Getting Around Georgia: Trains, Buses & Taxis Guide
Everything you need to know about traveling around Georgia — from the comfortable Stadler trains and cheap marshrutkas to the metro, taxis, and airport transfers. Plan your trip with confidence.
Georgia is a small country, but getting around it still requires some planning. The transport network is a mix of modern trains, cheap minibuses, Soviet-era metro systems, and ride-hailing apps — and the right choice depends on where you are going and how much time you have. This getting around Georgia guide covers every option: trains, buses, marshrutkas, metro, taxis, and airport transfers.
Whether you are traveling between Tbilisi and Batumi, exploring the Caucasus mountains, or just trying to get from the airport to your hotel, this guide will help you navigate the system like a local. Additionally, if you are still planning your wider trip, start with our complete Georgia travel guide.
Georgia Transport at a Glance
Best for Long Distance
Stadler trains
Cheapest Option
Marshrutkas
Best for City Travel
Bolt & Yandex Go
Traveling by Train in Georgia
Trains are the most comfortable way to travel between Georgia's major cities, especially the route between Tbilisi and Batumi. The modern Stadler trains are clean, air-conditioned, and relatively fast — the trip from Tbilisi to Batumi takes about 5 hours and costs 25–35 GEL for a second-class seat.
The Stadler Train
The fastest and most comfortable option between Tbilisi and Batumi. Trains run twice daily and offer reserved seats, power outlets, and a small cafe. Book tickets in advance, especially in summer.
Night Trains
Overnight trains connect Tbilisi with Batumi and Yerevan (Armenia). A sleeper compartment is a good way to save on a hotel night, though the experience is more basic than the daytime Stadler trains.
Traveling by Bus & Marshrutka
Buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) are the cheapest way to get around Georgia. They cover almost every route in the country, including small mountain villages where trains do not go. The trade-off is comfort and speed — marshrutkas are often crowded and make frequent stops.
Marshrutkas
Minibuses that leave from Didube and Samgori stations in Tbilisi. They cover routes to Kazbegi, Sighnaghi, Mtskheta, and beyond. Fares are 10–30 GEL depending on distance. They leave when full — no fixed schedule.
City Buses
Tbilisi has an extensive bus network that covers areas the metro does not reach. Buses cost 1 GEL per ride with a Metromoney card, and transfers within 90 minutes are free. They are a good option for short city trips.
Metro & Payment in Tbilisi
Tbilisi's metro is fast, cheap, and convenient for crossing the city. It has two lines that cover the main areas — including Freedom Square, Rustaveli, and Station Square. Rides cost 1 GEL with a Metromoney card, which you can buy at any metro station.
Tbilisi Metro
Two lines, 23 stations, and a flat fare of 1 GEL. The stations are deeply built (Soviet-era civil defense) and some have impressive architecture. Trains run from 6 AM to midnight.
Metromoney Card
A rechargeable card used for metro, buses, and the cable car. It costs 2 GEL to buy and can be topped up at metro stations or payment terminals. It is the most convenient way to pay for public transport in Tbilisi.
Traveling by Taxi
Taxis in Georgia are cheap and widely available, but the quality varies enormously. Street taxis often overcharge tourists, especially at the airport. The best option is to use ride-hailing apps — Bolt and Yandex Go are both reliable, cheap, and show the price before you book.
Bolt & Yandex Go
Both apps work throughout Georgia and offer fixed prices, card payment, and driver ratings. A central Tbilisi trip costs 5–15 GEL, and the airport transfer is 15–25 GEL. Avoid unregistered street taxis.
Roads & Airport Transfers
Driving in Georgia is an option for travelers who want maximum flexibility, but the roads vary widely in quality. The Georgian Military Road to Kazbegi is spectacular but narrow and winding, while the highways between major cities are well-maintained. Renting a car is best for exploring rural areas.
The Georgian Military Road
The historic route from Tbilisi to Kazbegi passes through Ananuri Fortress and the Jvari Pass. It is one of the most scenic drives in Georgia, but the road is narrow and requires careful driving.
Tbilisi Airport Transfer
Bus 337 runs from the airport to Freedom Square for 1 GEL (45–60 minutes). A Bolt or Yandex Go costs 15–25 GEL and takes 20–30 minutes. Avoid private drivers inside arrivals who ask for 40–60 GEL.
Essential Tips for Getting Around Georgia
Get a Metromoney Card
It is the most convenient way to pay for public transport in Tbilisi. The card costs 2 GEL and can be topped up at metro stations.
Download Bolt & Yandex Go
Both apps work throughout Georgia and offer fixed prices and card payment. They are much cheaper than street taxis.
Book Trains in Advance
Stadler train tickets sell out quickly in summer. Additionally, booking a few days ahead guarantees a seat, especially on the Tbilisi–Batumi route.
Carry Cash for Marshrutkas
Marshrutkas do not accept cards. As a result, keep small GEL notes for fares, especially on rural routes.
Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal is patchy in the mountains. Download offline maps of Georgia before you travel.
Allow Extra Time
Marshrutkas leave when full, not on a fixed schedule. Therefore, plan extra time for rural routes and mountain roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Stadler train is the most comfortable option — about 5 hours, 25–35 GEL, twice daily. Marshrutkas are cheaper (about 20 GEL) but take 6–7 hours. Driving is also an option if you want to stop along the way.
Buy a Metromoney card (2 GEL) at any metro station or payment terminal. It works on the metro, buses, and the cable car to Narikala. A single ride costs 1 GEL, and transfers within 90 minutes are free.
Ride-hailing apps (Bolt and Yandex Go) are safe, cheap, and reliable. Street taxis are riskier — some overcharge tourists, especially at the airport. Always use an app if possible.
Bus 337 runs to Freedom Square for 1 GEL (45–60 minutes). A Bolt or Yandex Go costs 15–25 GEL and takes 20–30 minutes. Avoid private drivers inside arrivals who ask for 40–60 GEL.
Yes — rental cars are available in Tbilisi and Batumi. However, driving in Georgia requires care, especially on mountain roads. The Georgian Military Road to Kazbegi is spectacular but narrow and winding.
A marshrutka is a shared minibus that covers fixed routes across Georgia. They leave from stations like Didube in Tbilisi and depart when full — not on a fixed schedule. Fares are 10–30 GEL depending on distance.
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