Kotayk · 30–40 km · half day
How to get from Yerevan to Garni and Geghard
The Temple of Garni is about 30 km east of Yerevan and Geghard monastery 10 km further up the Azat valley — 40–50 minutes by car. Marshrutkas go to Garni village, but not on to Geghard, so most people take a taxi or a car for half a day. A private car for 5 hours costs $110 for a sedan, $150 for a minivan, per car; with Lake Sevan added it is a full day for $170. Prices checked .
| Distance | ≈ 30 km to Garni, +10 km to Geghard |
|---|---|
| Time | ≈ 5 h with visits |
| UNESCO | Geghard, since 2000 |
| Private car | from $110 per car |
What are Garni and Geghard?
Garni is a Greco-Roman colonnaded temple, the only one of its kind in Armenia, usually dated to the 1st century AD. Geghard is a medieval monastery partly carved into the rock of the Upper Azat valley and a UNESCO World Heritage site.[1][2]
Ways to get there, compared
| Way | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Marshrutka to Garni | ≈ 1 h | From Yerevan’s Gai bus stop; no link on to Geghard |
| Taxi app both ways | 40–50 min each way | You need a return car from Geghard, where coverage is thin |
| Group tour | 4–5 h | Fixed schedule |
| Private car, half day | ≈ 5 h | Driver waits at both sites; add the Symphony of Stones or Sevan |
Can I add Lake Sevan the same day?
Yes. Garni–Geghard–Sevan is the classic full day (about 190 km, 8 hours): Sevanavank monastery on the peninsula above the lake.[3]
Prices for a private car
| Route | Sedan | Minivan | Minibus (Sprinter) | Premium (Mercedes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garni & Geghard half-day from Yerevan driver waits, back the same day | $110 | $150 | $260 | $240 |
| Garni, Geghard & Lake Sevan day trip driver waits, back the same day | $170 | $230 | $400 | $370 |
| Etchmiadzin & Zvartnots half-day driver waits, back the same day | $100 | $140 | $240 | $225 |
per car, not per person
Questions
How much is a private car to Garni and Geghard?
$110 for a sedan, $150 for a minivan, $260 for a Sprinter — per car, about 5 hours, pickup at your Yerevan hotel.
How far is Garni from Yerevan?
About 30 km, 40–50 minutes by car.
Is there a bus to Geghard?
Not a regular one; marshrutkas stop in Garni village.
Are entrance tickets included?
No. Garni charges an entrance fee; Geghard is an active monastery.
How do I pay?
Pay 50% online to confirm (or 100% online), the rest in cash to the driver (US dollars, euros or Armenian drams). Trips under $100 are paid in full online.
Prices and booking
Related guides
Sources
- Wikipedia — Temple of Garni
- UNESCO — Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
- Wikipedia — Sevanavank
Checked