Getting to Georgia

From Armenia

By Marshrutka

Marshrutkas travel daily between Yerevan’s Kilikia Station and Tbilisi’s Avlabari (Dusheti Street) or Ortachala Bus Station. You can find the official timetable here, but upon arrival at Kilikia Station, you’ll notice several buses ready to board passengers and leave for Tbilisi. Hop on one and head off! Tickets cost 8,000 AMD, paid in cash to the driver. 

By Train

The overnight train from Yerevan to Tbilisi (and Batumi in the summer) operates year-round but on different schedules, depending on the time of year. Trains leave from Yerevan Railway Station and arrive at Tbilisi’s Central Railway Station and Batumi’s Central Railway Station. 

In winter (October 1 – June 14), the train runs on even days of the month. It departs at 21:30, arriving in Tbilisi at 7:35 and Batumi at the next morning.

In summer (June 15 – September 30), the train runs on odd days of the month. It departs at 14:05, arriving in Tbilisi at 00:11 and Batumi at 7:30 the next morning.

*If you’re headed to northern Armenia you might consider disembarking at Vanadzor Main Train Station instead of going all the way to Yerevan. 

From Azerbaijan 

Although the border into Azerbaijan is closed, you can travel across the land border from Azerbaijan into Georgia (unless you hold Azerbaijani citizenship, in which case, you can only fly out of the country). 

From Turkey

Georgia and Turkey have several bus connections between major cities, and travel between the two countries might be long, but it’s relatively painless. Buses are large and stop frequently along the way. Most are equipped with wifi, but you might need a Turkish phone number to access it. Bus tickets to Batumi or Tbilisi can be bought at any major bus station in Turkey or through the Check By Bus app. If you’re traveling to Tbilisi, you’ll get dropped off at Ortachala Bus Station. 

From Russia 

If you have your own transport, you can enter Georgia from the north by road along the Mtskheta-Stepantsminda Highway. No public buses or other forms of public transportation are available if you are entering from Russia. This is a popular route among cyclists departing Georgia and heading east via Russia. 

By Air

Georgia has two primary airports, Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) in Tbilisi and the newly renovated David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) in Kutaisi. WizzAir offers flights to Kutaisi from several European cities, and if you’re traveling to Svaneti, Kutaisi is located much closer than Tbilisi is. If you’re arriving from outside of Europe or a city not serviced by WizzAir, you’ll likely fly into Tbilisi.   

Traveling Within Georgia

Modes of Transportation

Marshrutka

Georgian cities, towns, and villages are serviced by marshrutkas (minibuses), with signs in the windshield indicating their destination. Tbilisi has four primary marshrutka stations: Station Square (also the location of Tbilisi’s main railway station), Didube, Ortachala, and Samgori. They serve different parts of the country and international destinations. Marshrutkas‘ destinations often determine which station they depart from. Check here to determine which station your marshrutka leaves from and for a map of Didube Station, and here for a comprehensive guide to marshrutkas in Georgia. 

Georgians are quite friendly, and when you arrive at any of the marshrutka stations, drivers are more than happy to help you find your marshrutka. Prices are fixed, and be sure you have cash to pay the driver. 

Many marshrutkas run on a schedule, but oftentimes these schedules are loose at best. Don’t wait until the last minute to arrive and hope to get a seat, as marshrutkas leave whenever they fill up, and you may be out of luck. 

Many marshrutkas, especially those travelling to high-demand tourist destinations such as Mestia, have plenty of room in the back to store backpacks and luggage. 

For longer trips, you can count on at least one rest stop to stretch your legs, use the facilities, and purchase food and drink. 

Shared Taxi

Shared taxis are also an option, depending on your destination. Many of the more popular routes have shared taxis, but you won’t find shared taxis to more remote towns or villages. Taxis are much more comfortable, but can cost 2-3 times as much as a marshrutka. You also might be waiting a lot longer for it to fill up and depart. When you arrive at the bus station, drivers will be waiting for you and are more than happy to point you in the direction of a shared taxi going to your desired destination. Be sure you have cash to pay the driver. 

Hitchhiking 

Hitchhiking is also a popular means of transportation throughout the country, and is recommended between towns and villages where public transportation isn’t available and taxis are expensive. It is generally quite safe, and people are more than willing to pick up passengers. If you’re traveling from a city, it’s best to make your way outside the city limits for a better chance of getting a ride. 

From Tbilisi Airport to City Center

Taxi (from app)

Download either the Bolt or Maxim app, and use the free airport wifi to book a car. You can link your credit card to your app account or pay cash. If you pay by cash, have exact change ready because many drivers may not provide change.

Metered taxi

Taxis are available directly outside the arrivals hall and shouldn’t cost more than 40–50 GEL (approximately $17) to the center. Although this is an option, these taxis are much more expensive than those booked through an app. 

Bus

Public bus #337 runs to and from Tbilisi airport to the center every hour from 7:00–23:00. You can pay by contactless credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or MetroMoney Card, which you can purchase for 2 GEL at the Bank of Georgia kiosk in the airport. If you purchase a MetroMoney card, remember to top up your card prior to travelling (bus and metro fares are 1 GEL). Check Tbilisi city public bus schedules and real-time locations here or on the Tbilisi Transportation app. The end of the bus line is Station Square, the main Tbilisi train station. 

From Kutaisi Airport to City Center

Taxi (from app)

Download either the Bolt or Maxim app, and use the free airport wifi to book a car. You can link your credit card to your app account or pay cash. If you pay by cash, have exact change ready because many drivers may not provide change.