Kutaisi to Tbilisi in 2024: Best Transport & Kutaisi Airport Guide

Are you arriving at Kutaisi international airport and want to know how to get from Kutaisi to Tbilisi? This detailed transport guide shows various options for using public transportation, hiring a car, or booking a private transfer. Additionally, this post covers a short guide to Kutaisi international airport, so you know what to expect after landing here. 

Kutaisi to Tbilisi and vice versa is one of Georgia’s most frequently traveled routes. The second biggest city in the country, Kutaisi, has had an international airport since 2012 serving low-budget airlines such as WizzAir and FlyArystan at the moment.

You can follow this same guide and steps when returning from Tbilisi to Kutaisi, as all the vehicles operate on the same route and from the same stations.  

Tip: If you have time, I highly recommend staying in Kutaisi for a couple of days before heading to Tbilisi. Kutaisi is a beautiful city with plenty of things to do; it also has a great location to explore nearby places as a day trip or travel further for some gorgeous places Georgia offers. Also, check the best stylish hotels in Kutaisi to stay. 

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Kutaisi to Tbilisi: the essential info

Whether you are arriving or departing from David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport or traveling around Georgia, there’s a big chance you’ll make an east-west bound trip. 

Kutaisi to Tbilisi: distance

The central city of Imereti region, Kutaisi, is west of Tbilisi on the road towards the Black Sea. The distance from Kutaisi to Tbilisi is around 226km by E60 Highway. Kutaisi Airport is further west of Kutaisi city via the new highway that bypasses the city center. The distance from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi is 247km. 

Kutaisi to Tbilisi: travel time

The travel time from Kutaisi to Tbilisi depends on the means of transportation. By E60 Highway, it takes anywhere from 3:30 to 4:30 hrs to travel from Kutaisi to Tbilisi, considering the traffic since there are still ongoing road works on this highway and the vehicle used. 

The trip from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi is a bit longer and takes around 4-4:30 hrs on average by the same highway.

There are frequent Kutaisi to Tbilisi trains, which take approximately 4-5:30 hrs, depending on the type of train. There is a train station, Kutaisi International Airport just 2km away from the actual airport ground. 

Unfortunately, there are no direct domestic flights from Kutaisi to Tbilisi, but there is one from Kutaisi to Mestia if you plan on exploring the Svaneti mountainous region. 

→ Check out all of my Tbilisi posts here, including where to stay, things to do, cafes & restaurants, museums, etc. 

How to get from Kutaisi to Tbilisi

Depending on your budget and time, there are several ways to travel on the Tbilisi Kutaisi route and vice versa. The time and means of travel also depend on whether you’ll travel from the center of Kutaisi to Tbilisi or from Kutaisi Airport. But don’t worry, I’ll cover everything in detail. 

Kutaisi Tbilisi by train 

For me, the most comfortable way of traveling from Tbilisi to Kutaisi or vice versa is by train, even though it takes longer than by car. Taking Kutaisi to the Tbilisi train also guarantees a slightly scenic drive along the countryside; it is affordable if you are on a budget and is safer than taking marshrutka (minibus) or bus.  

There are several train stations in and around Kutaisi – Kutaisi city center, marked as Kutaisi I when buying the ticket, Rioni (10km from Kutaisi center), and Kutaisi International Airport station (2km from the airport and 22km from the city center). 

Different types of trains serve these train stations. Therefore, travel time and ticket prices also vary. Only Kutaisi International Airport station is served by the same high-speed trains that travel from Tbilisi to Batumi, taking around 3:25 hrs to cover the distance from Kutaisi to Tbilisi. The tickets for this train are much more expensive than the other two. And if you plan on traveling from Kutaisi to Batumi, this is the best option. 

Taking a train from Kutaisi city center (Kutaisi I) is one of the cheapest but longest options. The train runs daily but only once, taking around 5:40 hrs to get from Kutaisi to Tbilisi. Therefore, after Kutaisi International Airport station, Rioni is the second best way of traveling from/to Kutaisi. These trains are old but comfortable with AC and soft chairs. 

Tips to note: There is no dining area, and the vending machines have always been empty whenever I traveled, so bringing your own snacks and water is essential. I also recommend having some entertainment as the trains have no WiFi. There is a USB charging station next to the window seats, but if you have an aisle seat, you’d want a wireless charger for your devices. If you don’t have a Georgian SIM card just yet for mobile data, I recommend using Airalo. 

Taking a train from Rioni train station

The central railway of Georgia doesn’t go through Kutaisi city center, so there is only one train a day. Therefore, Rioni is one of the best options for traveling from Tbilisi to Kutaisi and vice versa. 

Located only 15-20 minutes from Kutaisi, four daily trains bind Kutaisi to Tbilisi. These trains initially depart from other western cities of Poti, Zugdidi, and Ozurgeti and stop at Rioni on the way to Tbilisi.

The quickest trains are from Poti in the morning and Zugdidi in the evening, taking around 3:30 hrs from Rioni to Tbilisi. These Tbilisi train tickets cost 14 GEL. These trains also have first and business-class seats, costing 26 GEL and 41 GEL, respectively.

Two afternoon trains depart from Kutaisi I and Ozurgeti, taking the same time, 4:39 hrs, and are slightly cheaper – 9 GEL. 

How to get to Rioni train station from Kutaisi

The easiest way to get from the center of Kutaisi to Rioni station is by ordering a Bolt taxi (Georgian equivalent of Uber). The cost should be around 8-12 GEL, depending on the traffic and time of the day. 

Tip: First time using Bolt? Use code YRP76 to get discounts on your first rides. 

A more budget-friendly option is the city bus #3, costing only 0.60 tetri. I always opt-in for the taxi rather than a city bus. 

The station building is empty inside; however, there are bathrooms and a small store if you need to buy something. You’ll need cash. 

Since the trains only make a quick stop at the train station, you must be there a few minutes early. Once the train comes, they don’t stop at the platform’s edge, so you’ll need to cross the tracks to board it. 

Train from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi

Kutaisi International Airport station is located in Kopitnari, 22km from the city center and 2km from the airport. From May 2022, all the east-west bound trains stop at this station, including the fast Tbilisi-Batumi ones. 

Unless you want more comfort using the Batumi-Tbilisi train, I don’t recommend it as the train travel time and prices are almost the same, except for the high-speed train. So you won’t be saving time or money. It could be an option for those arriving at Kutaisi Airport and straightly going to Tbilisi, but for those in Kutaisi city, you’d need to take a Bolt taxi that costs around 25 GEL for the transfer. 

Batumi-Tbilisi Stadler fast trains run at least three times a day every day, whereas Kutaisi Tbilisi train tickets will cost you 33 GEL for the second class, 71 GEL for the first class, and 121 GEL for the business class. 

The other trains that depart from Poti, Zugdidi, and Ozurgeti also stop here. 

How to buy Kutaisi Tbilisi train tickets (or any other direction) 

For the best user-friendly experience, I recommend the Tkt.ge website, a ticketing platform also selling railway tickets. Georgian Railway also has an online ticketing website, but most locals and foreigners still prefer Tkt.ge. 

The Tkt.ge website opens sales around 20 days in advance, so if you plan your travel in the summer, buy tickets as early as possible – especially the Tbilisi-Batumi one, as it gets sold out very fast. 

Unfortunately, you can’t manually select your preferred seat on these old trains; the platform automatically assigns those seats. The only train you can choose seats for is the fast train running from Tbilisi to Batumi. 

When buying tickets, no matter the website, you must choose ‘Tbilisi-pass,’ which stands for Tbilisi passenger, as your final destination. Then, you’ll be given all the train schedules available for the selected date. Tkt.ge also shows you the journey time, so it’s easier to pick. However, if you are buying on the Georgian Railway website, look for Poti or Zugdidi bound trains as they are the fastest. 

You can use Mastercard/Visa card to buy the tickets, and you’ll be charged 1 GEL more as a processing fee when purchasing from Tkt.ge. The confirmation and QR code-generated tickets come straight away in your email. Printing them is unnecessary; you can show the code to the conductor before boarding. Sometimes they also ask for an ID or passport, so have it prepared. 

Alternatively, you can always buy tickets at the train stations. 

When you arrive in Tbilisi

The final destination for all trains is the Tbilisi Central Railway Station, right next to the Station Square metro stop. You can use Tbilisi’s public transportation to get to your accommodation or order a taxi through Bolt again. 

Even though taxi drivers are outside the train station, they will charge you a lot. 

Tip: First time using Bolt? Use code YRP76 to get discounts on your first rides. 

→ Check where to stay in Tbilisi by neighborhoods & hotels

Kutaisi to Tbilisi by private transfer

For those who want the fastest way of getting from Kutaisi to the capital, I advise booking a private transfer via Gotrip.ge. The transfer is definitely more expensive than other means of transportation explained in this post, but if you are okay with paying extra for safety and comfort, that’s your best option. 

With a private transfer, you can easily reach Tbilisi in 3:30 hrs with low traffic on the highway. Professional drivers of Gotrip are friendly and follow safety practices, making the transfer very convenient. The cars are very comfortable; all have AC, working seatbelts, and child car seats if needed. And if you are traveling with your pet to Georgia, several cars take pets on board. 

Additionally, you can make unlimited photo and rest stops along the way. Moreover, if you are up for it, you can create a multi-stop itinerary on the platform and do some sightseeing on your journey. 

The website lists all the drivers available on the chosen route and date. Then you can select a driver by price and reviews. The drivers can pick you up at any address, including Kutaisi Airport or the city center. In Tbilisi, they will drive you to your hotel door. Prices start from 212 GEL per car, cheaper than a driver booked outside the platform. The payments are made in cash after arriving at your destination. 

Kutaisi to Tbilisi by marshrutka

One more option to get between the cities is a minibus or a marshrutka, as we locals call it. Honestly, I am not a big fan of them, as the vehicles are sometimes uncomfortable, and some drivers drive too fast and make reckless maneuvers on a busy highway. Despite that, Kutaisi to Tbilisi marshrutka is a common and preferred method for many locals and travelers. 

These minibusses leave from Kutaisi Bus Station at E60 Highway, next to the second Mcdonald’s in the city and the Grand Mall shopping center. You can order a Bolt taxi or take city bus #1 from the Colchis Fountain to get to the bus station from the city center. 

The vehicles usually have a ‘Tbilisi’ board on their windshields. And there is a bigger chance someone will approach you asking for your destination or trying to get you in their van. 

They run daily, at every hour, on set schedules from 7 am until 8 pm. I advise you not to use marshrutkas after dark, especially on long journeys like this. They might leave early if full, so come to the station at least 20 minutes before. 

The tickets cost 20 GEL, and the travel time usually takes approximately 3:30-4 hrs; there is a short rest stop halfway through the trip. 

One thing to note is that sometimes the drivers stop to pick people up along the way, and if there are no available seats, people stand in the aisle. 

Shared taxis are available at the bus station if you want a more comfortable journey in a less crowded vehicle. The price for shared taxis is around 45-55 GEL per person. They leave once they fill the car with enough passengers. 

When you arrive in Tbilisi

These minibusses stop at Didube Bus Station, next to the Didube Metro station, on the outskirts of Tbilisi. If your accommodation is in the center, the easiest way to get there is by using Tbilisi public transport, especially the metro. Once you get off, you will most likely be approached by many taxi drivers offering a ride. You can politely decline and move to the metro station by following the signs to walk through the undercover market and underpass. 

Alternatively, you can always order Bolt, but depending on your arrival and rush hour time, it might be more convenient and fast to use the metro. 

Kutaisi to Tbilisi bus (airport-bound)

There is no Kutaisi Tbilisi bus, so if you like traveling by bus, your best option is traveling by Kutaisi Airport bus to Tbilisi. 

If you are flying into Kutaisi Airport and want to go to Tbilisi directly, then Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi scheduled busses are your best option. However, this is also a great way if you want a slightly comfortable journey that’s moderately priced. 

The two bus companies that I recommend and use myself when flying out of Kutaisi Airport are Georgian Bus and Omnibus. Both have good customer service, user-friendly websites and are reliable. 

They depart from Kutaisi Airport and go directly to Tbilisi without going to Kutaisi city to pick up more passengers. Therefore, if you want to take the bus and are in the city, you must take a taxi to the airport. 

The buses are big with comfortable seats and plenty of storage room underneath. They also have free WiFi and sometimes even provide a complimentary bottle of water. All the seats have USB charging portals. 

The journey takes approximately 3:30-4 hrs, including either one or two stops along the way. 

Bus schedule

Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi buses is scheduled according to the flights. They depart very soon after the airplane lands, and everyone gets through customs, which can take up to one hour after your arrival time. If a flight is delayed, the driver waits until it lands or has more information about the flight schedule. 

Therefore, if you are flying into Kutaisi Airport at 1-2 am, don’t worry; transport will be available. 

How to buy a bus ticket

Tickets for both buses cost 25 GEL for adults one way. If you purchase a return ticket, it’s discounted at 45 GEL. 

If you want to explore the Black Sea coast first, the Georgian Bus also goes from Kutaisi Airport to Batumi for 20 GEL, taking around 2:20 hrs to reach the city. And in case you are staying in Kutaisi, you can also take the Georgian Bus to the town for 10 GEL. 

Buying online tickets for both companies is straightforward. You must select your flight and date from the menu and enter your details. You can use your credit or debit card to pay and then wait a few minutes for the tickets to be sent to your email. 

Alternatively, you can buy a ticket once you land in Kutaisi with a card or cash at their offices at the arrivals hall inside the Kutaisi Airport. And if you need to withdraw many, there are ATMs at the arrivals hall and next to the information center in the departure hall. 

There are no assigned seats on any of the buses, so if you need a particular seat, you’ll need to get there early or ask the staff members to help. 

When you arrive in Tbilisi

The buses have different final destinations, so ensure you know where they stop once they arrive in Tbilisi. For instance, the Georgian bus stops at Pushkin Park in the Freedom Square area. The nearest metro is Freedom/Liberty station, located just across the street on the ground floor of the Galleria Mall. Tbilisi metro opens at 6 am and closes at midnight. 

Omnibus terminates at Javakhishvili street, near the Radisson Blu Hotel, and underneath the Bicycle Monument. The nearest metro is Rustaveli across the road. 

Unfortunately, Tbilisi has no night transport, so you’d need to order a taxi via Bolt using mobile data to get to your accommodation. 

Tip: First time using Bolt? Use code YRP76 to get discounts on your first rides. 

Returning from Tbilisi to Kutaisi Airport

Both buses depart from the exact locations they drop you off in Tbilisi. The only thing different is the scheduled time. They depart around 7 hours before your scheduled flight, this includes 4 hours of travel and approximately 2-3 hours of free time at the airport (see my Kutaisi Airport mini guide below). 

Driving from Kutaisi to Tbilisi

If you prefer doing everything independently to be more flexible with your trip, consider hiring a car in Kutaisi. 

You can drive directly on the highway or take backroads to explore and see some of the beautiful places in Georgia along the way. One that I highly recommend is Shrosha for all the pottery made from local clay. 

I also recommend stopping by Bozhadze Family Enterprise to learn more about Qvevri-making, the clay vessel Georgians ferment wine. 

Another stop for many locals and foreigners is Surami to try Nazuki, a sweet bread and a local specialty sold at roadside bakeries. Honestly, my family and I are not big fans, so I can’t give you the best roadside bakery. But if you have one, please share it in the comments below. 

I recommend Local Rent for renting a car in Georgia. The company works with local agents and offers the most affordable prices and a good selection of vehicles. Often there is no deposit required, and most of the time, insurance is already included. 

They offer pickup from the Kutaisi Airport or any other location in the city. Note that if you want to use it for Kutaisi to Tbilisi route, you’ll need to pay an additional fee for the car to be dropped off in Tbilisi. 

Kutaisi Airport mini guide

David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport is the second-largest airport in Georgia, even if it doesn’t seem so. It currently serves one domestic (Kutaisi to Mestia) and several international flights operated by WizzAir and FlyArystan. 

The airport has all the necessary facilities if you have free time before boarding the plane. However, don’t expect huge shops with a variety of options. It still is a relatively small airport. 

You can find the ATMs of all the leading banks in Georgia to withdraw money. Usually, ATMs in Georgia can withdraw Georgian Lari and USD as a default; however, Liberty ATM at the departure hall can withdraw Euros. 

The departure hall has plenty of relaxing space, including soft armchairs on the upper floor. On the same level, Baskin Robins sells various flavored ice cream, sandwiches, and pastries. 

In the arrivals hall, you’ll see the Liberty Bank office, GPC Pharmacy, exchange office, and various mobile companies offering different mobile data packages. I don’t recommend you get one there; instead, wait for a while and get your SIM card, preferably Magti, either in Tbilisi or Kutaisi. 

Omnibus and Georgian Bus offices are also at the arrivals hall if you need to buy a bus ticket or need any assistance. So is the Georgian Railway office. 

There is also a convenience store to grab a sandwich, drink, coffee, sweets, or anything you’d want to eat along the road.