Tbilisi Metro Guide: How to Navigate the City Like a Local

The Tbilisi Metro is one of the cheapest and fastest ways to get around Georgia's capital.

With just two lines, 23 stations, and a flat 1 GEL fare, it connects you to major landmarks from Rustaveli Avenue to the Old Town in minutes.

The Soviet-era system runs deep underground - some stations sit 60 meters below street level - but navigation is simple thanks to English signage throughout.

Quick Summary:

• Two lines (red and green) with 23 stations, open daily from 6 AM to midnight

• Flat fare of 1 GEL per ride - buy a MetroMoney or Travel Card at any station for 2 GEL

• Key tourist stations: Rustaveli, Freedom Square, Avlabari, and Station Square

• Free transfers to buses and marshrutkas within 90 minutes using a MetroMoney card

• Credit cards and Apple/Google Pay work at turnstiles for 1.50 GEL per ride

The Basics: Tbilisi Metro Overview

The Tbilisi Metro opened in 1966 as the fourth metro system in the Soviet Union, and it still runs on Soviet-era infrastructure with modern upgrades. The system consists of two lines that intersect at a single transfer point.

The Akhmeteli-Varketili Line (Line 1, red) is the main tourist line with 16 stations running north to southeast through the city center. This line connects most major attractions including Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square, and the neighborhoods near the Old Town.

The Saburtalo Line (Line 2, green) has 7 stations serving primarily residential and university areas in western Tbilisi. Tourists typically only use this line if staying in Saburtalo or visiting Tbilisi State University.

Both lines meet at Station Square (Sadguris Moedani), which sits next to the central train station. Trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and every 7-10 minutes at other times. The metro operates daily from 6:00 AM until midnight.

Look for the red "M" signs to find station entrances. Station names are displayed in both Georgian and English, and announcements inside trains are bilingual.

How to Pay for the Metro

Cash is not accepted on the Tbilisi Metro. You have three payment options:

The MetroMoney Card costs 2 GEL to purchase at any metro station ticket window. Load it with any amount and tap at the turnstile when entering. Each ride costs 1 GEL, and if you transfer to a bus, marshrutka, or another metro line within 90 minutes, the second ride is free. Multiple passengers can share one MetroMoney card on buses, but at metro turnstiles, you need to wait 15 minutes between taps.

The Travel Card also costs 2 GEL and offers subscription packages: 1 day (3 GEL), 1 week (20 GEL), 1 month (40 GEL), or longer periods up to a year (250 GEL). This card allows unlimited rides but cannot be shared between passengers. The Travel Card works on metro, buses, marshrutkas, and some cable cars.

Contactless payment via international credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay works directly at turnstiles.

To top up either card, visit the ticket window at any metro station or use the orange Bank of Georgia self-service machines found inside stations and around the city. These machines accept cash and cards, but they do not give change.

Key Metro Stations for Tourists

These five stations will cover most sightseeing needs:

• Rustaveli sits directly on Tbilisi's main boulevard at 60 meters underground, making it one of the deepest metro stations in Europe. The escalator ride takes several minutes. Exit here for Rustaveli Avenue, the Georgian National Museum, Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Parliament building. The station itself features red marble columns and relief artwork depicting scenes from Shota Rustaveli's epic poem.

• Freedom Square (Tavisuplebis Moedani) is your gateway to the Old Town. From here, walk to Shardeni Street, the Peace Bridge, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the lower station of the funicular to Mtatsminda Park. The station entrance is now located inside the Tbilisi Gallery shopping center.

• Avlabari serves as the best starting point for exploring the historic district. Walk to the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), Metekhi Church, Rike Park, and the aerial cable car to Narikala Fortress. The station exterior features a distinctive vertical garden with over 100 plant species. From Avlabari, you can reach the sulfur baths of Abanotubani on foot.

• Station Square (Sadguris Moedani) is the system's only transfer station where both lines connect. Exit here for Tbilisi Central Railway Station, long-distance buses to Zugdidi, Kutaisi, and Batumi, plus the famous Deserter's Market where locals buy everything from spices to household goods.

• Marjanishvili provides access to Agmashenebeli Avenue, a revitalized pedestrian street packed with restaurants, wine bars, and live music venues. This area has become a local favorite and offers a different atmosphere than the tourist-heavy Old Town.

Metro + Other Transport

The metro integrates well with Tbilisi's broader transit network. Using a MetroMoney card, you can transfer free to city buses, marshrutkas, and the Maghlivi-Bagebi cable car within 90 minutes of your first tap.

The Rike-Narikala Cable Car costs 2.50 GEL and connects Rike Park to Narikala Fortress. It accepts the Travel Card but requires a separate payment from the MetroMoney card.

The Mtatsminda Funicular operates on its own system entirely. You must purchase a separate Mtatsminda Park card (2 GEL) at the lower station, then add 10 GEL for a one-way ride or 15 GEL for a return trip.

To reach Tbilisi International Airport, take bus 337 from Station Square or Avlabari - the metro does not extend to the airport. The bus costs 1 GEL with a transport card. Alternatively, Bolt offers reliable taxi service for approximately 35-40 GEL to the city center.

FAQ

Can I pay for the Tbilisi Metro with cash?

No, cash is not accepted on the metro. You must use a MetroMoney card, Travel Card, or tap a contactless credit/debit card at the turnstile. Cards can be purchased at any metro station ticket window for 2 GEL.

What time does the Tbilisi Metro open and close?

The metro operates daily from 6:00 AM until midnight. Trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and every 7-10 minutes during off-peak times.

Can two people share one MetroMoney card?

On buses and marshrutkas, yes - you can tap the card multiple times. On the metro, no - the turnstile requires a 15-minute gap between taps. Each person needs their own card or payment method to enter metro stations together.

Is the Tbilisi Metro safe for tourists?

The metro is generally safe, with well-lit stations and visible security presence. Crime has decreased significantly since security reforms in the mid-2000s. Keep an eye on your belongings during crowded periods, as you would in any city.

Does Google Maps work for Tbilisi public transport?

Yes, Google Maps provides accurate real-time information for metro, bus, and marshrutka routes in Tbilisi. It shows arrival times and helps plan multi-modal journeys.

Can I use my MetroMoney card on the cable car to Narikala?

The Rike-Narikala Cable Car costs 2.50 GEL and accepts the Travel Card subscription. If you have a MetroMoney card, you pay separately at the cable car station.

Why are Tbilisi Metro stations so deep underground?

Most stations were built during the Soviet era when deep construction was standard for metro systems. Rustaveli station sits 60 meters below ground with one of Europe's longest escalators. The depth also relates to Tbilisi's hilly terrain.

What is the difference between MetroMoney and Travel Card?

MetroMoney is a pay-per-ride card where you load credit and spend 1 GEL per trip, with free 90-minute transfers. The Travel Card offers unlimited ride subscriptions (daily, weekly, monthly) but cannot be shared between passengers.

How do I get from the airport to the city by metro?

The metro does not reach Tbilisi International Airport. Take bus 337 from the airport to Freedom Square and Station Square for 1 GEL, or use Bolt for a taxi ride costing 35-40 GEL.

Are Tbilisi Metro station names in English?

Yes, all station names are displayed in Georgian and English. Announcements inside trains are also bilingual. Look for the red "M" sign to find station entrances.

Final Thoughts

The Tbilisi Metro handles the basics of city navigation well - it is cheap, runs frequently, and connects major tourist areas on a single line. Pick up a MetroMoney card when you arrive, learn the names of four or five key stations, and you can move around the city center without relying on taxis. For trips beyond the metro's reach, the same card works on buses and marshrutkas, stretching that 1 GEL fare even further.