Borjomi & Bakuriani Kukushka Train Tour — Private Day Trip from Tbilisi
1 Day
Duration
Private
Group Type
English
Language
5.0 Google
Our rating
Highlights
🚂
The Kukushka train
Historic narrow-gauge mountain railway, running since 1902 from Borjomi up to Bakuriani
🌉
Eiffel Bridge
Cross the railway bridge near Tsagveri designed by Gustave Eiffel
💧
Borjomi Central Park
Taste the famous Borjomi mineral water straight from the spring
🌲
Bakuriani
Pine-forest mountain resort at 1,700 m — snow in winter, green meadows in summer
🔒
Entirely private
Your own car and driver-guide, who meets you at Bakuriani station
🕐
Full day tour
Hotel pickup in the morning, back in Tbilisi in the evening
- Borjomi Central Park, Kukushka train, Bakuriani
- Historic train, mountains & snow
- English
Itinerary
What's Included
Included
Not included
Description
This private Borjomi and Bakuriani day trip from Tbilisi combines Georgia's most famous spa town with one of its most charming experiences: a ride on the Kukushka train, the historic narrow-gauge mountain railway that has climbed from Borjomi to the ski resort of Bakuriani since 1902. Your own car and driver-guide take care of everything else — from your Tbilisi hotel in the morning to your door in the evening.
The Kukushka Train: Georgia's Legendary Mountain Railway
The Borjomi–Bakuriani railway, known to everyone in Georgia as the Kukushka ("little cuckoo"), was built at the end of the 19th century and carried its first passengers in January 1902. The line is just 37 km long, but in that distance it climbs from about 820 m in Borjomi to 1,700 m in Bakuriani, winding slowly through pine and fir forests, past the villages of Tsaghveri, Tsemi and Libani, over bridges and through tunnels. The ride takes about 2.5 hours — slow on purpose, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the views.
The most famous part of the route is the Eiffel Bridge near Tsagveri, commissioned by the Romanov family and designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the Eiffel Tower. Crossing it in a small mountain train is one of those moments that stays with you.
The Kukushka Train Is Back on Track
The Kukushka stopped running in 2020. In October 2026 Georgia's Minister of Economy announced that the rehabilitation of the line is nearly complete and that the train is expected to return in December 2026, with new carriages designed to match the historic character of the railway. We confirm the current train schedule for your date when you book, so you always know exactly what to expect. For the full history, route details and travel tips, read our complete Kukushka train guide.
Your Route: Borjomi Park, the Kukushka and Bakuriani
After pickup from your hotel, the drive west from Tbilisi follows the Mtkvari River into the forested Borjomi Gorge. In Borjomi you walk through Borjomi Central Park, the 19th-century park around the springs that made Borjomi mineral water famous across the former Russian Empire, and you can taste the water straight from the source.
Your driver then takes you to the Kukushka station. You board the train, and while you climb through the forest, your driver drives up separately and waits for you at Bakuriani station. Bakuriani is a relaxed pine-forest mountain resort: in winter it is covered in snow and ideal for sledging, skiing or simply walking in the snow; in the warmer months it is green, cool and peaceful. After free time and an optional lunch at a local restaurant, you return to Tbilisi by private car.
Kukushka Train Tour Price per Person
The price is fixed per group, not per person: $280 for 1 to 3 people, including the private vehicle, driver-guide, the Kukushka train ticket and the Borjomi Central Park entrance tickets.
| Group size | Total price | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $280 | $280 |
| 2 people | $280 | $140 |
| 3 people | $280 | $93 |
| 4 or more | Message us on WhatsApp for a group quote | |
Beautiful in Every Season
- Winter (December–March): a snow-covered forest from the train window and real winter in Bakuriani — the most magical time for this trip.
- Spring (April–May): fresh green forests, rivers full of snowmelt and quiet roads.
- Summer (June–August): a cool mountain escape from the Tbilisi heat, with meadows and pine air in Bakuriani.
- Autumn (September–November): golden and red forests all along the gorge — a photographer's favourite.
See our Best Time to Visit Georgia guide for more on each season.
What If the Kukushka Is Not Running?
Old mountain railways sometimes pause for maintenance or bad weather. If the train is not running on your date, the day still works beautifully: your driver takes you up the same scenic road to Bakuriani by car, with photo stops along the gorge and a visit to the Green Monastery, a small medieval monastery hidden in the Borjomi forest, and the cost of the train ticket is refunded. We will always tell you as soon as we know.
Snow Days in Bakuriani
In winter Bakuriani is one of Georgia's two main ski resorts, with gentle slopes that are ideal for families and first-time skiers. You are free to rent equipment, buy a lift pass or try sledging at your own pace — these are paid locally. Not sure whether Bakuriani or Gudauri suits you better? Read our Gudauri vs Bakuriani guide, or stay longer with our Georgia Winter Tour Package.
What to Bring
Warm layers (Bakuriani is much colder than Tbilisi, especially in winter), comfortable shoes for the park, sunglasses for the snow, and a little cash in Georgian lari for lunch or snow activities — see our Money in Georgia guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Kukushka train tour from Tbilisi cost?
$280 per group for 1 to 3 people, including the private car, driver-guide, the Kukushka train ticket and Borjomi Central Park entrance. For 4 or more travellers, message us on WhatsApp for a quote.
Is the Kukushka train running again?
The train has been paused since 2020. Georgia's Ministry of Economy announced in October 2026 that the line is expected to reopen in December 2026. We confirm the schedule for your date when you book.
How long is the Kukushka train ride?
About 2.5 hours from Borjomi to Bakuriani, covering 37 km and climbing almost 900 metres.
Is the train private?
The Kukushka is a public historic train, shared with other passengers. Everything else is private: your own vehicle, your own driver-guide and a schedule built around you. Your driver meets you at Bakuriani station.
Can we ski in Bakuriani on this tour?
Yes, in winter you can spend your free time on the slopes. Equipment rental, lift passes and lessons are paid locally in Bakuriani.
Is this tour good for children?
Yes. Children of all ages love the little mountain train, and we provide a child seat in the car on request.
What happens if the train is cancelled?
We drive the same scenic route to Bakuriani by car, add a visit to the Green Monastery in the Borjomi forest, and refund the train ticket.
Ready to ride the Kukushka? Message us on WhatsApp to check availability for your dates.
Helpful Guides for This Tour
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Borjomi & Bakuriani Kukushka Train Tour — Private Day Trip from Tbilisi
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