The Ultimate Road Trip in Armenia

If you are looking for an off the beaten path adventure, a road trip in Armenia is one of the best ways to experience this unique country.

With ancient monasteries, powerful mountain scenery, and a culture that feels warm and deeply rooted, Armenia is an incredibly underrated destination, and a great place to explore by car. Driving in Armenia gives you the freedom to visit remote villages, discover hidden viewpoints, and soak in the rich history that makes up this beautiful corner of the Caucasus.

In this guide we are going to share everything you need to know for your road trip in Armenia, with itinerary ideas and fun stops along the way to make your journey full of adventure.

Intro to Doing a Road Trip in Armenia

Doing a road trip in Armenia is super fun! We absolutely loved it, but it does not mean it is for everyone, so here are some things you should know to see if doing a road trip in Armenia is right for you.

Why Take a Road Trip in Armenia?

We love doing road trips while traveling, especially since we work while we travel, have a lot of luggage, and are always seeking hidden gems.

Traveling by car allows in Armenia you to go beyond Yerevan and uncover parts of country that most visitors never see. Public transportation exists, but it can be slow and limited, especially when it comes to reaching monasteries on hilltops, hidden canyons, or small mountain villages. Having your own car gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, change plans easily, and link different regions into one adventure.

A road trip in Armenia also means you can time your visits for sunrise or sunset, stop at roadside fruit stands, and spend longer at the places that speak to you most. You can visit monasteries when there are fewer tour groups, enjoy Lake Sevan at golden hour, and get off the main tourist circuit to find hidden waterfalls and quiet hiking spots.

How Much Time is Needed for a Road Trip in Armenia?

We would recommend doing a road trip in Armenia if you have at least 4 or 5 days in the country. This gives you time for all of the things to see in Yerevan, plus at least one loop to either the north or the south, along with classic day trips like Garni, Geghard, or Khor Virap.

Something to keep in mind is that Armenia’s best sights sit in different directions. You will often return toward Yerevan or a main highway before heading out to the next region. Distances on the map can look short, but winding mountain roads and photo stops always add more time than you think.

We did our own road trip in Armenia over about a week and saw a lot. We could easily have spent 2 weeks exploring more of Lori province, the far south near Meghri, and some of the lesser known villages. We would recommend 10 to 14 days in Armenia if you really want to explore deeply and experience places off the beaten path.

Not convinced on doing a road trip? You can also take these day trips from Yerevan!

Car Rentals in Armenia

Renting a car in Armenia is easy in Yerevan, especially if you pick up your vehicle in the city or at Zvartnots International Airport. You will find both local agencies and international brands, and prices are still fairly affordable compared to many Western European countries.

Small sedans are fine for the main highways, but if you plan to explore mountain areas, dirt roads, or remote monasteries, it is worth renting a car a high clearance vehicle or an SUV. Places like Tatev, Lastiver, and some of the roads in Lori province can be rough or unpaved in sections.

Make sure to read our guide about renting a car in Armenia, which goes over everything you need to know for your rental, as well as driving throughout the country.

What is it Like Driving in Armenia?

Driving in Armenia can be very rewarding if you are comfortable on mountain roads. The main highways that connect Yerevan with Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and the south toward Goris and Tatev are generally in good condition. Once you leave those main routes, road quality can change quickly, especially in rural areas and in the mountains.

Traffic in Yerevan can feel chaotic during rush hour, with drivers changing lanes quickly and parking wherever they find space. Outside the capital, driving is much calmer and routes are simple to follow.

There are speed limits and occasional speed cameras, especially near villages. We recommend taking your time, avoiding night driving on unfamiliar roads, and using offline maps for areas where the signal is weak, such as remote valleys or high mountain passes.

 We go over all of this in our guide for driving in Armenia!

Suggested Itinerary for a Road Trip in Armenia

One of the best parts about a road trip in Armenia is the variety of destinations and landscapes you can see in a short time. Here are some highlights worth including in your itinerary:

• Yerevan: Colorful capital city with cafes, museums, and views of Mount Ararat

• Garni and Geghard: A pagan temple and a rock hewn monastery in a dramatic gorge

• Khor Virap: Iconic monastery with postcard views of Mount Ararat

• Areni and Noravank: Wine country and a monastery set inside bright red cliffs

• Tatev and Goris: Mountain villages, a legendary monastery, and the famous cable car

• Dilijan and Lake Sevan: Alpine forests, hiking trails, and lakeside monasteries

• Lori Province and Debed Canyon: Lush valleys, waterfalls, and UNESCO listed monasteries

• Gyumri: Artsy city with preserved architecture and a relaxed local feel

Armenia Road Trip Itinerary

Now that you know some of the best places to explore during your road trip in Armenia, let us look at what your itinerary can look like. We would recommend prioritizing Yerevan plus either the southern route or the northern route if you have a short visit. With more time you can combine both loops and add Lori or Gyumri.

Yerevan (1–2 Days)

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia and a must for any Armenia itinerary. The city is full of lively cafes, pink stone buildings, and views of Mount Ararat on a clear day. You can explore Republic Square, the Cascade Complex, Vernissage Market, and the GUM market for fresh produce and dried fruits.

Most travelers start or end their trip in Yerevan, and it is worth saving at least a day or two to soak in the atmosphere. It feels creative and youthful, with street art, wine bars, and plenty of spots to eat and relax.

 During your road trip in Armenia you will not need the car much in the center of Yerevan, so we recommend leaving it in a secure parking lot while you explore on foot.

Garni and Geghard (Half Day – 1 Day)

East of Yerevan you will find Garni and Geghard, two of the most iconic stops in Armenia. This area is perfect as a first day trip once you pick up your car. The highlights of this area include:

• Garni Temple: The only standing Greco Roman style temple in the region with dramatic views of the gorge

• Garni Gorge and Symphony of Stones: Basalt columns lining the river canyon

• Geghard Monastery: A rock hewn monastery complex carved into the mountain with chapels and caves

You can easily visit Garni and Geghard in a half day, or extend your time with a hike in the gorge or a local lunch in the village. We also stopped by Charent's arch on the way, and a little of a detour by stopping at Azat Reservoir.

Khor Virap, Areni, and Noravank (1–2 Days)

South of Yerevan, along the road toward the wine region, you will find some of the most photogenic spots in Armenia.

• Khor Virap: Famous monastery set on a small hill with Mount Ararat rising behind it. On a clear day this is one of the most iconic views in the country.
• Areni: Armenia’s wine region where you can taste local wines and learn about one of the oldest winemaking and bread-making traditions in the world.
• Noravank: A monastery tucked inside a deep red rock canyon with incredible views and small chapels perched above the cliffs.

You can visit Khor Virap as a half day trip from Yerevan or include it as a stop on your way to Areni and Noravank. You can also stay overnight near Areni, and explore some of other interesting sites nearby.

Southern Armenia Route: Goris and Tatev (2–3 Days)

Continuing south, the landscapes become more rugged and remote. The road passes through mountain passes and small villages until you reach Goris and Tatev, one of our favorite areas of Armenia.

• Goris: A charming town surrounded by strange rock formations and green hills. 
• Tatev Monastery: One of Armenia’s most famous monasteries, perched on a cliff with a dramatic drop into the gorge.
• Wings of Tatev: The cable car that connects the village with Tatev Monastery and offers incredible views over the valley.
• Devil's Bridge: A stunning canyon area and complete hidden gem.
• Khndzoresk: A historic cave village with a long suspension bridge and abandoned cave homes carved into the cliffs.

This part of Armenia feels wild and less visited, and it is a highlight for anyone who enjoys mountains, viewpoints, and a mix of history and nature.

 South Central Armenia: Jermuk & Shaki Waterfalls (1-2 Days)

While you're driving from Areni to Goris & Tatev or from the south up to Lake Sevan, there are some great stops you should take along the way! Here are a few of them:

• Shaki Waterfall: A stunning cascade that flows through forested cliffs and is one of Armenia’s most picturesque natural sights.

• Jermuk: A peaceful spa town known for its mineral water, waterfalls, and relaxing mountain atmosphere.

• Smbataberd Fortress: A medieval hilltop fortress offering sweeping views of Vayots Dzor and some of the best panoramas in the region.

• Vardenyats Pass: A dramatic mountain pass with winding roads, panoramic views, and historic caravan routes stretching back centuries. This is the road you can take traveling to Lake Sevan from the south of Armenia.

You can use these as stops, or you can opt to spend a night in Jermuk to break up the trip, which we highly recommend!

 North Eastern Armenia Route: Lake Sevan and Dilijan (2–3 Days)

From Yerevan you can also head north and east toward Lake Sevan and the forests of Dilijan.

• Lake Sevan: One of the largest high altitude lakes in the region, known for its blue waters and views of surrounding peaks. Sevanavank Monastery sits on a hill above the lake and is a beautiful sunset spot.
• Dilijan: A small town often called the “Armenian Switzerland” because of its forests and mountain scenery.
• Haghartsin and Goshavank: Monasteries hidden in the woods that feel quiet and peaceful, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

There are also hiking trails in Dilijan National Park, scenic drives, and lakeside spots where you can relax, eat fresh trout, and enjoy the mountain air.

Lori Province and Debed Canyon (1–2 Days)

Lori Province lies to the north of Armenia and is often overlooked by visitors, which makes it perfect for a road trip in Armenia if you want something more off the radar, with some raw, untouched nature.

• Debed Canyon: A lush valley cut by the Debed River, surrounded by green hills and small villages.
• Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries: UNESCO listed monastery complexes with stone carvings, arches, and panoramic views over the canyon.
• Waterfalls and viewpoints: Depending on your route, you can include small waterfalls and scenic stops along the way. We visited Trchkan Waterfall, which was a bit off-the-beaten-path, bu well worth the journey!

Even if you only have one day in Lori, it is worth driving the canyon and visiting at least one or two of the monasteries for a very different side of Armenia.

Gyumri (1/2 Day- 1 Day)

Gyumri is Armenia’s second largest city and has a very different vibe compared to Yerevan. It is known for its preserved architecture, creative scene, and relaxed streets.

You can wander through the historic Kumayri district, visit local museums, and enjoy the city’s growing cafe culture. We also did a fun activity painting traditional door magnets, which was the perfect souvenir. It makes a great stop if you are looping back toward Yerevan from the north or simply want to see a less touristy Armenian city.

 Nearby Attractions North of Yerevan (1-2 Days)

Just north of Yerevan there are also a lot of cool things to see and do! A handful of these can be visited as day trips from Yerevan, or they can be included in an itinerary for a road trip in Armenia as stops between Yerevan and Gyumri or Lori Province.

• Kari Lake: A beautiful alpine lake sitting high on Mount Aragats with crisp mountain air and dramatic views.
• Armenian Alphabet Monument: A unique collection of giant stone letters celebrating the Armenian script, set against rolling hills.
• Amberd Fortress: A medieval fortress perched on the slopes of Mount Aragats with sweeping views over the valleys below.
• Saghmosavanq: A cliffside monastery overlooking a deep gorge, perfect for photos and peaceful walks.
• Voskevaz Winery: One of Armenia’s most charming wineries with tastings, cellar tours, and rustic architecture.
• Aparan: A small town known for its famous spring water, local bakeries, and a beautiful reservoir nearby.

These spots are all within easy reach of Yerevan, and you can mix and match them to create a fun, scenic day trip full of Armenian culture, nature, and history.

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Tips for a Successful Road Trip in Armenia

Final Thoughts and What's Next

A road trip in Armenia is one of the most exciting ways to discover this small but incredibly diverse country. From pink stone Yerevan to lakeside monasteries, forested valleys, wine regions, and cliffside monasteries, the open road lets you experience all of the unique places that make Armenia so special.

With a bit of preparation and an adventurous spirit, driving through Armenia will feel less like a simple itinerary and more like a complete journey through history, nature, and culture combined.

Once you finish your road trip in Armenia, you might already find yourself planning the next time you come back!

What's Next?

Now that you know all about doing a road trip in Armenia, you'll probably want to get more details about traveling in Armenia!

Here are a few other guides we have about Armenia:

 How to get to Yerevan, Armenia

 Tbilisi to Yerevan train ride

 33 fun things to do in Yerevan

 31 best places to visit in Armenia

 Renting a car in Armenia

We're also going to be publishing new articles each Thursday, so stay tuned!

So are you ready for an amazing road trip in Armenia? It truly is an underrated country with a lot of hidden gems, which is exploring by car really makes a big difference, especially if you're staying in Armenia for more than a few days.

Want to learn more about traveling around Armenia? We have new Armenia Travel Guides coming up every week! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you're able to stay up to date with our newest content, and for extra discounts on our shop.

Ready to start planning the most epic trip to Armenia? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa is dedicated to helping you save money and time, so that you can sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the best trip ever. Want more info? Take a look at some of our travel planning packages we offer, or email us today if you have any questions.

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