How to Reach Gergeti Trinity Church from Tbilisi

Best ways to reach Gergeti Trinity Church from Tbilisi

Rent a private driver

Getting to Gergeti Trinity Church can be easy and comfortable if you rent a private driver. Honestly, this is my favorite way to travel in Georgia. I recommend using gotrip.ge, a platform I’ve used multiple times during my stay. 

If you’re wondering how to get to Gergeti Trinity Church from Tbilisi, booking a private driver gives you total flexibility. You can plan your own itinerary, choose your stops, and travel at your own pace. It’s a stress-free option!

I personally love planning my own routes, and this option made it very easy to visit not just Gergeti Trinity Church but also places like the Friendship Monument and Juta along the way.

Prices usually start around 70-80 $ per day, depending on your route. Just make sure to check the driver’s reviews! I always picked drivers with high ratings, and they were all professional and friendly.

In case you choose this option, you can opt for a 4×4 drive from Stepantsminda to Gergeti Trinity Church or hike. If you end up hiking to Gergeti Trinity Church, you won’t have the time to make any other stops from Tbilisi.

Join a group tour

If you’re looking for a simple way how to reach Gergeti Trinity Church, joining a group tour might be the right choice. Several tour companies offer day trips with a fixed itinerary, and everything is planned for you, from pickup to stops along the way.

This option is ideal for solo travelers or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with logistics. Just book your spot and enjoy the ride. However, keep in mind that you’ll have limited time at each stop and very little flexibility.

Group tours usually cost between 30-40 $ per person, making it one of the most budget-friendly ways to visit Gergeti Trinity Church.

💡 Want to visit Gergeti Trinity Church with a group? You will love this top rated tour from Tbilisi that includes other iconic attractions of Georgia. Also, this tour includes the Delta taxi fare, and you won’t be able to do the hike up to the church.

Book a private tour

Still wondering how to visit Gergeti Trinity Church in Georgia without the stress of planning everything on your own? Booking a private tour with a local guide could be the right solution. 

These tours usually come with a flexible itinerary, and your guide will share detailed information about the region and hidden gems along the way. This is a great option if you don’t have time to research or prefer someone to explain everything on the spot. 

You have to consider that this is the most expensive way to reach Gergeti Trinity Church from Tbilisi. But if the budget is not an issue, this private tour promises a great day trip from Tbilisi and lets you choose between a 4×4 drive and a hike.

Rent a car

When it comes to Gergeti Trinity Church transportation, renting your own car gives you the most freedom. You can stop anywhere along the way, follow your own schedule, and explore the Georgian countryside at your own pace. 

Normally, this would be my favorite way to travel, but I have to mention that driving in Georgia is not easy. Once you leave Tbilisi, the road conditions can be poor, and you need to stay alert for traffic and animals crossing the road.

I used myrentacar.com, which is one of the best-rated platforms in Georgia, and everything went smoothly during the rental process. Prices start from 15–20 $ per day, plus petrol. There are no extra road fees.

Public transport

If you’re on a budget and wondering how to reach Gergeti Trinity Church, taking a marshrutka (shared minibus) could be the cheapest option.

These old vans leave from the Tbilisi train station and take you directly to Stepantsminda, the gateway to Gergeti Trinity Church.

While it’s an affordable way to travel, the ride can be uncomfortable. Expect a lot of noise, speeding, and little room to relax.

There’s no official schedule for marshrutkas, and they leave once they’ve gathered enough passengers, which means you won’t have much flexibility with your timing. 

However, it’s a good choice if you just need to reach the main attraction in Kazbegi without much hassle. The price is around 3-5 $, making it an incredibly budget-friendly option.

Travel tips for Gergeti Trinity Church

Where is Gergeti Trinity Church?

Gergeti Trinity Church is located in northern Georgia, near the town of Stepantsminda (also known as Kazbegi), in the Kazbegi region.

Perched at an altitude of 2,170 meters (7,120 feet), the church sits on a hilltop at the foot of Mount Kazbek, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Caucasus Mountains.

It’s about 150 kilometers (93 miles) north of Tbilisi, making it a popular day trip destination from Georgia’s capital.

This iconic 14th-century church is one of the most photographed landmarks in Georgia and a must-see for visitors traveling along the Georgian Military Highway.

Best Time to Visit Gergeti Trinity Church

The best time to visit Gergeti Trinity Church is from late May to early October. During these months, the weather is more stable, the views are clear, and the road is usually accessible.

July and August are the warmest and most popular months, but they’re also the busiest. If you prefer fewer crowds, try going in June or September. It’s still beautiful, just a bit quieter.

Winter is a different story. The church looks magical in the snow, but it’s not easy to reach. The road can be icy or completely blocked, so if you go during the colder months, you’ll definitely need some flexibility in your plans.

Gergeti Trinity Church: Hike or Drive?

Once you’re in Stepantsminda, you have two main ways to reach Gergeti Trinity Church: hike or drive. Both options are great, it really depends on how much time and energy you have.

If you want to hike, the trail starts right from the town and takes about 2 hours one way. It’s not too difficult, but it is uphill the entire time, so be ready for a steady climb. The views along the way are worth it, especially if the weather is clear. Good shoes and water are a must.

In case you are a hiker, I recommend you stay a few nights in Kazbegi and enjoy the rest of the area as well. You can still plan a hike during a day trip from Tbilisi to Gergeti Trinity Church, however, it’s way more enjoyable to go back to the nearby hotel.

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take a 4×4 vehicle from the center of Stepantsminda. Regular cars won’t make it since the road is steep and full of potholes.

FAQ About Visiting Gergeti Trinity Church

1. Can you drive all the way to Gergeti Trinity Church?
No, not with a regular car. The road is rough and steep, so you’ll need a 4×4. Shared 4×4 taxis are available in Stepantsminda for around $5 per person.

2. How long does the hike to Gergeti Trinity Church take?
The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours one way. It’s uphill but not technically difficult.

3. Is the hike to Gergeti Trinity Church worth it?
Yes! The views are beautiful, and you get a real sense of the landscape. Just make sure to wear good shoes and bring water.

4. Can you visit Gergeti Trinity Church in winter?
You can, but it depends on the weather. Snow can make the road tricky or even inaccessible. If you go in winter, plan for delays and take a 4×4.

5. Do you need to pay to enter Gergeti Trinity Church?
No, entry to the church is free. Just remember to dress modestly and be respectful inside.

6. What should I bring for the visit?
If you’re hiking, bring good shoes, water, sun protection, and layers. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.

7. Is there parking near the church?
Yes, there’s a small parking area for 4×4 vehicles near the top. From there, it’s just a short walk to the church.

8. What are the opening hours of Gergeti Trinity Church?
The church is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, however, you can still roam around the church even outside of the working hours in case you are planning an early hike.