, but the the best option is to depart from Tbilisi by night train to Zugdidi and transfer to a marshrutka, or small van, to the mountain village of Mestia.
Mestia is the gateway village to Georgia’s once isolated Upper Svaneti Region and a hikers paradise. There are multiple ways to reach Mestia, including private drivers from Tbilisi and via marshrutkas, yes these little mini buses cover the whole distance of 240+ miles . There’s also a prop plane run by Vanilla Sky that flies 5 times a week into the tiny Mestia airport.
However; the best way to reach Mestia is to take the Tbilisi night train to Zugdidi and transfer to a marshrutka to Mestia. This option is comfortable and fits those best on a budget.
Here are all the logistics on the best way to get from Tbilisi to Mestia . Also, find helpful tips on how to return to Tbilisi after exploring the Upper Svaneti region.
Table of Contents
- Tbilisi to Mestia | Detailed Overview by Train & Bus
- Why Visit Mestia Georgia?
- Tbilisi to Mestia | Alternative Journey Options
- Total Cost | Journey From Tbilisi to Mestia
- Useful Tips | How to Return to Tbilisi from Mestia
- Tbilisi to Mestia the Best Way to Reach the Svaneti Region
Tbilisi to Mestia Detailed Overview by Train & Bus
Most travelers visiting Georgia will spend a majority of their time in Tbilisi. The bustling city has tons of things to do, including the sulfur baths and spas, a wide range of wine bars, delicious restaurants, and connects Georgia with an international airport, soviet-era trains, frequent buses, and a handy metro station.
➯ Tbilisi Travel Guide | This 2 day Tbilisi itinerary hits the main & top Tbilisi attractions
Night train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi
The Georgia train is convenient and pretty reliable. The sleeper trains are no thrills and consist of 4 beds. Bed sheets are available for an additional fee. The night train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi takes almost 8 hours.
It’s easy to reach the Tbilisi Central Railway Station by using the slick Tbilisi Metro system. Hop on the convenient metro and simply exit at Station Square. It’s best to purchase the train ticket from Tbilisi to Zugdidi a day or two in advance. It’s a popular route to get to the Svaneti Region.
Tbilisi to Zugdidi Night Train | Departure Location: Tbilisi Central Railway Station | Current Departure Time: 22:50 | Train Ticket Price: 20 GEL ($6.50 USD) / sheets for sleeper bed cost: 3 GEL ($1) | Duration: 8+ hours | Check the Current Schedules here in English
After the train arrives in Zugdidi, transfer to a Marshrutka, or shared bus. There are usually at least 3 that are conveniently waiting directly across from the train station in the parking lot. You can’t miss the eager drivers waiting to load up the buses full of tourists. The marshrutkas will depart when full.
Zugdidi to Mestia via Marshrutka
Near the Marshrutka stop there is a simple bathroom nearby (1 GEL). After a quick bathroom break and all the luggage has been loaded, the bus will be ready to depart for Mestia. The ride takes almost 3.5 hours and includes a break for the drivers. At the break is a little shop selling coffee and pastries. There is a bathroom across the street, not in the cafe.
🚐 Zugdidi to Mestia Marshrutka | Departure Location: Zugdidi Central Railway Station | Current Departure Time: Upon arrival, depart when full | Marshrutka Ticket Price: 20 GEL ($6.50 USD), paid to the driver | Duration: 3.5 + hours
Why Visit Mestia Georgia?
Mestia is the gateway to Svaneti Region in Georgia. Due to its prior remote location in the Caucasus Mountains, the area has maintained their unique culture and architecture. There area is also famous for their Svan towers, distinct tower-like homes that acted as defensive fortresses and dwellings.
There are many things to do in Mestia with its towering Mount Ushba in the backdrop. Hiking enthusiast will love the beautiful mountains and most will tackle the beautiful 4 day Mestia to Ushguli trek. Ushguli and the nearby villages have some of the most well maintained Svan towers. Don’t worry, it’s still possible to visit Ushguli without the four day trek. Casual hikers can even appreciate the Skkhara Glacier as a casual half-day hike from Ushguli.
Even if hiking isn’t your thing, Mestia is a great place to visit on any Georgia Itinerary.
Tbilisi to Mestia | Alternative Journey Options
In terms of budget and comfort, the best way to get from Tbilisi to Mestia is the above option. However, there are alternative ways.
Flights Tbilisi to Mestia
The Vanilla Sky private charter does offer flights from Natakhtari Airport, which is about 20 minutes from Tbilisi. The company provides a free shuttle to the airport that departs 2 hours prior to the flight here, across from the Bicycle Monument. The flight itself is super fast and scenic.
Flight schedules and frequency change every few times a year, so it’s best to confirm the current departs from Tbilisi to Mestia on the official Vanilla Sky Facebook Page. These tickets book out far in advance, so purchase as soon as you can. Luggage can not exceed 33 pounds.
Vanilla Sky Schedule | Natakhtari ➜ Mestia | Until May 31, 2022
| Departure Time | GEL (ლ) | |
| Monday | 9:30 | 90 ლ ($30) |
| Wednesday | 9:30 | 90 ლ ($30) |
| Thursday | 9:30 | 90 ლ ($30) |
| Saturday | 9:30 | 90 ლ ($30) |
☛ Flights from Tbilisi to Mestia depart usually 5 times a week during the peak summer season
Tbilisi to Mestia via Marshrutka
There are marshrutkas that run from Tbilsi to Mestia from the Didube Bus Terminal, but you may just have to transfer in Zugdidi. This is a LONG ride, as in over 9+ hours. Also, the marshrutkas aren’t very spacious, so this isn’t the most comfortable option.
Total Cost: Journey From Tbilisi to Mestia
Prices on the table are rounded to the nearest 25¢
| Expense | GEL (ლ) | USD($) |
| Overnight Train Ticket (Tbilisi – Zugdidi) | 20ლ | $6.50 |
| Marshrutka (Zugdid – Mestia) | 20ლ | $6.50 |
| Total cost to reach Mestia from Tbilisi | 40ლ | $13.00 |
Budgete travelers will love the under $15 price-tag for this Mestia from Tbilisi trip
Useful Tips | How to Return to Tbilisi from Mestia
After exploring the Upper Svaneti Region, here are the logistics on how to return to Tbilisi from Mestia. For those who have a longer layover in Zugdidi, there’s an excellent dining option in the city. Zugdidi also has frequent buses to Georgia’s top coastal city of Batumi.
Depart Mestia to Zugdidi via Marshrutka
To head back to Zugdidi take a Marshrutka that leaves from the Mestia Central Bus Station. Find it next door to the awesome and recommended Lile cafe. There are two daily afternoon buses that leave for Zugdidi.
🚐 Mestia to Zugdidi Marshrutka | Departure Location: Mestia Central Bus Station | Current Departure Time: Vary, but usually around 12:00 & 14:00, depart when full | Marshrutka Ticket Price: 20 GEL ($6.50 USD), paid to the driver | Duration: 3.5 + hours
☛ Travel Tip | For those continuing to Tbilisi, the connecting train departure times are at 18:15 and 22:15, plan accordingly
Zugdidi
Arrive into Zugdidi’s central train station and head straight for the ticket booth. If you could not purchase your ticket in advance online, you’ll need to stand in a long line and await the fate of like-minded travelers and locals trying to reach Tbilisi. Unfortunately, the first night train was sold out; however, I was able to snag a ticket for the night train to Tbilisi.
If you have time to kill in Zugdidi, like I did. Head into the city and grab supper at The Host-Mendzel. This establishment is serving up authentic Mingrelian (or Megrelian) cuisine, which is distinctive to Western Georgia. Savor traditional dishes in a beautiful building with stained glass windows. Try the Gebjalia, a cheese smothered in a fresh cream loaded with spices and mint.
If in a snag, there’s always the chance to grab a marshrukta from here to the Black Sea coastal town of Batumi, which also has an excellent food scene. Batumi is only a three hour bus ride from Zugdidi. Check with the information counter to verify departure times. The marshrutka from Zugdidi to Batumi should cost around 12 GEL ($4).
Zugdidi to Tbilisi via Train | Departure Location: Zugdidi Central Railway Station | Current Departure Time: 18:15, 22:15 | One-Way Rail Ticket Price: 20 GEL ($6.50 USD) | Duration: Night trains take 8+ hours, “fast trains” are usually +/- 6 hours
The round-trip rail and bus price for this Tbilisi to Mestia itinerary is only $26.00
Tbilisi to Mestia the Best Way to Reach the Svaneti Region
In short, the best way to journey between Tbilisi to Mestia is using the combined method of night train and marshrutka. This guide covers the logistics and practical information on how to leave Tbilisi, costs, and other useful information to reach Mestia. In addition, I’ve included the logistics on how to return to Tbilisi or take a detour to the unusual coastal city of Batumi.
Have you taken this travel method from Tbilisi to Mestia? Was this guide useful or is there anything that needs to be updated? Please let me know in the comments below!
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