How do you get around Batumi and nearby sights without a car: bus payment, taxi prices, and when do you need a 4x4?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 61 days ago

TL;DR

In Batumi, city buses cost 0.70 GEL and are typically paid with a transport card, while marshrutkas usually take cash. Taxis around town are often about 10–15 GEL, but for some remote sights beyond the ticket area you may need a 4x4, with one reported price around 200 GEL.

What the community said

Besides bus No. 16, there's also route No. 88 and No. 20 — cash payment accepted.

Route 88, 20

Bus No. 16 accepts payment not only via transport card but also by bank card (note: Russian-issued cards reportedly don't work).

Bus 16 — bank card (non-Russian)

Taxis around the city are estimated at around 20–25 GEL on average, as an alternative to bus No. 16.

20–25 GEL

Bus No. 16 accepts white transport cards; it's unclear whether blue cards work. You can top up the card at ATMs (e.g., Bank of Georgia has a top-up option right on the ATM's main screen).

Bus 16, Bank of Georgia ATMs

For Batumi city buses, travelers usually use a transport card. People recommend getting or topping it up at Willmart store checkouts or at the office at 55 Gorgasali Street. Marshrutkas, however, usually take cash.

Willmart, 55 Gorgasali Street

If you're heading to a remote nature spot near Batumi, the road may be paved only as far as the ticket point, and beyond that you may need a 4x4. One traveler reported paying 200 GEL for an off-road ride further on.

200 GEL

For regular trips around Batumi, taxis were estimated at about 10–15 GEL. As a cheaper option, bus No. 16 was mentioned at 0.70 GEL, but if you drive yourself, check parking prices in advance and factor in traffic jams.

10–15 GEL, Bus 16 — 0.70 GEL