How to get around Georgia
Navigating Georgia is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
For intercity travel in Georgia, various options cater to different budgets. The most economical way is often by *marshrutka* (minibus), which are vans operating on set routes.
Short trips, such as Tbilisi to Gori, can cost between 1.5 to 5 GEL, while longer journeys, like a four-and-a-half-hour trip to Mestia, typically cost around 40 GEL. A full cross-country journey, such as Mestia to Tbilisi, might be up to 50 GEL. Tickets for marshrutkas are usually paid directly to the driver in cash, or at a ticket desk at the station.
Buses offer another affordable option. For instance, a bus ride from Tbilisi to Kutaisi typically costs 20-30 GEL, and from Tbilisi to Batumi it is about 35 GEL.
Trains provide a more comfortable experience between major cities. Prices are comparable to marshrutkas. For example, a train ticket from Tbilisi to Batumi starts from 35 GEL, and Kutaisi to Tbilisi can be around $9 (approximately 23.4 GEL).
For a more expensive and private option, taxis and private transfers are available. A private transfer from Tbilisi to Kvareli (160 km) can range from 259 GEL for an economy sedan to 679 GEL for a minibus. A taxi from Tbilisi Airport to Batumi averages around 450 GEL, and to Gudauri about 250 GEL.
Travel Within Cities
Within Georgian cities, particularly Tbilisi, public transport is efficient and inexpensive. The metro, city buses, and minibuses (marshrutkas) all operate with a flat fare of 1 GEL per journey. To use these, a 'Metromoney' card is required, which costs 2 GEL and can be purchased and topped up at metro stations. This card allows free transfers within 90 minutes. International bank cards can also be used on buses and the metro for approximately 1.50 GEL per trip.
Taxis are widely available and generally affordable. Most rides within Tbilisi city center range from 3 to 6 GEL. A 5km taxi ride in Tbilisi might cost around 9.3 GEL. From Tbilisi Airport to the city center, taxi fares typically range from 40 to 60 GEL. Ride-sharing applications offer a convenient alternative, with prices generally fixed.
Other local transport options include cable cars, costing 1-2.5 GEL one-way. The Mtatsminda Funicular charges 10 GEL one-way, plus a 2 GEL card fee. Electric scooter sharing services are available in Tbilisi and Batumi.
