How much does it cost to hire a taxi or minivan with driver for a private trip from Batumi, and what should you know about payment?

A traveler arranged a private taxi trip to the mountains for 150 GEL for the whole car (not per person). The driver waited about 4 hours while they hiked, saw a waterfall and a lake, and had lunch by a mountain river. Including lunch (shashlik, salad, homemade wine, compote for the group), total costs came to about 290 GEL for the group, or roughly 220 GEL per person for two travelers.

Another traveler mentioned a guide with a minibus who charges 200 GEL per vehicle for a sightseeing trip around local spots.

A private minivan with driver for a trip from Batumi is quoted at about 400 GEL. Travelers suggest looking for these vehicles along Batumi Boulevard.

Renting the minivan itself without a driver may cost roughly the same as hiring one with a driver, with an estimated price of around 400 GEL.

If you need a taxi driver to wait for about 40 minutes at your stop, agree on that before starting the ride rather than during the trip.

At some stops you may need a small extra parking payment — one traveler mentioned a 2 GEL fee near a parking area by a cafe.

It is better to carry small cash for taxis, since paying with a 200 GEL note may be inconvenient and drivers may not have change.