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Journey to Tbilisi

Journey to Tbilisi

Georgia

Air Travel Logistics

Main Airport

Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is the main international gateway, about 17 kilometers (11 miles) southeast of the city center.

Airport Facilities

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
  • Duty-free shops present.
  • Numerous cafes and restaurants.

Airlines & Routes

Direct flights from North America limited; most include layovers.

Common Connections

  • Major airlines: Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Qatar Airways.
  • Layover hubs: Istanbul (IST), Munich (MUC), Frankfurt (FRA), Warsaw (WAW), Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB).
  • Seasonal price changes; book 3-6 months ahead for better fares.

Taxi Services

Available 24/7. Official airport taxis have fixed prices (₾30-50). Negotiate fare or use apps for transparency.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Bolt and Yandex Go present reliable, cheaper options (₾25-40). Pre-book via app for transparent pricing.

Public Bus & Train

Bus #337 connects airport to city center 24/7 (₾1, Metromoney card). Limited train service to Central Station (₾0.50).

Driving & Roadways

Road Network

  • Main highways connecting major cities are in good condition.
  • Rural and mountain roads can be narrow, winding, unpaved, or poorly maintained.
  • Georgian drivers exhibit aggressive and unpredictable behaviors. Defensive driving needed.
  • Heavy traffic and congestion common in Tbilisi.

Local Driving Tips

  • Parking difficult and expensive in central Tbilisi. Paid street zones exist.
  • Livestock, like cows and sheep, may wander onto roads, notably in rural areas. Drive cautiously.
  • Speed limits are generally 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on open roads, and 110 km/h (68 mph) on highways.
  • Georgia maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving.

Car Rental Insights

Rental Requirements

A valid national driver's license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a need, passport, and a credit card for the deposit.

Age & Companies

The minimum age for car rental typically ranges from 21 to 23 years, with some companies imposing a surcharge for drivers under 25. Major international companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) and various local companies operate at Tbilisi International Airport and within the city.

Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is strongly suggested for peace of mind, covering potential damage or accidents. DiscoverCars.com a good option.

Ground Travel Options

Train Connections

Georgian Railways operates train services connecting Tbilisi to other major Georgian cities.

Rail Services

  • Connects Tbilisi to popular destinations like Batumi on the Black Sea coast, Kutaisi (near numerous attractions), Zugdidi (a gateway to the Svaneti region), and Borjomi. On some routes, like the Tbilisi-Batumi Stadler trains, choose between Economy, Business, and First Class.
  • Overnight trains available for longer distances, like the route to Zugdidi, a practical way to travel overnight. Direct train services to Baku (Azerbaijan) and Yerevan (Armenia) are available, though these may be seasonal or have limited schedules.
  • Tickets purchased at Tbilisi Central Station or conveniently online via the official Georgian Railways website: Tickets.railway.ge.

Bus & Marshrutka Network

Marshrutkas serve as the backbone of intercity public transport in Georgia.

Marshrutka Hubs

  • These are the main, most frequent, and most inexpensive form of intercity transport. They are fast and efficient but can be crowded and less comfortable for long journeys.
  • They depart from various bus stations in Tbilisi (Didube for Western Georgia, Ortachala for Southern/Eastern Georgia, Samgori for Kakheti), depending on your destination.
  • They typically depart when full. Larger, more comfortable buses exist for some longer routes, delivering more space and sometimes air conditioning, but marshrutkas remain more prevalent for most destinations.

Border Crossings

Georgia shares land borders with several countries, each with specific considerations.

Borders

  • Armenia: Major crossings include Sadakhlo (Bagratashen) and Guguti. These crossings are generally smooth for tourists.
  • Azerbaijan: Major crossings are at Red Bridge and Lagodekhi (Matsimi).
  • Turkey: The main crossing is at Sarpi, located close to the Georgian Black Sea city of Batumi. Russia: Upper Lars (Dariali Gorge) is the only open land crossing for third-country nationals. This crossing can experience long queues and may close due to adverse weather conditions.

Motorcycle & Scooter

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common in Tbilisi compared to car rentals. Generally, these are not suggested for inexperienced riders due to the city's traffic conditions and driving style.

Considerations

  • Some local shops may offer rentals.
  • Tbilisi traffic conditions pose hazards for tourists unfamiliar with local driving habits.
  • Tbilisi has limited dedicated bicycle infrastructure. Recreational cycling in parks or along the Mtkvari River delivers a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Sea & Departure Notes

  • No direct sea or river arrivals to Tbilisi; inland city.
  • Black Sea ports: Batumi and Poti (cargo focus, irregular passenger).
  • From Black Sea ports, trains and marshrutkas for transport to Tbilisi.
  • No specific exit fees or taxes for tourists departing by air.
  • International flights: For TBS, arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Domestic flights/trains/buses: 30-60 minutes before departure usually suffices.

Efficient Travel Tips

Transfers from Airport

Several convenient options connect the airport to the city center.

Options

  • Taxis available 24/7. Negotiate fare or use ride-sharing apps.
  • Bolt/Yandex Go (ride-sharing apps) are reliable and often cheaper (₾25-40).
  • Bus #337 connects airport to city center 24/7 (₾1, Metromoney card).

Airport Facilities

Tbilisi International Airport delivers a range of services for arriving and departing passengers.

Services

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
  • Duty-free shops present opportunities for last-minute purchases.
  • Numerous cafes and restaurants furnish dining options.

Driving Local Roads

Main highways good, rural/mountain roads can be challenging.

Budgeting Travel

Daily expenses vary by style; plan ahead for costs.

Pre-Trip Checks

Confirm visa status, health advisories, and currency.

Public Transport Guidelines

Metromoney Card

This rechargeable plastic card is your ticket to seamless public transport.

How It Functions

  • Purchase it at any metro station for ₾2 and load it with funds.
  • Each ride costs a flat ₾1, with unlimited transfers across metro, buses, and the Rike Park cable car within a 90-minute period.
  • You can also use it for the Funicular to Mtatsminda Park.

Tips for Efficiency

Navigate Tbilisi's public transport system with confidence.

Smart Practices

  • Rely on Google Maps for accurate public transport directions. Download offline maps to save data.
  • Learn to recognize Georgian letters for reading street names and station signs.
  • Newer buses and metro turnstiles now accept direct contactless payments using bank cards.

Accessibility & Safety Notes

Accessibility

Tbilisi’s public transport system presents mixed accessibility. Many older metro stations feature deep escalators and lack elevators. Newer stations generally deliver better accessibility features. Some newer buses are low-floor and wheelchair-accessible. The city's hilly terrain and often uneven pavements make general accessibility challenging.

Metro Safety

When using the metro, hold onto your belongings carefully, especially on crowded trains. While rare, pickpocketing can occur. Stay aware of your surroundings.

General Transport Safety

Marshrutkas can be crowded; secure your bags. For traditional taxis, always confirm the route and agree on the fare beforehand to avoid overcharging.

Traveler's Insight

Downloading the Bolt ride-sharing app before your arrival is strongly suggested. It saves you from negotiating with taxi drivers.

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