Getting around in Armenia

Before arriving in Armenia, I did not spend much time planning transport. I knew there were buses and minibuses, I assumed taxis would exist, and that was about it. Once I landed, transport stopped being something I actively thought about. It became part of the background, which is usually a good sign when you are traveling.

For almost the entire trip, I used Yandex. In Yerevan, it felt like the default way people move around. The app is simple, prices are low, and cars are everywhere. You see the fare upfront, order a ride, and a few minutes later someone pulls up. No guesswork, no bargaining, no awkward conversations about money.

What made the difference for me was how normal it all felt. Yandex did not come across as a tourist shortcut. Locals used it constantly, from quick errands to longer rides across the city. At any hour, there was usually a car available, which made moving around Yerevan effortless, even late at night.

Taxis Without the Usual Mental Load

In many countries, taxis come with a certain level of friction. You stay alert, check the route, keep an eye on the meter, and hope nothing turns into a discussion. In Armenia, that feeling never really showed up for me. Fares were so low that even longer trips did not feel like a decision that needed much thought. Most rides within the city cost only a few hundred dram.

The drivers themselves added to that ease. Some were chatty, others quiet, but nearly all of them felt relaxed and professional. Nobody rushed me, nobody tried to upsell anything, and nobody seemed irritated if I took a moment before getting in or out of the car. That kind of calm sets the tone for the whole day.

Booking a Ride All the Way to Tbilisi

One of the moments that surprised me most was booking a ride to Tbilisi directly through Yandex. I had expected to figure out buses or shared vans, but out of curiosity I checked the app and saw that the trip could be scheduled in advance. I booked it the day before, picked a time, and that was the end of the planning.

The next morning, the driver arrived right on time at my accommodation. The drive itself was calm and scenic, passing through northern Armenia toward the Georgian border. Compared to buses, the experience felt far more relaxed. No waiting around, no coordinating with other passengers, no luggage juggling.

At the border, the process was straightforward. I stayed in the car while documents were checked, then continued on without switching vehicles. Looking back, it was one of the smoothest border crossings I have had. If you are not on a tight budget or strict schedule, this is an incredibly comfortable way to travel between the two capitals.

A Half Day Trip Without Time Pressure

Yandex also made short trips outside the city very easy. A good example is the visit to the Garni Temple. The drive from Yerevan is short, and ordering a taxi took seconds.

Once we arrived, I asked the driver if he could wait. For a small extra fee, he stayed parked while I explored the temple and the surrounding gorge. I did not check the time once. When I was done, the car was still there, and we drove back to the city.

That kind of flexibility changes how you experience a place. You move slower, you linger longer, and you do not constantly think about logistics. It turns a simple outing into something that feels unforced and calm.

Public Transport: Basic, but It Gets You There

Armenia also has buses, marshrutkas, and a metro system in Yerevan. I used some of it, observed most of it, and quickly understood how it fits into daily life.

The Yerevan metro is small, cheap, and easy to use. It covers the main axes of the city and works well for longer distances. Signage is not always in English, but the network is simple enough that getting lost is unlikely.

Marshrutkas are everywhere outside the city. These minibuses connect towns and villages across the country and are the backbone of regional transport. They are inexpensive and frequent, though not particularly comfortable. You pay in cash, pass the money forward, and get off when you reach your stop. Schedules exist, but flexibility plays a bigger role than precision.

For me, marshrutkas were more of a backup option. They work, but taxis were easier and still affordable enough to justify using them most of the time.

Renting a Car: Useful, but Not for Everyone

Renting a car in Armenia makes sense if you want to reach remote monasteries, mountain roads, or lakes that sit far away from public transport routes. The landscapes are spectacular, and having your own car gives you full control over your itinerary.

Driving, however, requires attention. Road quality varies, signage can be inconsistent, and driving styles are more assertive than what many visitors are used to. Anyone comfortable driving in unfamiliar environments will be fine. Anyone looking for a laid back experience may prefer taxis or a hired driver.

Final Thoughts After Traveling Armenia

Transport in Armenia turned out to be one of the least demanding parts of the trip. I never felt like I had to plan every move or constantly adjust. Yandex made it easy to get around the city, explore the surrounding area, and even cross into another country without hassle.

The system is not polished or flashy, but it works. Prices are reasonable, people are helpful, and getting from one place to another rarely feels complicated. If you are planning a trip to Armenia, transport is unlikely to be the thing that slows you down. Once you are there, it tends to sort itself out.