Distance Tbilisi-Mtskheta 25 km, approximate travel time 40 minutes
By train
From Tbilisi to Mtskheta can be reached by passing trains to Borjomi, as well as by trains Tbilisi – Ozurgeti and Tbilisi – Kutaisi. The railway station in Mtsekheti is located three kilometers from the city center, which can be covered by foot, cab or minibus.
- Departure point: Tbilisi central railway station (Station Square metro station)
- Timetable: commuter trains – 6.35 and 18.35; both trains depart at 08.45; timetables sometimes change, check the official website railway.ge for details
- Travel time: 25 minutes
- Price: train 2 GEL, train 8 GEL
By minibus
The minibus is the best mode of transportation from Tbilisi to Mtskheta, as it is cheap, runs frequently and does not take long. If you are interested in the sights of the city, you don’t need to go to the final stop, get off near the temple in the center.
- Departure point: Didube bus station (metro station of the same name).
- Schedule: every 20 to 30 minutes from 8am to 8pm.
- Travel time: about 40 minutes
- Price: 5 GEL
By transfer
Transfer is the most convenient way to get to Mtskheta, see all its sights including Jvari, Svetitskhoveli, Samtavro monasteries and return back to Tbilisi. The price is not high and time saving is great.
- Departure point: your location
- Schedule: any time convenient for you
- Travel time: transfer – 40 minutes, tour – 1 hour 40 minutes plus time for sightseeing.
- Price: from 86 GEL (≈31$), depending on the car
- Book a transfer: gotrip.ge/transfer
- Book a tour: gotrip.ge/tours
How to get to Jvari Monastery
The famous Jvari Monastery, for the sake of which many tourists visit Mtskheta, is located outside the city on top of the mountain, so you need to get to it separately if you do not order a transfer.
Optimal options:
- Take one of the minibuses at Didube bus station, which go in the direction of Batumi, Kutaisi, Borjomi or Kazbegi. Ask the driver to stop near the Cross Mountain, from there it’s a 20 minute walk upwards.
- Take a cab at the information center of Mtskheta, the cost is 25 GEL
Information
Mtskheta is a small town near Tbilisi, which was once the capital of Georgia. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a sacred place for the Georgian people.
There is the famous temple of Jvari and the confluence of two rivers, the Samtavro Monastery and the ruins of the fortress of Bebristsikhe. But the main attraction of the city is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where relics of saints, Christian relics and the chiton of Jesus are kept. All these places will be of great interest to any tourist.
Recommended
- We recommend renting a car for independent travel here localrent.com
- If you are traveling to Mtskheta with an overnight stay, don’t forget to book accommodation. You can do this easily and simply on the website www.booking.com
