Transport
Tbilisi Airport to City Center: All Transport Options Explained
Getting from Tbilisi Airport to the city center takes 20-45 minutes. Compare all transport options including bus 337, Bolt, taxis, and private transfers with current prices.
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) sits 17 kilometers southeast of the city center.
Getting downtown takes 20-30 minutes by car or around 45-60 minutes by bus, depending on traffic.
Whether you land at midday or after midnight, you have options - from the 1 GEL bus to private transfers.
This guide breaks down every transport method with current prices and practical tips for 2025.
Quick Summary:
Bus 337 costs 1-1.5 GEL and runs from 7am to 11pm
Bolt rides to the center average 25-35 GEL and take 20-30 minutes
Official airport taxis charge 40-60 GEL with metered fares
Pre-booked transfers start around 50-70 GEL for door-to-door service
No public transport runs between 11pm and 7am
Transport Options from Tbilisi Airport
Bus 337 - The Budget Option
City bus 337 (previously numbered 37) connects the airport to Tbilisi Central Railway Station via Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue. This is the cheapest way to reach the city.
Key details:
Cost: 1 GEL with a local transport card, 1.5 GEL with an international debit/credit card (plus potential transaction fees)
Schedule: Every 15-20 minutes from 7am to 11pm
Journey time: 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
Final stop: Station Square (Central Railway Station)
The bus stop is located to the right as you exit the Arrivals Hall - look for the electronic timetable board. Bus 337 is the only route stopping at the airport, so you cannot miss it.
For Old Tbilisi or Sololaki, get off at Pushkin Park (Freedom Square). If you need the metro, Liberty Square station is right there. The bus has some luggage space near the front, though it can get crowded during peak hours.
Payment options: You can tap your international contactless card directly on the reader. Alternatively, purchase a rechargeable Transport Card for 2 GEL from the Bank of Georgia counter inside the arrivals hall. The Transport Card includes a 1-day pass (3 GEL) - useful if you plan to use public transport throughout the next day.
Note: The white MetroMoney card (which also works on the Rike-Narikala Ropeway) is not sold at the airport. You can buy one later at any metro station if needed.
Bolt - The Recommended App-Based Option
Bolt works like Uber and is the most popular ride-hailing app in Georgia. It offers transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and generally better vehicles than street taxis.
Key details:
Cost: 25-35 GEL to the city center (varies by traffic and demand)
Journey time: 20-30 minutes
Availability: 24/7
How to use Bolt at the airport:
Download the Bolt app and register before your trip (you will need SMS verification)
Connect to the free airport WiFi ("Tbilisi Loves You") or use mobile data
Enter your destination and request a ride
Meet your driver at the designated pickup area outside Arrivals
Important tips:
The airport WiFi can be unreliable for booking rides. A Georgian SIM card or eSIM works more reliably.
Never accept rides from people claiming to be Bolt drivers who approach you inside the terminal - always book through the app.
Verify the car color, license plate, and driver name before getting in.
Bolt accepts card payment through the app or cash.
Bolt fares from the airport to Freedom Square typically run 25-35 GEL. The app shows your exact price before you confirm, so there are no surprises.
Official Airport Taxis
White taxis with rooftop "TAXI" signs wait at the curbside of the Arrivals Hall. These are metered and regulated.
Key details:
Cost: 40-60 GEL to the city center
Journey time: 20-30 minutes
Availability: 24/7
The airport also has a partner taxi company called Fly Taxi with fixed zone-based pricing (40-55 GEL depending on your destination zone).
Warnings: Avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal offering rides. These are often unlicensed operators who charge inflated prices - sometimes 80-100 GEL or more. If you must use a taxi rather than an app, walk to the official taxi rank outside and confirm the fare uses a meter before getting in.
Tipping is not customary in Georgia. If you receive good service, rounding up the fare is sufficient.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
For hassle-free arrivals, especially late at night or with heavy luggage, pre-arranged transfers offer peace of mind. Your driver meets you inside the terminal with a name sign.
Popular services:
GoTrip.ge: Starting from 50-52 GEL, with 24/7 availability and the option to stop at an ATM en route
Welcome Pickups: Around 67 GEL (€23) for a sedan, includes a mini city introduction during the drive
Private transfers make sense for groups (the price covers the car, not per person), families with children, or anyone arriving on late-night flights when other options are limited.
Train - Limited Schedule
Tbilisi Airport has a dedicated railway station about 70 meters from the terminal - a distinctive modern building with golden windows. Trains connect to Central Railway Station in about 35-40 minutes for just 0.50 GEL.
The catch? Only two daily departures (approximately 8:45am and 6:05pm), plus one night train at 4:00am. Unless your arrival aligns perfectly with these times, the train is impractical for most travelers.
Late Night and Early Morning Arrivals
Many international flights land in Tbilisi between midnight and 6am, when bus 337 is not running. Your options:
Bolt or Yandex apps - Available 24/7. Download and set up before your trip.
Pre-booked transfer - Book through GoTrip.ge or a similar service. Your driver will be waiting regardless of delays.
Official airport taxi - More expensive but always available at the taxi rank.
Wait at the airport - The terminal stays open 24 hours with free WiFi and seating areas. The first bus departs at 7am, and the earliest train at 4:00am.
Airport hotel - Since October 2024, an ibis Tbilisi Airport Hotel operates about 10 minutes' walk from the terminal. This is handy for very late arrivals when you prefer to rest before heading into the city.
Practical Tips
SIM cards: Georgian SIM cards are sold at the airport arrivals hall. Magti is a reliable provider. Having mobile data makes booking Bolt much easier than relying on airport WiFi.
WiFi: The free "Tbilisi Loves You" network is available throughout the terminal but can be slow or unreliable, especially in the arrivals hall. Signal is often stronger in the departures area.
ATMs and currency exchange: Several bank ATMs and exchange counters operate in the arrivals hall, staying open around the clock. Exchange rates at Tbilisi Airport are fair compared to most airports - you will not get ripped off changing money here.
Transport card tip: If you plan to use public transport frequently, wait until you reach a metro station to buy a white MetroMoney card (2 GEL). It is more versatile than the blue Transport Card sold at the airport and works on buses, metro, and the Rike-Narikala Ropeway.
FAQ
How much does a taxi cost from Tbilisi Airport to the city center?
Official metered taxis charge 40-60 GEL (approximately €13-20) for the 17km journey to central Tbilisi. Bolt app rides are cheaper at 25-35 GEL. Avoid unlicensed drivers inside the terminal who may quote 80-100 GEL or more.
Is there public transport from Tbilisi Airport at night?
No. Bus 337 operates only from 7am to 11pm. If you arrive after 11pm, your options are Bolt, official taxis, pre-booked transfers, or waiting at the airport until the first morning bus. A night train departs at 4:00am.
Can I use Uber at Tbilisi Airport?
Uber does not operate in Georgia. Bolt is the main ride-hailing app and works the same way. Download it before your trip and register with your phone number for SMS verification.
How long does it take to get from Tbilisi Airport to the city center?
By taxi or Bolt, expect 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. The bus takes 45-60 minutes with stops along the way. Rush hour (8-10am and 6-8pm) adds significant delays.
Where does the airport bus stop in Tbilisi?
Bus 337 stops at several points including Isani Metro Station, Avlabari, Liberty Square (Freedom Square), Rustaveli Avenue, and terminates at Station Square near the Central Railway Station. Freedom Square is the most convenient stop for Old Tbilisi.
Do I need Georgian Lari to take the airport bus?
No. You can tap an international contactless debit or credit card directly on the bus reader. The fare is 1.5 GEL. You may incur a small foreign transaction fee depending on your bank.
Is Tbilisi Airport taxi safe?
Official white taxis are safe and metered. The main risk is unlicensed drivers who approach tourists inside the terminal and overcharge. Stick to the app (Bolt) or the official taxi rank outside, and confirm metered pricing before starting your ride.
How do I pay for Bolt at Tbilisi Airport?
Bolt accepts card payment through the app or cash payment to the driver. Add your card details to the app before arriving. If you choose cash, have Georgian Lari ready - drivers may not carry much change.
Is there an airport hotel at Tbilisi Airport?
Yes. The ibis Tbilisi Airport Hotel opened in October 2024, located about a 10-minute walk from the terminal. This is useful for late-night arrivals or early-morning departures when you prefer not to travel into the city.
Should I exchange money at Tbilisi Airport?
Exchange rates at Tbilisi Airport are surprisingly fair, unlike most airports worldwide. Changing a small amount upon arrival is fine. ATMs from TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia, and Terabank are available in the arrivals hall 24/7.
Can I book a taxi in advance for Tbilisi Airport pickup?
Yes. Services like GoTrip.ge and Welcome Pickups allow advance booking with fixed prices. Bolt also has a scheduling feature for rides up to 90 days in advance - useful for early morning departures.
Conclusion
For most travelers, Bolt offers the best balance of convenience and value at 25-35 GEL. Budget travelers should take bus 337 during operating hours for just 1-1.5 GEL. If you arrive late at night or prefer zero hassle, pre-book a transfer through GoTrip.ge. Skip the random drivers inside the terminal - they are almost always overpriced. Download Bolt before you land, grab a SIM card at arrivals, and you will be in Old Tbilisi within 30 minutes.
