Akhaltsikhe is connected by marshrutka (shared minibus) to Tbilisi, with several departures daily from the Didube bus station. The journey takes about 3–4 hours depending on route and traffic. There are also direct marshrutkas to Borjomi (about 1 hour) and Batumi.
For Vardzia, marshrutkas run from Akhaltsikhe's local bus station with the last departure typically around 5:30 pm — plan your day accordingly.
There is no passenger rail service to Akhaltsikhe.