VRENTY CAR is an independent comparison service. The search above is provided by our partner Localrent and lists local agencies side by side; you book directly with the provider. Always confirm the price, insurance and deposit before you pay.
📍 Artashat lies on the main highway south-east of Yerevan, in the Ararat Valley — about 30 km (roughly 30–40 min) from the capital and about 40 km from Zvartnots Airport (EVN).
Do You Need a Car in Artashat?
Artashat is a working agricultural town rather than a tourist centre, and the sights near it are spread over the plain with little public transport. Marshrutkas run between Yerevan and Artashat, but the monastery, the archaeological sites and the wine villages are hard to reach without a car. If your day is "Khor Virap and back", a rental car for one day from Yerevan is simple; heading south — to Areni, Noravank, Jermuk, Sisian or Goris — you will want a car.
Where to Pick Up a Rental Car for Artashat
The best choice is usually Zvartnots Airport (EVN) or a delivery to your hotel in Yerevan, because that is where the widest range of cars is. From the airport region the drive to Artashat is about 40 km, and from the centre of Yerevan about 30 km on the highway. Some providers also deliver to other towns; check the pick-up and delivery options in the search and use "Specify location" to see whether Artashat is offered and at what fee. Confirm the meeting point in your voucher, and give your flight number for late arrivals.
Documents, age and insurance rules are in our full Armenia guide.
Khor Virap and Other Sights Near Artashat
The monastery stands on a low hill, very close to the closed border with Turkey. The best views of Ararat come on clear mornings and in spring, autumn and after rain; in the heat of summer the haze often hides the peak. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to climb down the ladder into the pit. Stay on the road and on the paths, follow any signs and instructions, and do not walk towards the border fence or photograph military posts.
Distances and Drive Times from Artashat
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Drive time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Yerevan centre | 30 km | 30–40 min |
| Zvartnots Airport (EVN) | 40 km | 40–50 min |
| Khor Virap | 8–10 km | 15 min |
| Areni / Noravank | 85–90 km | 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min |
| Jermuk | 140 km | 2 hrs 30 min |
| Goris | 215 km | 3 hrs 30 min |
Times are for dry roads without stops; split the long southern routes with an overnight stop.
The Road South: Passes, Weather and Fuel
From Artashat the main road continues south-east across the Ararat Valley, then climbs into the mountains of Vayots Dzor and further on to Syunik, with several high passes. The Vorotan Pass, between Vayk and Sisian, is over 2,300 m: expect fog, snow and ice from about late October to April, and sudden changes of weather even in spring. Fuel stations are frequent in the plain and in towns but sparse between them, so fill up in Artashat or Yeghegnadzor before long mountain stretches.
- Do not leave the paved road to find a view or a short cut; insurance is not valid on unpaved roads
- Navigation apps sometimes suggest dirt tracks that look like roads on a map; ask locally first
- The Ararat Valley is very hot in July and August, so take water and plan stops
- In winter check the pass conditions before you start; ask the provider about winter tyres or all-wheel drive for the mountains
- Borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed. Several governments advise caution in some border districts (parts of Syunik and Tavush); check your own foreign-ministry advice and stick to main roads
Which Car to Rent for Artashat and the South
For Artashat, Khor Virap and the wine road a compact automatic sedan is fine and the cheapest choice. If your route continues to Goris, Tatev or Jermuk, a crossover gives more comfort on rough asphalt and in bad weather. Full coverage adds only a few dollars per day (about $8–$9 in the Yerevan listing) and with many local agencies removes the deposit. Longer southern trips are cheaper per day on a weekly rental. Use the No deposit and No credit card filters if they matter to you.
Best Time to Visit the Ararat Valley
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable: warm days and the best chance of a sharp Ararat view. Late summer is harvest time and hot, so start early. Winters are mild on the plain, but the passes to the south can be icy.
Local Driving Notes for Artashat
- Speed limits: 60 km/h in towns and 90 km/h outside unless signed otherwise; cameras are common on the highway out of Yerevan
- Trucks and slow farm vehicles use the main road; overtake only with a clear view
- Roadside stalls sell fruit, honey and dried fruit; slow down and pull off fully before you stop
- Fuel up before the mountain sections of the southern highway
- Photograph the car at pick-up and return, including the wheels and underbody
- Zero tolerance for drink-driving, including after a winery tasting