Tbilisi Funicular Railway
Tbilisi Funicular Railway
Tickets, Hours and Visitor Guide
The Tbilisi Funicular Railway is one of the most enjoyable ways to reach Mtatsminda Park and enjoy panoramic views over the Georgian capital. The historic railway climbs from Chonkadze Street to the top of Mtatsminda Mountain, where visitors will find viewpoints, restaurants, cafés and a large amusement park.
The ride is short, but it is one of the most memorable transport experiences in Tbilisi, especially around sunset or after dark when the city lights become visible below.
Tbilisi Funicular Ticket Price
A one-way ride on the Tbilisi Funicular currently costs approximately:
- Funicular ride: 12 GEL per person, one way
- Mtatsminda Park card: 2 GEL
The plastic park card is reusable and can also be used to pay for attractions inside Mtatsminda Park. One card can normally be shared by several people, provided that enough balance is loaded onto it.
Please note that travelling up and travelling down are charged separately. A return journey therefore requires payment for two rides.
Prices were last checked in July 2026 and may change.
How to Buy a Ticket
Tickets and park cards can be purchased at the cashier inside the lower funicular station. Load enough money onto the card for the funicular journey and any amusement park attractions you plan to use.
Unused balance and bonuses may not be refundable, so it is better to add only the amount you expect to spend.
Tbilisi Funicular Working Hours
The funicular normally operates daily throughout the year, approximately from morning until late evening or midnight.
Operating times may change depending on the season, weather conditions, maintenance or special events. It is advisable to check the official Mtatsminda Park website before travelling, particularly if you plan to return late at night.
Where Is the Lower Funicular Station?
The lower station is located at:
22 Daniel Chonqadze Street, Tbilisi
The station is above Rustaveli Avenue and can be reached:
- on foot from Liberty Square or Rustaveli Avenue;
- by taxi or a ride-hailing app;
- by local public transport followed by a short uphill walk.
The final approach to the station is quite steep, so taking a taxi may be more comfortable for visitors with limited mobility, young children or heavy luggage.
The Funicular Route
The Tbilisi Funicular travels along a track approximately 500 metres long and climbs around 267 metres in elevation. The upper station is situated approximately 727 metres above sea level.
The journey takes only a few minutes. Carriages usually depart at regular intervals, although waiting times may be longer during weekends, public holidays and around sunset.
The railway has an intermediate stop near the Mtatsminda Pantheon and Mamadaviti Church. Passengers planning to visit the Pantheon should ask the station staff whether the carriage will stop there and whether an additional fare will be required to continue the journey.
What to See at the Top
The upper station brings visitors directly to the Mtatsminda plateau. From here, you can visit:
- panoramic viewpoints overlooking Tbilisi;
- Mtatsminda Amusement Park;
- the Ferris wheel;
- Funicular Restaurant Complex;
- cafés and casual food outlets;
- walking areas and family attractions;
- the area around the Tbilisi TV Tower.
Entrance to Mtatsminda Park itself is generally free. Individual attractions are paid for separately using the Mtatsminda Park card.
Funicular Restaurant Complex
The historic Funicular Complex is located beside the upper station. The building dates from 1938 and contains several dining venues, including a restaurant, café and Georgian-style dining spaces.
The complex is particularly popular for its panoramic views and traditional ponchiki, cream-filled doughnuts associated with Mtatsminda.
A reservation is recommended for the main restaurant, especially for evening visits and tables near the windows.
Best Time to Ride the Tbilisi Funicular
The best time to visit is usually one hour before sunset. This allows you to see Tbilisi in daylight, enjoy the sunset and stay until the city lights appear.
Weekends and evenings can be busy. For shorter queues, visit on a weekday or earlier in the day.
Weather at the top may be cooler and windier than in central Tbilisi, so bringing a light jacket is useful even during warmer months.
Funicular or Rustaveli–Mtatsminda Cable Car?
There are now two scenic ways to reach Mtatsminda Park:
- The Tbilisi Funicular departs from Daniel Chonqadze Street.
- The Rustaveli–Mtatsminda Cable Car departs from 52 Rustaveli Avenue.
The new cable car uses enclosed gondolas and reaches the park in approximately five minutes. According to the official park website, it normally operates daily from 11:00 to 22:30.
Visitors staying close to Rustaveli Avenue may find the cable car more convenient, while the historic funicular offers the more traditional Tbilisi experience.
Local Tip
Take the funicular up shortly before sunset and return by the Rustaveli–Mtatsminda Cable Car. This allows you to experience both routes without repeating the same journey.
Before choosing this option, check the closing times of both services.
FAQ
How much does the Tbilisi Funicular cost?
A one-way funicular ride costs approximately 10 GEL per person. A reusable Mtatsminda Park card costs an additional 2 GEL. Prices may change.
Does the Tbilisi Funicular ticket include the return journey?
No. The ride up and the ride down are charged separately.
How long does the Tbilisi Funicular ride take?
The journey takes approximately three to five minutes.
Where does the Tbilisi Funicular start?
The lower station is located at 22 Daniel Chonqadze Street in central Tbilisi.
Is Mtatsminda Park free to enter?
Entrance to the park is generally free, but amusement rides and attractions are paid for separately.
Can I use a Tbilisi public transport card on the funicular?
No. The funicular uses a separate Mtatsminda Park card.
What is the difference between the funicular and the Mtatsminda cable car?
The funicular is an inclined railway departing from Chonqadze Street. The cable car uses suspended gondolas and departs from 52 Rustaveli Avenue.