Transport in Georgia: What You Need to Know

The information in this article was checked in November 2024. One dollar is equal to 2.7 lari. We are not responsible for the prices of the services mentioned. We only provide prices as they were announced by the transporters in person at the time of check.

Getting Around Tbilisi: Busses, Subway lines, Taxi Services.

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, has a good and efficient public transportation system for locals and tourists. The city has buses, a full metro station, minibusses, cable cars, and taxis that cover the whole city.

Tbilisi's public transportation system is designed to accommodate passengers' needs, offering various options for exploring the city comfortably and efficiently.

Tbilisi Buses

City buses, operated by Tbilisi Transport Company, are a good option for getting around the city. They run from 7:00 am to 12 pm and are less frequent in the morning and evening. The buses stop at designated bus stops.

All public bus - stops have English boards displaying arrival times and routes with an error of +/- 1 minute. Google Maps is very reliable for public transport in Tbilisi, so you can easily plan your adventure.

The fare is equal to 1.0 GEL. You can pay with a bank card or MetroMoney card, which is universal for all types of public transport in Tbilisi.

There are a lot of controllers on the line, so the fine can be 20 GEL for traveling without a ticket.

Tbilisi Minibuses

Minibuses are a popular public transport method for traveling between cities and villages around Georgia. You can catch minibusses at any public bus stop, and they have fixed stops, too.

Minibuses run on fixed routes around the city from 7 am. They cover areas in Georgia that not served by buses or metro, so they are a good option to get to specific locations.

The fare is 1 GEL, paid in cash to the bus driver at the beginning of your trip.

Minibuses stop at the designated locations, but you can still wave your hand, and you will be picked up on the way. You should know the number of the minibus you need to take so you can get to the required location without any issues.

Tbilisi Metro Stations

The Tbilisi Metro, also known as the "Metropolitan," has two subway lines - the Akhmeteli-Varketili and the Saburtalo. Saburtalo line runs through the river to the western bank to Saburtalo district. These two lines are very easy to navigate by yourself.

The fare of the Tbilisi underground metro is 1 GEL, and passengers must buy a “MetroMoney” card. This card can also be used in buses, minibuses, and cable cars. A friendly reminder that more than one passenger can't use a MetroMoney card at Tbilisi metro station.

Metro stations are identified by the red "M" sign at the entrance. Metro Tbilisi Underground with two lines and 23 stations is a quick way to get around the central streets and reach Station Square and Freedom Square.

Taxi in Tbilisi

Taxis are a cheap and easy way to get around Tbilisi. Most trips within the city cost between 3 and 6 Lari. Taxis can be booked through apps like Bolt, Yandex, and Maxim, with Bolt being the most reliable option. It's better to agree on the price before you start your journey or use a reputable taxi to get a fair price.

Cable Cars and Funicular in Tbilisi

Another popular public transport in Tbilisi is a cable cars that offer fixed routes to various attractions:

• The Rike Park-Narikala cable car connects Rike Park to the historic Narikala Fortress, which offers astonishing city views.

• The Rustaveli Avenue – Mtatsminda cable car is a scenic cable car that links Rustaveli Avenue and Mtatsminda Park, where the TV tower and Mtatsminda Amusement Park are located.

These services accept MetroMoney cards for the fare.

Payment Methods for Publik Transport in Tbilisi

For public transportation in Tbilisi, you can pay with your own card, a MetroMoney card or the new Travel Card, introduced in February 2022, to travel seamlessly on buses and the metro.

The Travel Card offers unlimited travel options for one day to one year and the travel card is valid on the metro, city buses, city minibusses, and some cable car lines.

Another way to pay for transport in Georgia is with an international bank card or contactless pay option via Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Tbilisi from Tbilisi International Airport

Now, let’s discuss how to get to the nearest city from the Airport. We will explore three terminals in Georgia: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi.

If you arrive at Tbilisi Airport, you have a lot of different options for getting to the city.

The Public bus №337

City bus №337 provides passenger transportation from Tbilisi Airport to Railway Station Square, passing through the entire city center and main attractions like Avlabari Metro Station and Freedom Square. This route is a good option for travelers arriving in the city.

• One time per hour.

• Working hours from 6 am to 11 pm.

• It goes through the whole city and ends at Tbilisi Railway Station.

• Cost: 1 lari per person. You must have a bank card to travel.

• The bus stop is right after the exit of the Airport terminal. Marked on the asphalt.

• Air-conditioned buses, brand «MAN.»

• Bus stop in the Airport: 41.669573, 44.965553;

• The bus's endpoint at the Tbilisi railway station is 41.720305, 44.798835.

Train:

• 2-3 times a day to Tbilisi Railway Station. Usually, it's hard to get on it.

• The bus stop near the Tbilisi International Airport is a covered pavilion. Exit the Airport building and walk to the other side of the parking lot. The train station is just left of you.

• Work only until 9 pm.

• Train station near Tbilisi Airport: 41.671067, 44.964957.

Taxi:

• Mostly Toyota white cars, 2010-2020 models.

• The ride to the city is around 50 lari. It is hard to find cheaper than 30 lari.

• The taxi has a meter and works 24/7.

• Taxi stop: 41.669633, 44.965264.

Going Back Taxi

Going back, taxis are the same, but many are tied to taxi services. These cars bring passengers to the Airport, drop them off, and immediately leave. The reason is that they can’t wait for the client at the Airport and there’s no space for them here. So, after dropping off the client, they turn around, and if you stop such a car, you can easily negotiate and go for 20-25 lari.

• Why and how can you get cheap? All these taxi drivers are empty, and the cost to take you for 20 lar is at least not 0, so you can and should negotiate.

• Not all drivers will take you for that price, but wait 10-15 minutes, and you’ll find your driver and car.

• They run 24/7 but more during daytime and flight hours.

• To get such a car, exit the airport building, cross the parking, and stop the vehicle.

• They won’t stop near the station. There’s a lot of zebra, and parking near the station is not allowed, and only for picking up or dropping off passengers, so jump in the car faster.

• Stop taxi drivers going back – 41.669991, 44.965956

Taxi touts another sort of drivers.

• These touts run around the airport terminal or outside and try to catch tourists for the ride.

• The price is usually 5 lari cheaper than a regular taxi.

• Works 24/7 after Airport exit.

• The coordinates: 41.669477, 44.965442

Batumi from Batumi International Airport

Traveling from Batumi International Airport to the city center is straightforward, with several transportation options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Buses №10 through the city center and №10a – on Rustaveli Ave.

• Bus No. 10 travels through the city center, including stops along Rustaveli Avenue, and terminates at the Batumi Botanical Garden.

• Buses operate from around 7:00 am to 11:00 pm and every 30 minutes.

• Price: 40 tetri (0.4 Lari) per person, payment by card.

• Airport Stop Location: Directly in front of the terminal exit.

• Bus stop coordinates: 41.606840, 41.611174

Clingy taxi drivers:

• Taxis are available 24/7

• Price: A typical city center ride costs 20 to 40 GEL.

• There is no taxi service at the Airport, so at the exit, you will be met by a couple of cab drivers who will give you a ride for a bit more money.

• You can stop a taxi with a meter that has just dropped someone off.

• Near the exit: 41.606840, 41.611174

Taxi:

• Working hours: 24/7

• You can catch a taxi immediately outside the terminal exit.

• Taxis can drop passengers at any desired location within the city center, offering door-to-door service.

Kutaisi from Kutaisi Airport

Traveling from Kutaisi International Airport to the city center is convenient, with several transportation options available to suit different preferences and budgets. Here's a detailed overview:

Minibusses

• Working hours: 24/7, departing every odd hour (1:00 am, 3:00 am, 5:00 am, etc.)

• Cost: The one-way fare bus ticket is near 5 GEL. Payment is made onboard using Visa or Mastercard.

• The bus departs directly in front of the arrivals hall.

• End Point: In the city center, the bus stops near the Red Bridge close to the Green Bazaar or across the road from the Tourist Information Centre, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis

• Working hours: available 24/7.

• Cost: The average fare for a standard sedan is around 35 GEL. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey.

• Pickup Location: Official airport taxis, operated by FlyTaxi, can be booked at their desk in the arrivals hall. Drivers are stationed just outside the terminal.

• Drop-off Point: Provide door-to-door service to any location within the Kutaisi.

Additional Tips

• Payment Methods: While the shuttle bus only accepts card payments, taxis, and ride-hailing services may accept cash. For convenience, it's advisable to carry some lari.

• Language Assistance: Having your destination written in Georgian can be helpful, especially when using a cab service.

By considering these options, you can select the mode of transportation that best suits your schedule, budget, and comfort preferences for a smooth journey from Kutaisi Airport to the center.

Intercity Transport in Georgia: from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi

You have a few options to get from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kutaisi. By bus, by marshrutka, or by clingy taxi drivers. Let's start.

Minibusses

You must leave the terminal and walk about 30 meters to the highway. There, you can stop any passing cars and shuttle buses traveling in the desired direction.

Cost:

• To Tbilisi: 20-25 GEL.

• To Batumi: 20-25 GEL.

• To Kutaisi: about 5 GEL.

It should be taken into account that some drivers may try to inflate the fare, so it is recommended that the price be clarified in advance.

Features of marshrutka:

• Public transport such as minibusses is an old "Sprinter” or “Transit” model that does not have air conditioning.

• Signs with directions are often written in Georgian, making them difficult to understand for those unfamiliar with the Georgian alphabet.

• It is recommended that a sign with the inscription “Tbilisi” or “Batumi” in Russian or English be prepared in advance to facilitate the process of stopping the necessary transportation.

Important points:

• The number of minibusses is significantly reduced at night and in winter, complicating the trip.

• Many shuttle buses traveling from and to Tbilisi-Batumi bypass the Airport, reducing the number of these buses in this section.

Pickup Locations:

• to Batumi: 42.183346, 42.465096.

• to Tbilisi or Kutaisi: 42.183207, 42.465208.

Considering these exceptions, planning your trip and, if possible, using alternative forms of transportation, especially at night or in the winter, is recommended.

By City Buses

Public transport such as Georgian Bus and Omnibus Express have direct transfers from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi and Batumi. Their schedules are coordinated with the flights, so it’s convenient for passengers.

• After you arrive and collect your baggage, go to the relevant company's counter in the arrival hall to buy a bus ticket.

• Payment:

  • You can pay with Visa or MasterCard or by cash. The cost is 20-35 GEL.

  • However, the exchange rate at the Airport may not be good, so it’s recommended to carry $10-20 in small notes for exchange and fare payment.

  • Exchange offices and ATMs are in the arrivals hall.

• Pickup Location: In the terminal, in the arrivals hall.

• Location coordinates 42.182437, 42.466070.

Clingy Drivers:

After leaving the Kutaisi Airport terminal, you can find a private car and taxi drivers who will offer their services.

Price:

• To Batumi: around 40 USD.

• To Tbilisi: 60-70 USD.

Drivers may quote 30% more initially, so try to negotiate a reasonable price.

• Location: They are usually on the street, near the exit.

• Coordinates: 42.182247, 42.465510.

Alternative options:

• Consider using the official taxi or pre-booked transfer service for more transparent conditions and fixed prices.

• Apps: In Kutaisi, services like Bolt and Maxim allow you to order a car through the mobile app and get the price beforehand.

How to Get from Tbilisi to Batumi, Kutaisi, Ureki, Kobuleti and Back

The Tbilisi-Batumi road passes through Ureki and Kobuleti. If you tell the driver, he will take you there instead of taking a detour. Didube Bus Station (Okriba) is the main station for marshrutka vans and shared taxis in Tbilisi to different destinations around Georgi. It's located not far from the Didube metro station.

From Tbilisi to Batumi:

• From Didube Bus Station;

• From the other side of the Central Railway Station,

From Batumi to Tbilisi:

• From the bus station;

• From the funicular, down Chavchavadze Street;

Conditions:

• Auto: Mercedes Sprinter

• Aircon: No

• Travel time: about seven hours

• Stops: 1 for 30 minutes; mid-way - rural type cafe with high prices and paid toilet.

• Ticket price:

  • Tbilisi-Batumi or back - 30 GEL;

  • Tbilisi-Kutaisi - 20 GEL;

  • Batumi-Kutaisi - 20 GEL;

  • Sometimes, they try to charge you 15 GEL - don't listen and walk to the next vehicle.

• Frequency:

  • From Didube (Tbilisi) or Bus station (Batumi) - every 15 minutes

  • From the Railway Station (Tbilisi) or the funicular (Batumi) - from 20 min to 1 hour (depending on the time of day).

• Schedule: None, run from 5:00 am to midnight.

Minibusses

• From Tbilisi, near Didube, at the gas station or kiosk

• From Batumi, near the funicular

Conditions:

• Car: Mercedes Vito, Viano

• Aircon: Sometimes

• Time: around seven hours

• Stops: 1 x 30 minutes, mid-way - a village-type cafe with high prices and paid toilet

• Price:

  • Tbilisi-Batumi or back: 35 lari

  • Tbilisi or Batumi to Kutaisi: 15-20 lari.

  • Tbilisi-Kutaisi may not take you and send you to another minibus standing nearby.

• Frequency:

  • Variable;

  • Can leave in 15 minutes, or can wait 2 hours;

• Schedule: no, but leaves from 5 am to midnight;

Bus With AC

A Turkish company has launched comfortable buses from Tbilisi to Batumi.

Conditions:

• Auto: Mercedes, non-schedule

• Aircon: yes

• Time on the road: around 7-8 hours

• Stops: 1 for 30 minutes, in the middle of the way – the cafe is better than Marshrutkas, the prices are not low, and the toilet is paid for in the cafe.

• Price:

  • Tbilisi-Batumi or back - 35 lari;

  • Tbilisi-Kutaisi – 20 lari.

• Frequency: every 2 hours

• Timetable:

  • Yes;

  • Run from 5 am to midnight;

  • Better to buy tickets in advance;

Tell the cashier and driver where you are going when buying a ticket. Drivers may forget to drop you off at the final stop, making the journey harder. It’s better to ask the driver where exactly he will drop you off and track the route during the trip.

Electric train with AC

Conditions:

• Electric train with conditioner. Express

• Aircon: yes

• Time: 6 hours

• Stops: as in the schedule

• Price:

  • Tbilisi-Batumi or back - 45 lari

  • Not all cities are available for exit

• Frequency: one train in the morning and one in the evening

• Schedule: Yes

  • Runs at 5 am or 6 am;

  • Second train at 5 pm;

  • Buy tickets in advance;

Night Train with AC and Sleeping Paces

Conditions:

• Conditioner: yes

• Time: 6-7 hours

• Stops: as in the schedule

• Price:

  • Tbilisi-Batumi or back - 70 lari compartment

  • Not all cities are available for exit

• Frequency: one-night train

• Schedule: yes

  • 20:00 or 21:00 till morning

GPS Coordinates of Bus and Train Stations on Google maps

1. Didube Bus station in Tbilisi: 41.751271,44.778602

2. Marshrutka stops near Didube (2 places):

   • Galv gas station: 41.752457, 44.778425

   • Marshrutka stop: 41.749181, 44.778024

3. Tbilisi train station: 41.721142, 44.799205

4. Marshrutka stop at Tbilisi train station: 41.721895, 44.799033

5. Batumi train station: 41.659298, 41.677964

6. Batumi ticket offices (buy a ticket in the city):

   • Zvied Gamsakhurdia str, 1: 41.652109, 41.640384

   • Gogebashvili str, stop near funicular: 41.646807, 41.645486

7. Bus station, Mayakovsky str: 41.643701, 41.650498

8. Metro bus station in Tbilisi: 41.675206,44.834609

9. Metro bus station, Gogol str in Batumi: 41.643374, 41.669409

Taxi in Georgia

Taxis in Georgia are cheaper than in other countries. A trip from the nearby districts to the city centre will cost 5-8 GEL. Night-time prices are slightly higher than daytime but still cheaper than in many European cities. A trip from the airport to the city centre should not be more than 40 GEL.

If you are using a taxi without a meter, it’s better to negotiate the price with the driver beforehand. You can also arrange for a specific driver to be your go-to during your stay in Georgia. One of the most popular taxi services in the country is Yandex Taxi.

Hybrid vehicles, which run on gasoline and electricity, are common in Georgia. Recently, the authorities have made it mandatory for taxis to be painted white so they are easily recognizable.

Approximate Taxi price in Tbilisi:

• Per Kilometer: 1 GEL per km.

• Waiting Time: 10 GEL per hour.

• Daily Rental: 100 GEL per day.

Taxi in Tbilisi

• Taximaxim: +995 (032) 260-60-60-60. They also have their own mobile application.

• Yandex Taxi: +995 (032) 280-00-00.

Taxi in Batumi

• Taxi: +995 558 78 45 45; +995 595 78 45 45.

• They are also available on Viber: +995 593 700 700; +995 593 800 800

• Taximaxim: +995 422 24 00 00.

If you do not want to use public transportation in Georgia's major cities, contact Getmancar. We will give you a rental car in Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kutaisi or deliver it to the desired location.