How to Get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi

The Tbilisi to Kutaisi route is one of the most traveled in the country – popular with first-time visitors discovering Georgia and locals commuting between the two biggest cities alike.

This guide covers every practical way to get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi: rental car, train, bus, or minibus – from the most affordable to the most comfortable.

Tbilisi to Kutaisi Distance: How Long Is the Drive?

Wondering how far Kutaisi is from Tbilisi? By road, the distance is around 220-230 km (137-143 miles). As the crow flies it's roughly 185 km, but Georgia's mountainous terrain makes the actual route considerably longer.

*the route is already mapped with stops at the main sights along the way.

By car, expect the drive to take between 3.5 and 4.5 hours. A stretch of the newer East-West Highway (E60) speeds things up significantly compared to the old road, but roadworks and congestion at the Rikoti Pass (1,395 m / 4,577 ft above sea level) can tack on an extra hour.

Before crossing the Rikoti Pass – especially in winter – check current road conditions on the Georgian Patrol Police's official website at patrol.mia.gov.ge. Temporary closures are possible during heavy snowfall.

Ways to Get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi

Here's a quick rundown of every popular option – from the cheapest minibus to a comfortable private transfer – so you can pick whatever works best for your trip.

Rent a Car with Getmancar

Renting a car is the most flexible and convenient way to travel from Tbilisi to Kutaisi. Unlike the train or minibus, you set your own schedule – stop when you want, go at your own pace, with no timetables to answer to.

Along the way, some of Georgia's most impressive sights are right on the route:

• Uplistsikhe – a cave city dating back to the 1st millennium BC, one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus;
• Gori and Goristsikhe Fortress – just 15 minutes off the E60;
• Surami – a classic roadside stop famous for freshly baked nazuki (Georgian sweet bread with cinnamon and walnuts);
• Rikoti Pass – sweeping panoramic views across the Likhi Range.

With Getmancar, the whole booking process takes just a few minutes in the app: choose your car, set your pickup date and time, collect it in Tbilisi, and drop it off in Kutaisi. One-way rentals make both day trips and longer journeys genuinely hassle-free.

Rental requirements: Minimum age 21, at least 1 year of driving experience, a valid driver's license, and a bank card for the security deposit.

From Tbilisi to Kutaisi by private car

Download the Getmancar app or book a car on the website and hit the road – no queues, no unwanted travel companions, and no route restrictions.

Download the app Book a car →

Tbilisi to Kutaisi by Train: Schedule & Comfort

The direct Tbilisi-Kutaisi I train (No. 18) was discontinued in 2025. However, several trains a day still run from Tbilisi to Kutaisi International Airport station (Kopitani) – a solid alternative, particularly if you're flying with Wizz Air.

According to tre.ge and railway.ge, two daily departures are currently running:

• 00:30 Tbilisi → 04:13 Kopitani (Train No. 812)
• 08:00 Tbilisi → 11:43 Kopitani (Train No. 802)

Journey time: around 3 hours and 43 minutes.
Ticket prices: 2nd class – 34 ₾ (~$12), 1st class – 72 ₾ (~$26), business class – 122 ₾ (~$44).

The Tbilisi Kutaisi train is a safe, reliable option that completely sidesteps any traffic issues at the Rikoti Pass.

Worth noting: Kopitani station sits 20 km from Kutaisi city center. After arriving, you'll need to take a minibus or taxi into town – budget an extra 20-30 minutes and around 10-15 ₾ (~$4-6) for the onward journey.

Bus from Tbilisi to Kutaisi: The Budget Pick

The minibus (marshrutka) is the default choice for locals and budget-conscious travelers. Buses and minibuses leave from Okriba Bus Station near Didube metro station – the large Didube market is your landmark.

A few things to know before you go:

• Departures run roughly every hour (or when the vehicle fills up), from early morning until late evening.
• The ride takes 3.5-4 hours depending on conditions at the Rikoti Pass and traffic on the E60.
• Tickets are 20-25 ₾ (~$7-9) per person; online booking isn't available – pay cash to the driver.

The main downsides: cramped seats, no stops at sights along the way, and drivers with a… spirited approach to the road.

Getting from Tbilisi to Kutaisi Airport (KUT)

David the Builder Airport (IATA: KUT) serves Wizz Air, FlyOne, and other European low-cost carriers, making the Tbilisi to Kutaisi airport connection consistently in demand. Three official operators cover this route: Georgian Bus, Omnibus Express, and Metro Georgia. The first two sync their schedules with flight departures, so you can select the right connection directly on their sites.

As of June 10, 2025, all three companies depart from Ortachala Bus Station: Georgian Bus from the main terminal, Omnibus from Platform 4, and Metro Georgia from Platform 3. Tickets cost 25-35 ₾ (~$9-13).

Check schedules and buy tickets at georgianbus.com or through tre.ge.

Private Transfer & Taxi from Tbilisi to Kutaisi

A private transfer is ideal if you don't drive but want to get there without transfers, strangers in the car, or waiting around. Bolt and Yandex Go both offer door-to-door rides, and GoTrip specializes in tourist transfers throughout Georgia.

Prices for a Tbilisi to Kutaisi transfer start at 150-200 ₾ (~$55-73) for a standard car; minivans and premium vehicles cost more. On GoTrip, you can pre-book with a locked-in price and even customize your route to include stops along the way – Gori, Uplistsikhe, Surami.

Getting from Kutaisi to Tbilisi: The Return Trip

Everything works just as smoothly in reverse – all options run both ways. Minibuses from Kutaisi to Tbilisi leave from the bus station near the McDonald's in central Kutaisi. Travel time and prices are identical: 3.5-4 hours, 20-25 ₾ (~$7-9). Trains from Kopitani Airport back to Tbilisi also run several times a day – check the latest timetable at railway.ge. For a taxi or transfer on the return, use the same platforms: Bolt, GoTrip, or Yandex Go.

Tbilisi to Kutaisi: Frequently Asked Questions