Batumi to Kars

How can you get from Batumi to Kars with public transport?

I will under no circumstance hitchhike in Turkey as a solo female as it is not safe. There seems to be no recent information online and google does not list half the buses in this region. They seem to not be anywhere online.
I know a bus to way out of the way to Trabzon, then an annoying night bus to Kars. However, i do not want to go this way. I also do not want any night bus in Turkey.

Plan B: would be spend a couple of days in Trabzon but once again, there seems to only be a night bus to Kars.
Are the Ani ruins really worth it? The issue is that locals will know but google is of not use in this area. Google says it is a 5 hour drive so do not see the point in making it 16.

Thanks to anyone who replies.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/europe-eastern-europe-the-caucasus/turkey/hopa-to-kars-e39f25aa-a1b2-4f66-ab42-92abff80c4ef

Hi!
I have experience to visit this place 5 years ago. There is no bus from Kars to Ani . Only car and taxi. Perhaps somebody will help you to lift by own car.Locals are very helpful on this point. Or perhaps in the morning when officers go to Ani site. For Ani enough a half of the day to look everything around.
Also there is not very well with bus from and to Kars. So you see no information online on the oogle. But don't be upset, everything is reachable.

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