Transport in Georgia – Prices and Types
Living in Georgia, we have tested every available mode of transport. From budget options like hitchhiking and marshrutkas to the most convenient choices like car rentals, we've experienced it all. We have traveled through major cities (Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi) as well as small villages, reaching some of the most remote attractions. In this article, I will explain what transport in Georgia looks like in 2025 – the available options, prices, and practical tips for navigating Georgian roads.
Car Rental in Georgia
An absolute must-do! Renting a car in Georgia, even for a few days, is a game-changer. The freedom to explore, the ability to reach places untouched by mass tourism, and the thrill of off-the-beaten-path adventures – it's an experience worth having!
For booking a car in Georgia, we recommend LocalRent. It's an aggregator of local rental companies that has been operating since 2011. LocalRent allows you to book vehicles from smaller Georgian rental agencies that offer excellent prices! Check below by entering your preferred dates and pick-up location↓
Prices depend on the car model, rental duration, and season. Here are some example prices for 2025:
- A sedan in August for 7 days, pick-up and drop-off in Tbilisi: from $25 / €22 per day.
- A 4×4 SUV in August for 7 days, pick-up and drop-off in Kutaisi: from $33 / €30 per day.
When booking, pay attention to the type of insurance. Most offers do not require a deposit and have no mileage limits. Some restricted routes include extreme roads like Omalo or Ushguli (check rental terms for details). A great option is having the car delivered to the airport or any address in the city.
All reservations can be canceled free of charge up to 7 days before the rental period starts, with a full refund. Many listings also offer extended free cancellation (selectable in search filters), allowing cancellation up to 24 hours before the rental begins!
A common myth about driving in Georgia is that it's dangerous and lawless. While the driving style is dynamic and intuitive, there are still rules – just not always strictly followed. Honking and flashing headlights don't mean anything bad here!
You can book a car via LocalRent here (click the link).
Marshrutkas – Popular Transport in Georgia
A true classic of Georgian roads! If you're unsure how to get somewhere, a marshrutka is always a good answer 😁. This mode of transport is something you either love or hate. Either you'll enjoy the thrill of overtaking with a phone in one hand and sacks of goods crammed under every seat, or you won't. We've used marshrutkas many times and are big fans! They add a bit of adrenaline, have no impossible routes, and the drivers blast Georgian music for passengers.
Marshrutkas don't operate on strict schedules – they depart when full. Here are some popular routes and prices:
- Tbilisi – Stepantsminda (Kazbegi): 15 GEL (~$5.50)
- Tbilisi – Zugdidi: 25 GEL (~$9)
- Tbilisi – Kutaisi: 20 GEL (~$7)
- Tbilisi – Mtskheta: 2 GEL (~$0.70)
- Batumi – Kutaisi: 15 GEL (~$5.50)
The largest marshrutka hub in Tbilisi is Didube Station, easily accessible by metro (Didube stop).
Mini Vans
Mini vans are usually found wherever marshrutkas operate. Their drivers will spot you as soon as you appear. Prices are typically a few GEL higher than marshrutkas, justified by better comfort. We used a mini van only once, on the Batumi – Kutaisi route. The cost was just 2 GEL higher than a marshrutka for the same route (in 2019).
Buses
Buses are a well-developed mode of transport in Georgia. In recent years, old buses in the capital have been replaced with new, air-conditioned ones. In major cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, they provide excellent coverage. The best way to check schedules is via electronic timetables at bus stops or Google Maps. You'll need a reusable plastic card to use public transport, though it's not mandatory.
Public Transport in Tbilisi
You can buy a transport card at any metro station kiosk for 2 GEL ($0.70). You can top it up immediately with any amount at orange ticket machines, which are widely available. Note that they do not give change! To validate a ticket, simply tap your loaded card on the bus reader. The fare will be deducted, and the remaining balance will be displayed. A single ride costs 1 GEL ($0.35).
A card is not necessary, though. You can also pay directly in the bus by tapping a Visa or MasterCard on the reader. In this case, the fare is 1.5 GEL (~$0.50).
Public Transport in Batumi
You can purchase and top up a public transport card at the newer orange ticket machines located on sidewalks. The cost is 2 GEL (~$0.7). We also found information online that the card can be bought at the 'Metro Service +' point located at 55 Gorgasali Street.
Tickets are validated on buses the same way as mentioned in the previous section. A single ride costs 0.3 GEL (~$0.1). Buses in Batumi have also been replaced with newer models and can be relied on.
Metro in Tbilisi
Transportation in Georgia also includes the metro—granted, only in the capital, but hey, it's something! 😉 There are two lines operating daily from 6:00 AM to midnight. It's an old and very loud mode of transport, but it runs quite efficiently! Plus, during the summer season, it provides a nice, refreshing coolness 😉. The same card mentioned in the section about Tbilisi buses is used for the metro. You need to tap it at the gates upon entering the metro station. The fare is 1 GEL ($0.35).
Taxis
You already know that public transport in Georgia is very affordable. But what about taxis? They won't break the bank either! Short trips within the city typically cost just a few dollars. I recommended the Bolt app, which we use regularly in Georgia 😉
Trains – A Surprisingly Good Transport Option in Georgia
This was our biggest surprise among all modes of transport in Georgia! The train on the Tbilisi-Batumi route turned out to be a very modern, punctual, and well-equipped one. We used it twice, and each time, it arrived at the Tbilisi station well before the scheduled departure. A staff member had a printed list of passengers and checked off each person before boarding.
A second-class seat cost us 35 GEL (~$13), while first class was 75 GEL (~$27). The train was double-decker, had WiFi (which didn't work well 😁), air conditioning, power outlets, and plenty of legroom. The 370 km journey takes about 5 hours. Tickets can be purchased online.
Our next train experience was traveling between Georgia and Azerbaijan (in 2019). This time, we weren't as lucky and ended up with an older train model, but it was still quite decent. Ticket prices vary depending on the class:
- First class – two-person compartment with two single beds – 79 GEL (~$28) per person
- Second class – four-person compartment with two bunk beds – 57 GEL (~$20) per person
- Third class – shared space with bunk beds – 38 GEL (~$14) per person
Tickets can be purchased at the Station Square railway station in Tbilisi.
On our way to Baku, we traveled in first class (luxury option). On the way back, we wanted to try a cheaper alternative for comparison and bought third-class tickets. We're not particularly picky when it comes to comfort, and we have to admit that both options were totally fine. The beds, tables, and bedding were similar or even identical regardless of ticket type. The only difference was the number of people around 😉
Hitchhiking
From friends, I know that hitchhiking in Georgia is very common and efficient. We personally tested it on the Georgian Military Highway, specifically on the Gudauri-Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) route. It was our first time hitchhiking, and everything went smoothly! It's a great option for budget travelers looking to explore Georgia far and wide.
If you plan to hitchhike, I recommend bringing small souvenirs to give to drivers who lend a helping hand. A small gesture like that will surely leave a good impression and bring a smile to the faces of Georgians, who, in general, have a lot of love for tourists 😉.
If you have any questions about transportation or traveling in Georgia in general, feel free to ask. I'm happy to help in the comments! 😉