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Kutaisi Airport (KUT) to Mestia: private transfer with a driver

Private transfer from Kutaisi Airport to Mestia, 218 km: stop at Zugdidi's Dadiani Palace and the Enguri Dam. Your own driver, pickup at arrivals. Book now.

218km from Tbilisi
6 h 10 minwithout stops
235km with every stop
$168one way, from

Route and stops

The driver stops wherever you like — for photos, coffee or lunch. Distances are by road from the start.

With all stops: 235 km · ≈ 8 h 10 min incl. visits

  1. Kutaisi Airport (KUT)Start
  2. Zugdidi (Dadiani Palace) 86 km from the start visit ≈ 1 h

    The Zugdidi Historical-Ethnographic Museum is located in the Dadiani Palace complex. The botanical garden is next to it, making it a good place to take a break on a long drive.

  3. Jvari Reservoir viewpoint 119 km from the start visit ≈ 15 min

    On the shore of the Enguri Reservoir, you can see the lake surrounded by mountains from the road. A short stop for photos is recommended.

  4. Enguri Dam 128 km from the start visit ≈ 20 min

    One of the tallest arch dams in the world. The reservoir and the gorge are clearly visible from the road, and it is a convenient photo stop.

  5. Mestia 235 km from the start

Winter

In winter, the road to Upper Svaneti, in the upper part of the gorge, may have snow, ice and avalanche-prone sections; the road can be closed temporarily, so chains and extra time are necessary.

Summer

From June to September the road is at its most comfortable and the views of the gorge are better; after the Enguri hydropower plant the road is narrow and winding.

All year

In winter, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle with winter tires or chains is recommended for Mestia.

Price and cars

One way, priced by distance — $0.77 per km on the cheapest car. Every car with a driver for this route:

Booking

Book the transfer

The route is already filled in — pick the date and you’ll see the cars free that day, with the price for the trip.

About the route

The drive from Kutaisi Airport (KUT) to Mestia, the main town of Upper Svaneti, is 218 km and takes ≈ 6 h 10 min without stops. With all three stops below it comes to 235 km and about 8 h 10 min, visits included.

Route and stops

  • Zugdidi (Dadiani Palace) — 86 km from the airport — the Historical-Ethnographic Museum in the palace complex and the botanical garden next to it; a good break for about 60 minutes.
  • Jvari Reservoir viewpoint — 119 km — the lake on the Enguri Reservoir surrounded by mountains, seen from the road; a 15-minute photo stop.
  • Enguri Dam — 128 km — one of the tallest arch dams in the world, with the reservoir and gorge in view; about 20 minutes.

From the dam it is another 107 km to Mestia.

Best season and road notes

From June to September the road is at its most comfortable and the gorge views are at their best. Beyond the Enguri hydropower plant the road is narrow and winding, so allow for slower driving.

In winter, the upper part of the gorge on the road to Upper Svaneti can have snow, ice and avalanche-prone sections, and the road may be closed temporarily. Carry chains and plan extra time. For Mestia in winter, an all-wheel-drive vehicle with winter tires or chains is recommended.

How the transfer works

With Autobiography you travel in a private car with a professional driver, who meets you at the airport, hotel or address. You decide where to stop longer, and the car is comfortable for your group.

FAQ

How long does the drive from Kutaisi Airport to Mestia take?

The direct drive is 218 km and takes about 6 h 10 min. With stops at Zugdidi, the Jvari Reservoir viewpoint and the Enguri Dam, plan about 8 h 10 min.

Can we stop along the way?

Yes. Popular stops are Zugdidi with the Dadiani Palace, the Jvari Reservoir viewpoint and the Enguri Dam. You decide how long to stay at each.

When is the best time to travel to Mestia?

From June to September the road is most comfortable and the gorge views are better. After the Enguri hydropower plant the road is narrow and winding.

Is the road safe in winter?

In winter the upper gorge may have snow, ice and avalanche-prone sections, and the road can close temporarily. Chains and extra time are necessary, and an AWD vehicle with winter tires or chains is recommended.

Can the transfer start at Kutaisi Airport?

Yes. Your driver meets you at Kutaisi Airport (KUT) and takes you directly to Mestia.

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