Kazbegi - Juta Bus Transfer: Daily Round Trip & Sno Statues Stop

Summary

Daily bus from Kazbegi to Juta with stop at Sno’s stone faces

You’ll catch a daily round-trip bus from Kazbegi to Juta, pausing briefly among Sno village’s mysterious stone faces before climbing into wild mountain air. With fixed departure times and no guide hovering over you, you’re free to hike or just breathe in those high Caucasus views until pickup calls you back down.

What’s the experience like?

You open your eyes and there’s that sharp mountain air in Stepantsminda — it’s almost cold even in July, but the sun’s already bouncing off the peaks. I found the little bus office right by the main square (you can’t miss it, everyone seems to be gathering there with backpacks and a bit of nervous energy). Our driver, Giorgi, gave a quick nod and checked names. No big speech or anything — just that Georgian way of getting things done quietly.

The drive to Juta is only about 40 minutes, but it’s not boring for even a second. Somewhere halfway, Giorgi pulled over near these huge stone heads in Sno village. He called them “Georgia’s Easter Island,” which made me laugh — they’re not as tall as I expected but have this odd presence. We had maybe ten minutes to wander around them; I touched one and my fingers came away dusty and cold. Someone tried to pronounce their names (Li laughed when I butchered “Shota Rustaveli”). Then back on the bus, winding higher into the green valleys.

Juta itself sits at 2200 meters — you feel it in your lungs if you walk too fast. The air smells like grass and sheep wool, honestly. There’s no guide up here; you’re on your own after drop-off until pick-up time (don’t lose your ticket). Some people set off straight for Chaukhi Lake or just sat on rocks staring at those jagged mountains. I wandered a bit aimlessly before settling for coffee at a little guesthouse — still think about how quiet it was up there except for cowbells and wind.

The return bus leaves right on time (they really don’t wait), so keep an eye out for those clouds rolling in over the ridge. On our way back down, everyone was quieter — maybe tired or just full of that highland light. It’s simple: this is just a round trip transfer from Kazbegi to Juta with a quick stop at Sno, but somehow it felt like more than just a ride.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bus transfer and Juta exploration

• Depart Stepantsminda to Juta
• Stop at Sno statues for 10 minutes
• Arrive in Juta village
• Explore Juta independently
• Return bus pick up from Juta
• Bus returns to Stepantsminda

Top questions

How long is the bus ride from Kazbegi to Juta?

The drive takes about 30–40 minutes each way.

Is pickup included for this transfer?

No hotel pickup; buses depart from the main office in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi).

What are the daily departure times?

Buses leave every day at 9:15 am (return 5:30 pm) and 11:15 am (return 7:30 pm).

Do I get time to explore Sno village?

Yes, there’s a short stop (about 10 minutes) at the stone statues in Sno village on the way to Juta.

Is this tour guided?

No guide is provided; it’s an independent transfer service.

Can I change my return time or date?

No, tickets are only valid for same-day departure and return at set hours; changes aren’t possible.

What happens if the road to Juta is closed?

If closed due to roadworks, buses stop 3 km before Juta; you must walk that section both ways.

Are infants allowed on this transfer?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the ride.

What’s included

Your ticket covers round-trip bus transfer between Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) and Juta with all taxes included, plus a brief stop among Sno village’s stone statues along the way—just bring your own hiking plans and be ready at set pick-up times for your return journey.