Transportation in Tbilisi

Transportation in Tbilisi

Your complete guide to getting around Tbilisi - from airport transfers to local transport

Getting Around Tbilisi

# Getting Around Tbilisi Tbilisi's public transport runs on a unified card system that covers the metro, buses, and cable cars throughout the city. The metro is your most reliable option—two lines that intersect at Station Square handle the bulk of cross-city travel, running frequently from early morning until midnight. Buses fill in the gaps, though routes can be confusing for first-timers without Georgian language skills. The cable car to Narikala Fortress offers both transport and views, connecting Rike Park to the old town fortifications. From the airport, you'll find official taxi services and ride-hailing apps as the primary options into the city center. The journey typically takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. For current rates and booking, use the transportation widgets on this page. Avoid unmarked taxis at the airport—they're the classic tourist trap. If you're comfortable with public transport, bus routes do connect the airport to the city, though this involves at least one transfer and isn't practical with luggage. **Quick tip**: Get a reloadable Metromoney card at any metro station for smooth travel across all public transport. The metro stations have signs in both Georgian and English, making navigation manageable even without local language knowledge. Walking is viable in central districts like Old Tbilisi, Rustaveli Avenue, and around Freedom Square—the city is more compact than it first appears.

Quick Transportation Tips

Download the Bolt or Yandex Taxi app before arrival for reliable ride-hailing with upfront pricing

Purchase a Metromoney card at any metro station for cashless travel on metro, buses, and cable cars

Metro operates until midnight on weekdays and 1 AM on weekends - plan late-night transport accordingly

Bus 37 connects the airport to the city center as a budget alternative to taxis - check current routes and schedules

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Transportation Tours & Tickets

Skip-the-line tickets, airport transfers, and transport tours

Frequently Asked Questions

tbilisi airport

Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), also known as Shota Rustaveli Airport, is located about 17 km east of the city center. You can reach the city by bus 37 (runs 24/7, costs 1 GEL, takes about 45 minutes to Freedom Square), official airport taxis (around 40-50 GEL), or ride-sharing apps like Bolt and Yandex (typically 20-30 GEL). The airport has ATMs, currency exchange, and a tourist information desk in the arrivals hall.

tbilisi metro

Tbilisi's metro has two lines that intersect at Station Square and operates from 6 AM to midnight daily. A single ride costs 1 GEL if you use a rechargeable Metromoney card (the card itself costs 2 GEL and can also be used on buses). The metro is the fastest way to get around central Tbilisi, especially during rush hour, and stations are marked with large 'M' signs.

flights to tbilisi

Tbilisi is well-connected to Europe, the Middle East, and neighboring countries, with direct flights from cities like Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Vienna, and Tel Aviv. Budget carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair operate routes from several European cities, while Georgian Airways is the national carrier. We recommend checking flight comparison sites and booking in advance, as prices can vary significantly depending on season—summer and September/October tend to be more expensive.

tbilisi georgia airport

Tbilisi has one main international airport: Tbilisi International Airport (airport code TBS), located in Lochini, about 17 km from the city center. There's also a smaller domestic airport in Natakhtari (about 30 km north), but it's rarely used by tourists. All international flights and the vast majority of domestic flights operate from Tbilisi International Airport.

tbilisi yerevan bus

Several bus companies run daily services between Tbilisi and Yerevan, with the journey taking about 6-7 hours depending on the border crossing wait. Companies like Gareja Line and others depart from Tbilisi's Ortachala Bus Station, with tickets costing around 35-50 GEL (prices vary by company). We recommend booking a day in advance during peak season and bringing your passport, as you'll cross the Armenia-Georgia border at Bagratashen/Sadakhlo.

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