Getting Around Georgia 2025
Navigate Georgia like a local with our transportation guide.
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.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Georgia.
Public Transit
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.
Taxis
Bolt and Yandex Go apps provide cheap, transparent-priced taxis throughout Tbilisi and Batumi. Significantly better value than street taxis.
Car 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.
Getting There
How to arrive in Georgia.
✈️ By Air
Tbilisi International Airport (Shota Rustaveli)
Batumi International Airport
Kutaisi International Airport (David the Builder)
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Georgia.
🚌 Buses
{'availability': 'Extensive network in Tbilisi, limited in other cities', 'cost': '1 GEL per ride with MetroMoney card, no cash accepted', 'hours': '7:00-midnight most routes', 'tips': 'MetroMoney card works on metro and buses. Google Maps shows routes. Bus #37 connects airport to city.'}
🛺 Local Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, cable_car
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Long-Distance Buses
{'routes': 'Extensive network connecting all major cities and towns', 'companies': 'Multiple companies from Didube, Ortachala, Samgori stations', 'cost': '5-30 GEL depending on distance (e.g., Tbilisi-Kazbegi 15 GEL)', 'tips': 'Buses leave when full. No advance booking needed for most routes. Marshrutkas are faster than large buses.'}
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Domestic Flights
{'routes': 'Tbilisi-Batumi, Tbilisi-Mestia (seasonal)', 'airlines': 'Georgian Airways, Vanilla Sky', 'cost': '80-150 GEL Tbilisi-Batumi, 150-200 GEL Tbilisi-Mestia', 'tips': 'Mestia flight saves 8+ hours of mountain driving. Batumi flight only worthwhile with time constraints.'}
Private Car/Driver
Driving in Georgia
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Generally not recommended
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
License Required
International Driving Permit recommended
Road Conditions
Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
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
Useful Apps
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
Navigate Georgia Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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