Georgia is currently very popular among tourists from all over the world. She owes this to the majestic beauty of the Caucasus Mountains, bewitching landscapes, colorful local cuisine and many historical monuments. But the fact is that the terminal building is outside the city limits. About how to get from Tbilisi Airport to the center, later in the article.
Brief information about the airport (Tbilisi)
International Airport Shota Rustaveli (Tbilisi) is located 17 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi. Its reconstruction was carried out 12 years ago using innovative technologies. Currently, the terminal building is very modern and functional.
Inside the airport there are bank branches and exchangers, several offices of mobile operators, information desks, parking lots and offices of car rental service providers, Duty Free outlets and shops, cafes, restaurants and Wi-Fi. How to get from Tbilisi Airport to the city center is detailed in the following chapters of our article.
Bus
The most popular and budget way to get from the airport to the center of the capital of Georgia is the express bus number 37. In the summer, it runs around the clock with an interval of 20 minutes, and in winter it is better to check the schedule on the local website. You will have to pay for the bus fare with a vending machine, so you need to prepare in advance for the trip, the cost of which is 0.5 GEL (about 12.5 rubles), using the exchanger at the airport. The ticket issuing machine accepts small coins, so part of the money needs to be exchanged beforehand.
The bus stop is located three meters from the exit of the arrivals area. The bus route passes along the Kakheti highway with stops at the metro stations, then turns onto Rustaveli Avenue through Freedom Square (city center). The bus route ends at the railway station building, and takes one hour in time.
Train
The train station looks very modern. It is located within walking distance from the airport, at a distance of 70 meters. The train is not popular with tourists because it runs twice a day: in the morning it leaves at 8 hours 45 minutes and in the evening - at 18 hours 5 minutes. This type of transport was created for terminal workers.
The price of a train ticket for one person is 0.5 GEL (12.5 rubles), and the journey time is 30 minutes. About how to get from the airport to the city center by taxi in the next chapter of the article.
Taxi
Taxi is the most expensive, but at the same time the most convenient way to get from the airport to the capital. Travelers who have repeatedly visited Georgia are advised to take care of this type of transport in advance. For example, you can use the mobile Internet service or ask the administrator of the hotel where you plan to spend your vacation about this service. This is due to the fact that car drivers who are waiting for tourists at the exit of the arrivals area very often overstate the price of the trip several times.
The usual price of a taxi ride from Tbilisi Airport to the city center is about 25 GEL (630 rubles).
Transfer
One of the most comfortable ways to get from the airport to the capital of Georgia is transfer. You can order it yourself using the local Internet service, or agree on this service with the administrator of the hotel where you plan to spend your vacation. The driver will be waiting for you at the exit from the arrivals area with a nameplate. The service includes one hour of waiting at the airport. Transfer prices vary depending on the distance and the carrier company chosen. About how to get to the city of Tbilisi from the airport, in the next chapter of our article.
Minibus (shuttles)
Shuttles depart from the terminal building around the clock. For more information about their arrival time and stopping place, see the airport information desk.
The shuttle route passes through Freedom Square, Heroes Square and ends at the Tbilisi Sports Palace. The price of one trip for one person is 10 GEL (252 rubles), and the travel time is 35 minutes. About how to get from Tbilisi Airport to the city center using car rental service providers in the next section of this article.
Car rent
Representatives of several international car rental service providers can be found in the airport building. But, judging by the reviews of many travelers, on the appointed day of arrival at the pickup point of the desired car may not be. Therefore, car rental must be taken care of in advance. For example, there are currently many local services that will take you directly to the airport. It should be noted separately that the cost of local services is usually lower than that of international car rental companies, and the range of cars offered is much wider.
Georgia is a mountainous country with a difficult terrain, so in order to avoid troubles, novice drivers should not take over driving. In this case, it is better to take a taxi, transfer or public modes of transport.
The above article provides a list of the most popular modes of transport, from budget options (bus, shuttle and train) to more comfortable means of transportation (taxi, transfer and car rental). Thus, the answer was given to the question of how to get from Tbilisi Airport to the center of the capital.