How to Get to Kutaisi. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Kutaisi International Airport KUT

Kutaisi International Airport, also known as Kopitnari Airport (KUT), is the main airport for Kutaisi and Western Georgia. It has grown significantly in recent years to become an entry point for tourists visiting the region. The airport is approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of Kutaisi city center.

Airlines and Routes

Wizz Air is the dominant airline at KUT, with low-cost flights.
Connects Kutaisi to various European cities (e.g., Budapest, Warsaw, Berlin, Milan).
Focus on budget carriers makes Kutaisi an attractive option for European travelers.

Transfers & Facilities

Direct flights to KUT are mainly from European cities. No direct flights from North America or Asia. Travelers from these regions typically connect via major European airports or fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS).

Airport Amenities & Transfers

KUT is a smaller, modern airport with duty-free shops, cafes, currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.
Marshrutka: Public minibuses (2 GEL, 20-30 min) to city center.
Georgian Bus: Official transfer service (Kutaisi 5 GEL, Tbilisi/Batumi 20 GEL).

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight frequency and prices increase during the summer high season (June-August). Prices also rise around major holidays. Off-season (winter) has lowest fares.

Booking Advice

Low-cost carriers make Kutaisi economical.

Affiliate Flight Resources

Discover great deals via Dollar Flight Club and compare options on Skyscanner.

General Airport Tips

Efficient Transfers

Taxi: Readily available, 25-40 GEL to city; agree on price or use Bolt.
Georgian Bus: Book in advance online for Tbilisi or Batumi transfers.
Marshrutkas: Frequent, timed with flight arrivals for convenience.
Airport Services: Duty-free, cafes, currency exchange, ATMs, free Wi-Fi.

Connectivity with Tbilisi

Direct flights from major global hubs: Mainly European cities.
Connections from North America/Asia via Istanbul, Warsaw, Vienna, Budapest.
Alternative: Fly into Tbilisi (TBS) and use ground transport to Kutaisi.
Distance: Kutaisi is 221 km (137 miles) west of Tbilisi.

Travel Insurance & Visas

Travel Insurance

Consider World Nomads for adventurous travelers or SafetyWing for digital nomads.

Visa Services

For visa applications, IVisa or VisaHQ are good resources.

Flight Compensation

AirHelp assists with compensation for delayed or canceled flights.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Kutaisi has two train stations: Kutaisi I (Central) and Kutaisi II (closer to the city center). Georgian Railways operates services connecting Kutaisi to other major cities.

Main Train Route

The main route connects Kutaisi to Tbilisi (Tbilisi Central Station).
Journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, scenic views of Georgian countryside.
Fares range from 10-25 GEL, depending on class of service.

Long-Distance Marshrutkas

Marshrutkas (minibuses) are the most common, flexible, and efficient intercity land transport method in Georgia. They are the backbone of the country's public transport system.

Routes from Kutaisi

Main departure: Kutaisi Central Bus Station (adjacent to Kutaisi I train station).
To Tbilisi (Didube): ~4 hours, 10-12 GEL, very frequent departures.
To Batumi: ~2-2.5 hours, 10-12 GEL, very frequent departures.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Requirements & Conditions

Valid national driver's license. International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended.
Main highways are good. Secondary/rural roads vary, often unpaved or poorly maintained.
Livestock on roads in rural areas is common, requiring vigilance.

Border Crossings & Car Rentals

Georgia shares land borders with Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. These are relevant for wider regional travel.

Cross-Border Travel & Rentals

Border Crossings: Sarpi (Turkey), Sadakhlo (Armenia), Red Bridge (Azerbaijan).
Car Rental: Available at KUT and city center. Major and local companies exist.
Requirements: Minimum age (21/23+), credit card for security deposit.

Driving Safety Concerns

Driving standards differ; drivers can be aggressive.
Adherence to traffic laws might be inconsistent.
Road signs are not always clear or consistent, especially outside major cities.

Driving at night on rural roads is challenging due to poor lighting.
Comprehensive car insurance is a good investment.
Always check current regulations for each border crossing.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Protocols

Planning your departure from Kutaisi is as important as planning your arrival. Smooth processes contribute to a positive end to your trip.

Check-in & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes for air travel from Georgia.
For international flights from KUT, arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
Time for check-in, baggage drop-off, security screening, and passport control.

Station Facilities & Tips

Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) offers basic facilities for departing travelers. These include check-in counters, self-check-in kiosks for some airlines, security screening points, and passport control.

Terminal Services & Transport

After security, find duty-free shops, cafes, and snack bars. Seating areas are also available.
For marshrutka or train departures, arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.
Kutaisi Central Bus Station and train stations have waiting areas, small kiosks, and restrooms.

Timely Arrival

Allow sufficient time for check-in and security, especially during peak season, to prevent stress.

Confirm Details

Confirm check-in and baggage allowance with your airline before heading to the airport.

VAT Refunds

Consider any VAT refund procedures you might need to complete before passing security.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland City Status

Sea or river arrivals are not applicable for Kutaisi.

No Direct Water Links

Kutaisi is an inland city, situated on the Rioni River.
The Rioni River is not navigable for large-scale passenger transport.
Major sea connections to Georgia are via Black Sea ports like Batumi or Poti.

Connecting from Ports

Travelers arriving by sea at Batumi or Poti can then travel to Kutaisi via land transportation options.

Port to City Transport

Marshrutkas and trains connect Batumi and Poti to Kutaisi.
Car rental services are also available at the ports for onward travel.
Journey times vary depending on the mode of transport chosen.

Car Rental Affiliate

Rental Cars

Find great deals on car rentals for your Georgian adventures through DiscoverCars.com.

Flexibility

A rental car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach remote sites.

Convenience

Pick up your vehicle directly at Kutaisi International Airport or in the city center.

Travel Insight

Opt for land transport from Georgia's Black Sea ports to reach Kutaisi. This is the practical way to travel to the inland city from coastal areas.

How to Get to Kutaisi