Navtlugi Bus Station (Samgori): Tbilisi to Kakheti by Marshrutka

Navtlugi Bus Station is one of Tbilisi’s main departure points for eastern Georgia, particularly the Kakheti wine region. Located beside Samgori Metro Station, it is commonly used by travellers heading to Sighnaghi, Telavi, Sagarejo, Gurjaani, Kvareli, Tsnori, Alvani and other towns and villages in Kakheti.

The station is also known as Samgori Bus Station, Navtlugi Intercity Bus Terminal or simply Samgori. These names usually refer to the same departure area near Samgori Metro Station.

Navtlugi is not a modern, clearly organised bus terminal. It is a relatively small and busy departure area with marshrutka minivans, ticket kiosks and drivers announcing different destinations. It can feel confusing at first, but finding the correct vehicle is usually easy once you ask for your destination.

Last updated: August 2026

Navtlugi Bus Station: Quick Information

• Main destinations: Kakheti and other parts of eastern Georgia
• Also known as: Samgori Bus Station or Navtlugi Intercity Bus Terminal
• Nearest metro: Samgori Metro Station
• Station phone: +995 599 39 35 35
• Main transport: Marshrutka minivans
• Payment: Usually cash in Georgian lari
• Recommended arrival time: At least 30 minutes before departure
• Advance booking: Usually unavailable for vehicles departing from Navtlugi

Important Information About Schedules and Fares

Georgia does not have one complete and reliable online timetable for all regional marshrutkas. Departure times, fares and even departure locations can change without being updated online.

The schedules listed below should therefore be treated as a practical guide rather than a guaranteed timetable. Confirm your departure locally, especially if you are travelling:

• On a public holiday
• During winter
• On the last service of the day
• To a small village
• With a large group
• During the busy summer season

If possible, call the station or ask your hotel or guesthouse to confirm the service in Georgian.

How to Get to Navtlugi Bus Station

By Metro

The easiest and cheapest way to reach Navtlugi Bus Station is by metro.

Take Tbilisi Metro’s First Line, shown in red on metro maps, and travel to Samgori Metro Station. From Liberty Square, take the train in the direction of Varketili. Samgori is four stops from Liberty Square, and the journey normally takes around 10 minutes.

A standard metro journey costs 1 GEL and includes unlimited transfers on municipal transport for 90 minutes when the same accepted payment method is used. Payment is possible with a MetroMoney card or a supported contactless bank card.

At Samgori Metro Station, follow the exit signs towards Mevele Street or the bus station. After leaving the station, continue towards the main avenue and look for the smaller marshrutka departure area.

Do not automatically enter the first large parking area you see. The vehicles for Sighnaghi, Telavi and other Kakheti destinations normally wait in a smaller area nearby. Ask a driver or station worker for your destination if you are unsure.

You can simply say the name of the town or show its Georgian spelling on your phone.

By Taxi

When using Bolt or another taxi app in Georgia, enter Navtlugi Intercity Bus Terminal as your destination.

Check that the destination marker is beside Samgori Metro Station. “Navtlugi” is also the name of the wider neighbourhood, so entering only the neighbourhood name may take you to the wrong place.

Travel time from central Tbilisi is usually around 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Where Can You Travel From Navtlugi?

Navtlugi Bus Station mainly serves destinations in Kakheti, Georgia’s eastern wine region.

Regular or seasonal services may include:

• Sighnaghi
• Telavi
• Sagarejo
• Gurjaani
• Kvareli
• Tsnori
• Bodbe area
• Manavi
• Badiauri
• Sartichala
• Ujarma
• Gombori
• Akhmeta
• Alvani
• Pankisi Valley

Some vehicles may continue to smaller villages along the main Kakheti Highway.

Routes can change, and not every destination has daily or frequent service. For smaller towns, you may need to take a marshrutka travelling to a larger destination and ask the driver to stop along the way.

Navtlugi has occasionally served destinations outside Kakheti, but tourists travelling to western or northern Georgia should normally use another terminal.

For Kazbegi, Gudauri, Mtskheta, Gori, Borjomi, Kutaisi and many western destinations, Didube Bus Station is generally the more appropriate departure point.

Tbilisi to Sighnaghi From Navtlugi

Direct marshrutkas from Navtlugi to Sighnaghi are commonly scheduled at approximately:

• 09:00
• 11:00
• 13:00
• 15:00
• 17:00
• 18:00

An additional early departure may operate during summer, but it should be confirmed locally.

The journey normally takes around 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops. The fare is generally approximately 10–15 GEL per passenger.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. A vehicle may leave as soon as it is full, particularly during summer and on weekends.

Before boarding, confirm that the final destination is Sighnaghi and not Tsnori. Tsnori is a separate town below Sighnaghi, and you would need another marshrutka or taxi to complete the journey.

The Georgian spelling of Sighnaghi is:

სიღნაღი

Showing this word to a driver can help you find the correct vehicle.

In Sighnaghi, passengers are usually dropped near the town’s bus station or the central park area. Some drivers may stop near Bodbe Monastery if it is directly on their route, but this should be discussed before departure.

Tbilisi to Telavi From Navtlugi

Direct marshrutkas to Telavi also depart from Navtlugi. Commonly listed departure times include approximately:

• 09:00
• 11:00
• 13:15
• 14:45
• 16:45

Schedules can change, so confirm the next departure when you arrive.

The fare is usually around 15 GEL, and the journey can take approximately 2.5–3 hours. Marshrutkas often use the Kakheti Highway and may make several stops along the way.

The Georgian spelling of Telavi is: თელავი

Telavi-bound services are also available from Ortachala Central Bus Station. Ortachala may offer more departures and some services can be checked or purchased online through ticket platforms such as TKT.GE or Biletebi.ge.

Always check the departure location written on an online ticket. A ticket for a vehicle leaving from Ortachala cannot automatically be used at Navtlugi.

Travelling to Alvani, Akhmeta or Pankisi

Navtlugi can also be useful for reaching northern Kakheti, including Alvani, Akhmeta and the Pankisi Valley.

These routes are less frequent than services to Sighnaghi or Telavi. It is best to travel early in the morning and confirm the return transport before leaving Tbilisi.

Alvani is often used as a transfer point for travelling to Tusheti. However, regular marshrutkas do not drive directly from Tbilisi to Omalo. The mountain road to Tusheti requires a suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle and an experienced local driver.

The Tusheti road is seasonal and is normally accessible only during the warmer months, depending on weather and road conditions.

How to Find the Correct Marshrutka

Destination signs are normally displayed behind the vehicle’s windscreen. Many signs are written only in Georgian, although some may also include English or Russian.

If you cannot find the correct vehicle:

1. Show the destination on your phone.
2. Ask a driver or station employee.
3. Confirm the final destination before placing your luggage inside.
4. Ask about the fare and expected departure time.
5. Confirm whether the vehicle goes directly to the town centre.

Most drivers speak limited English, but they are accustomed to helping passengers find the correct vehicle.

Useful Georgian destination names include:

• Sighnaghi: სიღნაღი
• Telavi: თელავი
• Kvareli: ყვარელი
• Gurjaani: გურჯაანი
• Sagarejo: საგარეჯო
• Tsnori: წნორი
• Akhmeta: ახმეტა
• Alvani: ალვანი

Tickets and Payment

For most Navtlugi routes, tickets are purchased on the day of travel. Depending on the service, you may pay at a small ticket kiosk or directly to the driver.

Cash in Georgian lari is the safest payment method. Do not rely on being able to pay by card.

Carry small notes if possible, although drivers can normally provide change. You may not receive a printed ticket when paying directly to the driver.

Most Navtlugi marshrutkas cannot be booked online. Online tickets offered through Georgian ticket platforms usually apply to specific operators and may depart from Ortachala or another station.

When Do Marshrutkas Leave?

Many marshrutkas have scheduled departure times, but actual departures can be flexible.

A vehicle may:

• Leave early when all seats are occupied
• Wait longer if there are not enough passengers
• Make unscheduled stops to collect or drop off passengers
• Operate less frequently on holidays
• Have a reduced schedule during winter

For this reason, arrive early and avoid depending on the final departure of the day.

Morning travel is usually the safest option, especially when heading to a smaller town or planning a same-day connection.

Luggage

Marshrutkas have limited luggage space. Small backpacks and carry-on bags are normally easy to accommodate, but large suitcases can be more difficult when the vehicle is full.

If you have bulky luggage:

• Arrive earlier than other passengers
• Ask the driver where the bag will be stored
• Confirm any additional luggage charge before boarding
• Keep passports, money, electronics and medication with you
• Consider a shared or private taxi if you have several large bags

Do not assume that luggage storage or lockers will be available at the station.

What to Expect at Navtlugi Bus Station

Navtlugi is a functional local transport hub rather than a modern passenger terminal. Signs may be limited, and departures are not always announced in English.

Shops, bakeries, pharmacies, ATMs and the Navtlugi market can be found in the surrounding area. However, it is still sensible to bring water, tissues and a small snack before boarding.

Marshrutka comfort varies. Some vehicles have air conditioning, while others do not. Seat belts may not be available for every passenger, and legroom can be limited.

For a more comfortable journey, particularly during hot weather or when travelling with children, consider using a shared or private taxi.

Shared Taxis From Isani

Shared taxis to Kakheti generally wait near Isani Metro Station, one stop before Samgori when travelling from central Tbilisi.

A shared taxi normally departs after all passenger seats are occupied. It is usually faster and more comfortable than a marshrutka but costs more.

Depending on the destination, prices are often around 20–30 GEL per passenger. If you do not want to wait for other passengers, you can negotiate the price for the whole vehicle.

Agree on the price, final destination and drop-off point before getting into the car.

Returning to Tbilisi

Return schedules should be confirmed as soon as you arrive at your destination. Ask the driver where the return marshrutka departs and what time the last service leaves.

Sighnaghi-to-Tbilisi marshrutkas are commonly listed at approximately:

• 07:00
• 09:00
• 11:00
• 13:00
• 16:00
• 18:00

Telavi normally has more frequent connections to Tbilisi, but different vehicles may terminate at Samgori, Isani or Ortachala.

Do not wait until the end of the day to organise your return journey. The last service may be full, cancelled or changed without an online announcement.

Is Navtlugi the Best Option for a Kakheti Day Trip?

Navtlugi is a good budget option if you want to travel directly to one town and stay there for several hours or overnight.

It is less convenient for visiting several wineries, monasteries and villages in a single day because marshrutkas follow fixed routes and do not wait at attractions.

For a multi-stop Kakheti itinerary, a private driver or organised tour is usually more practical. If you only want to visit Sighnaghi or Telavi, travelling by marshrutka can be affordable and straightforward.

There is currently no regular passenger train service between Tbilisi and Kakheti.

FAQ

Is Navtlugi Bus Station the same as Samgori Bus Station?

In most travel instructions, yes. Navtlugi Bus Station is located beside Samgori Metro Station and is frequently called Samgori Bus Station or Navtlugi Intercity Bus Terminal.

Does Navtlugi have an online timetable?

There is no complete and consistently updated online timetable for every Navtlugi route. Confirm important departures directly at the station.

Can I buy tickets online?

Usually not for marshrutkas departing from Navtlugi. Some Telavi services from Ortachala can be purchased online, but always check the exact departure station before paying.

Can I pay by card?

Cash in Georgian lari is recommended. Individual drivers and many small ticket kiosks may not accept bank cards.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the expected departure. During summer, weekends and holidays, arriving even earlier is advisable.

Do marshrutkas operate every day?

Popular routes usually operate daily, but holiday, winter and seasonal schedules may differ. Smaller destinations may have only one or two departures per day.

Is Navtlugi the correct station for Kazbegi?

No. Travellers heading to Kazbegi or Gudauri normally use Didube Bus Station.

Is Navtlugi easy for tourists to use?

The station can appear confusing because signs and announcements are often in Georgian. However, showing your destination on your phone and asking a driver is normally enough to find the correct vehicle.