Tbilisi International Airport (Shota Rustaveli)
Primary airport of Georgia. Live flight board, location map, taxi fares, and private transfer options to Tbilisi city center and other regions
Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport (code TBS) is Georgia's main airport, east of the city. Bus No. 337 runs to central Tbilisi for 1 GEL, and a taxi from the desk by the arrivals hall costs a fixed 40 GEL and takes 20-30 minutes. Below: getting into the city, mobile internet, and how to continue to Batumi.
From the airport to the city centre
Bus No. 337 leaves from the stop in front of the arrivals hall and runs via Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square to Station Square, where you find the metro and the central railway station. The fare is 1 GEL for 90 minutes with a Metromoney card (the card itself is 2 GEL) or a bank card; paying cash or through an app does not give you the 90 minutes with transfers. According to 2026 guidebooks, the bus runs roughly from 07:00 to 23:00, with no night service.
Taxis wait by the arrivals exit around the clock: 40 GEL to the centre and 50 GEL to the suburbs at the airport rate. Bolt is usually cheaper and also works at night. Check the price before you ride.
Mobile internet and money on arrival
Mobile operators have desks in the arrivals hall. Magti tourist packages last 15 days: 30 GEL for 3,000 MB plus minutes for international calls, or 15 GEL for 5,000 MB. According to guidebooks, you need your passport to buy a SIM card. To have data the moment you land, you can set up an Airalo eSIM before you fly.
You pay in lari (GEL), so change some money at an exchange office on arrival. Border police may check your medical insurance, mandatory since 1 January 2026: read more in our guide to travel insurance for Georgia.
From Tbilisi Airport to Batumi
The train from Tbilisi Central station is the fastest option: about 4 hours, from 35 GEL in second class. Bus No. 337 takes you to the station. Tickets go on sale 15 days ahead, and seats for tomorrow or the day after are almost always gone, so book early.
Buses to Batumi leave from Ortachala bus station: 6-7 hours, 40-50 GEL. Minibuses leave from Didube bus station, about 35 GEL in cash. All the options are in our guide on how to get from Tbilisi to Batumi.
By road Batumi is about 350 km away, 5-6 hours. With family and luggage it is easier to book a car with a driver from Tbilisi to Batumi on GoTrip; cash payment is possible. Direct Tbilisi - Batumi flights run only in season, from 250 GEL; there are none from November 2026.
FAQ
How do I leave Tbilisi Airport at night?
Take a taxi from the desk by arrivals (40 GEL to the centre) or order a Bolt. Bus No. 337 does not run at night.
How long does it take to reach the centre?
20-30 minutes by taxi. The bus takes longer, as it stops along the whole route to Station Square.
Can I go straight from the airport to Batumi?
There is no direct train from the airport. Take bus No. 337 to the central station and catch the train, or book a car with a driver from the airport.
Written and checked by the Travel Batumi team →
