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Transportation in Tbilisi

Transportation in Tbilisi

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

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Airport Transfer

How to get from the airport to city center. Compare trains, buses, taxis, and private transfers.

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Taxis & Rideshare

Using Grab, Uber, and local taxis. Fares, safety tips, and common scams to avoid.

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Car Rental

Driving guide and car rental tips. International licenses, road rules, and insurance.

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Getting Around Tbilisi

Tbilisi's transport is built around a compact metro system, marshrutka minibuses, and an expanding bus network. The metro is the cleanest and fastest way to cross the city, buy a Metromoney card at any station, load a few rides, and you're set for both trains and buses. Marshrutkas fill the gaps, darting down side streets and up hills the metro misses. But they only display destinations in Georgian. If you're unsure, locals will happily shout your stop. City buses are newer and air-conditioned. Yet traffic can make them slower than the metro for east-west trips. From the airport, the 37 bus is the cheap option, it trundles into the center in about 45 minutes and accepts the same Metromoney card. For comfort after a long flight, the official taxi stand outside arrivals is the safest bet. Insist on the meter or agree a price before you load your bags. Avoid the freelance drivers inside the terminal who quote inflated flat rates.

Quick Transportation Tips

Buy a Metromoney card at any metro station for tap-and-go rides on the metro, bus, and yellow marshrutka minibuses.

Bolt and Yandex Go apps work for quick, cash-free taxi rides and usually cost less than street-hailed cabs.

From the airport, the 37 bus runs to Freedom Square via Rustaveli Avenue and takes about 45 minutes.

The metro shuts down around midnight, so switch to night buses or ride-hailing apps after hours.

Continue Planning Your Trip

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Tbilisi

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Tbilisi

Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Tbilisi

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Tbilisi

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.