Getting around Shirak Region
It is easy once you are here to navigate the region. The best ways to get around Gyumri's historic town are by foot, taxi or public transportation. If you plan on visiting the surrounding countryside, regional rail and cars are your best bets.
By Foot
Gyumri is a nice place to take a walk at night in the summer, with warm nights, safe streets, and the ability to see the stars from the city.
Many of the beautiful cultural gems are found within close proximity to the city center and are very accessible on foot, so make sure to wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
Gyumri Railway Station
From Gyumri station you can also take another train to Yerevan (capital of Armenia). Gyumri-Yerevan train runs every day at the following hours: 7:45AM, 11:55AM and 6:15PM. On weekends it runs at 7:40PM and 9:05PM.
The Gyumri-Yerevan, Yerevan-Gyumri train service is the cheapest way to get in and out of the city. The Yerevan-Gyumri train runs every day at 8:00AM and 6:00PM and takes approximately 3 ½ hours. The train station is located in Kayaranamerts Square at the eastern end of Tigran Mets and Gorki streets. The price of the train ride is 1,000 AMD.
Tel: (+374) 312-51002 - See map
Bus/Minivan Services
There are mini vans that run to Yerevan every day from 7:00AM-8:00PM. There are no scheduled departures, but the 15 passenger mini vans depart when full. The vans leave from the Avtokayaran, located at the end of Shahumyan Street. To get there walk to the south from the Gyumri Central Square through the market area. The price is 1,500 AMD. Shared taxis operating on the same route leave from the same place and cost 2,500AMD per person. Mini vans and taxis go to the Kilikia Central Bus Station on 6 Admiral Isakov Ave in Yerevan and they return to Gyumri from the same place.
There are buses, minivans and shared taxis that run from Gyumri to Vanadzor for 800-1200AMD. The buses and minivans have scheduled departures throughout the day every day. Shared taxis depart when full.
Taxi Service
Taxis are inexpensive within Gyumri; you will normally spend 500AMD per trip within the city and approximately 1000 AMD to the further sections. The taxis are easily found anywhere in the city.
Rent a Car
There are no car rental companies in Gyumri. You can rent them in Yerevan and drive 1 hour 48 minutes to Gyumri (see map).
Air Passenger Service | Shirak airport
The nearest airport to Gyumri is Shirak International Airport (IATA: LWN, ICAO: UDSG), located 7 km from the center of Gyumri. The airport has scheduled flights to and from Russia and Germany (Memmingen). The fastest way to get from the airport to the center of Gyumri is with bus N1. The ride takes about 15 minutes.
Empower Women Via Tourism
We believe that through tourism we can change the social economic statues of women who live in Gyumri and in particular in rural communities of Shirak province. The lives of young women from the northern Armenian province of Shirak are controlled by untouched traditions and strict social rules. Most of the population who live in the villages located to the north and south of the City of Gyumri is mainly engaged in agriculture. Over the years since the 1988 earthquake social and economic hardships have forced many men to leave Armenia in search of better-paying jobs. Women have to stay and take care of their children by themselves. In most cases, men never return back. The problem begins for most of them, when early marriages and rural lifestyles force them to start a complicated life deprived of achieving social and economic security. We have found that a majority of girls see themselves as household workers rather than individuals who can make a change or take the initiative.We offer you to spend time with local village families, be part of the unique cooking experience, learn about the traditions that they have kept alive and inspire them to change their own lives. This is where you will be able to taste real Armenian untouched traditions and enjoy great hospitality of these families. If you are interested to learn more about this initiation, please, visit here.
