The short version
Racha is remote — that's the point. But reaching us is more straightforward than it looks, and the journey is genuinely part of the experience: the road winds up through some of the most beautiful scenery in Georgia. Here's exactly how to get here.
By car
From Tbilisi:head west and turn north toward Oni via the Sachkhere–Oni road, which cut the journey down considerably when it opened. The drive is about 3.5–4 hours. The final stretch into upper Racha is paved but winding mountain road — allow extra time and avoid driving it in the dark. It's also stunning: forested gorges, river valleys, and the mountains opening up ahead. Don't rush it.
From Kutaisi:it's roughly 100 km and 2–3 hours. Kutaisi has the nearest international airport, so this is the common route for travellers flying in.
By marshrutka (shared minibus)
Marshrutkas run from Tbilisi's Didube station to Oni — usually one or two departures a day, mostly in the morning, for around 30 GEL. The public route takes about 5 hours. From Oni it's a short final leg to Chiora: taxis are easy to find in the centre of Oni, so you can simply hop in one when you arrive. If you really get stuck, get in touch and we'll help.
Nearest airport
- Kutaisi International (KUT) — the closest, about 2–3 hours away.
- Tbilisi International (TBS) — the other option, around 3.5–4 hours away.
Where exactly is Chiora?
Chiora is a village in the Racha-Lechkhumi region of upper Racha, at about 1,400 m altitude (42.742545°N, 43.553828°E). You can find Chiora Inn on Google Maps — and if anything about the route is unclear, just ask us.
Ready to come?
Book direct and skip the commission. See our rooms, or email us and we'll confirm availability personally — usually within a day.
Questions
Frequently Asked
How far is Racha from Tbilisi?+
Chiora is roughly a 3.5–4 hour drive from Tbilisi by car, via the Sachkhere–Oni road. By marshrutka (shared minibus) it takes about 5 hours.
What's the nearest airport to Racha?+
Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) is the closest, about 2–3 hours from Chiora. Tbilisi International (TBS) is the other option but further away.
Can I reach Chiora by public transport?+
Yes. Take a marshrutka from Tbilisi's Didube station to Oni (the main town of upper Racha), then continue the short last leg by local taxi — taxis are easy to find in the centre of Oni. If you really get stuck, get in touch and we'll help.
Do I need a car in Racha?+
A car helps for day trips and reaching trailheads, but you don't have to drive. Taxis are easy to find in Oni, and the scenery on the way in is part of the experience.
Is the road to Racha difficult?+
The main route is paved but winding mountain road, with a few rougher sections in upper Racha. Drive it in daylight and unhurried, and check road conditions in advance, especially after rain.