How to Get Around Tbilisi, Georgia: Public Transport Guide

Tbilisi has a metro, buses, marshrutkas and a cable car. A single ride costs 1 GEL, with a 90-minute transfer. Find card, payment and city differences like Batumi here.

Public transport within Georgia's cities is provided in Tbilisi by the metro, municipal buses, marshrutkas and cable cars; a standard ride costs 1 GEL. This fare allows a 90-minute unlimited transfer between the metro, municipal buses, municipal minibuses and the Bagebi–University cable car. This information applies to Tbilisi only; the system and fares may differ in cities such as Batumi. Be sure to also check entry requirements separately.

In brief

Tbilisi has a metro, buses, marshrutkas and a cable car; the metro is the only metro system in the country.
The safest payment method for the metro is the Metromoney card (2 GEL, from the ticket office); verify contactless bank cards at the turnstile.
To use the 90-minute transfer, tap your card every time you board a vehicle or enter the metro.
Transport and fares may differ in cities like Batumi; confirm locally.

The core rule: how do you get around Tbilisi?

Getting around Tbilisi relies on four modes of transport: the metro, municipal buses, marshrutkas (minibuses) and cable cars. The Tbilisi metro is the only metro system in the country; don't expect to find a metro in another city.

The standard ride costs 1 GEL. This fare grants a 90-minute unlimited transfer between the metro, municipal buses, municipal minibuses and the Bagebi–University cable car. The city also has the Rike Park–Narikala cable car.

This information has been compiled from unofficial travel sites; it could not be verified on the municipality's or the Tbilisi Transport Company's page. It would be wise to check current fares from an up-to-date source before you travel.

Before you plan your transport, also review the entry requirements. For Turkish citizens the visa status is visa-free with a permitted stay of 1 year; for other requirements such as passport validity, see the Georgia visa page.

Metromoney card and payment methods

Two options stand out for payment in Tbilisi: the Metromoney card and contactless bank cards. Sources don't fully agree on metro payment. One says only the Metromoney card is valid on the metro, while another states that contactless bank cards can also be used on the metro, buses and minibuses.

The practical conclusion is this: the safest route for the metro is the Metromoney card. If you plan to try a contactless bank card, verify it at the turnstile on your first entry and carry a Metromoney card as a backup.

Metro: the Metromoney card is essential; try contactless bank card acceptance at the turnstile.
Bus and marshrutka: Metromoney card or coins are accepted; contactless bank cards are also said to work.

Where do you get the card?

The Metromoney card costs 2 GEL. It is sold at ticket offices in metro stations, where you can also top up the balance. If you're going to ride the metro, getting the card should be your first task.

Which is more practical?

If you're staying briefly, a contactless bank card can save you the card fee and the queue at the ticket office. Find out your bank's foreign transaction and exchange rate terms beforehand. Keep coins as a backup for buses and marshrutkas.

How does the 90-minute transfer work?

The transfer right doesn't apply automatically. In Tbilisi, you must tap your card every time you board a vehicle and every time you enter the metro to use the 90-minute transfer. The window applies between the vehicles covered by the standard fare: metro, municipal buses, municipal minibuses and the Bagebi–University cable car.

For example: if you take the metro downtown and then switch to a bus, tap your card again when you board the bus. If you forget to tap, your transfer right may not register and you could be charged a new fare. Make tapping at every vehicle change a habit to avoid this kind of problem.

Cable cars

The Bagebi–University cable car is counted within the transfer scope. The Rike Park–Narikala cable car is not listed within this scope; ask when buying a ticket whether the transfer right applies, and confirm the fare on-site or from an up-to-date source.

When planning around the transfer window, keep your route short. If you're only going to one destination, a single fare is enough; if you'll use more than one vehicle, the 90-minute window works to your advantage.

Outside Tbilisi: Batumi and other cities

The most common mistake is assuming Tbilisi's rules apply to all of Georgia. In other cities such as Batumi, public transport and fares may differ from Tbilisi. We could not verify an official source on this, so we are not providing figures or rules for Batumi. Get up-to-date information from your hotel reception, local sources, or your tour guide.

Other common mistakes:

Forgetting to tap the card during a transfer.
Not checking your payment method in advance before entering the metro; the safest option is the Metromoney card.
Leaving the card purchase to the last minute and squeezing it into an airport or hotel return trip.
Not carrying any coins at all for buses and marshrutkas.
Applying Tbilisi's fare and transfer rules to another city.

If you're planning a route covering multiple cities, you can also look at ready-made programs. In Georgia tours, transfer and transport details differ for each program; check what's included from the relevant tour page.

Step by step: your first day in Tbilisi

Choose your payment method. Buy a Metromoney card for 2 GEL from the ticket office at a metro station and top up the balance. If you'll rely solely on a contactless bank card, make sure it works on your first entry.
Plan your route. The metro is the only metro system in the country, but factor in buses and marshrutkas for the wider city.
Tap at every boarding and entry. Tap your card at the turnstile for the metro, and when boarding a bus or minibus.
Make your transfer within 90 minutes. Move to the next vehicle before the time runs out.
Carry coins. They serve as a backup for buses and marshrutkas.
Plan the cable car separately. Ask about boarding conditions and the fare for the Rike Park–Narikala line on-site.

A simple plan is enough for the first day: one metro card, a small amount of coins with you, and two or three stops you've planned in advance. Keep your card ready when boarding vehicles during busy hours; fumbling at the turnstile or vehicle entrance slows down both you and those behind you.

Checklist before you travel

Confirm your passport is valid; read the visa page for visa-free entry and the 1-year stay information.
Confirm with your bank that your contactless card works abroad; learn the foreign transaction and exchange rate terms.
Bring a small amount of coins or GEL with you.
Remember you'll need to buy a 2 GEL Metromoney card from the metro ticket office.
Make it a habit to tap your card on every vehicle and at every metro entry.
If you're heading to Batumi or another city, learn about local transport and fares separately.
Check current fares before you travel; the information here has been compiled from unofficial sites.
If you want route and transfer convenience, check the program, dates and included services on the Dolu Dolu Georgia Tour Batumi and Tbilisi Route V3 page.
If you're considering a winter holiday, check the up-to-date information on the Magnificent Batumi, Pearl of the Caucasus tour page.

Frequently asked questions

How much is public transport in Tbilisi?

The standard ride costs 1 GEL. This fare grants a 90-minute unlimited transfer between the metro, municipal buses, municipal minibuses and the Bagebi–University cable car. Since this information comes from unofficial sites, confirm the current fare on-site.

How do you ride the Tbilisi metro?

Buy a Metromoney card for 2 GEL from the ticket offices at stations, top up the balance, and tap it at the turnstile every time you enter. Some sources state contactless bank cards are also accepted, while others mention only the Metromoney card. The Metromoney card is the safest option.

Is cash accepted on buses and marshrutkas?

Yes, Metromoney cards or coins are accepted on buses and marshrutkas. Contactless bank cards are also said to be usable. Keep coins with you as a backup.

How do you use the 90-minute transfer right?

You need to tap your card every time you board a vehicle and every time you enter the metro. The transfer applies between the metro, municipal buses, municipal minibuses and the Bagebi–University cable car. If you forget to tap, a new fare may be charged.

Can Turkish citizens travel to Georgia visa-free?

Yes, the visa status for Turkish citizens is visa-free, with a permitted stay of 1 year. Check the country page for other entry requirements such as passport validity.

Is transport in Batumi the same as in Tbilisi?

It may not be; public transport and fares in other cities may differ from Tbilisi. We could not find a verified official source on this. Get current information in Batumi from your hotel, local sources, or your tour guide.