Kutaisi Aerial Tramway

By Mariam Lomidze, GTour desk · Fact-checked against the sources listed · Last checked 17 October 2026 · Editorial policy

Overview

The Kutaisi Aerial Tramway is a short cable car line in Kutaisi, the capital of the Imereti region and Georgia’s second-largest city, roughly 220 km west of Tbilisi and about 140 km from Batumi. The lower station stands on the bank of the Rioni River near the city centre, and the cable climbs to a hilltop park that overlooks the old town, the river bend and the surrounding hills of Imereti. It is a modest, practical piece of urban infrastructure rather than a monument, but it gives visitors one of the easiest panoramic views of Kutaisi without a hike.

For travellers, the tramway matters because it is one of the few surviving mid-20th-century urban cable cars still carrying passengers in Georgia, a category better known through the larger industrial ropeways of nearby Chiatura, also in Imereti. It is a quick, inexpensive addition to a Kutaisi itinerary, easily combined with the city’s better-known sights such as Bagrati Cathedral and, further out, the Gelati Monastery complex. GTour includes it as a stop on private tours of Kutaisi when guests want an easy overview of the city before continuing on foot.

History

Kutaisi grew around the Rioni River as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Georgia, and by the Soviet period it had developed into an industrial and administrative centre of Imereti. Aerial tramways and cable cars were built in several Georgian towns during the Soviet era to move workers and residents across rivers and up steep hillsides, the best documented example being the network of industrial cableways at Chiatura, also in the Imereti region. The Kutaisi line linking the riverside with the hill above the old town follows this same mid-20th-century pattern of urban cable transport, built to shorten what would otherwise be a long climb on foot.

Like much Soviet-era infrastructure in Georgia, the tramway went through a long period of underuse and disrepair after independence in 1991, as municipal budgets prioritised more urgent repairs elsewhere in Kutaisi. In recent years the city authorities have invested in restoring parts of Kutaisi’s public spaces and transport links as the city has developed its tourism offer alongside Imereti’s wider heritage sites, including the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery. The tramway today operates as a tourist and local amenity rather than a daily commuter line, and opening times can vary with the season, so checking locally before planning a visit is recommended.

What to see

Lower station and riverside park

The base station sits close to the Rioni River, within easy walking distance of central Kutaisi. The surrounding riverside park is a pleasant spot to pause before or after the ride, with views back toward the old bridges and embankments of the city.

Hilltop park and viewpoint

At the top, a small park offers benches and open ground with views over the rooftops of Kutaisi, the river and the hills beyond. It is a quiet, low-key spot rather than a developed tourist complex, which suits visitors looking for a short break from sightseeing on foot.

Panorama toward Bagrati Cathedral

From the upper station, the hilltop silhouette of Bagrati Cathedral is visible across the city. The cathedral and the nearby Gelati Monastery were jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994; following reconstruction work on the cathedral, UNESCO revised the listing in 2017 so that only Gelati Monastery remains inscribed, a point of interest for visitors comparing the two sites.

Sunset and evening light

Late afternoon and early evening generally give the clearest light over the Rioni valley from the upper park, making this a good time for photographs of the city skyline, weather permitting.

Getting there

From Tbilisi, Kutaisi is reached by road via the Rikoti Pass, a drive of roughly 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic and conditions; check current conditions on the road status page before departure. Marshrutka minibuses run regularly from Tbilisi’s Didube station to Kutaisi, taking around 4 hours. Georgian Railway also operates trains between Tbilisi and Kutaisi; schedules and booking are available through Georgian Railway, with journey times generally longer than by road.

From Batumi, Kutaisi is about 140 km away, roughly 2 hours by car or marshrutka along the main west Georgia highway. Once in Kutaisi, the tramway’s lower station is close to the city centre and within walking distance of the main square and riverside, so no separate transfer is usually needed for visitors already staying in town. GTour’s guides can combine the tramway with a walking route through central Kutaisi on request.

When to go

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer the mildest weather and the clearest skies for the panoramic views from the upper station. Midsummer can be hot in the Rioni valley, and the open hilltop park offers little shade, so a morning or evening visit is more comfortable. Winter visits are possible but the line may run on reduced hours or close temporarily in poor weather; confirming current operating hours locally is advisable.

Where to stay and eat

For a meal near the tramway and central Kutaisi, Bar-Restaurant Papavero, Palaty and Lilestan are verified options in GTour’s register. For accommodation, EURO HOTEL is a convenient base in Kutaisi for exploring the tramway and the surrounding old town. Travellers wanting local advice or help arranging onward travel can contact the Kutaisi Tourist Information Center, or the registered agencies Globus Travel Georgia, LTD FLY 24 and you travel08. GTour’s verified register lists further hotels, wineries and restaurants in the best of Imereti selection.

Practical notes

Operating hours for the tramway can vary by season and are not always consistent, so confirming current times with the Kutaisi Tourist Information Center before visiting is recommended. The ride is short, lasting only a few minutes each way, and is generally suitable for families with children, though strollers and limited mobility access should be checked on site, as facilities are basic. Cash is the most reliable way to pay for tickets locally. Parking directly at the lower station is limited; visitors staying in central Kutaisi will find it easier to walk or take a short taxi ride.

Questions travellers ask

Is the Kutaisi Aerial Tramway currently operating?

The line operates on a seasonal and sometimes irregular schedule. It is best to confirm current status with the Kutaisi Tourist Information Center on the day of your visit.

How long does the ride take?

The crossing from the riverside lower station to the hilltop upper station takes only a few minutes.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, the short ride and open-air park at the top make it a straightforward, low-effort outing for families, though adult supervision at the stations is advised.

Can the tramway be combined with Bagrati Cathedral?

Yes. The cathedral is visible from the upper viewpoint and is within easy reach of central Kutaisi, making it a natural addition to the same outing.

How far is it from central Kutaisi?

The lower station sits close to the Rioni riverside, within comfortable walking distance of the city centre and main square.

What is the best time of day to visit?

Late afternoon generally offers the clearest light for views over the city and river from the hilltop park.

Is there an entrance fee?

A ticket is required to ride; current prices are best checked locally, as this guide does not quote fares that may change.

How do I get to Kutaisi from Tbilisi without a car?

Marshrutka minibuses run from Tbilisi’s Didube station in around 4 hours, and Georgian Railway operates scheduled trains on the same route.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility is limited, with basic station infrastructure; travellers with mobility needs should enquire in advance through the Tourist Information Center.

Can GTour arrange a private visit?

Yes, GTour arranges private transfers and guided tours of Kutaisi that include the tramway on request; contact GTour through the tours page to plan an itinerary.

Sources

• UNESCO World Heritage: Gelati Monastery
• Georgian Railway
• Georgian National Tourism Administration — Imereti region
• UNESCO World Heritage — Gelati Monastery