Public transportation in Tbilisi is convenient, easy to navigate, and exceptionally affordable: a single subway or bus fare is just 1 GEL (around $0.36). I broke down all the transit options so you never overpay street drivers.
01Tbilisi Metro: Lines and Fares
The Tbilisi metro consists of two lines: Akhmeteli-Varketili (the red line traversing downtown and Liberty Square) and Saburtalo (green line). Stations are deep underground, and trains run every 3–5 minutes from 6:00 AM to midnight.
- Single ride fare is just 1 GEL.
- Enjoy a 90-minute free transfer window to city buses when paying with a Metromoney card.
- All station signage and voice announcements are fully bilingual in Georgian and English.
02Payment Cards: Metromoney and Contactless
For seamless payments across the subway, buses, and blue minibuses, use a Metromoney transit card or a contactless international bank card.
- A Metromoney card costs 2 GEL at any metro station ticket desk.
- A single card can be tapped multiple times for companions traveling together.
- Contactless Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards work directly on all turnstiles.
03Tbilisi Cable Cars
Cable cars in Tbilisi double as efficient transit and scenic attractions offering sweeping views over the cityscape.
- Rike Park → Narikala Fortress: 2.5–5 GEL via Metromoney, providing prime views of Old Town.
- Chavchavadze Avenue → Turtle Lake (Kus Tba): 1–2 GEL for a fast ascent to lakeside recreation.
- University → Bagebi: a scenic historic cable span across the Vera River gorge.
04Historic Funicular to Mount Mtatsminda
Operating since 1905, the funicular railway carries visitors up to the peak of Mount Mtatsminda, its amusement park, and panoramic lookout terrace.
- A one-way ride costs 10–12 GEL.
- Requires a separate rechargeable Mtatsminda Park plastic card (2 GEL).
- The midway stop accesses the Mtatsminda Pantheon of writers and national figures.
05City Buses and Minibuses
Tbilisi operates modern low-floor buses equipped with air conditioning, USB charging ports, and digital arrival displays at bus stops.
- Standard fare is 1 GEL; tap your card immediately upon boarding through any door.
- Minibuses share the unified transit fare and transfer network.
- Electronic stop displays show live real-time bus countdowns.
06Taxis: Bolt App vs Street Cabs
The Bolt app is the most reliable, modern, and budget-friendly way to order taxis across Tbilisi. Yandex Go is also functional.
- Average ride across the city center via Bolt costs 4–8 GEL ($1.5–$3).
- Never hail unmetered cabs off the street, as drivers often charge inflated prices.
- Cars arrive within 2–4 minutes in almost any central neighborhood.
07Getting from Tbilisi Airport to the City Center
Shota Rustaveli International Airport is located 17 km east of downtown. Travelers can choose between bus and taxi options.
- Bus #337: runs 24/7 every 15–20 minutes, costs 1 GEL, and connects to Avlabari metro, Liberty Square, and the Central Station.
- Bolt taxi: typically costs 25–35 GEL ($9–$13) and takes about 25–30 minutes.
- Airport terminal touts often ask for 60–80 GEL — simply skip them and order via the app.
Transport Price Summary (2025–2026)
- Metro / bus single ride: 1 ₾ (~$0.36)
- Metromoney card: 2 ₾ (~$0.72)
- Cable car to Narikala Fortress: 2.5–5 ₾ (~$0.90–$1.80)
- Mtatsminda Funicular: 10–12 ₾ (~$3.60–$4.30)
- Bolt taxi across city center: 4–8 ₾ (~$1.50–$2.90)
- Bolt taxi from Airport to center: 25–35 ₾ (~$9.00–$12.60)
- Bus #337 from Airport: 1 ₾ (~$0.36)
What matters
- Buy a Metromoney card right away at your first metro station to enjoy seamless 90-minute free transfers across buses and subways.
- Install Bolt before your flight and link an international card to skip taxi negotiations upon landing.
- Ride the Narikala cable car 30 minutes before sunset for shorter queues and golden-hour city panoramas.
- Transit inspectors check tickets regularly — always validate your card on boarding to avoid a 20 GEL fine.
- Walking is the best way to explore Old Town, but wear grippy shoes for the steep cobblestones of Sololaki.
- For day trips to Mtskheta or Kazbegi, shared minibuses leave regularly from the Didube bus station.