Tbilisi to Kazbegi — 156 km, 3-hour drive
Short answer: 156 km (97 miles) along the Georgian Military Highway — 3 hours by private car, 3.5 hours by marshrutka, 10–12 hours as a day tour with stops. Fully paved, open year-round.
Ways to get to Kazbegi
Fastest, door-to-door, book in advance
Cheapest · from Didube station · hourly
★ Best value · includes all sights
Route stops along the Georgian Military Highway
| From Tbilisi | Stop | Why stop here |
|---|---|---|
| 0 km | Tbilisi | Start · Didube station or hotel pickup |
| 40 km | Zhinvali reservoir | First photo stop · turquoise water |
| 50 km | Ananuri fortress | 12th-c. castle complex · 30 min visit |
| 90 km | Pasanauri | Khinkali capital · lunch stop |
| 120 km | Gudauri ski resort | Panorama viewpoint · winter ski base |
| 135 km | Cross Pass (2,379 m) | Highest point · friendship monument |
| 156 km | Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) | Base town · Gergeti Trinity Church hike from here |
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kazbegi from Tbilisi?
156 km (97 miles) north on the Georgian Military Highway, ending at Stepantsminda (Kazbegi town) at 1,740 m elevation.
How long does it take to drive from Tbilisi to Kazbegi?
About 3 hours non-stop by private car, 3.5 hours by marshrutka (shared minibus). A day tour with stops at Ananuri, Zhinvali reservoir, Gudauri viewpoint, and Gergeti Trinity Church takes 10–12 hours round-trip.
Is the road from Tbilisi to Kazbegi paved?
Yes — the entire Georgian Military Highway is fully asphalted and open year-round. In winter (December–March) the Cross Pass (2,379 m) can close for a few hours during blizzards; check road status at police.ge before setting off.
How much is the marshrutka from Tbilisi to Kazbegi?
10–15 GEL ($3.50–5.50) one-way. Departs from Didube bus station every hour from 07:00 until roughly 18:00. Journey time 3.5 hours. Return marshrutkas leave Kazbegi from the central square.
How much does a taxi from Tbilisi to Kazbegi cost?
Private taxi 180–250 GEL ($65–90) one-way. Bolt inter-city is rarely available; use a booked transfer or hire a driver for the day (350–500 GEL round-trip with waiting time, 6–8 hours).
Can I do Kazbegi as a day trip from Tbilisi?
Absolutely — it is the single most popular day tour in Georgia. Small-group tours run daily, cost $25–40 per person, include stops at Ananuri fortress, Gudauri panorama, Gergeti Trinity Church, and return by 20:00.
What is between Tbilisi and Kazbegi?
The Georgian Military Highway is one of the world's most scenic drives. Key stops: Zhinvali reservoir (turquoise water), Ananuri fortress (12th c.), Pasanauri (khinkali lunch), Gudauri ski resort, Cross Pass with the Russia-Georgia friendship monument, and finally Stepantsminda with Mount Kazbek (5,047 m) above.
Can I drive myself from Tbilisi to Kazbegi?
Yes, if you are comfortable with mountain driving and share the road with heavy trucks heading to Russia. The Cross Pass is steep and winding. In winter, snow chains are legally required and rentals must approve mountain use. Most first-time visitors prefer a driver-guide.
Book the Kazbegi day tour
Hotel pickup at 09:00, all the stops above, English-speaking driver-guide, back by 20:00. Small groups, no shopping stops.