Too close, why not to drive? Some half an hour by car from Tbilisi – and you will discover a new historical city. Really, you deny yourself this fascinating excursion?
The city is on the UNESCO list, no wonder, because it is the oldest city and the first capital of Georgia, do not miss the chance to get to know it.
The main temple of Georgia is located in Mtskheta – the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the Jvari Monastery and the Shio-Mgvime Monastery – here is the route for you to travel.
Visit the most picturesque height with the Temple, which is over 1000 years old.
See the places described by the poet, where the two rivers Aragvi and Kura merge into one river - all this from a bird's eye view.
How to get to Mtskheta?
All travel options to Mtskheta:
Minibus – goes from the Didube bus station (next to the Didube metro station). These are public minibuses, usually Mercedes Sprinter. Bus filling time is 15-20 minutes, travel time is up to 30 minutes. Advantages - inexpensive. Disadvantages - inconvenience, waiting, going to the station, from the station, all this takes time. This is one of the cheapest ways to get there.
By rail – the train runs on schedule, so you will be dependent on the start and end time of the trip, in addition, the train does not conveniently stop in Mtskheta itself. You will have to take a taxi or walk more than 2 km. In addition, you should forget about visiting a mountain peak with a picturesque view or pay a taxi separately. In this situation, you will not save the budget, but rather spend the same amount as if you had originally taken a taxi from Tbilisi. This is an inexpensive way to get to Mtskheta, but the most expensive in time.
Taxi or car with a driver – the price depends on the appetites of the driver, car, etc. Approximately, the trip will cost 30-40 dollars.
Renting a car is the most preferred way for tourists who have a driver's license. The cost is comparable to a taxi, but gives a lot of advantages. From places to visit, to your personal schedule and seeing even more places of interest.
How long does it take to get from Tbilisi to Mtskheta?
You will spend only 20 – 30 minutes on the road by car, the time is more connected with the city traffic of Tbilisi, getting out of which you will drive only a few kilometers along the high-speed autobahn.
Rent a car with a driver for a trip to Mtskheta
If you do not have a driver's license or you decide not to drive a car for such a trip, or maybe you just need a good Georgian guide to travel to Mtskheta, we are ready to provide such a service.
You choose any car on our website, and we tell you the cost of a transfer or a trip to all historical places in the vicinity of Mtskheta.
What does included in the car rental price?
When you pay for the rental of a car, this amount includes not only the operation of the vehicle, but also a number of other services.
Car rental includes:
vehicle insurance (CDW or MTPL);
tires (depending on the season, summer or winter);
parking in the city where you received the car;
unlimited mileage;
taxes and fees;
technical support 24/7;
a replacement car if yours breaks down or some other unforeseen incident happens.
TOP 5 places for tourists in Mtskheta
Jvari monastery. The Jvari temple, which means “cross” in Georgian, is located on the top of a mountain, from where an incredible view of the surroundings and the confluence of two rivers, the Aragvi and the Kura, opens up.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – majestic and very atmospheric. It delights tourists with the beauty of its architecture and, of course, stunning views of the city and its surroundings.
The Samtavro temple is very conveniently located for tourists, next to the Svetitskhoveli temple, they are even a little similar to each other.
Antioch Church is also located not far from the previous two, so you can see everything at once.
Bebristsikhe Fortress, which translates as “the old man’s fortress”, at one time protected the approaches to the city, but now it is rather historical ruins with a history that are still worth seeing.
From Tbilisi to Mtskheta – the best route
If you are traveling from Tbilisi to Mtskheta, it is best to stop at the Jvari Monastery, see all the beauty of Mtskheta from a bird's eye view, see the monastery and the confluence of two rivers, and then go to Mtskheta.
From Batumi to Tbilisi, on the way to Mtskheta
If you have Mtskheta on the road from Batumi or Borjomi to Tbilisi, then you will first visit Mtskheta, and after that you will go to Jvari. The only inconvenience is that you have to turn around on the autobahn (there are convenient interchanges here), several times.
Many tourists sacrifice their visit to Jvari because of this. We do not recommend not to visit Jvari, this is a great place, be sure to check in after spending 30-40 minutes.
Where to go from Mtskheta?
The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi is a great place, many attractions, the distance from Mtskheta is only 25 minutes or 20 km.
The ancient city, Armaztsikhe-Bagineti is a very significant historical site, which is also called the Georgian Acropolis.
From Mtskheta it will also not be far to get to another great attraction – the Ananuri fortress. The majestic building is located at the confluence of two rivers: Aragvi and Vedzatkhevi, a stunning view opens from the fortress.
Have a meal on the road through Mtskheta
When you plan your trip to Mtskheta, you will get hungry. Right on the highway there are several excellent restaurants with colorful Georgian cuisine. Come in, the prices are standard as everywhere in Georgia, you can have a very tasty meal.
You should definitely not bring sandwiches to Mtskheta, there are many places to eat here.
One of the most expensive places to eat will be restaurants in the vicinity of Svetitskhoveli, drive 3 km to restaurants on the highway, making a return trip to Tbilisi, it will be cheap and tasty.
Stop in Mtskheta for the night
As a rule, tourists prefer to drive to Tbilisi, but if necessary, there are several housing offers here. Prices are not cheaper than in Tbilisi, and there is no review of the need to stay here for the night.
A few recommendations for tourists coming to Georgia
Georgia, like every country, has its own peculiarities, culture and traditions. The locals have always been characterized by hospitality and cordiality.
