The drive from Tbilisi to Batumi is one of the most straightforward long-distance routes in Georgia — around 300 km on a well-maintained highway, doable in under four hours without stops. Most people drive it and see nothing. This guide covers how to do it properly: the scenic alternative via Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe, the direct route with worthwhile stops, and everything you need to know before you leave.
The E60 runs west from Tbilisi through Gori, Zestaponi, and Kutaisi before turning south to Batumi. It is a dual carriageway for most of its length, well-maintained, and entirely straightforward to drive. If your priority is getting to Batumi quickly, this is the route.
It is not without interest. Gori is worth a stop, and Kutaisi — roughly halfway — is a natural break point with several worthwhile attractions nearby.
The longer option runs south from Tbilisi through Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe before climbing over the Goderdzi Pass into Adjara and descending to Batumi. This route adds two hours and takes you through completely different landscapes — mountain spa towns, a medieval fortress, highland plateau, and the subtropical descent into the Black Sea coast.
The Goderdzi Pass road is paved but demanding — narrow in sections, with significant elevation change. A crossover is the recommended minimum on this route. In winter, it requires a 4x4 and is sometimes closed entirely. Check conditions before attempting it in the off-season.
If you are doing this route, it works best as a two-day drive with a night in Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe.
Gori sits directly on the E60 and takes 15 minutes off the main road to reach. The Stalin Museum is one of the stranger experiences available in Georgia — a lavish Soviet-era tribute to the town's most famous resident, including his personal railway carriage. For those interested in 20th-century history it is genuinely absorbing. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Gori Fortress sits above the town and is free to enter. The views over the Mtkvari valley are good on a clear day.
Kutaisi is the halfway point on the E60 and Georgia's second city — a logical place to stop for lunch or to break the journey overnight. The city itself has a compact old town and the Bagrati Cathedral on the hill above it.
Just outside Kutaisi, the Prometheus Cave is one of the most visited attractions in Georgia — a large active cave system with boat rides inside. If you have children or time, it is worth the detour. Allow 2 hours including the drive from the E60.
Gelati Monastery, 11 km from Kutaisi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Georgian medieval architecture. It takes around an hour to visit.
Borjomi is a spa town in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, best known internationally for its mineral water. The central park is free to enter and has the natural springs, a small funicular, and good walking. The town is relaxed and easy to spend an afternoon in.
Accommodation in Borjomi ranges from guesthouses to larger hotels — it makes a comfortable overnight stop if you are splitting the scenic route across two days.
Rabati Castle is a large restored fortress complex in the centre of Akhaltsikhe — mosque, church, synagogue, and citadel all within the same walls, reflecting the layered history of a town that has been Ottoman, Persian, and Georgian at various points. It is one of the more unusual historical sites in the country. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Akhaltsikhe, the road south to Goderdzi and Batumi is around 150 km with significant climbing. This section should not be rushed.
The Goderdzi Pass is the high point of the scenic route — a plateau above the treeline with views in both directions on a clear day. The road is paved throughout but narrow and winding. The descent into Adjara on the western side is steep and the vegetation shifts rapidly from highland meadow to dense subtropical forest as you lose altitude.
Do not attempt Goderdzi in winter without a 4x4 and current information on road conditions. In summer and autumn it is a spectacular drive. Consult the operator before taking this route in spring when snowmelt can affect the upper sections.
Any vehicle in the fleet handles the E60 without difficulty. A sedan or hatchback is perfectly adequate. If you are travelling with significant luggage or a larger group, a crossover or minivan gives more comfort.
A crossover is the recommended minimum for the Goderdzi Pass in good conditions. The road is paved but demands more from the vehicle than a flat motorway. In spring or after rain, a crossover with good clearance is preferable to a low sedan.
In winter, a 4x4 SUV is required and the pass may be closed. Always check with the operator before this route in the off-season.
Browse the full fleet at starcar.ge/cars and confirm the right vehicle for your route when booking.
This is one of the most requested one-way routes in Georgia. Plenty of travellers fly into Tbilisi and out of Batumi, or want to do the route one way and return by other means.
StarCar offers one-way rentals between Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi with no drop-off fee. Pick up at Tbilisi airport, drive to Batumi, and leave the car there. Or the reverse — Batumi to Tbilisi or via Kutaisi.
Book at least 24 hours in advance for airport delivery.
Tbilisi to Batumi via E60. Stop in Gori for 1.5 hours, continue to Kutaisi for lunch, optional Prometheus Cave or Gelati detour, arrive Batumi by early evening. Around 7–8 hours total including stops.
Day one: Tbilisi to Borjomi via Gori. Afternoon in Borjomi park. Overnight in Borjomi.
Day two: Borjomi to Akhaltsikhe (Rabati Castle, 1.5 hours), south to Goderdzi Pass, descent to Batumi. Arrive mid-afternoon.
Tbilisi to Borjomi day one. Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia (cave monastery, 25 km south of Akhaltsikhe — worth the detour) day two. Goderdzi to Batumi day three, with time to explore the coast before returning to Tbilisi via E60 or dropping off in Batumi.
How long does it take to drive from Tbilisi to Batumi?
The direct route on the E60 takes 3.5 to 4 hours without stops. The scenic route via Borjomi and Goderdzi takes 5 to 6 hours depending on stops and road conditions.
Is the road from Tbilisi to Batumi good quality?
The E60 highway is well-maintained and dual carriageway for most of its length. The scenic route via Goderdzi is paved throughout but demanding on the mountain sections.
Can I do a one-way rental from Tbilisi to Batumi?
Yes — StarCar offers one-way rentals between Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi with no drop-off fee. Book at least 24 hours in advance for airport pickup.
Do I need an SUV for the Tbilisi to Batumi drive?
Not for the direct E60 route — any vehicle works. For the scenic route via Goderdzi, a crossover is the recommended minimum. In winter or wet conditions on Goderdzi, a 4x4 SUV is required.
Are there speed cameras on the Tbilisi to Batumi highway?
Yes — speed cameras operate on the E60. The speed limit is 100 km/h on the highway and 60 km/h through towns. Fines are issued automatically.
One-way or return, direct or scenic — book the right car for your route at starcar.ge. No deposit, unlimited mileage, age 20 and over accepted.
Pickup at Tbilisi airport, Kutaisi airport, or Batumi with 24 hours notice. WhatsApp available 24/7 for route questions before and during your trip.
Free cancellation · 24/7 support · Unlimited mileage
Book your rental car today.
Free cancellation available
