Georgian Railway cuts Tbilisi–Batumi journey time to four hours
Georgian Railway has reduced the journey time between Tbilisi and Batumi to four hours, following infrastructure improvements and the removal of speed restrictions on the route.
The reduction has been made possible by extensive work on the railway between the Georgian capital and the Black Sea coast. Georgian Railway says the track on the route has undergone complete rehabilitation, while protective fencing has been installed at locations identified as requiring additional safety measures.
The completion of a modernisation project on the pass section of the route has also allowed trains to operate at higher speeds, contributing to the shorter journey time.
The Tbilisi–Batumi route is one of Georgia's most important passenger railway services, linking the capital with the country's principal Black Sea resort and port. Cutting the journey to four hours makes rail a more attractive option for travel between the two cities.
Infrastructure improvements are continuing at stations along the route. Rehabilitation has already been completed at Ureki, Khashuri and Zestaponi, while work is currently under way at Kobuleti, Poti and Samtredia.
Further station projects are planned at Lanchkhuti, Natanebi, Ozurgeti, Khobi, Gori and Kutaisi, while work on the platform at Zestafoni is due to begin at the end of August.
The improvements are not limited to infrastructure. Georgian Railway says that five passenger trains are currently undergoing overhaul, while procurement procedures have begun for 10 new passenger trains.
Once the rolling-stock renewal programme is complete, Georgian Railway says it intends to introduce additional services and destinations, potentially giving passengers more options beyond the current network.
For now, however, the headline improvement is already being delivered: passengers travelling between Tbilisi and Batumi can now make the journey in four hours, thanks to the combination of track rehabilitation, infrastructure modernisation and higher permitted speeds.
The Summer 2026 edition of the European Rail Timetable is available NOW in print and digital formats and is the perfect partner to our Rail Map Europe.
Image courtesy of Georgia Railways.
