A guide to the Georgia – Armenia Border
One of the things that can be challenging when backpacking is when you need to cross a land border. It’s especially challenging in a country where not many people speak English.
Hopefully, this guide breaks down the border crossing between Georgia and Armenia nicely. It will make you feel more relaxed about this journey as it is easier than you think!
There are several ways you can cross the border between Georgia and Armenia. These include minivans, trains and planes. This article will discuss all 3 options.
Plane:
The easiest way, but most expensive way is to cross the border by plane. There are plenty of flights running between the two countries. Just make sure to book flights in advance as they can become very expensive if you leave it too late or they can even sell out!
You can look at flight schedules and prices here.
Minivan:
The quickest way to travel by land is by minivan. It is both scenic and a comfortable way to travel. If you don’t have much time to spare in your travel itinerary and not a big budget to afford a flight, then travelling by minivan will be ideal for you.
What is the frequency of buses?
Buses run very frequently between Tbilisi and Yerevan and vice versa. They also run every day. The journey time is usually between 5-6 hours.
How to buy a ticket?
You can buy a ticket either from the main bus station in Tbilisi or from tour operators.
You can also purchase tickets online, you can do so at 12Go.asia .
Be aware...
Georgian / Armenian bus drivers drive very very unsafely. They drive very fast and will try and overtake cars when there is oncoming traffic. This may make you feel incredibly unsafe but usually, there are no crashes. Just be aware before you book this bus that it may not be the safest option.
What happens when you cross the border?
You will have to exit the car on both the Armenian and Georgian side to show your passport to receive and exit and entry stamp. You will also have to take your bags just incase the immigration officials want to search your bags.
Train
Personally, I feel the best way to travel between these two countries is to take the train. It is the most scenic way and a good way to meet locals. It also gives you a different and more authentic experience of life in The Caucuses.
What is the frequency of the trains?
From Tbilisi to Yerevan:
- Summer – every 2nd day (odd days of the month), departs at 10:45 pm
- Winter – every 2nd day (odd days of the month), departs at 8:20 pm
From Yerevan to Tbilisi:
- Summer – every 2nd day (even days of the month), departs at 2.05 pm
- Winter – every 2nd day (even days of the month), departs at 9:30 pm
Timetable:
How long does this journey take?
10-11 hours
How to buy a ticket?
Unfortunately, you cannot purchase a ticket from the Georgian Railway website. You can go in person to the railway station in Tbilisi to purchase a ticket. To do this you will need to take a ticket from the ticket dispenser at the railway station and wait for your number to be called. Once it is called just say what dates you want to buy a ticket for and purchase them. You can buy tickets from Yerevan to Tbilisi here as well. You will need your passport to buy these tickets. You can also purchase them at Yerevan railway station.
Another way to buy tickets is to purchase them online. You can do this here. Note – Tbilisi is called Tbilisi-pass, so make sure to select this. When the train ticket appears on the site it will be called ‘Batumi – Yerevan’, this is the correct train as it starts in Batumi and will stop in Tbilisi.
This site can be temperamental, so if you are having a problem then purchase them in person at either Tbilisi or Yerevan railway station.
What problems may I experience?
When I went to purchase tickets from the main railway station in Tbilisi I was told the tickets had all sold out for the journey Tbilisi to Yerevan. I went 5 days in advance but this clearly was not enough time. I also think the cashier was confused about what I wanted to buy as her English was not very good. When I looked online to buy a ticket there were still tickets available online so I don’t know whether they weren’t available in person to buy or whether she just didn’t understand my English.
What will happen when you reach the border?
Once you reach the Georgian border you will have to exit the train and queue up to receive your exit stamp from the Georgian immigration. Once you have received this you will be allowed to board the train.
Once you reach the Armenian border, the immigration officials will enter the train check your passport and give you a stamp. Not many foreigners take this journey so you may be asked some questions such as: where are you staying, what is the purpose of your visit, and may be asked to provide a phone number.
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