The Yerevan – Tbilisi passenger train operates every other day during the off-season, from October through May, and runs daily in summer, from June through September. It is considered one of the most convenient and safest ways to travel between Georgia and Armenia.
The journey offers more than simple transportation. Travelers can interact with locals and enjoy views that are often missed when traveling by bus or minibus. On the route toward Tbilisi, passengers pass through northern Armenia, including the industrial landscapes of Alaverdi, the scenic Debed Canyon, and the wide plains near Gyumri.
This route is ideal for travelers who are not in a hurry. The trip from Yerevan to Tbilisi takes a little over 10 hours, while the journey to Batumi lasts about 17 hours. Even the third-class sleeper cars are comfortable by regional standards.
- Train Schedule
- Ticket Prices in 2026
- How to Buy Tickets
- Yerevan Railway Station
- Crossing the Border
- FAQ
Yerevan to Tbilisi passenger train Schedule
The Yerevan – Tbilisi train operates on different schedules depending on the season.
Winter Schedule (October–May/June)
During the off-season, from October 2 through June 14, train No. 372 travels from Yerevan to Tbilisi every other day on even-numbered dates (21th, 23nd, 25th, etc.). It leaves Yerevan’s main railway station at 9:30 p.m. and arrives in Tbilisi at 7:35 a.m. the next day.
- Frequency: every other day (even-numbered dates)
- Departure from Yerevan: 9:30 p.m.
- Border crossing: approximately 3:30 a.m.
- Arrival in Tbilisi: 7:35 a.m.
- Travel time: 10 hours 5 minutes
- Ticket price in 2026: 10,545–31,165 drams
Summer Schedule (June–September)
From June 14 through September 30, trains usually operate daily due to increased passenger demand.
During the summer season, trains on the Yerevan–Batumi railway route also stop in Tbilisi. The direct Yerevan–Tbilisi–Yerevan train does not operate during this period.
In summer, Train No. 202 departs from Yerevan at 2:05 p.m. It arrives in Tbilisi at 10:00 p.m. and continues to Batumi, where it arrives at 7:30 a.m. the next morning. This train runs on odd-numbered dates only.
- Frequency: every other day
- Departure from Yerevan: 2:05 p.m.
- Border crossing: approximately 9:20 p.m.
- Arrival in Tbilisi: 10:00 p.m.
- Arrival in Batumi: 7:30 a.m.
- Travel time: 10 hours 6 minutes
- Ticket price in 2026: 10,545–31,165 drams
Ticket Prices in 2026
The train has three types of cars:
- First-class sleeper car (luxury, also known as SV), a private compartment that can accommodate two people.
- Second-class car (compartment car), which can accommodate four people.
- Third-class open-plan car, standard open-plan cars.
Please note that fares may vary slightly depending on exchange rates, ticket availability, season, and other factors.
First Class (sleeper car, 18 seats)
- private compartment with two lower berths;
- TV;
- price Yerevan–Tbilisi from 31,100 drams.
2nd class (compartment, 36–38 seats)
- enclosed compartment with four sleeping berths. Lower berths are numbered odd (1, 3, 5, etc.), upper berths are numbered even (2, 4, 6, etc.);
- price Yerevan–Tbilisi from 17,000 to 23,600 drams.
3rd class (open sleeper, 54 seats)
- lower berths are numbered odd (1, 3, 5, etc.), upper berths are numbered even (2, 4, 6, etc.). Side seats are numbered 37 through 54;
- air conditioning, bedding set, individual lighting, USB outlets;
- price Yerevan-Tbilisi from 10,500 to 13,500 drams.
The ticket price includes bedding, insurance, and service fees.
Children under 5 years of age travel free of charge on the train (without a separate seat). For children aged 5–10, tickets are sold at a discount of approximately 35% off the adult fare.
How to Buy Train Tickets
Buying train tickets from Yerevan to Tbilisi can be challenging. Authorized agents do not operate here, and the railway website often works with interruptions.
You have two main options:
- Buy tickets at the Armenian (Yerevan or Gumri) train station.
- Buy tickets online through the South Caucasus Railway website.
You can purchase one-way or round-trip tickets at train stations in Georgia and Armenia along the route.
Buying Tickets at Yerevan Train Station
Yerevan Railway Station at David of Sasun Square usually operates 24 hours a day. Sometimes during the off-season, it opens only at 7 AM.
Four international ticket counters for Armenia-Georgia routes sit in the left wing near the entrance. They work from 9:00 to 18:00. Counters in the right wing sell domestic tickets to Gyumri from 7:30 to 19:30.
Like in Tbilisi, passengers take numbered tickets for the queue. When your turn comes, tell the cashier your destination and travel date. Show your passport.
Ticket counters have payment terminals for bank cards, but the cashier emphasized they accept only cash. ATMs stand near the entrance if you need to withdraw drams.
How to Buy Tickets Online
- Visit the South Caucasus Railway website.
- Change the language to English if needed.
- Click “Not registered yet?” and create an account.
- Enter your first and last name, contact details, email address, passport number, and passport series.
- Confirm your registration through email.
- Log in and select “Buy Ticket.”
- Enter your travel date.
- Choose “Round Trip” if you need return tickets.
- Select the departure and arrival stations.
- Choose the number of passengers, carriage type, and class.
- If you travel with companions, check the “In the same compartment” option.
- Click “Search” and then “View Trains” to see available seats.
- If you want another seat, click “Search Again.”
- Confirm your booking by clicking the green checkmark.
- Review your personal information and correct any mistakes if necessary.
- Enter your Mastercard details and complete payment.
After payment, you will receive e-tickets by email. The ticket states that you need your booking number and passport to board the train.
To avoid confusion at the station, follow these recommendations:
- Take screenshots of your booking confirmation.
- Save copies in English and Armenian.
- Print the confirmation page.
- Print the e-ticket from the email.
Yerevan Railway Station
Trains depart from Yerevan Railway Station at David of Sasun Square. The station sits near Tigran Mets Avenue.
Railway platforms stand behind the main building. The Tbilisi train usually departs from Platform 1.
How to reach the railway station
The station lies in southern Yerevan, about 3 km from Republic Square. Take the metro to “Sasuntsi Davit” station, located nearby.
A taxi from central Yerevan to the station costs around 300 drams. If you travel on the afternoon summer train, allow extra time. Monday traffic can be heavy. The trip from Republic Square to the station may take 50 minutes.
Inside Yerevan Railway Station
Yerevan’s station follows a more traditional design than Tbilisi’s. The beautiful building showcases Stalinist Empire style with high vaulted ceilings. A piano stands inside the hall. Anyone can play it. The acoustics match a philharmonic hall!
Armenian street-food cafes and small shops sit near the entrance. Useful services operate in the tunnel network below the station. You will find copy centers for printing e-tickets, currency exchange points, snack bars, and a pharmacy. Note: the railway station has no restrooms. The nearest one sits on the second floor of the agricultural market building. Usage costs 100 drams. Another restroom stands in the underpass.
Enter the station building and look right. You will see a VTB ATM. A small Museum of Armenian Railways sits inside the station. Entry is free. The museum may open in the evening or stay closed. Nikolai, a friendly older gentleman, manages the museum. He offers engaging mini-tours.
Free Wi-Fi works near the ticket counters, but the signal stays weak. Left luggage facilities exist, but they do not always operate.
Crossing the Armenia – Georgia Border
In winter, the Yerevan train reaches the border checkpoint early in the morning. Passport control usually happens inside your carriage. You stay warm and avoid the cold, dark night.
Armenian exit procedures stay simple. Officers ask a few questions. They rarely inspect luggage.
The summer train arrives in Georgia late evening, around 21:20. The winter train crosses the border early in the morning.
Georgian border procedures differ from Armenian ones. Passengers usually leave their seats and exit the carriage. They walk to a separate checkpoint for passport control through a window.
Officers selectively ask passengers to open suitcases. They visually inspect hand luggage and bags. Georgia enforces strict rules on tobacco, alcohol, and prescription medications. Georgian border guards may ask about cigarettes, spirits, or medicines in your luggage. Customs rules require passengers with prescription drugs to carry original packaging and a doctor’s letter in English.
Arrival in Tbilisi
The train enters Tbilisi through the city’s northern outskirts. The central station offers free Wi-Fi. ATMs stand inside the station and near the main entrance. You can withdraw lari with a bank card.
How to reach your hotel from the railway station
The summer train arrives in Tbilisi after midnight. Tbilisi metro closes at 11 PM. You will need a taxi to reach your accommodation.
After disembarking, climb the stairs at the platform end toward ticket counters and the waiting hall. Taxis often wait here for passengers. I recommend politely saying “no, thank you” to them. Use Yandex Taxi or a transfer service like GetTransfer instead. Skip the main entrance. Meet your driver at the station’s rear entrance for better convenience. On GetTransfer, this point appears as “Tsotne Dadiani.”
To reach this spot, descend the first escalator. Make a sharp turn. Exit through the glass door on your right, next to the electronics shop. You will reach Dadiani Street. This quieter area has few taxis nearby.
A taxi ride to Freedom Square or Didube Bus Station costs 6–10 lari.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I buy train tickets?
Book tickets as early as possible. Demand rises sharply during summer months, especially on weekends and holidays. Tickets sell out fast in this period. If you travel in July or August, buy tickets at least 10 days before your trip. In winter, you may find tickets the day before or on departure day.
Ticket sales open 40 days ahead. Passengers often return tickets on travel day. If you miss the initial sale, check the station for last-minute availability. If train tickets remain unavailable, consider alternative transport between Yerevan and Tbilisi.
How do I get a refund or exchange my ticket?
Changed plans? You can request a ticket refund. Present your ticket at the railway station ticket office. A processing fee may apply. You can also upgrade your seat class on travel day for an extra charge.
Do ticket prices increase as the travel date approaches?
Ticket prices stay stable until travel day, then they adjust. Third-class (open-sleeper) tickets drop by approximately 1,000 drams on departure day. All other classes see a slight price increase. For example, at Yerevan Station, same-day tickets for the Tbilisi-Batumi route cost about 1,000–2,000 drams more.
How comfortable and safe is it to travel by train?
Your comfort depends on your chosen berth type. Compartment doors lock from the inside. Hallways stay well-lit throughout the night. Red strips on doors, ventilation vents, and light fixtures serve a specific purpose: they help prevent smuggling across the border. The train undergoes border checks at the Armenia-Georgia checkpoint. Staff speak basic English. Keep your passport accessible during the journey.
