How to get from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor by marshrutka

All the info you need to get from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor, Armenia by marshrutka. Includes information on what to do and where to stay.

Figuring out how to get from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor, Armenia by marshrutka was a bit of a struggle for us, so we’re being good souls and sharing the way so that others don’t have to follow in our (lost) footsteps 😉

Finding the right marshrutka from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor

Marshrutky from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor (and eventually Stepanakert) leave from a street close to the Gortsaranayin metro station. If you’re coming from the Yerevan city center, it’s one stop beyond Sasuntsi David, the metro station for the train station.

Once you get off at Gortsaranayin, exit the metro and head right. Continue walking straight ahead along the road pictured below until you hit a roundabout.

Look for this roundabout, then head left.

Once there, go left across the street, and you should see a couple of marshrutky lined up across the street from you. There are a cafe and several small convenience store stalls in the spot as well. You’ll most likely have drivers asking you if you’re looking for Yeghegnadzor once you’re in the area.

The marshrutka from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor

The ticket for the ride should cost you 1200 AMD. The ride is about 2 hours long. The marshrutka goes beyond Yeghegnadzor (possibly to Stepanakert? We’ve read that the ticket to there is 6000 AMD), so make sure the driver realizes you’re getting off in Yeghegnadzor.

Marshrutky should leave every hour, but it’s more likely they leave once mostly full. We were recommended by our guesthouse owner in Yerevan to get there before 11:00, otherwise there may not be more. We can’t verify this, as we played it safe, but it doesn’t hurt to get there earlier in the day, to make sure you make it onto a marshrutka with space for your backpack.

Alternative method: transport by bus

If you can’t get on a marshrutka to Yeghegnadzor, you can head to the bus station on the back side of the main train station. Head to Sasuntsi David metro station (one away from Gortsaranayin, towards the city center), and when you get off the metro, head left and keep walking until you’re outside.

Look for buses (not marshrutky), and find drivers going to cities in the south. Many will have to pass near Yeghegnadzor, and some may be willing to drop you off for an extra 2-300 AMD from the normal price of 1200 AMD.

Things to do in Yeghegnadzor

The town of Yeghegnadzor itself is nothing to write home about. However, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding areas. Below you can find a list of things to do in Yeghegnadzor.

Noravank Monastery

Noravank monastery, a picture perfect building hidden among mountain gorges outside of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia.

This pretty monastic complex dates from the 13th century AD. It sits in a narrow gorge that was formed by the Amaghu River, and enjoying the views is half the fun of visiting Noravank. The complex exists of two churches and several ornate graves. The main church, the Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), is ornately carved and has fine reliefs and sculptures. It’s possible to hitchhike to the monastery or arrange a taxi via your guesthouse.

Areni caves

The Areni caves house archeologically significant finds. In 2011, the remains of the oldest known shoe ever were found here. There are also finds related to early winemaking, and a straw skirt dating almost 6,000 years back was found too. The caves are normally not open to visitors unless you make an appointment via the archeological department of Armenia. However, if you ask the gatekeeper nicely he might let you look inside. It’s best to visit by taxi.

Despite having no permit, we were let into the Areni-1 caves to see one of the oldest known wineries in the world. 6,100 years old, NBD.

Wineries

There are several wineries in the area around Yeghegnadzor‎ where you can go for a tour and sample some of the products. In low season you can just walk in, in high season it’s a good idea to call ahead. Some well-known wineries include Maran Winery and Old Bridge Winery. 

Jermuk Waterfall

This 72-meter high waterfall outside the spa resort of Jermuk makes a nice day trip from Yeghegnadzor. Buses and minibusses leave from Yeghegnadzor to Jermuk hourly. 

Where to stay in Yeghegnadzor

Yeghegnadzor’s tourist infrastructure isn’t well developed yet, and there aren’t many places to stay. Luckily some enterprising locals have opened up their home to weary travelers. Below you can find a few recommendations for places to stay in Yeghegnadzor

• Crossway Camping: Provdes tents and rooms at a reasonable price. Popular with cyclists – Book Crossway Camping here.
• Karine B&B: Run by a lovely family, this place offers basic accommodation and a warm welcome – Book Karine B&B here.
• Shushan Guesthouse: This place offers great hospitality and lovely views of the surrounding area – Book Shushan Guesthouse here.
• Gohar’s Guesthouse: If Gohar’s smile doesn’t make you want to stay here, the swimming pool will – Book Gohar’s guesthouse here.

And there it is, a guide on how to get from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor, including information on what to do and where to stay. 

Have you recently traveled from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor? Let us know how you got there in the comments–it’s good for people to know the most up-to-date information! Cheers.