You’ve just landed in Armenia, cleared passport control, and collected your luggage. Now you're only 20–30 minutes away from the heart of Yerevan, the ancient capital. But how you get there depends on the transportation you choose. The city offers several options — from buses and taxis to car rentals and even e-scooters.
Although Yerevan's transportation system is still evolving, it already offers a wide range of choices. Let's explore the main types of transport in Yerevan, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
Public Transport in Yerevan
Yerevan’s public transport system includes buses, minibuses (marshrutkas), trolleybuses, and the metro. This is the most affordable way to travel and perfect for exploring the city if you’re on a budget.
Buses and Minibuses
These are the most common and widespread types of public transportation in Yerevan. The city runs around 700 buses across 39 routes, operating from 7 AM to 11 PM. Schedules are usually posted at bus stops, and you can also check real-time routes at Route.info.
Fare: 100 AMD (~€0.24)
Payment: Bring a 100 AMD coin or use the TellCell app to scan the QR code in the vehicle.
Minibuses (marshrutkas) cover 64 routes and operate at the same hours. While the fleet is being upgraded, some older models still run. They can get overcrowded during peak hours and don't follow a fixed schedule — they run based on demand.
Pros:
Very affordable
Frequent service on busy routes (every 5–10 minutes)
Wide coverage across the city
Cons:
Often overcrowded
Some vehicles are outdated
Inconsistent schedules, especially with marshrutkas
Trolleybuses
Yerevan’s trolleybus system, once a major part of the city’s transit network, now runs on just 5 routes. Introduced in 1949, it remains a low-cost and eco-friendly travel option.
Fare: 100 AMD, paid directly onboard
Pros:
Eco-friendly electric transportation
Very cheap
Cons:
Limited route coverage
Slower and less flexible than other options
Yerevan Metro
The Yerevan Metro, officially named after Karen Demirchyan, has been operating for over 43 years. It consists of a single 12.1 km line with 10 stations, serving both underground and surface areas.
Fare: 100 AMD (via token)
Clean, safe, and efficient
Connects downtown Yerevan with several large districts
See station locations on Yerevan Metro Map
Pros:
Fast, especially during rush hour
Affordable
Very clean and safe
Cons:
Covers only limited parts of the city
No More Trams in Yerevan
Yerevan was once the only Armenian city with a tram system. However, due to maintenance issues and high electricity costs, trams were fully discontinued by 2004. The last line connected Zeytun and Charbakh.
Taxis in Yerevan
Taxis are incredibly affordable in Armenia compared to most European countries. A ride within Yerevan typically costs around 500 AMD (~€1.5), making it a convenient choice for both locals and tourists.
The three main ride-hailing apps are:
Yandex Go – best for pricing and navigation
GG Taxi – modern vehicles, but less accurate GPS
UTaxi – good interface but fewer cars available
Pros:
Can be called 24/7
Low cost
Trackable via app, with transparent pricing
Cons:
Can be delayed in traffic jams
Vehicle quality and driver language skills vary
Car Rentals in Yerevan
For ultimate freedom, renting a car is ideal — especially if you plan to explore beyond the city. Prices start at around €20/day, and you can find rental services right at Zvartnots International Airport.
Note: You’ll need a valid license under the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. If your country isn't part of it, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
Check the best deals at Secrental.com – top prices, wide selection, and 24/7 airport service.
Pros:
Total flexibility to explore Armenia
Great for day trips outside Yerevan
Access to international and local agencies
Cons:
Higher cost than public transport
Mountainous terrain may require good driving skills
Some rural roads are in poor condition
Bicycles & E-Scooters
Yerevan has recently introduced bike and e-scooter rentals. These are popular among younger locals and tourists, especially for short city rides.
However, Armenia’s hilly terrain and limited bike lanes can make these options tricky or unsafe at times. There's also little regulation currently in place.
Pros:
Eco-friendly and fun
Easy to avoid traffic in the city center
Cons:
Steep hills make biking tough
Few dedicated bike lanes
Safety concerns due to lack of regulation
Final Tips: Choosing the Best Way to Get Around Yerevan
Yerevan’s transport system offers a mix of affordability, convenience, and flexibility. For short city trips, use buses, metro, or taxis. For day trips or exploring Armenia’s countryside, renting a car is your best bet. Many visitors find the best experience comes from combining different modes of transport depending on their itinerary.
Explore Armenia comfortably — check car rentals at Secrental.com for top-rated deals!
