The South Caucasus covers three countries – Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan – packed into a region roughly the size of Italy. Traveling between them sounds straightforward. In practice, it requires some planning: the borders between these three nations each work differently, not all connections run daily, and one important crossing can only be made in one direction.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to travel between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia – by train, bus, shared taxi, flight, and rental car – with honest notes on what actually works, what the restrictions are, and how to plan a multi-country Caucasus tour in 2026.

Planning a multi-country Caucasus tour? We can help with tailor-made Caucasus itineraries and car rental across all three countries. Contact us here or explore our Caucasus tours.

Before You Plan: Critical Border Information

The three countries of the South Caucasus may sit side by side on the map, but their borders do not all work the same way. Read this section carefully before booking anything.

⚠️ The Azerbaijan – Georgia Border: One Direction Only for Many Travelers

The land border between Azerbaijan and Georgia can only be crossed FROM Azerbaijan INTO Georgia – not the other way around – for travelers who require an Azerbaijani visa.

This means: if you are traveling Georgia → Azerbaijan overland, you cannot simply drive or take a bus from Tbilisi to Baku across the land border.

Travelers entering Azerbaijan from Georgia must either:

• Fly from Tbilisi to Baku (most practical for most nationalities)

• If you do not require an Azerbaijani visa, you can also use the newly restored Tbilisi–Baku train (see below – with additional restrictions)

If you are arriving FROM Azerbaijan, crossing into Georgia overland is open and straightforward.

Always check whether your nationality requires an Azerbaijani visa before planning overland travel.

 

⚠️ The Armenia – Azerbaijan Border: Closed

The land border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed and has been for decades.

There is no overland crossing between the two countries.

Traveling between Yerevan and Baku always requires going through Georgia as a transit country.

 

✅ The Georgia – Armenia Border: Open & Easy

The Georgia – Armenia border operates normally and is straightforward to cross in both directions.

No special restrictions for most nationalities – standard passport control.

Crossing point: Bagratashen (Armenia side) / Sadakhlo (Georgia side) – used by buses, marshrutkas, taxis, and private cars.

Tbilisi ↔ Baku (Georgia & Azerbaijan)

The distance between Tbilisi and Baku is approximately 550km by road. Before 2020, travelers had several overland options. Since the pandemic border closures, the situation has changed significantly – and only partially recovered.

Option 1: Fly from Tbilisi to Baku – The Most Practical for Most Travelers

For the majority of international visitors, flying between Tbilisi and Baku is the simplest and most reliable option. The flight takes under one hour, and multiple carriers operate the route, including AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines) and Georgian Airways.

  • Flight time: ~50 minutes
  • Airlines: AZAL, Georgian Airways, and others
  • Price: from approximately $ 120- $ 220 one-way, depending on timing and airline
  • Airports: Tbilisi International (TBS) → Heydar Aliyev International (GYD)
  • Frequency: several flights per day in both directions

💡 Tip: Book early for the best prices, especially in summer (June–September). Check both AZAL and Georgian Airways – prices vary significantly by date.

Option 2: The Tbilisi-Baku Train (Resumed May 2026 – With Restrictions)

After a six-year suspension, the overnight train between Tbilisi and Baku resumed on May 26, 2026, operated by Azerbaijan Railways on modern Stadler sleeping coaches. This is genuinely exciting news – but it comes with an important restriction that many travelers will not be aware of.

⚠️ Who Can Use the Tbilisi–Baku Train

Tickets on the Tbilisi–Baku train are only available to passengers who can enter Azerbaijan without a visa.

Many Western nationalities – including UK, US, EU, Australian, and Canadian citizens – require an Azerbaijani e-visa to enter Azerbaijan.

These travelers CANNOT purchase tickets for this train at present.

Nationalities that can travel to Azerbaijan visa-free (including citizens of CIS countries, Turkey, and select others) can use this train freely.

Check the current Azerbaijani e-visa requirements for your nationality at: evisa.gov.az

For those who can use the train, it is a genuinely excellent option – a comfortable overnight journey that saves a night’s accommodation and delivers you to the other capital in the morning.

💡 Tip: But be aware! The tickets are sold quickly.

🚂 Tbilisi–Baku Train: Schedule & Fares (2026)

Baku → Tbilisi: departs 23:10 daily, arrives 08:41 the next morning

Tbilisi → Baku: departs 21:00 daily, arrives 06:24 the next morning

Stops in Azerbaijan: Bilajari, Yevlakh, Ganja, Agstafa, Böyük Kəsik

Stops in Georgia: Gardabani, Tbilisi Central

Border crossing: at Böyük Kəsik / Gardabani stations — border control on board; no need to leave the train

Fares (one-way, from Baku):

Comfort (4-berth compartment): from 81 AZN (~$48)

Lux (2-berth with private shower/toilet): from 180 AZN (~$106)

Train operated by: Azerbaijan Railways (Stadler coaches)

Book at: Baku or Tbilisi railway station ticket offices

Option 3: Private Car or Rental Car

Driving between Tbilisi and Baku is possible, but only in the direction from Azerbaijan into Georgia, as noted above. If you are finishing your trip in Azerbaijan and heading to Georgia, this is actually a great option: the Azerbaijani side of the route passes through the Silk Road city of Ganja and the green Sheki region, which make excellent stops along the way.

The drive takes approximately 8–10 hours depending on stops and border wait times.

💡 Tip: You will need to go through passport and luggage inspections before walking around 700 meters through the neutral zone with your luggage to the other side of the border. This may be a bit tiring because the path includes crossing small steps along the way. After you’ve completed all border requirements, you can continue your Georgian tour.

📍 A Brief Overview: Tbilisi-Baku and Baku-Tbilisi transportation

Distance: ~550 km by road

Flight: ~50 min | from $120 | several daily | ✅ All nationalities

Train: ~9.5 hours overnight | from $48 | daily | ⚠️ Visa-free/visa-holders only

Private car (AZ→GE only): 8-10 hours | ⚠️ One direction only for most visitors

Recommendation for most travelers: Fly

Tbilisi ↔ Yerevan (Georgia & Armenia)

The overland route between Tbilisi and Yerevan is one of the classic Caucasus journeys – 270km through the Debed Canyon, past ancient monasteries, and across the Georgian-Armenian border at Sadakhlo-Bagratashen. There are four good ways to make this trip, all of them open to all nationalities.

Option 1: Overnight Train – The Most Atmospheric

The overnight sleeper between Tbilisi and Yerevan is one of the last great slow-travel connections in the region. You board in the evening, cross the border while you sleep (passport control happens on board at around 2–3 am without leaving your bunk), and wake up in a different country in time for breakfast. In summer, the service extends to Batumi, making it a Batumi–Tbilisi–Yerevan route.

🚂 Tbilisi–Yerevan Train: Schedule & Fares (2026)

LOW SEASON (Oct 2 – Jun 13): Every other night

Tbilisi → Yerevan (Train #371): departs ~20:20 on odd-numbered dates, arrives ~06:55

Yerevan → Tbilisi (Train #372): departs ~21:30 on even-numbered dates, arrives ~07:35

SUMMER (Jun 14 – Oct 1): Every other night (Batumi–Tbilisi–Yerevan service)

Tbilisi → Yerevan: departs ~22:15, arrives ~09:00

  Yerevan → Tbilisi: departs ~14:05 from Yerevan, arrives Tbilisi ~00:11

Journey time: ~10 hours | Border crossing: on board, no need to leave the bunk

Buy tickets: Tbilisi Central Station ticket office, or Yerevan station (Sasuntsi David)

Online booking via southcaucasus-railway.am (can be unreliable – station purchase recommended)

Book several days ahead; min 5 days ahead in the July–August peak

💡 Tip: The train does not run every night – check the schedule carefully before planning your dates. In low season, there is one departure every two nights from each city.

Option 2: Marshrutka (Shared Minibus) – Cheapest

The marshrutka is the most popular option for budget travelers and the most frequent. Minibuses run daily between Tbilisi and Yerevan, departing from multiple points in Tbilisi throughout the morning.

  • Departure points in Tbilisi: Avlabari metro station, Station Square (Sadguris Moedani), Ortachala Bus Station
  • Departure points in Yerevan: Kilikia Bus Station (Admiral Isakov Avenue)
  • Schedule from Tbilisi: approx. 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 – departs when full
  • Price: from ~50 GEL (~$18) from Tbilisi | ~8,000 AMD (~$21) from Yerevan
  • Journey time: 5-7 hours including border crossing
  • Border crossing: Sadakhlo- Bagratashen checkpoint – all passengers exit the vehicle for passport control

💡 Tip: The Debed Canyon route (via Alaverdi) passes the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin – ask your driver to stop, or choose a private transfer that offers flexibility for these detours.

Option 3: Shared Taxi – Better Comfort, Same Price Range

Shared taxis gather passengers at the same departure points as marshrutkas and leave when full, typically carrying 3-4 passengers. They are slightly faster and more comfortable than the minibus, and prices are comparable at around $30-40 per seat.

Option 4: Private Transfer – Most Comfortable & Flexible

A private car between Tbilisi and Yerevan takes 5-6 hours and allows you to stop wherever you want; the Debed Canyon monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are right on the route and deserve at least a 30-minute stop. Prices start from approximately $120-150 per car (not per person) for a 4-seater, making it competitive for groups of 2-4.

Caucasus Trip can arrange private transfers between Tbilisi and Yerevan as part of a broader Caucasus itinerary. Contact us to arrange.

Option 5: Fly – Fastest but not the cheapest

Currently, the route is operated by Georgian Airways and FlyOne Armenia. The flight takes only about 30-40 minutes, with around 6 direct flights per week in the current schedule.

  • Tbilisi (TBS) → Yerevan (EVN)
  • Flight time: 30–40 minutes
  • Airlines: Georgian Airways / FlyOne Armenia
  • Arrival: Zvartnots International Airport
  • Indicative round-trip prices vary considerably by date; September/October have recently shown relatively lower fares.
📍 A Brief Overview: Tbilisi-Yerevan and Yerevan-Tbilisi transportation

Distance: ~270 km by road

Overnight train: ~10 hours | from $13 | every other night | ✅ All nationalities

Marshrutka: 5–7 hours | from $18 | daily, multiple departures | ✅ All nationalities

Shared taxi: 5–6 hours | ~$30–40/seat | on demand | ✅ All nationalities

Private transfer: 5–6 hours | from ~$120/car | flexible stops | ✅ All nationalities

Flight: No direct route — not recommended

Recommended: Overnight train (for the experience) or marshrutka (for frequency)

Baku ↔ Yerevan (Azerbaijan & Armenia)

This is the most complicated connection in the Caucasus because it doesn’t exist directly. The border between Azerbaijan and Armenia is closed. Getting between Baku and Yerevan always means transiting through Georgia, which turns what looks like a short journey on the map into a two-day trip minimum.

⚠️ No Direct Route Between Baku & Yerevan

The Azerbaijan–Armenia border is closed. There is no direct bus, train, flight, or road crossing between the two countries.

All travel between Baku and Yerevan goes via Georgia (Tbilisi).

Minimum realistic travel time: 2 days (one day Baku → Tbilisi, one day Tbilisi → Yerevan)

Most travelers use this as an opportunity to spend time in Tbilisi between legs, which is highly recommended.

The Standard Route: Baku → Tbilisi → Yerevan

The most logical way to travel the full Caucasus circuit is:

  • Day 1: Fly Baku → Tbilisi (or cross overland Azerbaijan → Georgia if eligible)
  • Day 2–3: Spend time in Tbilisi (or travel onward to Kakheti, Kazbegi, Svaneti, etc.)
  • Day 3–4: Take the overnight train, shared marshrutka, or private transfer from Tbilisi → Yerevan

This also works in reverse: Yerevan → Tbilisi → Baku, with the same transit structure. The total journey time from Baku to Yerevan (non-stop, without sightseeing) is approximately 20–30 hours depending on connections.

📍 Baku–Yerevan: The Full Route

Step 1: Baku → Tbilisi (fly ~50 min | or overland AZ→GE if eligible)

Step 2: Tbilisi layover (minimum a few hours; ideally 1–2 nights)

Step 3: Tbilisi → Yerevan (train ~10 hours overnight | or marshrutka ~6-7 hours)

 

Total travel time (non-stop connections): 18-30 hours

Recommended: Break the journey with at least one night in Tbilisi

Suggested Multi-Country Caucasus Itineraries

Classic Caucasus Circuit: 14 Days

  • Days 1-4: Fly into Baku, Azerbaijan; explore Baku & surroundings, trips to Gobustan or Gabala
  • Days 5-9: Fly or drive Baku → Tbilisi; explore Tbilisi and Georgia (Kazbegi, Mtskheta, Kakheti)
  • Days 10-14: Fly or drive Tbilisi → Yerevan; explore Armenia (Yerevan, Geghard, Lake Sevan, Tatev)

Georgia to Armenia Road Trip: 10 Days

  • Days 1–5: Drive Georgia (Tbilisi, Kakheti, Kazbegi, Batumi)
  • Day 6: Drive Tbilisi → Yerevan via Debed Canyon (stop at Haghpat monastery)
  • Days 7–10: Explore Armenia (Yerevan, Geghard, Lake Sevan, Tatev)

Want a tailor-made Caucasus itinerary? Contact our team — we specialize in private tours across all three countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel from Georgia to Azerbaijan by land?

Currently, you cannot cross the Georgia–Azerbaijan land border by car; you can only take the night train from Tbilisi to Baku, only if you are eligible to enter Azerbaijan — meaning you qualify for visa-free access to Azerbaijan. Most Western nationalities need a visa. Check your requirements at evisa.gov.az before planning overland travel.

Is there a direct bus from Tbilisi to Baku?

There are no regular scheduled bus services between Tbilisi and Baku for international tourists at this time. The main options are the newly restored overnight train (with visa restrictions, as above), or the best option is flying from Tbilisi to Baku.

Who can take the Tbilisi–Baku train?

As of 2026, tickets for the Tbilisi–Baku train are only sold to travelers who can enter Azerbaijan without a visa. Citizens of CIS countries, Turkey, and several other nationalities qualify for visa-free access. Most EU, UK, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens require an e-visa to enter Azerbaijan – check your current status before attempting to book train tickets.

Is there a direct flight between Tbilisi and Yerevan?

Yes, there is a direct scheduled flight between Tbilisi (TBS) and Yerevan (EVN). Taking the train, shared minibuses, or private transfers is strongly recommended for this route.

Can I rent a car in Georgia and drive it to Armenia?

Some of the car rental companies in Georgia permit cross-border travel into Armenia, but always confirm this with your rental company before booking. Currently, Caucasus Trip offers car rental service only within Georgian territory.

How long does the Georgia–Armenia border crossing take?

At the Sadakhlo–Bagratashen crossing, expect 30–60 minutes for a routine crossing in a private vehicle or shared taxi. Marshrutkas may take longer as all passengers exit together. The crossing is generally smooth – have your passport ready and your vehicle documents in order.

What is the procedure for the Azerbaijan-Georgia border crossing?

You must complete passport and luggage checks in Azerbaijan, then walk roughly 700 meters through the neutral zone with your luggage to the other side of the border. Finally, you complete all border formalities on the Georgian side.

Plan Your Caucasus Tour

The logistics of traveling between Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are more nuanced than they appear on a map – but once you understand the connections, the restrictions, and the best options for your nationality, planning a multi-country Caucasus tour is very manageable. The journey between these countries is part of the experience: an overnight train through the Caucasus, a marshrutka winding through the Debed Canyon, a flight over the Caspian Sea.

Caucasus Trip specializes in private tours to the Caucasus, tailor-made itineraries across all three countries. Whether you need help planning the route, arranging transfers, or booking a rental car, we’re here to help.

→ Browse multi-country Caucasus tours

→ Contact us to plan your itinerary

About Caucasus Trip

Caucasus Trip is a family-run travel agency based in Tbilisi, Georgia, specializing in private tours to the Caucasus, car rentals, and tailor-made tours across Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.