By David Kiknadze, Transport & Openings Reporter · 16/10/2026
Last checked by the GTour desk on 16 October 2026. Rules, prices and schedules in Georgia change; this page is reviewed and the date updated when they do.
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) lies about 17 km south-east of the city centre. Most visitors arrive late at night or early morning, so it helps to know the transport options in advance. The choice usually comes down to the public bus, an app-based taxi, or the occasional train shuttle.
Bus 337: the cheapest option
Bus 337 runs around the clock between the airport and the city centre, stopping near Rustaveli Avenue and Station Square (Tbilisi Central Railway Station), with several stops in between. It is operated as part of the city transport network.
- Pay with a contactless bank card or a Metromoney card tapped on the reader; exact change in cash is generally not needed.
- Journey time to the centre is roughly 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
- The bus stop is outside the arrivals hall, clearly signed.
This is the best option for travellers with light luggage, flexible timing, and no urgent need to reach a specific address. It is far cheaper than a taxi but slower, especially at night when buses run less frequently.
App taxis: the practical choice
For most visitors, ordering a car through Bolt or Yandex Go is the sensible option. Both apps work reliably in Tbilisi, show the fare before the trip starts, and accept card payment inside the app, which avoids any negotiation.
- Typical journey time to the centre is 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact destination.
- Order the car from inside the terminal or just outside; a short walk to the pickup point is normal.
- Fares are inexpensive by Western European standards, but always check the estimated price shown in the app before confirming.
Avoid drivers who approach travellers inside the terminal building or baggage claim area offering a ride. These are unlicensed and routinely overcharge, sometimes significantly. Licensed taxi ranks and app pickup points are outside the terminal; use those instead.
Railway shuttle
A train service connects the airport to Tbilisi Central Railway Station, but it is limited to only a couple of departures a day, timed loosely around certain flight arrivals. It is not a dependable option for most schedules. Check current departure times at the airport information desk or the Georgian Railway website before relying on it.
SIM cards, cash and exchange
Kiosks for Magti, Silknet (Geocell) and Beeline are located in the arrivals area, so a local SIM or eSIM can be set up immediately after landing. For details on plans and data packages, see the SIM card and eSIM guide.
ATMs and currency exchange counters are also available in arrivals. Rates at the airport are generally less favourable than exchange offices in the city centre, so it is worth changing only a small amount on arrival and using a bank card or city exchange office for the rest.
Kutaisi and Batumi airports
Travellers flying with Wizz Air often arrive at Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), roughly 220 km west of Tbilisi. Shuttle buses connect the airport to both Kutaisi city and Tbilisi, timed around flight schedules. These buses are the standard way to reach either city, since taxis over that distance are considerably more expensive.
Batumi International Airport (BUS) is close to the city centre, and local bus 10 connects the airport to central Batumi, making it an easy and inexpensive option for travellers heading straight to the Black Sea coast.
Before you arrive
Visitors from many countries can enter Georgia visa-free or obtain an e-visa in advance; requirements vary by nationality. Check current rules before travel in the entry and visa guide.
Quick answers
How far is Tbilisi Airport from the centre? About 17 km, roughly 25-60 minutes depending on traffic and transport mode.
What is the cheapest way into the city? Bus 337, which runs 24 hours and accepts contactless bank cards or a Metromoney card.
Is it safe to take a taxi offered inside the terminal? No; these are usually unlicensed and overpriced. Use Bolt, Yandex Go, or the official taxi rank outside the building.
Can I buy a SIM card at the airport? Yes, Magti, Silknet (Geocell) and Beeline all have desks in arrivals.
Does the train from the airport run often? No, only a couple of times a day, so it is not a reliable primary option.
How do I get from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi? By scheduled shuttle bus timed to flight arrivals; taxis are far more expensive over that distance.
Sources
- Tbilisi International Airport official site
- Georgian Railway
- Bolt
- Yandex Go
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Photo: Zblace / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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