Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Turkey-Georgia Border crossing at Sarp/sarpi Turkey-Georgia Border crossing at Sarp/sarpi
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By maria41
  • 1 Post By ilpo

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Jan 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bromley kent
Posts: 105
Turkey-Georgia Border crossing at Sarp/sarpi
Hi, I'm planning a route around the Black Sea, Google maps doesn't like the border crossing at sarp/Sarpi, it does a 900 mile loop to avoid it. Has anyone used this crossing recently or have knowledge of it?

ta for reading,

JC
__________________
A big boy did it and ran away.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Jan 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
The Sarp/ Sarpi border crossing is the primary crossing on the Black Sea
coastal highway between Georgia/ Batumi and Turkey/ Trabzon.

I've only been through it once, several years ago, but there've been no
reports of problems at that border.

Several online sources, including
Transport in Turkey - Lonely Planet Travel Information
and
Turkey - Wikitravel
say it's the main international crossing, say nothing about problems there.
Several 2011 Turkish newspaper websites indicate only that crossings at
Sarp have been made easier for local Turkish/ Georgian residents (but not
that the border is closed to international travelers).

No idea why Google maps would route around it. A static view on Google maps shows the Sarp border crossing facilities clearly. Strange--MapQuest also routes around it.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Jan 2012
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
The OSM maps are good
have you thought about downloading the (free) OSM maps John?
I've just checked the detail level and it's very high- Sarpi at the bottom
E70 / D010 goes through Sarpi then changes to S2 to Batumi and beyond
Last edited by Bertrand; 7 Nov 2015 at 23:55.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Jan 2012
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
I crossed that border in August 2010 (I and my girl are Italian nationals) and we found no problems at all.

You want to know how much time it took?


Exiting Turkey: 1 and 1/2 hours.

Entering Georgia: 10 minutes.


Georgian Police officers were very professional and as soon as they saw our motorcycle at the end of the long line of cars, they waved us to the front.
Very fast passport and motorcycle's documents check and 10 minutes later we were out on the road to Batumi after two nice smiling female customs officers greeted us with "Welcome to Georgia" while giving us our passports back.
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Jan 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bromley kent
Posts: 105
I've been checking out the OSM stuff, has anyone used this site-

Free worldwide routable Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap


JC
__________________
A big boy did it and ran away.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
I passed it 20 days ago. It took only 15 minutes total time for me...
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 May 2014
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
We will get into Georgia tomorrow morning, via Sarp.
Anyone know if we can get cash (atm machines) or change money at the border? Or do we need to get georgian ccy at a bank before crossing? Or ride to Batumi?
Thx to let us know,
Cheers,
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 May 2014
g6snl's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 564
I'm doing the same later this year and my research has shown quite a few ATM's at the entry point, on the right hand side. So hopefully at least one will work !
__________________
Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 May 2014
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Quote:
Originally Posted by g6snl View Post
I'm doing the same later this year and my research has shown quite a few ATM's at the entry point, on the right hand side. So hopefully at least one will work !
Thx Tim,
Will keep my eyes open tomorrow then and will revert to u if i find the ATMs....

Cheers,
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: SW France
Posts: 119
Great info peeps , be there myself in around 5 weeks , never gave cash a thought !!!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 May 2014
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Made it through the border.

There are plenty of money changers if you want to get rid of your turkish Liras.... Avoid the ones closest to customs and go to the ones further away (50m) as they offer a better rate.

There are few ATM machines too for cash. It worked.

For fuel, wait to get to Georgia where fuel is about half the price of the fuel in Turkey! Plenty of fuel stations after the border.

On another note, the minor road from batumi to Ahalcihi is... Interrupted half way.

We arrived at what was like a dead end. We took various roads through the mountains that ended up to nowhere.... Maybe we missed something. Our map showed a nice road... Google map shows a gap.....
There might be a trail but no way to find it..... So back to Batumi tonight and trying tomorrow another route!


Cheers,
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 May 2014
g6snl's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 564
That's good Maria, glad it all went well at the border. Shame about the road. But who needs a road anyway follow your compass and make a new road

Do you mean the road to Akhaltsikhe? I have looked at that road too as an option. As you say there is a "change" in the middle at one point on google maps but clearly shows the road continuing in some form.(zoom in close to see) Info from various sources indicate it's not in great condition especially for a Fiat Panda apparently ??? But you should be able to pass with ease on your bikes. Hopefully some body who has been there will pop up soon.
__________________
Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway
Last edited by g6snl; 5 May 2014 at 18:53.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 5 May 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Espoo, Finland
Posts: 66
Here is a video from the road towards Akhaltsikhe from 17.7.2011 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRJ6evwix5Q and a story Ilpo Juvander - Caucasus Tour–Day #23

Here is also gpx file from the route if you have trouble finding the correct road: http://1drv.ms/1ieprI1

Road three years ago was doable with GSA, but I would not take my car there

In Akhaltsikhe there is a great hotel Lomsia with working WLAN. There were lots of locals with their tablets and phones sitting outside and just enjoying that. Story from 2013: http://www.juvander.fi/site/ilpo/Hom...o-Georgia.aspx
__________________
http://www.juvander.fi/ilpo
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 May 2014
g6snl's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 564
And pop up some one has

sent with tapatalk.
__________________
Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece PanEuropean Europe 35 3 Jul 2015 14:28
Crossing In To Iraq From Small Border Iran maximondo West and South Asia 10 5 Nov 2014 14:35
Iran/Turkmenistan Border Crossing peter04 Northern and Central Asia 5 27 May 2012 14:51
Border crossing Armenia - Iran eljulian Europe 13 15 Feb 2012 09:14
Villazon, Bolivia Border crossing Mr Steam Turbine South America 8 30 Nov 2011 14:27

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:20.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top