Tbilisi International Airport
Tbilisi International Airport
Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is the main international airport serving Georgia’s capital. It is located approximately 17 km southeast of central Tbilisi.
Depending on traffic, the journey between the airport and the city center usually takes around 20–40 minutes by car.
The airport has separate Arrivals and Departures areas and offers free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange offices, cafés, shops, car rental desks, a tourist information center and a 24-hour medical point.
How to Get from Airport to the City Centre
There are several ways to travel between Tbilisi International Airport and the city center: municipal bus, taxi, ride-hailing app, train or private transfer.
Quick Comparison
| Transport | Approximate Price | Travel Time | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus №337 | 1 GEL | 45–60 minutes | About 06:59–22:59 |
| Ride-hailing app | Usually 25–45 GEL | 20–40 minutes | 24 hours |
| Official airport taxi | Around 40–60 GEL | 20–40 minutes | 24 hours |
Prices and journey times may change depending on traffic, demand and your exact destination.
Bus №337
Municipal bus №337 connects Tbilisi International Airport with central Tbilisi and Station Square. The bus stop is located directly in front of the Arrivals Hall.
The route passes through several useful areas, including:
- Avlabari and Queen Ketevan Avenue;
- Baratashvili Street;
- Freedom Square;
- Rustaveli Avenue;
- Heroes Square;
- Station Square.
Bus Fare
A single journey costs 1 GEL and includes unlimited transfers between municipal buses and the metro for 90 minutes, provided the fare is paid with an accepted bank card or MetroMoney Card.
Most visitors can simply tap a contactless bank card on the payment machine inside the bus. It is best for each passenger to use a separate card.
The airport’s official timetable currently lists service from approximately 06:59 until 22:59. Travellers arriving late at night should use a taxi or arrange a private transfer.
Real-Time Bus | http://transferen.ttc.com.ge/?page=live&setLng=en
Where to Get Off
Choose your stop according to your accommodation:
- Freedom Square – best for the Old Town, Liberty Square and central hotels;
- Rustaveli Avenue – useful for hotels around Rustaveli and Vera;
- Station Square – useful for the Central Railway Station and metro connections;
- Baratashvili Street – convenient for parts of the Old Town and Avlabari.
Check your accommodation on Google Maps before travelling, as another stop may be closer.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Apps
Ride-Hailing Apps
For most visitors, the easiest option is to order a car using a ride-hailing app such as:
- Bolt;
- Yandex Go;
- Maxim.
Connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi, enter your hotel address and follow the pick-up instructions shown in the app.
A ride to central Tbilisi commonly costs approximately 25–45 GEL, although the price can increase during busy periods, bad weather or late-night demand.
Always check:
- the vehicle registration number;
- the driver’s name;
- the final price shown in the app.
Avoid accepting unsolicited taxi offers inside or immediately outside the terminal without confirming the total fare first.
Official Airport Taxi
Official taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall and operate 24 hours a day.
According to the airport’s official information, the journey to the city centre normally takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic, and usually costs around 40–60 GEL based on the meter.
Before entering any taxi, confirm whether the journey will be metered and ask for an approximate total price.
Arriving Late at Night
Bus №337 does not operate throughout the night.
When arriving after approximately 23:00, the most practical options are:
- ordering a car through a ride-hailing app;
- using the official airport taxi;
- arranging a private transfer with your hotel.
The airport terminal remains open, and official taxi services are available 24 hours a day.
Currency Exchange and ATMs
ATMs, banks and currency exchange offices are available in both the Arrivals and Departures areas.
For small immediate expenses, exchanging a limited amount at the airport may be convenient. However, exchange rates in central Tbilisi are often more competitive.
Avoid exchanging a large amount before checking both the exchange rate and any commission.
SIM Cards and Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available in most public areas of the Arrivals and Departures terminals.
Visitors can also purchase a Georgian SIM card after arrival. Before choosing a package, compare the available tourist offers and check:
- mobile data allowance;
- package duration;
- local calls;
- activation or SIM card fees.
Read our guide: Best SIM Cards and Mobile Internet in Georgia
Airport Facilities
Tbilisi International Airport provides:
- free Wi-Fi;
- ATMs and currency exchange;
- cafés and shops;
- car rental desks;
- tourist information;
- luggage services;
- baggage wrapping;
- medical assistance;
- facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.
The information desks in the Arrivals and Departures terminals operate 24 hours a day.
Departing from Tbilisi Airport
The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight.
Allow additional time during holidays, the summer travel season and other busy periods. Check your airline’s instructions because baggage-drop and check-in deadlines differ between airlines.
Useful Information
Official name: Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport
Airport code: TBS
Distance from central Tbilisi: Approximately 17 km
Airport information: +995 32 2 310 341 / +995 32 2 310 421
Lost luggage: +995 32 2 310 263 / +995 32 2 310 328
Official website: Tbilisi International Airport
Local Tip
For one or two travellers with light luggage, bus №337 is the cheapest option during operating hours.
For travellers arriving late at night, travelling with children or carrying several suitcases, a ride-hailing app or pre-arranged transfer is usually more convenient