How to get from Antalya to Tbilisi
Antalya to Tbilisi is easiest by air (often via Istanbul), but you can also go overland along the Black Sea via the Sarp border, combining long-distance coaches with a Batumi–Tbilisi train, or drive yourself across Turkey and into Georgia. Below you’ll find the best routes, how to book, and step-by-steps with map links.
At A Glance (Antalya to Tbilisi)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (AYT→TBS, often 1 stop via Istanbul) | ~4.5–7h total (incl. connection) | Fastest & simplest |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~TRY 2,500–6,500 one-way (seasonal) » compare flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Long-Distance Coach (Antalya→Batumi/Tbilisi) | ~20–28h (border-dependent) | Lowest cost without flying |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~TRY 1,200–2,400 to Georgia, then GEL 20–60 onward | ||
| 🚌🚆 Coach to Batumi + Train to Tbilisi | ~22–30h (split into segments) | More comfort on final leg |
| 🏷️ Cost: Coach ~TRY 1,200–2,000 + train GEL ~25–70 » browse options | ||
| 🚗 Self-Drive (via D400/E70 → Sarp → Georgia) | ~16–20h (with rest stops) | Scenic route & stopovers |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~TRY 1,200–2,500/day + fuel/tolls/insurance » compare rentals | Trip.com cars | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer (to border or door-to-door combo) | ~16–20h (split with driver switches) | Families, lots of luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: From ~TRY 12,000+ (Antalya→Sarp) + GEL leg » get quotes | Welcome Pickups Tbilisi | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly Antalya (AYT) → Tbilisi (TBS)—often via Istanbul; minimal border hassle.
- Cheapest without flying: Overland coach all the way (be patient at Sarp border).
- More comfortable overland: Coach to Batumi + Georgian Rail to Tbilisi—sleep or stretch on the train.
- Road trip & scenery: Self-drive with stops in Kaş, Fethiye, Marmaris, İzmir, Çanakkale, Samsun, Rize (choose your line); or combine drivers with a private transfer.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Air tickets: Compare fares and flight times on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com.
- Transfers on arrival: In Tbilisi, consider a meet-and-greet ride with Welcome Pickups, or use local ride-hailing (Bolt/Yandex) from the airport/train station. For fixed long routes, compare GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: Kill time bag-free with Radical Storage Antalya or Radical Storage Tbilisi.
- Border notes (Sarp): Queues fluctuate—carry snacks/water, keep passports ready, and check visa-free rules for your nationality.
- Money & SIMs: Cards work in both countries; pick up a Georgian SIM at TBS or central Tbilisi if staying longer.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight (AYT→TBS, often 1 stop via Istanbul)
Fastest Multiple daily via IST/SAW Airport transfers needed
- Overview: Fly from Antalya Airport (AYT) to Tbilisi (TBS). Most days this routes with a short connection in Istanbul (IST/SAW). On arrival, it’s a 25–35 min ride into central Tbilisi.
- How to book (with price): Typical one-way fares ~TRY 2,500–6,500 depending on season. Compare schedules on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. Arrange a pickup at TBS with Welcome Pickups or pre-quote via GetTransfer.
- Pros: Quickest door-to-door, reliable. Cons: Price spikes in peak months; checked-bag fees vary by airline.
Step-by-step: Flight
- Get to Antalya Airport (AYT) by taxi/ride-hail or hotel shuttle. If you need storage before flying, check Radical Storage Antalya.
- Compare and book your ticket on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online and arrive 2–3 hours early.
- Connect via IST or SAW (follow transfer signs). Keep boarding passes/passport ready.
- Land at Tbilisi (TBS); take a prebooked Welcome Pickups car, a GetTransfer quote, or local Bolt/Yandex to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (AYT & TBS)
- AYT departures: Wide choice of city taxis and hotel shuttles; leave buffer for security/traffic.
- TBS arrivals: ATMs, SIMs, and transfer counters available in the arrivals hall.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Long-Distance Coach (Cheapest overland)
Budget No flights Border-dependent time
- Overview: Coaches run from Antalya Otogar east/northeast toward Georgia, commonly via Samsun–Rize–Hopa to the Sarp border, then onward to Batumi/Tbilisi (through tickets or change in Batumi).
- How to book (with price): Expect ~TRY 1,200–2,400 (to Batumi/Tbilisi) depending on season and seat class. For curated listings and operators, check Trip.com activities or purchase at Antalya Otogar counters a day in advance.
- Pros: Lowest cost, no baggage limits like airlines. Cons: 20–28 hours door-to-door; variable border waits.
Step-by-step: Coach
- Reach Antalya Otogar by taxi/ride-hail from your hotel; arrive early to buy/confirm seats at company counters if not pre-arranged.
- Board your overnight coach. Keep passport, snacks, water, and a light layer for AC; stops are every few hours.
- At Sarp land border, disembark for immigration with your bags; reboard on the Georgian side.
- Continue to Batumi (some coaches terminate here) or on to Tbilisi. If changing in Batumi, use a Georgian coach or train/taxi for the final leg.
Getting to the main embarking points (Antalya Otogar / Batumi / Tbilisi)
- Antalya Otogar: Large terminal with many companies; food kiosks and ATMs available.
- Batumi/Tbilisi arrivals: Local taxis (Bolt/Yandex) are plentiful; prebook a meet-and-greet with Welcome Pickups if arriving late.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌🚆 Option #3 — Coach to Batumi + Train to Tbilisi (Comfortable final leg)
Mix & match Seat/berth on train Connection required
- Overview: Ride an Antalya→Batumi coach, then switch to a Georgian Rail train (day or overnight) for a smoother Batumi→Tbilisi finish.
- How to book (with price): Coach as above (~TRY 1,200–2,000). Batumi→Tbilisi train roughly GEL 25–70 depending on class/date. Browse schedules via activity aggregators like GetYourGuide or ask at Batumi station.
- Pros: Stretch out, read/sleep on train. Cons: Timetable alignment needed; extra transfer in Batumi.
Step-by-step: Coach + Train
- Take a long-distance coach from Antalya Otogar to Batumi (via Sarp border).
- From the Batumi bus stop, taxi or walk to Batumi Railway Station (Makhinjauri) for your booked train to Tbilisi.
- Arrive at Tbilisi Central; ride Bolt/Yandex or Welcome Pickups to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Antalya Otogar / Batumi Station / Tbilisi Central)
- Transfers in Batumi: Allow buffer for border delays; consider an overnight there if needed—see hotels on Booking.com.
- Tbilisi arrival: Plenty of late-night taxis at the rail station; use apps for transparent pricing.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive Road Trip (Most Flexible & Scenic)
Freedom to stop Great views Long day
- Overview: Drive Antalya→Sarp along Turkey’s highways (coastal or inland variants), cross into Georgia, then continue to Tbilisi. Consider breaking the trip in Fethiye/Izmir/Trabzon or Batumi.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~TRY 1,200–2,500/day. Compare policies (cross-border permission, insurance) on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility, spontaneous detours. Cons: Check rental’s cross-border rules—some firms disallow international crossings; fatigue risk.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up your car in Antalya; confirm HGS (toll), insurance, and written cross-border approval (if taking the car into Georgia).
- Plan your route to Sarp Border Crossing (via coastal D400/E70/E70-Black Sea or inland via Ankara–Samsun–Rize).
- At the border, complete exit/entry formalities; carry vehicle documents/green card insurance as required.
- Continue through Batumi toward Tbilisi (E70/E60); rest every 2–3 hours.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots / Sarp / Tbilisi)
- Rental depots: Airport counters have longer hours; downtown offices may not support cross-border rentals—ask first.
- Georgia driving: Expect mountain sections and varying speeds; avoid night driving if unfamiliar.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Combo (Door-to-Door w/ Border Handover)
Hassle-free Great for families Costly
- Overview: Hire a Turkish driver from Antalya to Sarp, walk the border, then meet a Georgian driver to continue to Tbilisi. Many providers quote each leg separately.
- How to book (with price): From ~TRY 12,000+ Antalya→Sarp (vehicle type/time), plus GEL pricing for Sarp→Tbilisi. Compare quotes on GetTransfer and schedule your Georgian pickup with Welcome Pickups.
- Pros: Zero bus terminals, custom stops, child seats on request. Cons: Most expensive option; two bookings to coordinate.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer Combo
- Request a quote Antalya→Sarp on GetTransfer (include passenger count, luggage, rest-stop preferences).
- Book a second ride Sarp→Tbilisi with a Georgian provider or Welcome Pickups (confirm border pickup side/time).
- On the day, ride to Sarp, cross on foot with bags, meet your Georgian driver, then continue to your hotel in Tbilisi.
Getting to the main embarking points (Antalya city / Sarp / Tbilisi)
- Antalya pickup: Hotels, airport, or private address—drivers monitor flights for delays.
- Tbilisi drop: Any hotel/apartment; late-night arrivals supported.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Antalya to Tbilisi)
Is there a direct flight?
Schedules vary by season. Most days route via Istanbul (IST/SAW). Check current options on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
How long is the overland trip?
Antalya→Tbilisi by coach typically takes 20–28 hours, depending on route, traffic, and Sarp border queues.
Is the border open 24/7?
Sarp operates around the clock, but lines can be long at peak times/holidays. Carry snacks, water, and patience.
Can I take a rental car across the border?
Only if your rental contract explicitly allows cross-border travel and you have the right insurance. Many firms prohibit it—ask before booking.
Where should I stay if I split the journey?
Batumi is a convenient overnight before the last leg to Tbilisi. Browse stays on Booking.com (Batumi) or plan a late arrival into Tbilisi with a prebooked pickup.
Any luggage tips?
Keep valuables and documents on you. If you have time to sightsee before departure/after arrival, use Radical Storage Antalya or Radical Storage Tbilisi.