Yerevan–Batumi Summer Express

South Caucasus Railway (SCR) / Georgian Railways
Armenia
Georgia
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The Journey

Navigate from Yerevan Central (Sasuntsi David) to Batumi Central across a span of 551km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Crossing the Armenian highlands and Lori Gorge on the northbound route from Yerevan to Tbilisi
  • Descending from the Caucasus into the Kolkheti lowlands approaching the Black Sea coast
  • Approaching Batumi along the Georgian Black Sea coastline — palms and sea views
  • Overnight traverse of Georgia's interior with dawn views over the Caucasus foothills
  • Views of Tbilisi's Narikala fortress as the train passes through Georgia's capital
  • Agricultural lowlands and tea plantations near Batumi on the approach from the north
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    17.5 hours

  • Distance

    551 km

  • Est. Price

    AMD 17,000–35,000 per person (approx. USD 44–91 — excellent value for a 17+ hour international journey)

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

SCR-operated diesel or electric haulage on Armenian segment; Georgian Railways diesel or electric on Georgian segment. Trained consisted of SCR comfortable carriages built by Transmashholding with air-conditioning and vacuum toilet systems.

Locomotive Weight

Varies by segment — SCR uses EP2D (120 km/h, 3 kV DC electric) on electrified sections; Georgian segment uses GE-built or Ukrainian locomotives

Track Gauge

1,520 mm Russian gauge throughout (Armenia and Georgia share gauge)

Braking Technology

Pneumatic air brakes standard on all SCR and Georgian Railway rolling stock

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Lori Gorge crossing in northern Armenia — deep river valley requiring multiple bridges and embankments

  • Caucasus watershed crossing at elevation — mountain passes with significant gradient changes

  • Tbilisi junction transit requires routing through the city rail node as an intermediate stop

  • Approach to Batumi along the Kolkheti lowlands — flat but coastal engineering with drainage challenges

  • No direct Armenia–Turkey rail link (border closed); all international traffic routed via Georgia

Maximum Speed

100 km/h (Armenia) / 120 km/h (Georgia)

Gauge

1,520 mm Russian gauge (standard)

Carriage Types

Platzkart (open bunk), Kupe (4-berth), SV/Lux (2-berth first class)

Air Conditioning

Yes — all carriages equipped

Shower Facilities

SV/Lux carriages only

Operator

South Caucasus Railway (Armenia) / Georgian Railways (Georgia)

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    17.5 hours

  • Distance

    551 km

  • Est. Price

    AMD 17,000–35,000 per person (approx. USD 44–91 — excellent value for a 17+ hour international journey)

Official Booking Provider