The drive from Tbilisi to the Black Sea resort city of Batumi is Georgia's classic east–west road trip. It connects the capital with the subtropical coast and passes some of the country's best cave towns, monasteries and spa resorts along the way.
Route Overview
- Distance: ~370 km (230 miles)
- Driving time: 5–6 hours non-stop
- Recommended: Split over 2 days to enjoy the stops
- Main road: S1 / E60 highway — mostly modern, with new motorway sections
- Car required: Any car; a sedan is comfortable for the highway
The route is one of Georgia's busiest, and large stretches have been upgraded to dual-carriageway motorway. A few sections near Rikoti Pass still involve mountain driving and tunnels, so allow extra time in poor weather.
Best Stops Along the Way
1. Gori & Uplistsikhe (≈85 km)
Gori is the birthplace of Stalin, with a (controversial) museum. Nearby Uplistsikhe is a remarkable rock-hewn cave town dating back over 3,000 years — easy to combine in a couple of hours.
2. Borjomi (short detour)
Famous across the former USSR for its mineral water, Borjomi sits in a forested gorge with a lovely central park and Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park nearby. A relaxing lunch stop.
3. Kutaisi — Prometheus Cave & Gelati (≈230 km)
Georgia's third city makes a natural overnight. Visit the vast Prometheus Cave, the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery, and Bagrati Cathedral. If you're flying in, you can also pick up a car at Kutaisi (KUT) airport and drive the coast from here.
4. Ureki Black Sand Beach
Just before Batumi, Ureki is known for its magnetic black sand, said to have health benefits. A quieter alternative to Batumi's busy beaches.
Arriving in Batumi
Batumi is Georgia's summer capital — a skyline of modern towers, a long seaside boulevard, the Botanical Garden, and lively nightlife. Parking is easiest at your hotel; the centre is walkable. Many EliteAuto.rent partners allow one-way rentals, so you can drive Tbilisi→Batumi and fly home from Batumi (BUS) airport.
Practical Tips
- Fuel: Plenty of stations on the E60; fill up before mountain sections.
- Weather: The coast is humid and rainy even in summer — Batumi is much wetter than Tbilisi.
- Tolls: No road tolls in Georgia, but obey posted speed limits — there are many speed cameras.
- Traffic: Leave early; the E60 is busy with trucks midday.
Which Car to Rent
For two people, a fuel-efficient economy car or sedan is ideal. Families and groups should consider a 7-seater. If you plan to detour into the mountains (Svaneti, Bakhmaro), pick an SUV.
Driving to Batumi?
Pick up in Tbilisi and drop off in Batumi — one-way rentals available with many partners.
Find Your Car →Read more: 7–10 Day Georgia Itinerary | Rent a Car in Batumi | Is It Safe to Drive in Georgia?