Rike–Narikala Cable Car:

Tickets, Hours and Visitor Guide

The Tbilisi Cable Car, officially known as the Rike–Narikala Cable Car, is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to travel from Rike Park to Narikala Hill. The upper station is close to Narikala Fortress, the Mother of Georgia statue and the National Botanical Garden.

Although the journey lasts only a few minutes, the glass cabins offer excellent views over the Mtkvari River, the Bridge of Peace, Metekhi Church, Old Tbilisi and the surrounding hills.

For first-time visitors, it is one of the most affordable and enjoyable sightseeing experiences in Tbilisi.

Rike–Narikala Cable Car Quick Information

• Route: Rike Park – Narikala
• Ticket price: 2.5 GEL per person, one way
• Travel card: MetroMoney card costs 2 GEL
• Journey time: approximately 2–3 minutes
• Cabin capacity: up to 8 passengers
• Summer hours: approximately 10:00–24:00
• Winter hours: approximately 10:00–22:00
• Lower station: Rike Park
• Upper station: Narikala Hill

Operating hours may change because of weather, maintenance or technical inspections. Check the official Tbilisi Transport Company website before visiting.

Tbilisi Cable Car Ticket Price

A one-way journey on the Rike–Narikala Cable Car costs:

• 2.5 GEL per person
• 2 GEL for a MetroMoney card, if you do not already have one

The journey up and the journey down are charged separately. A return trip therefore costs 5 GEL per person, excluding the cost of the card.

The MetroMoney card is reusable and is not personalised, so one card can be used to pay for several passengers. Make sure the card has enough balance for everyone travelling.

Payment may also be available directly with a Bank of Georgia bank card at the entrance gates.

Prices were last checked in July 2026 and may change.

How to Buy a Cable Car Ticket

You can purchase and top up a MetroMoney card at:

• the ticket office inside the Rike Park cable car station;
• the upper Narikala station;
• ticket offices at Tbilisi Metro stations;
• selected payment machines and service centres.

If you already have a white MetroMoney card used for Tbilisi public transport, you can use the same card for the Rike–Narikala Cable Car.

The newer blue public transport subscription card may not work for this cable car, so MetroMoney or an accepted bank card is the safer option.

Rike–Narikala Cable Car Working Hours

The cable car normally operates every day.

Typical seasonal hours are:

• Summer: 10:00–24:00
• Winter: 10:00–22:00

The exact date when the summer or winter schedule begins may vary each year.

The cable car may temporarily close during strong winds, bad weather, inspections or planned maintenance. Check the official Tbilisi Transport Company announcements if the cable car is an important part of your itinerary.

Where Is the Lower Cable Car Station?

The lower station is located inside Rike Park, close to:

• the Bridge of Peace;
• Europe Square;
• Metekhi Bridge;
• Old Tbilisi;
• Avlabari district.

From Freedom Square, the walk to the station usually takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Follow the pedestrian streets through Old Tbilisi or walk towards the Bridge of Peace and cross into Rike Park.

The closest metro station is Avlabari Metro Station, approximately 10–15 minutes away on foot.

What Can You See During the Ride?

The cabins have large windows, providing views in almost every direction.

During the journey, look out for:

• the Mtkvari River;
• the Bridge of Peace;
• Rike Park;
• Metekhi Church;
• the Old Tbilisi rooftops;
• Abanotubani and the Sulfur Baths district;
• Narikala Hill;
• the Mother of Georgia statue.

For the best photographs when travelling uphill, stand or sit facing the Old Town and the river. The ride is very short, so have your camera ready before leaving the lower station.

What to See Near the Upper Station

The upper cable car station is located on Narikala Hill. From here, visitors can easily reach several important attractions.

Mother of Georgia

The Mother of Georgia, also known as Kartlis Deda, is only a short walk from the upper station. The monument represents the Georgian national character, holding a bowl of wine for friends and a sword for enemies.

Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress is one of Tbilisi’s best-known historic landmarks. Its origins date back to the early centuries of the city’s history.

Access to some sections of the fortress may occasionally be restricted because of restoration or safety works. Follow local signs and do not enter closed areas.

National Botanical Garden

The entrance to the National Botanical Garden is located below Narikala Hill. The garden contains walking paths, waterfalls, plants and shaded areas.

The route from the cable car station to the garden includes slopes and steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Old Tbilisi and Abanotubani

Instead of taking the cable car back down, you can walk towards the Sulfur Baths and Old Tbilisi.

The downhill route offers viewpoints and passes close to narrow streets, historic houses and the Abanotubani district.

Is Narikala Fortress Open?

Narikala Fortress has undergone restoration and maintenance works, and access conditions can change. Even when some parts of the fortress are closed, the cable car usually continues to provide access to:

• the Mother of Georgia statue;
• panoramic viewpoints;
• walking routes towards Old Tbilisi;
• the Botanical Garden area.

Check signs near the upper station and respect all restricted zones.

Best Time to Ride the Cable Car

The best time to use the cable car is usually shortly before sunset. At this time, you can see Old Tbilisi in daylight and watch the city lights appear during your walk back down.

However, sunset is also the busiest period. Lines can be longer during:

• summer evenings;
• weekends;
• public holidays;
• peak tourist season.

For fewer crowds, visit before midday or on a weekday.

Can You Walk Back Down?

Yes. A popular route is to take the cable car uphill and return on foot.

From the upper station, you can walk:

• past the Mother of Georgia;
• towards Narikala Fortress;
• down to the Sulfur Baths;
• through the narrow streets of Old Tbilisi.

The paths can be steep, uneven and slippery after rain. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid the walking route if you have mobility difficulties.

Accessibility

The cable car cabins and stations are generally easier to use than walking uphill. However, access to Narikala Fortress, the Mother of Georgia and nearby viewpoints may include uneven paths, slopes and stairs.

Visitors using wheelchairs or travelling with limited mobility should ask station staff about current access conditions before boarding.

Rike–Narikala Cable Car or Mtatsminda Cable Car?

Tbilisi has more than one cable car, and visitors often confuse them.

The Rike–Narikala Cable Car:

• starts in Rike Park;
• travels to Narikala Hill;
• is close to Old Tbilisi;
• costs 2.5 GEL one way;
• is operated as part of Tbilisi’s municipal transport system.

The Rustaveli–Mtatsminda Cable Car:

• starts at 52 Rustaveli Avenue;
• travels to Mtatsminda Park;
• uses a separate Mtatsminda Park payment card;
• has a different ticket price and schedule.

There is also the historic Tbilisi Funicular Railway, which travels from Chonqadze Street to Mtatsminda Park. Make sure you choose the correct station before travelling.

Local Tip

Take the cable car from Rike Park to Narikala shortly before sunset, visit the Mother of Georgia and nearby viewpoints, and then walk downhill through Abanotubani.

This route allows you to experience the cable car, panoramic views, the Sulfur Baths district and Old Tbilisi without paying for a return journey.

FAQ

How much is the Tbilisi Cable Car?

The Rike–Narikala Cable Car costs 2.5 GEL per person for a one-way journey.

Do I need a MetroMoney card?

You can pay with a MetroMoney card. The card costs 2 GEL and can be purchased at the station. Payment with an accepted Bank of Georgia bank card may also be available.

Is the return journey included?

No. Each direction is charged separately.

How long is the cable car ride?

The journey takes approximately two to three minutes.

Where does the Tbilisi Cable Car start?

The lower station is inside Rike Park, close to the Bridge of Peace and Europe Square.

Where does the cable car take you?

The upper station is on Narikala Hill, close to Narikala Fortress, the Mother of Georgia statue and the Botanical Garden.

What time does the cable car close?

It normally closes around midnight during summer and around 22:00 during winter. Hours may change because of weather or maintenance.

Can I use a normal bank card?

Bank of Georgia cards are accepted according to the cable car payment operator. Visitors should still carry a MetroMoney card or some Georgian lari in case their foreign bank card is not accepted.

Is Narikala Fortress open?

Access may be partially restricted during restoration or maintenance works. The cable car and nearby viewpoints may remain accessible even when parts of the fortress are closed.

Is the cable car suitable for children?

Yes. The cabins are enclosed and the short journey is generally suitable for families with children.