Getting around Georgia: marshrutkas, trains, taxis and car rental

How to move around Georgia without a fuss

Georgia is compact enough that getting around is genuinely easy — once you understand how the system works. The country has no domestic airline network worth speaking of for most routes (with the exception of the Tbilisi–Mestia flight), but it has an extensive network of marshrutkas (shared minibuses), a functional train system connecting the main cities, cheap and plentiful taxis with excellent app options, and a car rental market that makes driving the mountain regions affordable.

This guide covers every transport mode with practical details: where to find transport, what it costs, and which option is best for which journey.

Marshrutkas: the backbone of Georgian transport

The marshrutka is the workhorse of Georgian public transport. These shared minibuses run on fixed routes between towns and cities, departing when full (or approximately at scheduled times on main routes) and dropping passengers at their requested stop. They are the primary choice for most independent travellers doing intercity journeys.

How to use marshrutkas:

• Find the departing station (most cities have a main bus/marshrutka terminal, often near the metro in Tbilisi)
• State your destination to the driver or marshrutka attendant
• Pay the fixed fare when you board or when asked (cash only)
• Marshrutkas depart when full, or at roughly scheduled times on busy routes
• You can ask to be dropped at a specific point along the route

Key Tbilisi marshrutka terminals:

• Didube (metro station): Kazbegi, Mtskheta, Gori, Kutaisi, and most western/northern destinations
• Samgori (metro station): Sighnaghi, Telavi, and Kakheti destinations
• Ortachala: Batumi, Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe, and southern/western destinations

Main marshrutka routes and prices (approximate 2026 fares):

Route	Price (GEL)	Duration
Tbilisi → Kazbegi	10 GEL ($3.70)	3 hours
Tbilisi → Mtskheta	1.5 GEL ($0.55)	30 minutes
Tbilisi → Gori	6 GEL ($2.20)	1.5 hours
Tbilisi → Kutaisi	10 GEL ($3.70)	2.5 hours
Tbilisi → Batumi	25 GEL ($9.25)	4.5 hours
Tbilisi → Sighnaghi	10 GEL ($3.70)	2 hours
Tbilisi → Telavi	12 GEL ($4.45)	2.5 hours
Tbilisi → Borjomi	12 GEL ($4.45)	2.5 hours
Kutaisi → Zugdidi	10 GEL ($3.70)	2 hours
Zugdidi → Mestia	20 GEL ($7.40)	3.5 hours

Trains: comfortable intercity travel

Georgia’s main rail line connects Tbilisi to Kutaisi, Zugdidi, and Batumi. The trains are slower than marshrutkas or driving but more comfortable, with assigned seating, Wi-Fi on some services, and a café car. The overnight train from Tbilisi to Batumi (departing around 11pm, arriving around 5am) is a classic way to travel the western route.

Key train routes and prices:

Route	Price (GEL)	Duration
Tbilisi → Batumi (overnight)	20–45 GEL ($7–17)	5–6 hours
Tbilisi → Kutaisi	12–25 GEL ($4.45–9.25)	3 hours
Tbilisi → Zugdidi	20–40 GEL ($7.40–14.80)	5 hours
Kutaisi → Batumi	10–15 GEL ($3.70–5.55)	2 hours

Book train tickets online at the Georgian Railway website (railway.ge) or at any station. First-class (Lux) seats are worth the upgrade on longer routes. The Tbilisi to Batumi overnight is popular — book ahead for sleeper berths in summer.

The narrow-gauge Borjomi to Bakuriani railway (the “kukushka”) is a separate, slower tourist attraction rather than a practical transport link — it takes 2.5 hours to cover 37km through mountain scenery.

Taxis in Tbilisi and other cities

Tbilisi has an abundance of taxis. The most important piece of advice: always negotiate the price before getting in, or use a taxi app.

Best taxi apps in Georgia:

• Bolt (formerly Taxify): Most widely used, available in all major cities, metered fares, reliable
• Yandex Go: Also widely used, competitive pricing
• maxim: Local app, good coverage in smaller cities

Both Bolt and Yandex are standard smartphone apps. Setting up an account before arrival is recommended. Fares in Tbilisi are very reasonable: most journeys within the centre cost 5–12 GEL ($1.85–4.45).

Airport taxi prices: From Tbilisi airport to the city centre, expect 30–40 GEL negotiated, or 20–25 GEL by app. Do not accept the first price offered by drivers approaching you in arrivals.

Car rental: the mountain freedom option

Renting a car is the best choice for anyone wanting to explore mountain regions, visit sites not on public transport routes, or travel at their own pace. The road network in Georgia’s main regions is generally good; mountain roads require more attention and sometimes 4WD capability.

Car rental basics:

• Available at Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi airports, plus numerous city offices
• International brands (Avis, Hertz, Europcar) available but local companies are cheaper
• Prices start at $25–35/day for a basic compact; $60–100/day for a proper 4WD
• An international driving permit is recommended (required by most rental companies)
• Minimum rental age is typically 23–25 years

When you need a 4WD: The Abano Pass road to Tusheti requires a proper 4WD with low-range gearing. The Svaneti road to Ushguli (unpaved) benefits from 4WD, especially in wet conditions. Mountain Adjara’s higher valleys are easier with 4WD. For all paved roads in the country, a standard car is fine.

Driving in Georgia: traffic drives on the right. The speed limit is 60km/h in cities and 80–100km/h on highways. Driving standards are assertive rather than disciplined — defensive driving is essential. Police speed traps are common. Never drink and drive.

Road quality: The main E60 highway from Tbilisi to Batumi is modern and fast. The Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi is paved and well-maintained. Rural roads vary from decent to challenging. Mountain tracks require specific vehicle capability.

Shared taxis: flexible and cheap

For intercity journeys where marshrutka timing does not work, shared taxis (marshrutka-style but in a car, splitting the cost) are available from most transport hubs. A shared taxi seat typically costs 1.5–2x the marshrutka fare but is faster and more flexible. Private taxi hire for the entire journey costs significantly more but gives you complete timing control.

Kazbegi is a special case: many visitors hire a private taxi from Tbilisi for the day (approximately 150–200 GEL, or $55–75) rather than taking the marshrutka, because a private driver waits while you hike to the Gergeti church and takes you to viewpoints at your own pace.

Getting to mountain regions: specific guidance

To Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): Marshrutka from Didube metro station in Tbilisi (10 GEL, 3 hours) or shared taxi. The Georgian Military Highway guide covers the route in detail.

To Svaneti (Mestia): Most reliable is the drive via Zugdidi (6–7 hours from Tbilisi). Flight from Tbilisi to Mestia (Vanra Airport) takes 30 minutes when the weather allows — book well ahead. Marshrutka from Zugdidi to Mestia (approximately 20 GEL, 3.5 hours). The Svaneti destination guide covers transport details.

To Tusheti: Requires a 4WD vehicle for the Abano Pass (the only road access). Most practical via organised tour or hired 4WD with driver from Tbilisi. See the Tusheti guide.

To Batumi: Train (overnight or daytime), marshrutka (4.5 hours), or expressway by car (4–4.5 hours). All three are practical options.

Getting between regions

The most common multi-region itinerary combines Tbilisi, Kakheti, and Kazbegi in the first half of a trip, then drives west to Kutaisi and Svaneti, returning via Batumi or Borjomi. This circuit works beautifully by car and is also doable by marshrutka with a little planning.

For first-time visitors on a one-week trip, a combination of marshrutkas for major intercity segments and organised day tours for Kazbegi and Kakheti is the most efficient and cost-effective approach.

Frequently asked questions about transport in Georgia

Is Uber available in Georgia?

Uber is not available in Georgia. Use Bolt or Yandex Go instead — they work on the same app-based model with metered fares and are available throughout Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and other cities.

Are the marshrutkas safe?

The vehicles and routes are generally safe. The driving style can be assertive (fast overtaking, close following distances), which is the norm throughout the Caucasus. Wearing a seatbelt (if fitted) is recommended. The main safety variable is the individual driver, and most are experienced professionals who know their routes well.

Can I hire a driver for multi-day trips?

Yes — many drivers in Tbilisi offer multi-day driver-guide services covering the main circuits. This is an excellent option for travellers who want flexibility without driving themselves. Expect to pay $80–150/day for a driver (not including accommodation and meals). Most can also act as informal guides, particularly for the main cultural sites. Ask your guesthouse or hotel to recommend reliable drivers.

How do I get from Tbilisi airport to the city centre?

By Bolt or Yandex app (20–25 GEL, 20–30 minutes), by negotiated taxi (30–40 GEL), or by metro from the Tbilisi International Airport metro station. The metro requires changing at Rustaveli and costs 50 tetri — very cheap but slower and involves managing luggage on the metro.

Do marshrutkas run on a schedule or just depart when full?

Main city-to-city routes (Tbilisi to Batumi, Tbilisi to Kutaisi) have approximate departure times from the terminal that are broadly followed. Less-frequented routes depart when the vehicle is full, which can mean waiting. For popular routes in the morning (Tbilisi to Kazbegi, for example), marshrutkas fill quickly. Arriving at the terminal 20–30 minutes before your intended departure time is good practice.

Driving in Georgia: what to know before you start

If you are renting a car and driving in Georgia, several practical points are worth detailed attention.

The most important rule: Assume Georgian driving standards are different from whatever you are used to, and adjust accordingly. Traffic rules exist but enforcement is inconsistent, and the local driving culture is assertive. Overtaking on two-lane mountain roads is common even where markings prohibit it. Defensive driving — anticipating unexpected manoeuvres, never assuming the other driver will wait for you — is essential.

Mountain road specifics: The narrower mountain roads (particularly in Svaneti, Tusheti, and the approaches to remote regions) have sections where two vehicles cannot pass simultaneously. The convention is that the vehicle descending yields to the vehicle ascending by pulling to the outer edge of the road (which sometimes means the wheel is inches from a significant drop). If you are uncomfortable with this, consider hiring a local driver for mountain routes.

Police and checkpoints: The Georgian Patrol Police are visible on major roads. Speed enforcement is taken seriously; fines for speeding are collected on the spot (legally). Keep your documents (international driving permit, rental agreement, passport) accessible in the car. The police are generally professional — the major anti-corruption reforms of the 2000s genuinely transformed the police institution.

Fuel: Petrol stations are plentiful in cities and on main highways. In mountain regions and remote areas, fill up before heading into the hills. LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is widely available in Georgia, which is relevant if your rental car is LPG-capable.

Night driving: Avoid driving on mountain roads at night if at all possible. The road hazards — animals, unlit pedestrians, vehicles parked on the road, inadequate markings — are significantly more dangerous in darkness.

The Tbilisi metro: underrated and excellent

The Tbilisi Metro covers two lines and the main tourist and transport nodes. For visitors staying in central Tbilisi, it is the fastest and cheapest way to move between districts.

Key stations for visitors:

• Rustaveli: Central tourist area, wine bars, Old Town access
• Liberty Square (Tavisuplebis Moedani): City centre, banks, starting point for Old Town walks
• Station Square (Sadguris Moedani): The central train station; also departure point for some marshrutkas
• Didube: Main marshrutka terminal for northern and western destinations
• Samgori: Marshrutka terminal for Kakheti destinations
• Varketili: Eastern terminus, residential

Fare: 1 GEL per journey, paid with a refillable Metromoney card (2 GEL deposit, refundable). The card is valid on buses and the aerial tramway as well.

Hours: Approximately 06:00–00:00 (midnight) daily. After midnight, use Bolt.

Flying within Georgia

The only domestic air route of practical significance is Tbilisi to Mestia (Svaneti) on Georgian Airways. The flight takes approximately 30 minutes and offers dramatic views of the Caucasus peaks as the plane approaches the Mestia valley. Book well in advance — the Mestia airport has very limited capacity and the route fills for summer season.

The flight is weather-dependent and cancelled fairly frequently — Mestia’s weather is unpredictable and the approach to the short mountain runway requires clear visibility. Always have a backup plan (the overland route via Zugdidi) if you have a fixed schedule.

Trip planning: choosing the right transport

For first-time visitors making the main Tbilisi–Kakheti–Kazbegi circuit:

Best by marshrutka: Tbilisi to Mtskheta (30 minutes), Tbilisi to Telavi/Sighnaghi (2–2.5 hours each), Tbilisi to Kazbegi (3 hours).

Best by train: Tbilisi to Batumi (especially the overnight), Tbilisi to Kutaisi (for western Georgia).

Best by car: Anywhere in the mountain regions, multi-day Kakheti winery circuits, any itinerary where flexibility matters more than cost.

Best with a driver: Kazbegi day trips (driver waits while you hike), Tusheti (for the Abano Pass road), any mountain region in a group where the cost can be split.

For the complete planning picture, see our 7-day Georgia itinerary and day trips from Tbilisi guide.

Can I use Google Maps for navigation in Georgia?

Yes — Google Maps works well in Georgia for driving navigation, and the Georgian road network is reasonably well-mapped. For mountain regions, some tracks are not mapped; asking locals or your guesthouse host for directions to specific trailheads is more reliable than relying on navigation alone.

Offline maps (downloaded for use without data) are useful for areas with poor mobile connectivity, particularly in Tusheti and the higher Svaneti routes.

Tbilisi city transport: a complete guide

Getting around Tbilisi itself is simple and inexpensive:

Metro: Two lines (Akhmeteli-Varketili and Saburtalo) covering the main urban corridor. Tickets cost 1 GEL per journey (loaded onto a rechargeable Metromoney card available at any metro station for 2 GEL). The metro runs 06:00–midnight approximately. Useful for reaching Didube Bus Station (marshrutka hub) and the Rustaveli/Liberty Square area.

Bus and minibus: The blue city buses and yellow minibuses (fixed-route taxis) cover routes that the metro does not. 1 GEL flat fare on buses; minibus fares are negotiated (usually 1–2 GEL). Less intuitive for visitors but cheap and comprehensive.

Bolt and Yandex: Ride-hailing apps work excellently in Tbilisi. A typical Old Town to Vera journey costs 5–8 GEL; Old Town to Didube 8–12 GEL. Surge pricing applies late at night and in rain. Download both apps before arriving — Yandex sometimes has availability when Bolt is surging.

Walking: The Old Town, Abanotubani, Rustaveli Avenue, and the Shardeni wine bar area are all walkable from each other. Most visitor-relevant Tbilisi activity is within a 30-minute walk across the historic centre.

Cable car: The cable car from Rike Park to Narikala fortress runs 10:00–21:00 and gives aerial views over the Old Town. A pleasant way to combine transport and sightseeing.

The overnight train to Batumi

One of Georgia’s genuinely enjoyable transport experiences is the overnight train from Tbilisi to Batumi. The train leaves Tbilisi in the evening (typically around 23:00 from Central Station / Tbilisi-Passenger) and arrives in Batumi in the morning. Sleeper accommodation ranges from basic platzkart (open carriages with fold-down bunks) to 2-person compartments. The cost is dramatically cheaper than any other transport option.

The experience: waking up as the train arrives in the subtropical Adjara region, with the landscape shifting from the Kartli valley to the forested sub-Caucasian ranges, gives a sense of Georgia’s geographical range that flying between cities entirely misses. See our itineraries for how to incorporate the Batumi overnight into a multi-city Georgia trip.

Related guides

• Day trips from Tbilisi — specific logistics for each major day trip destination
• Visa requirements for Georgia — entry and documentation
• Budget guide for Georgia — transport costs in context of full trip budget
• Plan your trip — the complete trip planning framework