Batumi is Georgia's seaside resort and casino city on the Black Sea coast. Thanks to its proximity to the Sarp land border, one of the most practical ways to reach Batumi from Turkey is to fly into Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV) and cross overland. Many travellers fly to RZV instead of Batumi Airport, because flights from within Turkey are more frequent and often cheaper, and the border is about 1.5 hours away. There is no direct service from the airport to Batumi; the route runs in two or three stages via Hopa and Sarp. This guide compares the shuttle + dolmuş + marshrutka, direct minibus and private transfer options.
A passport is required to cross the border (a national ID card is not accepted). Prices are June 2026 estimates; times vary with border traffic. Carry Turkish lira (TRY) on the Turkish side and Georgian lari (GEL) on the Georgian side.
Route Overview
Rize-Artvin Airport (Pazar) → Hopa → Sarp border gate → (cross on foot) → Batumi.
- Airport to Hopa: about 57 km, ~1 hour by Havaş shuttle
- Hopa to Sarp: about 18 km
- Sarp to Batumi centre: about 20 km, ~20-30 minutes by marshrutka/taxi
By bus the airport reaches Sarp in about 1 hour 12 minutes and Batumi centre in about 1 hour 23 minutes (excluding waiting time at the border).
Option 1: Shuttle + Dolmuş + Marshrutka (Cheapest)
The most economical route is the Havaş shuttle from the airport to Hopa, a dolmuş from Hopa to Sarp, then a marshrutka on the Georgian side after crossing on foot.
Step 1, Airport to Hopa (Shuttle)
- Fare: 300 TRY (adult), 150 TRY (child)
- Time: ~1 hour
- Arrival: Hopa, in front of the Chamber of Commerce
The Havaş shuttle leaves from outside the terminal, timed to flight arrivals. For current times see the Rize-Artvin Airport shuttle page.
Step 2, Hopa to Sarp (Dolmuş)
Dolmuş minibuses run frequently from Hopa to the Sarp border gate (about 18 km). The fare is around 50-100 TRY and the trip takes 20-30 minutes. Turkish lira is used on board.
Step 3, Sarp to Batumi (Cross on Foot + Marshrutka)
Get off at Sarp and pass through passport control via the pedestrian corridor. In the square just outside customs you will find marshrutkas marked "Batumi" and taxis; the city centre is about 20 minutes away. Carry GEL for the Georgian side.
Total cost: around 400-500 TRY per person (including the marshrutka after the border) Total time: around 2.5-3 hours (including the border crossing)
Option 2: Direct Rize-Batumi Minibus
Minibuses (dolmuş) also run directly from Rize and Hopa to Batumi. On these you get off at Sarp, cross on foot, and continue with the same or a connecting vehicle, which gives you the convenience of a single ticket. From the airport you can connect via the Havaş shuttle to Rize centre or Hopa.
- Fare: varies (by operator)
- Advantage: one vehicle, fewer transfers
Option 3: Taxi or Private Transfer
You can take a taxi directly from the airport to Sarp and cross the border, or book a door-to-door cross-border private transfer. This is the most comfortable choice with luggage, families or late arrivals.
- Taxi (airport to Sarp, ~75 km): estimated ~3,000-3,500 TRY
- Private transfer (airport to a Batumi hotel): varies by operator, booking in advance recommended
Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle + dolmuş + marshrutka | ~400-500 TRY (per person) | ~2.5-3 hours | With transfers |
| Direct minibus | Varies | ~2.5-3 hours | Single vehicle |
| Taxi / private transfer | ~3,000 TRY+ (total) | ~2-2.5 hours | Door to door |
For solo travellers the shuttle + dolmuş + marshrutka combination is the most economical. For families and travellers with luggage, a direct minibus or private transfer is more practical.
Border Crossing: What to Know
Passport: A valid passport is required to cross at Sarp; ID cards are not accepted. Visa-free access depends on your nationality, so check before you travel.
Opening hours: The Sarp border gate is open 24 hours, but queues can be long in peak season and at weekends.
Money: Turkish lira works on the Turkish-side dolmuşes. After crossing, carry Georgian lari (GEL) for the marshrutkas and taxis on the Georgian side.
Phone/internet: In Batumi use a Georgian SIM or an eSIM. Your Turkish line works on roaming but can be expensive.
Step by Step: Cheapest Route
- Follow the Havaş signs from arrivals.
- Buy a 300 TRY ticket for the Hopa route and board.
- Reach Hopa in about 1 hour.
- Take a dolmuş from Hopa to Sarp (~18 km).
- Get off at Sarp and pass through passport control via the pedestrian corridor.
- On the Georgian side board a "Batumi" marshrutka or taxi; you reach the centre in about 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Batumi from Rize-Artvin Airport? About 90-95 km via the Sarp border gate. By bus the airport reaches Batumi centre in about 1 hour 23 minutes excluding border waiting time; with the crossing it can take 2.5-3 hours.
Is there a direct bus from Rize-Artvin Airport to Batumi? There is no direct airport-to-Batumi service. The cheapest way is the Havaş shuttle to Hopa (300 TRY), then a dolmuş to Sarp and a marshrutka after the border. Direct Rize and Hopa to Batumi minibuses also exist.
Does it make sense to fly to Rize instead of Batumi Airport? For most travellers, yes. Flights from Turkey to Rize-Artvin are usually more frequent and cheaper, and the border is about 1.5 hours away. Direct Batumi flights can be fewer and seasonal.
What do I need to cross the Sarp border? A valid passport is required; ID cards are not accepted. Visa-free access depends on your nationality, so check in advance. The gate is open 24 hours.
How do I get to Batumi after crossing? After the pedestrian crossing at Sarp, marshrutkas marked "Batumi" and taxis wait in the square on the Georgian side. The city centre is about 20 minutes away. Carry some Georgian lari (GEL).
Which currency works on the Sarp dolmuş? Turkish lira is used on the Hopa-Sarp dolmuşes on the Turkish side. You need GEL for the vehicles on the Georgian side.
