Tbilisi
How to get around efficiently with clear cost comparisons.
You'll quickly learn that flagging a taxi on the street can cost 30-50GEL for a short ride, while the Bolt app (or YandexGo) reliably charges 8-12GEL ($3-4.50) for the same trip-so always book through the app. The city bus network is cheap and comfortable: a single ride is only 0.50GEL if you tap a Metromoney card on the reader, and routes like Bus50 (RustaveliVake) get you across the main districts without the chaos of marshrutkas. For longer excursions, the overnight Georgian Railway train to Batumi leaves Tbilisi Central around 11pm, arrives at 6am, and costs 35-70GEL for a couchette; a day trip to Kazbegi (157km) is the most popular mountain getaway. If you decide to drive, expect aggressive, informal traffic-lanes are treated as suggestions, double-parking is routine, and speed limits drop to 60km/h in the city, so stay alert and give yourself extra travel time. **Next step:** download Bolt, purchase a Metromoney card at any kiosk, and tap the card on a nearby bus to test the system today.
Ranked by contributor trust level and quality score.
Old Town · Experience date Apr 5, 2026
Bolt rides across Tbilisi are typically 8-12 GEL ($3-4.50). Much cheaper than flagging a taxi on the street where tourists get quoted 30-50 GEL for the same trip. Yandex Go is a good alternative.
Saburtalo · Experience date Dec 1, 2025
Tbilisi has a city bus network alongside marshrutkas. Buses: 0.50 GEL fare, paid via Metromoney card (tap on reader). More comfortable and less chaotic than marshrutkas. Key routes: Bus 50 (Rustaveli to Vake), Bus 37 (Old Town to Saburtalo), Bus 1 (Didube to Isani via centre). Bus schedule and route info: available on Tbilisi Transport Company app (Georgian only) and partially on Moovit. Buses run 7am–11pm. Combined Metro + bus monthly pass: 40 GEL — excellent value for daily commuters. For occasional city travel: Bolt is more convenient than navigating bus routes.
Didube · Experience date Jan 7, 2026
Georgian Railway (railway.ge) connects: Tbilisi–Batumi (4.5 hours, frequent, $5–20), Tbilisi–Kutaisi (3.5 hours, several daily), Tbilisi–Zugdidi (5.5 hours, gateway to Svaneti). Trains are comfortable, air-conditioned, on time. No trains to Kazbegi or most mountain areas. The overnight Tbilisi–Batumi train with sleeping compartments is particularly popular with expats for weekend trips. Book online at railway.ge (English available) or at Tbilisi Central Station (Sadguris Moedani). Prices are very low by European standards — most routes cost $5–20 per ticket.
Rustaveli · Experience date Dec 21, 2025
Tbilisi public transport stops relatively early: Metro until midnight, buses until 11pm. After midnight: Bolt and Yandex Taxi are the only reliable options. Night Bolt: works well, slightly longer wait times after 2am (5–10 minutes instead of 2–3). Surge pricing: occasional after midnight on weekends. No official night bus network as comprehensive as Western cities. Tbilisi nightlife areas (Fabrika, Bassiani club area, Shardeni Street Old Town): Bolt is always available in these areas at any hour. Pre-book a return Bolt before you go out — saves time and ensures you have a plan. Budget $3–6 for a late-night Bolt anywhere in central Tbilisi.
Saburtalo · Experience date Nov 23, 2025
Marshrutkas are shared minibus taxis running fixed routes throughout Tbilisi and across Georgia. City fare: 0.50–1 GEL, paid in cash to the driver. Routes: numbered, but route maps are not easily available in English — ask locals or use the Moovit app which covers some Tbilisi marshrutka routes. Useful routes: Rustaveli to Vake (route 37), Rustaveli to Saburtalo (multiple routes). Marshrutkas don't have fixed stops — wave one down on the road, shout 'gaacheret' to get off anywhere. Good for budget travel; confusing for newcomers. Most expats default to Bolt for comfort and clarity.
Didube · Experience date Feb 8, 2026
Batumi (Black Sea coast, 5 hours from Tbilisi): options. Night train (Georgian Railway): departs Tbilisi Central (Sadguris Moedani) around 11pm, arrives Batumi 6am. Tickets: 35–70 GEL (couchette) — book online at railway.ge. Day train: 4.5 hours, 20–35 GEL. Bus from Didube (Tbilisi): 5 hours, 15 GEL, multiple daily departures. The overnight train is the classic Tbilisi-Batumi experience — comfortable, scenic at dawn arrival, no traffic. Batumi is a popular Tbilisi expat weekend destination: beach, restaurants, casinos, more international feel than Tbilisi.
Didube · Experience date Dec 1, 2025
Two aerial transport options in Tbilisi: Narikala Cable Car (connects Rike Park near the river to Narikala fortress — panoramic views, 2.50 GEL one way) and Mtatsminda Funicular (from Chonkadze Street in Vera to Mtatsminda park and TV tower at 770m — one of Tbilisi's best viewpoints, 5 GEL return). The funicular is one of the most memorable Tbilisi experiences. Both are practical for reaching uphill areas without climbing — useful for tourists and residents alike. Funicular hours: 9am–midnight. Cable car: 11am–10pm. Both require Metromoney card or cash.
Rustaveli · Experience date Mar 1, 2026
While Bolt is standard for most expats, traditional street-hail taxis still operate in Tbilisi. Rules for street taxis: always agree the price before getting in — say your destination and the driver will quote. Standard fares: Old Town to Vake 10–15 GEL, Old Town to Saburtalo 8–12 GEL, airport to centre 25–35 GEL. Never get in without agreeing a price first — metered taxis are rare and some drivers dramatically overcharge foreigners. Alternative: show the destination on Google Maps instead of pronouncing the Georgian street name. In practice: Bolt is easier, more transparent, and often cheaper — use it whenever your phone has signal.