The journey from Kutaisi to Tbilisi is long (~229 km) and, at times, nerve-wracking. The roads are unpredictable—cows and pigs may wander across your path, and local drivers follow their own set of unwritten rules. But despite the occasional chaos, the scenery outside your window is absolutely breathtaking. Along the way, there are several remarkable sights worth visiting, including the ancient rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe and the UNESCO-listed Jvari Monastery. That’s where we are headed today.
So sit back and enjoy a virtual road trip from Kutaisi to Tbilisi with us.
Tip: Both sites are located near Tbilisi, so if you’re not driving across the country from Kutaisi to Tbilisi they are also perfect for day trips from Tbilisi.
Location: Jvari ; Uplistsikhe ; Surami fortress
Cost: Uplistsikhe has an entrance fee
How to get there: Driving
Changing Landscapes on Your Drive From Kutaisi to Tbilisi
Different regions of Georgia feel like entirely different worlds, but there is one unifying element—the mountains.
As you leave Kutaisi, the landscape is lush and green, with forest-covered hills stretching as far as the eye can see. But as you approach Tbilisi, the scenery shifts—trees give way to dry, rolling hills in warm, earthy tones. If you’ve never taken the route from Kutaisi to Tbilisi before, the ever-changing landscapes alone make the trip worthwhile.
And before long, you’ll start spotting roadside vendors, sometimes in seemingly impossible locations. They sell everything from ceramics and textiles to fresh fruits, freshly grilled corn, and even woven chairs—a testament to Georgia’s rich craftsmanship and agricultural traditions.
When the views are this beautiful the hours fly. But you do start to feel a bit stiffness in your legs, so we should definitely make couple of stops along our drive from Kutaisi to Tbilisi.
A Quick Stop on The Way From Kutaisi to Tbilisi: Surami Fortress
If you are in a time crunch and only need a short break, consider stopping at Surami Fortress. Exploring the ruins won’t take more than 10 minutes, as only fragments of the original structure remain. However, the real highlight here is the panoramic view from the top.
Don’t miss the stunning vista through a small stone window—it perfectly frames the landscape beyond.
Lesson of the Day
Locals seem to be extremely friendly here – even if they don’t speak a word in your language they will still do their best to show you the way even if that’s using sign language. I appreciate that!
A Must-See Stop On Drive From Kutaisi to Tbilisi: Uplistsikhe Cave Town
Has an entrance fee.
Uplistsikhe is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. This ancient cave city is a labyrinth of chambers, tunnels, and rock-hewn temples, each one offering a new corner to explore. There are plenty of places to climb and peek into, transforming your visit into an exciting adventure and a bit of an obstacle course. So make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes for the journey!
For those who take a moment to truly look, hidden treasures await in the seemingly empty rock-hewn chambers—like delicate fragments of ceiling decorations, preserved for centuries. And the panoramic views from the cliffs of Uplistsikhe? Absolutely spellbinding, offering a sweeping vista that will leave you in awe.
So, what exactly is Uplistsikhe? It’s a place that has worn many hats over the centuries. Once a pagan monastery, it later evolved into a Christian basilica. It also served as a fortress of strategic importance and was a thriving settlement. To truly understand the depth of its history, don’t miss the fascinating short film in the on-site museum. Trust me—it’s a must-watch before you set off to explore the rock-hewn temple-fortresses-city of Uplistsikhe . The film will offer you a whole new perspective on this site’s rich history and its cultural significance, transforming your visit into an even more immersive experience.
Looking at the Uplistsikhe’s organic shapes with the dark caves peaking at us like the hundred eyes of a sleeping monster, it is crazy to think that people carved some of these structures as early as 1 millennium AD.
And for the grand finale—if you’ve secured the full ticket and are not the one driving, your Uplistsikhe adventure culminates in a charming wine cellar, where you’ll be introduced to the centuries-old tradition of Georgian winemaking. The wine is crafted in special clay vessels buried underground, a method passed down through generations. And yes, of course—you’ll get to taste four exquisite local wines, each one a reflection of Georgia’s rich culture.
A Spectacular stop on Drive From Kutaisi to Tbilisi: Jvari Monastery
Even from a distance, you’ll spot Jvari Monastery, standing majestically atop a hill.
Many visitors come here to admire the 6th-century monastery (built between 586-605 AD), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with deep spiritual and historical significance. It’s a place that tells the story of the decline of paganism and the rise of Christianity in Georgia.
Others visit for the breathtaking panoramic views. From the monastery walls, you can see the exact point where two rivers meet—a mesmerizing sight, beautifully complemented by the city rooftops below and the rugged mountain backdrop. I think mountains make everything more magical!
Unfortunately, our timing wasn’t great. Google listed the closing time as 10 PM, but when we arrived, the doors were locked. A handwritten sign stated that the monastery closes at 5:30 PM. But the stunning, time worn, stone exterior and the views still made the journey worthwhile.
I was dreading the long drive from Kutaisi to Tbilisi, but the fun attractions we explored along the way not only made it tolerable – they made the road trip day into an adventure of its own. So I hope these ideas on what to see on drive from Kutaisi to Tbilisi will help you to plan your Georgia road trip as well.
