Tbilisi Airport to City Center: Easy 2026 Transport Guide

Getting from Tbilisi Airport to city center is actually very simple, but the information online can feel scattered or outdated. After years of flying in and out of Tbilisi Airport, I’ve learned what actually works when you land — from the quickest transfer to small things worth knowing inside the terminal.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the easiest ways to reach the city, what each option costs, and a few helpful arrival notes, including SIM cards, ATMs, and essential airport facilities. You’ll also find out when it makes sense to book a Tbilisi Airport transfer instead of using public transport.

If you’re arriving from western Georgia, I also have guides on how to travel from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi and from Batumi to Tbilisi. You can check them out.

Quick facts about Tbilisi Airport (TBS)

• Official name: Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). On some websites or older travel forums, you may also see it listed as Novo Alexeyevka.
• Location & distance: Around 17 km from the city center, southeast of Tbilisi.
• Nearest metro station: Varketili, though you’ll still need a bus, taxi, or Bolt to reach it from the airport.
• Operating company: Managed by TAV Georgia, a Turkish company under TAV Airports Holding, running several airports worldwide.
• Travel time: Reaching central Tbilisi by car usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Terminal layout: All arrivals and departures are served by designated terminals; both are small, compact, and easy to navigate.
• Wi-Fi: Free public Wi-Fi Tbilisi Loves You throughout the terminals, with no login, email, or phone number required.
• Operating hours: The airport runs 24/7, with flights arriving and departing throughout the day and night.

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Fastest & easiest ways into Tbilisi city center

The quickest way to get from Tbilisi Airport to city center is by taxi, which costs around 45-55 GEL and takes 30-35 minutes. I cover this in more detail below.

Bus 337 is the cheapest option at 1.5 GEL for international credit/debit cards (might also add transaction/exchange fees if you don’t have a GEL account) and runs through major central stops, including Avlabari, Rustaveli, and Station Square. However, it doesn’t operate at night. More on this below in detail.

If you’re arriving late at night, traveling with kids/group, or carrying a lot of luggage, booking a private transfer from Tbilisi Airport to city center via GoTrip is the most convenient choice. A driver meets you inside the terminal and takes you straight to your hotel without waiting for a taxi.

Transport options from Tbilisi Airport to center: quick guide

How to get from Tbilisi Airport to the city center

There are a few simple ways to reach the city after landing, and I’ve arranged them in the order that makes the most sense from a local’s perspective.

Sometimes airport Wi-Fi refuses to load, sometimes you’re too tired to deal with apps, and sometimes the arrivals hall during late-night or early-morning flights just feels overwhelming with unofficial taxi drivers trying to get passengers. So this order reflects what’s easiest, most reliable, and most realistic when you’ve just stepped off a plane.

Private GoTrip Transfer – best for groups, late-night & stress-free arrivals

If you prefer a smooth Tbilisi Airport transfer with no waiting, no negotiating, and no dealing with apps right after landing, booking a transfer from Tbilisi Airport to city center through GoTrip is the most convenient option. 

I often recommend it to travelers who arrive late at night, families with kids, or anyone carrying bulky luggage (I have personally used it for intercity transfers and can vouch for the service and its drivers).

Once you book online, the price is fixed, and your driver will meet you inside the Tbilisi Airport arrivals hall with your name. If your flight is delayed, they simply wait.

From there, you’re taken straight to your hotel door without navigating Tbilisi taxis. Larger vehicles are also available, which is helpful if you’re traveling as a group.

The only downside of the service is that you pay in cash directly to the driver, so you’d need to withdraw or exchange some. 

GoTrip runs 24/7 and feels especially handy when public transport isn’t operating or when you just want to get into the city without sorting out SIM cards or Wi-Fi first. The ride is direct and comfortable, and the overall process is straightforward.

→ Book your GoTrip airport transfer here.

Bolt – a reliable taxi app used by the majority of locals

Bolt is usually the most convenient way to travel from the airport into town, especially if you want a quick, direct ride that’s slightly cheaper than a private transfer. Ordering a taxi from Tbilisi Airport to city center through the app keeps the price predictable, and you’ll see your driver’s details before they arrive.

Payment can be made in cash or directly through the app by adding your card details, without dealing with cash withdrawals or money exchanges at terrible rates. Most drivers reach the terminal within a few minutes since many wait nearby between trips.

Since the airport is relatively small, there is no designated Botl Taxi parking slot. Wait for them outside the arrivals terminal in the shared pick-up zone, monitoring the screen as the driver approaches.

Expect the Tbilisi Airport to city center taxi price to fall within a normal local range of 34-37 GEL (~13-14 USD/11-12 EUR).

Wi-Fi at the airport is reliable enough to load the app, but if it doesn’t connect immediately, switching to mobile data or stepping a few meters outside usually helps. If you’re using an eSIM or already have a Georgian SIM, everything loads quickly. I cover eSIMs and why not to buy local SIM cards at the airport below.

Official airport taxis – always available at the exit

Official airport taxis are available right outside the arrivals terminal, and they’re the simplest offline option if you don’t want to use an app or pre-book a transfer. Prices are fixed and displayed at the Tbilisi taxi booth inside the terminal, so there’s no negotiating with drivers or guessing the fare.

If you pay with a MasterCard, you might get a small discount on Zone 2 rides. After you pay at the booth, the staff will walk you outside and connect you with your driver.

This option is reliable, but keep in mind it can be slightly more expensive than using Bolt or booking a private GoTrip transfer. It’s a good backup when apps don’t load or when you simply want a quick, no-hassle ride into town.

Taxi scams to avoid at Tbilisi Airport

While the official airport taxi booth is reliable, the area outside the terminal can attract unlicensed drivers who approach travelers directly. These drivers often quote inflated prices—sometimes 60–100 GEL for short rides—claim Bolt “isn’t working,” or insist that the city center is much farther than it actually is.

If you decide to take a taxi on arrival, avoid anyone who approaches you inside the terminal or near the exit claiming they are your Bolt driver. These drivers are not part of the official service and will try to do anything to get passengers. 

Instead, either book a ride through the Bolt app, GoTrip, or use the staffed airport taxi booth, where prices are fixed and paid upfront.

Bus 337 – cheapest public transport option

The bus from Tbilisi Airport to city center is route 337, and it’s the most affordable option for getting into town. It runs from the airport to Station Square (a.k.a. Tbilisi Central Railway), with stops at Avlabari, Rustaveli Avenue, and Freedom/Liberty Square, making it easy to reach most central neighborhoods. 

You’ll need to pay on board by tapping a credit or debit card on the reader, no cash. At just 1 GEL per ride, it’s ideal if you have local public transport cards and are traveling light and don’t mind a longer journey. 

International cards work fine (I have tested my WISE Card), though the fare might be slightly higher due to bank fees. You can also buy a blue Transport Card (subscription-based) at the airport’s Bank of Georgia office if you want a dedicated transit pass for your stay. Read my detailed post about Tbilisi public transport, its prices, and which cards to buy. 

Buses operate roughly from 7 am to 11 pm every 15 minutes on weekdays and 18-23 minutes on weekends. You can check the updated Tbilisi Airport Bus 337 timetable here or download the TTC mobile app for live updates.

The route is also linked to Google Maps, with stops and a timetable, but it can sometimes be inaccurate; that’s why I always double-check the TTC live update section.

The bus stop is in front of the departures hall—just walk out of arrivals, turn right, and continue toward the next building until you see the blue bus sign. There’s only one airport route, so you can’t accidentally board the wrong bus.

Because of frequent stops along the way, reaching central Tbilisi takes around 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Below, I suggest where to get off based on the area where your accommodation is most likely to be located.

There is no Tbilisi Airport night bus anymore—service stops after 11 pm—so keep this in mind if you land late. I’ve ridden the old night bus years ago, and while I loved the idea of having that option, it wasn’t the most comfortable experience.

Where to get off Bus 337 for popular areas

This section gives you an idea of which transport option works best for the area you’re staying in and where to get off along the Tbilisi airport to city center bus route. Some neighborhoods are very walkable from the bus line, while others involve uphill streets or longer connections.

Old Town / Abanotubani

The closest bus stop is Avlabari Metro or Freedom/Liberty Square, but reaching the Old Town from there requires walking downhill with luggage. Depending on your hotel’s exact location, you may also need to navigate some cobblestone streets and short uphill sections.

Freedom Square / Sololaki

Get off at Freedom/Liberty Square (Pushkin Park stop), right next to the tall gold-plated St. George statue. From there, Sololaki is a short walk. This is one of the easiest areas to reach on the bus.

Mtatsminda / Vera

Any stop along Rustaveli Avenue works, with the final useful stop for this area being near the Tbilisi Concert Hall. Keep in mind that hotels higher up in Mtatsminda or upper Vera require a steep uphill walk, so the bus may not be the most convenient choice.

Chughureti / Fabrika

This can be a bit tricky, depending on exactly where you’re staying. The area is walkable from Rustaveli Avenue via Dry Bridge Market and Saarbruecken Square, or from Rustaveli Metro via Marjanishvili Square. The Station Square stop, or any stop along Tamar Mepe Avenue, can also work if your hotel is closer to that side.

Avlabari

The bus passes directly through this district. Any stop between the 300 Aragveli Metro and Avlabari Metro works well, depending on your hotel’s location. This is one of the easiest areas to reach by bus.

Vake

The bus doesn’t go anywhere near Vake, and the metro doesn’t reach the district either. A Bolt or a GoTrip transfer is the most practical way to get there.

Saburtalo

This area is far from the central bus route. It requires multiple transfers and long walks, so using Bolt or GoTrip saves a lot of time and effort.

Not sure which neighborhood works best for your trip? I’ve written a full guide comparing Tbilisi’s main areas—with pros, cons, and hotel recommendations—to help you choose the right base.

→ Read my complete Where to Stay in Tbilisi guide

Before you leave the airport (money, SIM, ATMs, Wi-Fi)

A few practical things are worth sorting out before you step outside the terminal. Most flights arrive late at night or early in the morning, but as long as planes are landing, ATMs, SIM card desks, and basic services at Tbilisi Airport arrivals and departures stay open.

Withdrawing cash at Tbilisi Airport

You’ll find several ATMs on the right side of the exit door of the arrivals terminal. Some ATMs are also in the departures terminal, a minute walk away.

The most reliable machines are TBC Bank (light blue) and Bank of Georgia (orange). Both accept foreign cards, and they’re straightforward to use. If you have a WISE Card, withdrawing from Bank of Georgia has a lower fee than TBC Bank.

Most banks charge a small withdrawal fee, and your home bank may add its own. If you plan to take out a larger amount later, Basisbank or Cartu Bank in the city offer higher withdrawal limits, which can help reduce fees overall.

At the ATMs inside the departures terminal, you can even withdraw EUR or USD if you want to exchange money afterward and avoid hefty bank exchange rates. Remember that the official currency here is the Georgian Lari (GEL), so you can’t pay for any service in any other currency.

Avoid the freestanding pay boxes directly after customs — they don’t dispense cash.

Exchanging money at the airport

Currency exchange desks are available in both arrivals and departure halls, but their rates are usually less favorable than those in the city. If you only need a small amount to get started, exchange the bare minimum and handle the rest later at any bank or reputable exchange point, like Rico Credit.

While locals use informal exchange booths around the city, I’d suggest avoiding them in tourist areas, as there is a higher risk of poor rates, undisclosed high commissions, or even a small scam.

Buying a SIM card at the Tbilisi airport or using an eSIM

Buying a SIM card at the airport isn’t something I usually recommend. Several desks operate in the arrivals hall—Magti, Silknet, and Celfie, the three major mobile providers in Georgia—but the packages sold at the airport are noticeably more expensive than what you’ll find in their city offices.

The plans themselves are almost identical everywhere, so you’re essentially paying extra just for the convenience of buying it at the airport.

The only airport package that can sometimes make sense is Magti’s option that includes international calling minutes. If you know you’ll need to make a few calls during your trip, it may be worth considering.

Otherwise, you’ll get the same amount of data, calls, and SMS for a much better price once you’re in the city. And even for international calls, I usually rely on apps like Viber and their Viber Out credit when I travel outside Georgia.

If you want to get online right away, you can set up an eSIM before you land. I’ve personally tested several eSIMs in Tbilisi, and the connection has been just as reliable as using a local SIM card. It’s perfect for ordering Bolt or pulling up Google Maps as soon as you arrive.

→ If you’re considering an eSIM, here’s my full guide to the best eSIMs for Georgia and beyond.

Using Wi-Fi at the airport in Tbilisi

The airport provides free public Wi-Fi called Tbilisi Loves You with no email or phone number required. The signal is generally strong enough for messaging, maps, and ordering taxis. If the login page doesn’t load immediately, stepping closer to the terminal exit usually helps.

That said, it might have technical issues and not work correctly, so having a backup as an eSIM is always better, especially if you haven’t pre-booked a transfer or need to contact the driver. 

Arriving late at night or early morning

Many flights into Tbilisi land after midnight or very early in the morning, and it’s good to plan ahead so you’re not stuck waiting around with nowhere to go. Public transport stops running by 11 pm, so your best options at this hour are Bolt, an official airport taxi, or a pre-arranged GoTrip transfer.

If your hotel doesn’t offer 24-hour check-in, the easiest solution is to book the room for the night before your arrival. That way, you can go straight from the airport to your accommodation, drop your bags, and rest. Most hotels are used to this as long as you notify them in advance. 

Airbnbs with self-check-in also work well for late arrivals, but might charge you a full or half price. It’s worth asking the host beforehand.

Since 2024, there’s now an ibis Tbilisi Airport Hotel located about a 10-minute, easy walk from the terminal, which is a convenient option if you’re landing very late or don’t feel like heading into the city right away.

If you’d rather go to the center and wait somewhere until your room is ready, there are a few 24-hour spots you can rely on: Lui Coffee in Vake, Stella Artois in the Old Town, Republic 24 near Rustaveli Metro, or Ghebi near Marjanishvili Metro (Chughureti district).

Other than that, there are a few breakfast and specialty coffee spots that open early, starting at 8 am, while most venues’ usual business hours start from 9-10 am.

Sleeping at the airport is allowed, and the departures hall is the most comfortable area, but the terminal can get quite busy. Free Wi-Fi and plenty of seating are available if you need to spend a bit of time there.

FAQs: Getting from Tbilisi Airport to city center

How far is Tbilisi Airport from the city center?

The airport sits about 17 km southeast of central Tbilisi. Depending on traffic, it takes 25-30 minutes to reach Freedom Square by car.

How much does it cost to take a taxi from the airport to the city center?

Bolt fares generally fall within a normal local range, while official airport taxis have fixed prices depending on the zone. Bolt taxi prices may vary slightly based on traffic or the time of day.

Can I travel from Tbilisi Airport directly to other cities in Georgia?

Yes. If you’re heading straight out of Tbilisi after landing, the easiest option is to book a private transfer through GoTrip, which can take you directly to destinations like Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Gudauri ski resort, Borjomi, Kutaisi, Batumi, or elsewhere without needing to go into the city first. This is the most comfortable choice.

If you prefer public transport, Bus 337 stops at Isani Metro, which is a convenient connection point for onward travel to eastern Georgia, including Sighnaghi and Telavi, or other places in Kakheti. For routes leaving from Ortachala Bus Station (such as the bus to Yerevan), it’s easiest to get off at Isani and take a quick taxi across the river.

For northern and western Georgia, you’ll need to connect through Station Square, where Bus 337 terminates. From there, you can continue by metro to Didube Bus Station or enter Tbilisi Central Railway Station for train departures, depending on your destination.

Can I use Uber in Tbilisi, Georgia?

No—Uber doesn’t operate in Georgia. Most locals and travelers use Bolt, which works the same way and is widely available throughout the city.

Is Bolt safe at Tbilisi Airport?

Yes. Bolt is considered safe, regulated, and widely used by locals. Always meet your driver outside the arrivals terminal.

Do taxis accept cards?

Bolt accepts card payments through the app. For official airport taxis, you pay at the booth. The taxi drivers don’t have card-swiping terminals inside the cars.

Is the airport bus reliable in winter?

Yes, bus 337 runs year-round. The schedule can be slightly reduced on holidays, but the service is generally reliable as long as you arrive within operating hours (approx. 7 am–11 pm). Always check the TTC app’s live update section.

Can I use an eSIM instead of buying a local SIM?

Absolutely. If your phone supports eSIMs, they’re the easiest way to get online immediately. I’ve personally tested eSIMs in Tbilisi and found the coverage just as good as local SIM cards.

→ You can compare options in my best eSIMs for Georgia and beyond.

How is public transportation in Tbilisi?

Buses and the metro cover most central areas and are affordable and easy to use. For airport transfers specifically, bus 337 is the only direct public transport route connecting the terminal with the city. You can read my detailed public transport guide for more information. 

Helpful travel resources for your trip to Tbilisi

If you’re planning your first days in the city, my 73+ Things to Do in Tbilisi guide is a good place to start—it covers the classic landmarks plus a lot of lesser-known spots you might enjoy exploring.

If you want something a bit different from the usual sightseeing routes, I also put together a guide to Alternative Tbilisi Tours, which includes backstreet walks, rooftops, Art Nouveau, and a few offbeat day trips you can book while you’re here.

Not sure where to go after Tbilisi? My Places to Visit in Georgia guide gives you an easy overview of mountain areas, wine regions, popular and lesser-visited towns to help you map out the rest of your trip.

For a more comprehensive look at the city, you can browse my Tbilisi Travel Guide, which brings together all my Tbilisi articles, tips, and itineraries in one place. And if you’re planning a longer trip around the country, my Georgia Travel Guide does the same on a wider scale.

If you’d like a more structured plan, you can check out my Tbilisi itineraries and trip-planning services, where I help you organise 1–3 days in the city based on your interests.