How to Get Around Georgia: The Complete Transport Guide
Georgia is roughly the size of Ireland — small enough that you can drive from one end to the other in a day, but spread out enough that getting between destinations takes longer than you'd expect. Mountain roads, winding passes, and a transport system that ranges from Soviet-era trains to sleek ride-hailing apps mean that how you travel matters as much as where you go.
There's no single "best" way to get around. The right choice depends on your route, your budget, and how much time you have. This guide covers every option so you can stop guessing and start moving. For a full cost breakdown across budget tiers, see our Georgia travel cost guide.
Getting Around Tbilisi
Tbilisi is walkable in the center, but the city sprawls. Here's how to cover ground.
Metro
Two lines, clean stations, and trains every 3–5 minutes. The metro covers key areas: Station Square (Sadguris Moedani), Liberty Square, Rustaveli Avenue, and Marjanishvili.
- Cost: 1 GEL ($0.37) per ride
- Card: Buy a Metromoney card at any station for 2 GEL. It works on the metro, city buses, and cable cars. Rechargeable at machines in every station.
- Limitation: No airport connection. Doesn't reach many residential neighborhoods or the highway bus stations.
City Buses
Extensive network at 0.50 GEL per ride with a Metromoney card. Routes are confusing for tourists — signage is mostly in Georgian. Google Maps shows bus routes reasonably well, which helps.
Bolt and Taxis
Bolt is the app you need. It's cheap, reliable, and used by everyone — locals and tourists alike. A cross-city ride runs 5–15 GEL ($2–6). Airport to city center: 15–25 GEL via Bolt.
Do NOT use the taxi touts waiting outside the airport arrivals hall. They'll charge 3–5x the Bolt price. Download Bolt before you land, connect your card, and you're set.
For more on navigating the capital, see our guide to things to do in Tbilisi.
Cable Cars and Funicular
These double as transport and sightseeing:
- Narikala cable car from Rike Park to the fortress hilltop — 1 GEL with Metromoney
- Mtatsminda funicular up to the hilltop amusement park — 2 GEL one way
Both offer spectacular views and save you a steep climb.
Choosing a central, walkable neighborhood cuts your transport needs in half — most of Old Tbilisi's sights are within 20 minutes on foot.
Intercity Transport
This is where it gets interesting. Georgia's intercity transport has gaps, quirks, and a few hidden gems.
Marshrutkas (Minibuses)
The backbone of Georgian intercity travel. Marshrutkas are white or yellow minibuses that connect virtually every town in the country. They're cheap, frequent on popular routes, and chaotic in the best possible way.
How they work: Marshrutkas depart from specific bus stations in Tbilisi — Didube (northern routes), Ortachala (southern/eastern routes), and Samgori (Kakheti region). They leave when full, not on a fixed schedule. Pay the driver in cash.
| Route | Cost | Duration | Departs From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi → Kazbegi | 15–20 GEL | 3.5 hrs | Didube |
| Tbilisi → Sighnaghi | 10 GEL | 2 hrs | Samgori |
| Tbilisi → Kutaisi | 15–20 GEL | 4 hrs | Didube |
| Tbilisi → Batumi | 30–35 GEL | 6 hrs | Didube |
| Zugdidi → Mestia | 15–20 GEL | 3–4 hrs | Zugdidi station |
| Tbilisi → Borjomi | 10–12 GEL | 3–4 hrs | Didube |
Pros: Cheapest intercity option. Goes almost everywhere. Authentic local experience.
Cons: No stops en route. Can be cramped. Driving style is... spirited. Schedules are unreliable. No luggage hold on most.
Marshrutkas do NOT stop at scenic viewpoints along the way. On routes where the journey is the destination — like the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi — that means you'll miss Ananuri Fortress, the Friendship Monument, and Gudauri. Read why this matters →
Trains (Georgian Railway)
Georgia's rail network is limited but the routes that exist are comfortable and scenic. Book at railway.ge or at the station.
Useful routes:
- Tbilisi → Batumi (5–6 hrs, from ~25 GEL) — the best train in Georgia. First class is surprisingly nice, with comfortable seats and a dining car. The route follows river valleys and passes through lush western Georgia.
- Tbilisi → Kutaisi (5–6 hrs, from ~15 GEL) — slow but cheap. The marshrutka is faster.
- Tbilisi → Borjomi (4–5 hrs, from ~10 GEL) — scenic ride through the gorge.
The Tbilisi–Batumi overnight train is a solid hack — you save a hotel night and wake up at the Black Sea. First class sleeper runs about 40–50 GEL. Book a few days ahead in summer.
Trains are NOT useful for: Kazbegi (no rail line), Kakheti wine region (no practical connection), Svaneti (no rail), or Vardzia (no rail).
Domestic Flights
Vanilla Sky operates flights from Tbilisi (and Natakhtari airfield) to Mestia in Svaneti. It's roughly 40 minutes vs. a 9-hour drive — a dramatic shortcut between mountain peaks.
- Cost: $30–60 one-way
- Catch: Flights cancel frequently due to mountain weather. You need a backup plan.
For the full breakdown on getting to Svaneti — including why you should always have a Plan B — see our Svaneti travel guide.
Tbilisi–Batumi flights also exist, but the train or drive is usually better value for that route.
Long-Distance Buses
Modern coach services like Georgian Bus now run on the Tbilisi–Batumi corridor. They're more comfortable than marshrutkas, run on fixed schedules, and are bookable online. Not available on most routes yet, but expanding.
Private Transport Options
Rental Cars
- Cost: 80–150 GEL/day ($30–55) for a standard sedan
- Where: International companies (Hertz, Europcar) at the airport; local companies often cheaper
- Fuel: ~3.50 GEL/liter
- License: International driving permit technically required
Main highways are in good condition. Secondary roads vary wildly — from smooth asphalt to rutted gravel with no warning.
Pros: Total freedom. Stop anywhere, go anywhere, on your own schedule.
Cons: Georgian driving culture is aggressive — expect creative overtaking, especially on mountain roads. Parking in Tbilisi is chaos. And the big one: you can't drink wine at dinner. In a country famous for wine, that's a real trade-off.
Mountain roads to Svaneti, Tusheti, and parts of Kakheti require 4WD. Never attempt Mestia–Ushguli or the Tusheti road in a sedan — these are unpaved, narrow, and have cliff-edge drops with no guardrails. More on Svaneti roads →
Road safety is the single biggest actual risk for travelers in Georgia — more so than crime or scams. See our safety guide for the full picture.
Private Drivers
Arranged through your hotel, tour operators, or platforms like GoTrip.
- Day trip rates: 150–350 GEL ($55–130) depending on distance and route
- Multi-day hire: 100–200 GEL/day plus the driver's food and accommodation
- Bonus: Your driver often doubles as an informal guide — pointing out stops, recommending restaurants, translating when needed
This is the sweet spot for many travelers: the flexibility of a car without the stress of Georgian mountain driving. Best for the Georgian Military Highway, Kakheti wine tours (someone else drives while you taste), and reaching Vardzia.
See our 8-day itinerary guide for how private drivers fit into a multi-day route.
Organized Tours
Day tours from Tbilisi run to every major destination.
- Group tours: 40–100 GEL/person
- Private tours: 150–400 GEL/car
- Pros: No planning, guide context, door-to-door pickup
- Cons: Fixed schedule, group pace, less flexibility
For first-time visitors who want depth — not just transport but understanding of what they're seeing — an organized tour with a knowledgeable guide transforms the experience. See what our tour includes →
The Transport Decision Matrix
Not sure what to use? Here's the quick reference:
| Where You're Going | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Around Tbilisi | Metro + Bolt | Cheap, easy, covers everything |
| Tbilisi → Kazbegi | Private driver or tour | You want the highway stops |
| Tbilisi → Batumi | Train | Scenic, comfortable, great value |
| Tbilisi → Svaneti (Mestia) | Flight + marshrutka backup | Fast, but always have Plan B |
| Tbilisi → Kakheti wineries | Private driver | You'll be drinking |
| Tbilisi → Borjomi / Vardzia | Rental car or private driver | Train is slow, marshrutka misses stops |
| Budget backpacking | Marshrutkas + Bolt | Cheapest combination |
| 8-day highlight trip | Guided tour or rental car | Maximizes limited time |
For a detailed cost comparison across budget, mid-range, and premium tiers, see our travel cost breakdown.
Practical Tips
Metromoney card — Buy one at any metro station (2 GEL). Works on metro, buses, and cable cars. Rechargeable. You'll use it daily in Tbilisi.
Google Maps — Works well for driving directions and walking routes. City bus routes are partially available. Marshrutka schedules are NOT on Google Maps — ask at the station.
Language barrier — Most marshrutka and taxi drivers speak Georgian and Russian only. Write your destination in Georgian script (screenshot from Google Maps works) and show your phone. Bolt solves the language problem entirely — just set the pin.
Payment methods:
- Metro and buses: Metromoney card only
- Marshrutkas: cash (GEL) to the driver
- Trains: cash or card at station, online at railway.ge
- Bolt: card linked in the app
- Private drivers: cash or negotiate card payment in advance
Night driving — Avoid it on mountain roads. Limited lighting, no guardrails on secondary roads, and livestock on the road after dark. Stick to daylight for anything outside Tbilisi.
Our Recommendation
For a first-time visitor on a 7–10 day trip, the ideal combination is Bolt in Tbilisi + private driver or guided tour for intercity routes. Marshrutkas are great for budget travelers with flexible schedules. Rental cars give freedom but add stress. And the train to Batumi is one of the most underrated travel experiences in the country.
Our 8-day tour includes private transport for the entire trip — no marshrutkas, no negotiating, no wrong turns. See what's included →
Ready to Experience Georgia?
Join our 8-day small group tour through Georgia. From Tbilisi to Kazbegi to Kakheti wine country. Max 10 guests.
