Tbilisi–Batumi: the matarebeli guide
The Tbilisi–Batumi train is the flagship route of Georgian Railway and the most popular intercity rail journey in the country. In roughly five hours, a modern Stadler KISS double-decker — the train Georgians simply call matarebeli — carries you from the capital across the Mtkvari valley, through the Likhi range that divides eastern and western Georgia, and down to the subtropical Black Sea coast.
It is the easiest, most comfortable and often the cheapest way to reach Batumi: no mountain-road traffic, no cramped marshrutka, just a reserved seat, big panoramic windows and a buffet car. The arrival station, Batumi Central, sits a short ride from the seafront boulevard, Old Batumi and the famous Alphabet Tower.
Why take this train
The double-decker on the Tbilisi–Batumi line is the most modern rolling stock in Georgia. Upper-deck seats give wide views over the Rioni lowlands and, in the final stretch, the Black Sea itself appearing between eucalyptus and palm trees. First class offers 2+1 leather seating; second class is a comfortable 2+2 and remarkably affordable for a 378 km journey.
The journey
The train leaves Tbilisi Central Station (Vagzlis Moedani) and calls at key stations such as Khashuri, Rioni (for Kutaisi), Ureki — famous for its magnetic black-sand beach — and Kobuleti before arriving at Batumi Central. In summer Georgian Railway adds extra departures, and seats sell out days ahead, so booking your biletebi early genuinely matters.
When to go
July and August are peak Black Sea season and the hardest time to find tickets. May–June and September–October offer warm weather and far easier booking. Off-season, the route is popular with weekenders heading to Batumi's casinos, restaurants and the botanical garden at Mtsvane Kontskhi.
Route at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure | Tbilisi Central (Vagzlis Moedani) |
| Arrival | Batumi Central (Makhinjauri) |
| Distance | ≈378 km |
| Travel time | ≈5h – 5h 25m |
| Train type | Stadler KISS double-decker |
| Classes | First (2+1), Second (2+2) |
| Typical fare | from ≈28 ₾ second class; ≈60+ ₾ first class |
| Frequency | 2+ daily, more in summer |
Schedules and fares change seasonally. For live departures and to buy Georgian Railway tickets for this route, use matarebeli.ge — the booking service for matareblis biletebi in English, with instant e-tickets.