Georgia is a captivating country in the Caucasus region where ancient traditions meet stunning mountain landscapes and world-class wine culture. From the charming cobblestone streets of Tbilisi to the dramatic peaks of the Greater Caucasus, Georgia offers extraordinary hospitality, unique cuisine, and eight millennia of winemaking heritage.
- Public
- Tbilisi has an excellent metro (2 lines) and extensive bus network all for 1 GEL per ride with MetroMoney card. Other cities have buses but no metro.
- Taxi
- Bolt and Yandex Go apps provide cheap, transparent-priced taxis throughout Tbilisi and Batumi. Significantly better value than street taxis.
- Rental
- Car rental is recommended for exploring outside Tbilisi including wine country, mountains, and western Georgia. 4WD essential for mountain regions.
- Walking
- Old Tbilisi is very walkable with most attractions within 30 minutes on foot. Batumi Boulevard perfect for walking and cycling.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi 40-60 GEL ($15-22), 20-30 minutes
- Shuttle
- Bolt/Yandex rideshare 20-30 GEL ($7-11)
- Bus
- Bus #37 to Freedom Square 1 GEL ($0.40), 60+ minutes
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Hours: 7:00-midnight most routes
- Availability
- Extensive network in Tbilisi, limited in other cities
- Cost
- 1 GEL per ride with MetroMoney card, no cash accepted
- Tips
- MetroMoney card works on metro and buses. Google Maps shows routes. Bus #37 connects airport to city.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, cable_car
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Availability
- Ubiquitous in all cities
- Cost
- Base fare 3 GEL + 1 GEL per km (Bolt/Yandex), street taxis negotiate
- Apps
- Bolt and Yandex most popular, cheaper than street taxis
- Tips
- Always use apps for transparent pricing. Street taxis often overcharge tourists. Bolt widely available.
- Apps
- Bolt (most popular), Yandex Taxi
- App Names
- Bolt (most popular), Yandex Taxi
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Routes: Extensive network connecting all major cities and towns
Cost: 5-30 GEL depending on distance (e.g., Tbilisi-Kazbegi 15 GEL)
- Companies
- Multiple companies from Didube, Ortachala, Samgori stations
- Tips
- Buses leave when full. No advance booking needed for most routes. Marshrutkas are faster than large buses.
Flights
Routes: Tbilisi-Batumi, Tbilisi-Mestia (seasonal)
Cost: 80-150 GEL Tbilisi-Batumi, 150-200 GEL Tbilisi-Mestia
- Airlines
- Georgian Airways, Vanilla Sky
- Tips
- Mestia flight saves 8+ hours of mountain driving. Batumi flight only worthwhile with time constraints.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Tbilisi International Airport (Shota Rustaveli)
From centre: 17 km southeast
Options: Taxi 40-60 GEL ($15-22), 20-30 minutes; Bolt/Yandex rideshare 20-30 GEL ($7-11); Bus #37 to Freedom Square 1 GEL ($0.40), 60+ minutes; Airport shuttle services 10-15 GEL per person
Batumi International Airport
From centre: 2 km south of city center
Options: Taxi 15-20 GEL ($6-8), 10 minutes; Bolt rideshare 10-15 GEL ($4-6); Bus #10 to city center 1 GEL, 15 minutes; Walking possible to some hotels (30 minutes)
Kutaisi International Airport (David the Builder)
From centre: 22 km west of Kutaisi, 250 km from Tbilisi
Options: Shuttle bus to Tbilisi 20 GEL ($7), 3.5 hours; Taxi to Kutaisi 30-40 GEL ($11-15), 30 minutes; Marshrutka to Kutaisi 5 GEL, connections to other cities; Budget airline hub - popular for low-cost European flights
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Bolt
Most popular rideshare app in Georgia with transparent pricing; works in Tbilisi, Batumi, and other cities
Yandex Go
Russian-owned rideshare alternative to Bolt; competitive pricing and wide driver network in major Georgian cities
Railway.ge
Georgian Railways official app and website for booking intercity trains including overnight sleeper to Batumi
Google Maps
Works well for Tbilisi navigation including metro routes, bus lines, and walking directions in the city
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download Bolt and Yandex Go apps before arriving - they are essential for affordable and transparent taxi pricing in Tbilisi and Batumi
Buy a MetroMoney card (0.50 GEL) at any metro station for discounted 1 GEL rides on metro and buses
The Tbilisi metro closes around midnight - know your taxi options before going out late
For day trips to Mtskheta, take the marshrutka from Didube station for just 1 GEL - it departs when full
The marshrutka to Kazbegi from Didube station (10 GEL) leaves at 10AM daily - arrive 30 minutes early
Mountain regions like Tusheti require 4WD vehicles; the Tusheti road is one of the world's most dangerous roads
Trains to Batumi (8 hours overnight, from 25 GEL) are comfortable and scenic alternatives to flying