Rustaveli-Mtatsminda Cable Car
The Rustaveli-Mtatsminda Cable Car reopened on October 18, 2024, restoring the historic connection between Rustaveli Avenue and Mtatsminda Park. The route links the city center directly with one of Tbilisi’s best-known viewpoints and leisure areas. It is a fast and scenic way to reach the top of Mtatsminda without using a taxi or climbing the hill on foot.
Last updated: August 2026
Rustaveli-Mtatsminda Cable Car – Quick Information
- Route: Rustaveli Avenue → Mtatsminda Park
- Lower station: 52 Shota Rustaveli Avenue
- Upper station: Mtatsminda Park
- Journey time: About 4 minutes
- Ticket: 12 GEL per person, one way
- Mtatsminda Park plastic card: 2 GEL
- Operating days: Daily. However, hours may change because of weather, maintenance, or operational conditions.
A Modern Link to the Past
The original Rustaveli-Mtatsminda cableway opened in 1959 and stopped operating in 1990. After more than three decades, the connection was completely rebuilt and reopened in 2024. Today, the modern gondola system follows the historic route between central Tbilisi and Mtatsminda Park.
The lower station also preserves an important link with the city’s Soviet-era architecture. At the same time, the reconstructed system uses modern cable car technology and new passenger gondolas.
Key Features of the Cable Car
- Quick Transit: The journey takes about 4 minutes. Therefore, it is one of the fastest ways to travel between Rustaveli Avenue and Mtatsminda Park.
- Scenic Views: Passengers can enjoy wide views over central Tbilisi, the Mtkvari River, surrounding hills, and parts of the historic city.
- Capacity and Comfort: The system uses 21 gondolas, each designed for 8 passengers.
- Modern Engineering: Georgian construction company Dagi carried out the construction work. Meanwhile, the international Doppelmayr Group was responsible for the engineering work.
Is This the Same as the Rike-Narikala Cable Car?
No. Tbilisi has several cable car routes, and visitors sometimes confuse them. The Rike-Narikala Cable Car starts in Rike Park and travels to Narikala Hill above Old Tbilisi. In contrast, the Rustaveli-Mtatsminda Cable Car starts at 52 Rustaveli Avenue and travels directly to Mtatsminda Park.
There is also another way to reach the same mountain. The historic Tbilisi Funicular Railway starts from Chonkadze Street and also finishes at Mtatsminda Park. As a result, visitors can take one route up and another route down if both services are operating.
Tourist and Local Appeal
The cable car makes Mtatsminda Park much easier to reach from central Tbilisi. The park is popular for its panoramic viewpoints, restaurants, cafés, and family attractions. In addition, the upper station places visitors close to some of the best city views.
For tourists, the ride is more than simply a means of transport. It connects Rustaveli Avenue, one of Tbilisi’s main cultural streets, with a peaceful recreational area above the city. The short journey also provides a different perspective of Tbilisi from above.
Practical Information
Tickets and the Mtatsminda Park plastic card can be purchased at the station. A one-way cable car ride currently costs 12 GEL per person, while the reusable plastic card costs 2 GEL. Travelling in the opposite direction requires another one-way fare.
Operating hours can change depending on the season, weather, maintenance, or special events. Therefore, if you plan to travel early in the day or return late in the evening, check the current information on the official Mtatsminda Park website before your visit.
The lower station is on Rustaveli Avenue and is easy to reach from central Tbilisi. For information about metro, buses, fares, and travel cards, see our complete Tbilisi public transport guide.
Plan Your Visit
The Rustaveli-Mtatsminda Cable Car is an easy addition to a day of sightseeing in central Tbilisi. You can explore Rustaveli Avenue first and then take the cable car to Mtatsminda Park for panoramic views. Alternatively, combine the ride with the Tbilisi Funicular and use a different route for the return journey.
If you also plan to explore the historic center, an Old Tbilisi walking tour can be combined with Mtatsminda on the same day.
Ticket: 12 GEL per person, one way. Mtatsminda Park plastic card: 2 GEL.