GEORGIA
How To Travel From Tbilisi To Kars
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
How to Get from Tbilisi to Kars: A Guide to an Enchanting Journey
Traveling from Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital, to Kars, a historic town in northeastern Turkey, offers a journey through breathtaking landscapes and fascinating cultures. This route is not only a geographical passage but also a connection between two ancient worlds steeped in history and tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure in the Caucasus region, this guide will help you navigate the best options for making this unforgettable trip. The journey between Tbilisi and Kars spans approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) and can be undertaken by various means, including trains, buses, private cars, or organized tours. Each option has its unique appeal, catering to travelers who prioritize comfort, cost, or adventure. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque mountain ranges, lush valleys, and the rich heritage of the Georgia-Turkey borderlands. Kars is famous for its ancient architecture, most notably the haunting ruins of Ani, the former capital of the Armenian Kingdom. On the other hand, Tbilisi is a city where cobblestone streets meet modern art, making it an ideal starting point for this journey. Together, these destinations offer a tapestry of experiences that blend natural beauty with historical intrigue. Planning the trip requires understanding border crossings, travel times, and local transport systems. This guide explores each travel option in detail, highlighting the pros and cons to help you choose the one that suits your needs. Whether you prefer the scenic allure of a train ride or the convenience of a private car, knowing the logistics will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Embark on this enchanting adventure and discover how traveling from Tbilisi to Kars can be more than a transit—it’s a gateway to two captivating cultures.How to Travel from Tbilisi to Kars: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re planning how to travel from Tbilisi to Kars, be prepared for a journey that spans two days, with an overnight stop in Hopa. This is the route we chose, and we’ve outlined the details below to help you with your own travel plans.
While it’s possible to travel from Batumi, Georgia to Kars, Turkey in a single day, you should note that there’s only one bus per day from Hopa to Kars. The bus leaves Hopa at 10:30 AM, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. Although Batumi is just 37 km from Hopa, the border crossing at Sarpi is often slow and can take several hours, so it’s important to account for this if you plan to catch the 10:30 AM bus.
Step 1: Travel from Tbilisi, Georgia to Hopa, Turkey
When considering how to travel from Tbilisi to Kars, it’s essential to know that there’s no direct transport between Tbilisi and Kars. However, there are a couple of viable options to get to Hopa.
Option One: Metro Bus from Tbilisi to Hopa
One of the easiest ways to travel from Tbilisi to Hopa is by taking a Metro bus from the Tbilisi Central Bus Station. The journey passes through the border and takes you directly to Hopa.
To buy your ticket, head to the Tbilisi Central Bus Station, where you can purchase tickets in advance at window number 10. Tickets can’t be bought online through Metro’s website, so it’s best to buy in person a few days before departure. The bus leaves at 10 AM and travels via Batumi to reach Turkey.
At the Border – Sarpi
At the Sarpi border, the bus will drop you off at the Georgian border control, where you’ll take your hand luggage and pass through passport control. Afterward, the bus will meet you in the no-man’s-land area where you’ll retrieve your luggage and proceed to Turkish customs and passport control. This process can take around an hour, but be aware that waiting times can vary depending on the traffic at the border.
After crossing into Turkey, the bus will take you to Hopa Central Bus Station, which is about 1 km from the main strip of the town.
Option Two: Train, Bus, or Minivan from Tbilisi to Hopa
Another way to travel from Tbilisi to Kars is to take a train, bus, or minivan from Tbilisi to Batumi. From Batumi, you can then catch a minivan to the Sarpi border and continue on to Hopa via taxi or minibus. However, if your bus takes too long to pass through customs, a taxi might be a better option.
Step 2: Travel from Hopa, Turkey to Kars, Turkey
Once you arrive in Hopa, getting to Kars is straightforward. You’ll need to head to the Hopa Octogari bus station, located about 1.5 km from the central bus station. The bus from Hopa to Kars departs daily at 10:30 AM and arrives in Kars by around 5:30 PM.
Bus Tickets and Prices
Tickets for the Hopa to Kars journey can be purchased at the bus station for 80 TL or online via Biletall for the same price. Alternatively, through a travel agent, the price is 16€ (100 TL), though prices may vary.
The Journey
The bus journey from Hopa to Kars offers spectacular views, taking you through valleys and alongside towering mountains. You’ll also pass impressive engineering feats like dams and tunnels. The bus makes a stop for lunch along the way and drops you in Kars at the central bus station, where you’ll begin your exploration of this historic town