AZERBAIJAN
How To Travel From Sheki To Telavi
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
How To Get From Sheki Azerbaijan to Telavi Georgia
Sheki → Telavi Complete Travel Guide
Step 1: Sheki to Balakan (Mini Bus)
From Şəki Avtovağzalı, catch a mini bus to Balakan (16 km from the border).
- Departures: 10:10 AM & 2:00 PM
- Cost: 4 AZN
- Duration: ~2.5 hours
Pro Hack: Pay +2 AZN to be dropped directly at the border — saves 30–40 minutes and a taxi ride!
Step 2: Balakan to Border (If Needed)
If the driver drops you in Balakan town, take a taxi to the border.
- Taxi fare: ~5 AZN
- Time: 15–20 min
Step 3: Cross Azerbaijan–Georgia Border
Pedestrian-only crossing. Scenic river bridge. Usually very fast (10–20 min total).
- Azerbaijan side: Enter pedestrian gate → quick exit stamp
- Georgia side: Cross bridge → money exchange → passport control
Best Photo Spot: The river bridge at golden hour — absolutely magical!
Step 4: Border to Lagodekhi / Telavi
Taxi drivers wait immediately after Georgian passport control.
- To Lagodekhi town: 5–12 GEL
- Direct shared taxi to Telavi: 60 GEL/car → 15 GEL pp if 4 people
Group Travel Hack: Team up with 3 others at the border — split a taxi and pay only 15 GEL pp straight to Telavi!
Step 5: Lagodekhi to Telavi (Public Transport)
Marshrutka from Lagodekhi bus station (5-min walk from center).
- Cost: 7–10 GEL
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Last departure: ~4 PM
Timing Tip: Cross the border before 1:30 PM to comfortably catch afternoon marshrutkas.
Georgian Script Help:
• Bus station: ავტოსადგური (avtosadguri)
• Telavi: თელავი
• Bus station: ავტოსადგური (avtosadguri)
• Telavi: თელავი
Journey Summary
Start: 9:30 AM at Sheki Bus Station
Total Time: 5–6 hours
Total Cost: ~30 AZN + 15 GEL (~$20 USD)
Arrival: ~3:00 PM in Telavi