Arrival & Transport
By Plane
Georgia has three international airports. Relevant for German travelers:
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) — Capital
The largest airport in the country, 17 km southeast of the city center. Direct flights from Munich (approx. 4h) and Berlin with Wizz Air. Via transfer: Lufthansa (via Frankfurt/Munich), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), LOT (via Warsaw), Pegasus (via Istanbul).
Transfer: Bus No. 37 to the city center (0.50 GEL / €0.15, 40 min). Bolt/Taxi approx. 20–30 GEL (€6–9, 25 min). At night, only taxi.
Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) — Western Georgia
The low-cost carrier hub! Wizz Air flies extremely cheaply from several German cities (Dortmund, Memmingen, Berlin) to Kutaisi. The airport is 14 km west of Kutaisi. Shuttle buses to Tbilisi (4h, 20 GEL) meet the flights.
Batumi International Airport (BUS) — Black Sea Coast
Small airport on the Black Sea coast. Seasonal connections, mainly via Istanbul. More suitable as an endpoint of a round trip than as an entry point.
Flight Prices (Guidelines)
| Period | Price (Round Trip) |
|---|---|
| Off-Season (Nov–Apr) | €80–180 (Wizz Air from €50!) |
| Shoulder Season (May, Sep–Oct) | €120–250 |
| High Season (Jun–Aug) | €180–400 |
Tipp
Wizz Air to Kutaisi is often the cheapest way to Georgia — flights from €30 one-way! Shuttle buses from Kutaisi go directly to Tbilisi (4 hours, approx. €6). Compare prices of both airports via Google Flights or Skyscanner.
Marshrutka & Bus
Marshrutkas — The Backbone of Land Transport
Marshrutkas (მარშრუტკა) are minibuses (mostly Mercedes Sprinter) that connect virtually every city and village in Georgia. They operate without a fixed schedule — when they are full, they leave. The system seems chaotic but works surprisingly well.
| Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi → Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) | 3–3.5h | 10 GEL (€3) |
| Tbilisi → Kutaisi | 4h | 15 GEL (€5) |
| Tbilisi → Batumi | 5–6h | 25 GEL (€8) |
| Tbilisi → Sighnaghi | 2h | 7 GEL (€2) |
| Tbilisi → Telavi | 2.5h | 10 GEL (€3) |
| Kutaisi → Mestia (Svaneti) | 5–6h | 20 GEL (€6) |
Departure Points in Tbilisi:
- Didube Bus Station: North (Kazbegi, Gudauri), West (Kutaisi, Batumi)
- Ortachala Bus Station: East (Kakheti: Sighnaghi, Telavi), South
- Station Square: Trains and some buses
Simply go to the bus station, shout your destination — someone will guide you to the right bus.
Trains (Georgian Railway)
The rail network is limited, but the main route Tbilisi → Kutaisi → Batumi is excellent:
- Tbilisi → Batumi: 5h, from 25 GEL (€8). Comfortable, air-conditioned, stunning scenery.
- Tbilisi → Kutaisi: 5.5h, from 12 GEL (€4). Slower than Marshrutka, but more comfortable.
- Night Train Tbilisi → Batumi: Sleeper car available — depart in the evening, arrive by the sea in the morning. Booking via railway.ge.
Tipp
The "Gogo" app shows Marshrutka departures in real-time. For the night train Tbilisi–Batumi, book the sleeper car (1st class, approx. €15) — you save a hotel night and wake up by the Black Sea.
Rental Car
A rental car gives you maximum freedom — but Georgian traffic is not for the faint-hearted.
Prices & Booking
| Vehicle Type | Price/Day | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Small Car | €20–35 | Only for Tbilisi and main roads |
| Compact/SUV | €35–60 | Recommended for round trips |
| 4x4/Off-Road Vehicle | €60–100 | Essential for Tusheti, Svaneti sections |
Important Tips
- International Driver's License: Officially required, but not always checked. EU driver's license is usually accepted.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Essential! Georgian driving style is notoriously risky.
- Fuel: Approx. €1.10/liter — cheaper than in Germany.
- Road Conditions: Main roads are good (Military Highway, Tbilisi–Kutaisi highway). Side roads can be adventurous. Mountain passes often require 4x4.
- Police: The Georgian traffic police are reformed and professional. Speed checks (radar) are frequent. Speed limit: 60 km/h in towns, 110 km/h on highways.
- Alternative — Hire a Driver: For 100–150 GEL (€30–45) per day, you can hire a driver with a vehicle. Stress-free, safer, and the driver knows the best stops. Organizable via your guesthouse or Booking.com.
Achtung
Georgia has one of the highest accident rates in Europe. Overtaking in curves and with oncoming traffic is commonplace. Drive defensively, especially on country roads and the Georgian Military Highway. Do not drive on country roads at night — cows, horses, and unlit vehicles are common.
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