Metro & transport
Tbilisi has a cheap, simple two-line metro. The regions are reached by minibus (marshrutka), train, domestic flight or a hired driver. This page covers all of them.
The metro opened in 1966 and has two lines with 23 stations. Trains run from about 06:00 to midnight, every few minutes. Station names are shown in Georgian and English, and announcements are made in both languages. Some escalators, such as at Rustaveli and Avlabari, are among the deepest you will ride.
16 stations · north-west to south-east, through the centre and Old Town
7 stations · from Station Square to the university district
Buses and yellow minibuses cost the same 1 ₾. Use the Tbilisi Transport app or Google Maps for routes and live arrivals. The Rike–Narikala cable car costs 2.5 ₾; the Mtatsminda funicular goes up to the amusement park and city viewpoint.
Most intercity minibuses leave from three Tbilisi stations: Didube (next to Didube metro) for the north and west, Samgori (by Samgori metro) and Ortachala for Kakheti and international buses. Trains leave from the central station at Station Square. Minibuses usually leave when full; mornings are best. Prices below are typical for 2026 and change often.
| Destination | From Tbilisi | Time | Approx. fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mtskheta | Marshrutka from Didube | 30–40 min | 3 ₾ |
| Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) | Marshrutka from Didube, via Ananuri and Gudauri | 3 h | 15–20 ₾ |
| Gudauri | Kazbegi marshrutka or ski shuttle | 2–2.5 h | 10–15 ₾ |
| Sighnaghi | Marshrutka from Samgori | 2 h | 8–10 ₾ |
| Telavi | Marshrutka from Ortachala or Samgori | 2–2.5 h | 8–10 ₾ |
| Gori / Uplistsikhe | Marshrutka from Didube, then taxi 10 km | 1–1.5 h | 5 ₾ |
| Borjomi | Marshrutka from Didube | 2.5–3 h | 10–12 ₾ |
| Kutaisi | Bus from Didube or train from Station Square | 3.5–4.5 h | 15–20 ₾ |
| Batumi | Fast train from Station Square (best), bus, or flight | 5–6 h by train | 30–40 ₾ |
| Mestia (Svaneti) | Train or bus to Zugdidi, then marshrutka; or a small-plane flight | 8–10 h | 40–60 ₾ |
| Vardzia | Marshrutka to Akhaltsikhe, then local bus or taxi | 5–6 h | 20–25 ₾ |
Georgian Railway runs modern double-deck trains between Tbilisi and Batumi several times a day in summer, and services to Kutaisi, Zugdidi and Borjomi. Buy tickets at tkt.ge or railway.ge; summer trains to Batumi sell out days ahead.
A hired driver is often the best way to see several sights in one day, for example Ananuri, Gudauri and Gergeti, or the wineries of Kakheti. Book through apps such as GoTrip or through your hotel, and agree stops and price in advance.
Traffic drives on the right. Many visitors can drive on their national licence for a limited time; an international permit is recommended. Mountain roads are narrow, livestock is common and local driving can be assertive. The road to Kazbegi may close during winter snowstorms.