Quick Answer
A booked ride-hailing trip from Tbilisi airport (TBS) to the centre or Old Town costs about 25–40 GEL (≈ £7–11 / US$9–15) and takes 20–30 minutes. The airport bus 337 runs to the centre for about 1 GEL, and a train a few times a day for under 1 GEL. Avoid unbooked taxis touting in arrivals — they routinely quote double. The fastest fair option is to book through an app and meet your driver at the pickup point.
Your Three Options at a Glance
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booked ride-hailing (app) | 25–40 GEL | 20–30 min | Most travellers — fast, fixed fare, door to door |
| Airport bus 337 | ≈ 1 GEL | 40–60 min | Budget, light luggage, daytime |
| Train to Central station | < 1 GEL | 25–35 min | Cheapest, but only a few departures a day |
| Touting taxi in arrivals | 50–80+ GEL | 20–30 min | Avoid — overpriced, no meter |
Fares in Georgian Lari (GEL). 1 GBP ≈ 3.5 GEL, 1 USD ≈ 2.7 GEL as of 2026. Always confirm the in-app fare before you ride.
Option 1: Book a Ride-Hailing Taxi (Recommended)
For most travellers this is the right call: a fixed fare shown before you confirm, a named and rated driver, and a digital trip record. You skip the arrivals-hall haggling entirely. Open the app while you wait for luggage, set your destination, and meet the driver at the designated ride-hailing pickup zone outside arrivals.
In Tbilisi the established apps are Bolt and Yandex Go. GeraRide is launching in Tbilisi as a locally-operated alternative with transparent pricing, card and cash payment, and a Women-only ride option — useful for solo travellers arriving late at night. Whichever app you use, the principle is the same: book it, don't hail it.
Option 2: The Airport Bus (337)
Bus 337 connects the airport with central Tbilisi (towards Liberty Square / Rustaveli) for roughly 1 GEL. Pay with a Metromoney transport card or contactless bank card — drivers do not take cash for the fare. It runs through the day but not all night, and the journey takes 40–60 minutes with stops.
It is the genuine budget option if you are travelling light and not in a rush. With heavy luggage, a late-night arrival, or a group, a booked taxi is worth the extra few lari.
Option 3: The Train
A train links the airport station with Tbilisi Central (Station Square) a few times a day for under 1 GEL — the cheapest option of all. The catch is frequency: there are only a handful of departures daily, so it only works if your flight lands near a scheduled train. Check the current timetable before relying on it.
How to Avoid Getting Overcharged
- 1Don’t accept rides from drivers who approach you inside the terminal. Walk past them to the official ride-hailing pickup zone.
- 2Book in the app before you leave arrivals so the fare is fixed and visible. If a quoted street price is more than ~40 GEL to the centre, it’s too high.
- 3Have a little cash and a contactless card. Some app drivers prefer cash; the bus needs a card or Metromoney.
- 4Late at night, ride-hailing is safer and barely costs more than daytime. Solo travellers can use GeraRide Women for a verified female driver.
- 5Screenshot your destination address in Georgian and English — it removes any language friction at pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Tbilisi airport to the city centre?
A booked ride-hailing trip is typically 25–40 GEL (≈ £7–11). Touting taxis in arrivals often quote 50–80 GEL or more — always book through an app for a fixed fare.
How far is Tbilisi airport from the city?
About 17 km south-east of the centre, a 20–30 minute drive in normal traffic, up to 45 minutes in rush hour.
What is the cheapest way into Tbilisi from the airport?
The train (under 1 GEL) is cheapest but runs only a few times a day. Bus 337 (≈ 1 GEL) is more frequent. A booked taxi is the fastest door-to-door option at 25–40 GEL.
Is it safe to arrive in Tbilisi late at night?
Yes, Tbilisi is generally safe. Use a booked ride-hailing app rather than a street taxi, and solo travellers can choose GeraRide Women to be matched with a verified female driver.