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It’s no secret that the Caucuses is becoming one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. While Georgia tends to get the most attention, more intrepid travelers are seeking out the unexplored corners of Armenia.
In the lead up to European summer, I’m constantly met with questions from family and friends: Do I need to rent a car in Armenia? When is the best time of year to visit Armenia? How to I plan a 5-day Armenia travel itinerary?
In this comprehensive Armenia FAQ guide, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know before planning your ultimate Armenia travel itinerary. As always, our main objective is to ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
Before you go
Is Armenia safe to visit?
If you have heard of Armenia in the media, the chances are it was to do with the Nagorno-Karabakh wars (or Eurovision). In which case, you’re probably questioning whether Armenia is safe to visit.
The answer is a simple and resounding ‘yes’.
The 2020 Karabakh War lasted just six weeks. After a lengthy blockade of the troubled region and another minor skirmish in September 2023, the separatist Armenian-backed government was dissolved and Karabakh effectively integrated into Azerbaijan. It’s important to note during both these wars, no fighting took place on Armenian soil – only in the territory of Karabakh.
Armenia itself is known to be safe for visitors and locals alike. Crime levels are low and I’d recommend the usual level of caution you would exercise in a European country.
When is the best time to visit Armenia?
Armenia is a great country to visit at any time of year. The summer months (June to September) are often warm and dry, whilst winter (December to March) brings colder weather and snowfall but is generally still sunny.
During winter, the ski resorts of Tsaghkadzor, Myler and Jermuk are in full swing whilst Yerevan and Lake Sevan are quieter with lower hotel prices. Summer is the best time to see Lake Sevan in its full beauty and generally sees mainly dry weather. Hotel prices are highest during the summer months (winter months in the ski resorts), so visiting during the shoulder seasons is the best option if you want to keep costs down.
How to get to Armenia
By air
Armenia only has two commercial airports in Armenia: Yerevan Zvartnots Airport and Shirak Airport in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-city. Shirak sees just a handful of flights from Russia so the chances are, if you’re arriving by air, your Armenia travel itinerary will be starting in Yerevan.
At present, there are no direct flights from the UK, North America or Oceania but there are a number of options from Europe and the Middle East. The best options are usually from Istanbul, Paris, Frankfurt, Doha and Dubai. You’ll also find flights to numerous destinations across Russia and Central Asia.
Travel tip: If you’re looking for the cheapest flights from Europe, budget airline Wizz Air flies from Yerevan to a handful of cities including Budapest, Milan, Rome and Vienna!
By land
My favorite way to see the Caucasus region is to travel overland. If you have the time, I always recommend combining your visit to Armenia with Georgia and Azerbaijan. Due to the recent dispute with Azerbaijan, the best way to do this is to start in Armenia, then go to Georgia and end your trip in Azerbaijan. You cannot cross the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.
If you’re heading to Armenia from Georgia, you can either fly from Tbilisi or take the train or a bus. The train from Tbilisi to Yerevan runs every other day and is an overnight journey, taking between 10 and 11 hours. Tickets can be purchased from the station or online (always advised if you’re not flexible). Buses take five to six hours with seven daily departures from Tbilisi. Tickets can be purchased online or from the bus station.
By tour
If you are coming from Georgia, I always recommend finding a tour which takes you from Tbilisi to Yerevan. The main reason is that the road passes through some of the major sites and scenic locations of Armenia. By taking a tour you avoid having to backtrack on your Armenia itinerary!
Can I visit Nagorno-Karabakh (formerly known as Artsakh)?
Up until 2020, all visits to the separatist Republic of Artsakh needed to begin in Armenia. However, following the 2023 Karabakh War, the Republic of Artsakh has been dissolved.
Despite the often tragic events of recent years, the Karabakh region is an amazing place to visit and well worth adding to your bucket list for when it reopens to tourists. However, it is almost certain that going forward all visits will occur from within Azeri territory.
During your Armenia travel itinerary
Getting around Armenia
Hiring a car
There’s no denying that Armenia’s public transport system isn’t the best in the world. Hiring a car is the best way to explore the country and get off the beaten track. You’ll find several car hire outlets at Yerevan Airport and in the city center, but we always recommend to book a car in advance.
Public transport
That said, traveling around Armenia by public or private transport is not impossible. If you decide you only want to visit Yerevan or are coming purely for the winter sports, hiring a car isn’t necessary.
Intercity bus or marshrutka
Intercity bus services and marshrutkas are available, though schedules are constantly changing and you’ll need to check times locally. Your Yerevan hotel will be able to help with this.
Train
Train services in Armenia operate between Yerevan and Gyumri, Araks, Yeraskh and Ararat. There’s also a summer service to Lake Sevan (which you won’t want to miss). Fares and times can be checked on Armenian Railways website (which is available in English).
Around Yerevan
City buses in Yerevan are frequent and cheap with each trip costing 100 AMD (US$0.25). It’s worth noting that there are no buses between 11 pm and 7 am, so if you’re staying out late you’ll need to get a taxi back to your accommodation.
From Zvartnots Airport, express buses run every 30 minutes to downtown Yerevan during the day (7 am to 11 pm). If you’re arriving on one of those late night flights from Europe, be aware there is a bus only every hour during the night. The journey from the airport to Yerevan takes around half an hour.
Taxis are also readily available at the airport and within Yerevan. For the best fares, I recommend you download the Yandex Taxi app (the local Uber).
What is the currency in Armenia?
The currency of Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). At the time of writing, US$1 will get you 394 AMD whilst £1 is worth 490 AMD.
Can I use credit cards in Armenia?
Although it isn’t a ‘closed’ currency, it’s not always easy to obtain Armenian Dram outside Armenia purely because there isn’t much demand for it. You can exchange currency when you arrive in Yerevan and most major credit and debit cards work for cash withdrawals. Card payments is accepted at large hotels and restaurants, but smaller and more rural establishments generally only take cash.
How’s driving in Armenia?
Traffic drives on the right and you’ll need an International Driving Permit along with your licence to be able to drive in Armenia. If you haven’t arranged one before, contact your local licensing authority – it’s usually a very straightforward process.
Roads outside Yerevan tend to be in worse conditions, so allow plenty of time for your journey.
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