Tbilisi is a beautiful city with a lot of history and culture. It is also a city that can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to transportation. However, there are ways to save money on transportation in Tbilisi without sacrificing convenience or safety.
Use Public Transportation
One of the best ways to save money on transportation in Tbilisi is to use public transportation. The city has an extensive network of buses, minibusses, and metro lines that can take you almost anywhere you need to go. The fare for a single ride on the metro is only 0.50 GEL (less than $0.20 USD), while a bus or minibus ride costs 0.40 GEL (less than $0.15 USD).
The metro system in Tbilisi is efficient and easy to use, with signs and announcements in both Georgian and English. The trains run from 6 am to midnight, and during peak hours, they arrive every 2-3 minutes. The buses and minibusses are also frequent, and you can find them at almost every major intersection in the city.
Buy a Metromoney Card
If you plan on using the metro frequently, it is worth buying a Metromoney card. This is a rechargeable card that you can use to pay for your metro rides. The fare for a single ride with the Metromoney card is only 0.20 GEL (less than $0.10 USD), which is half the price of a regular metro ticket.
The Metromoney card is easy to use. You can buy it at any metro station, and then add credit to it at the ticket machines or the customer service center. Once you have credit on your card, you can use it to enter the metro system by tapping it on the card reader at the turnstile.
Walk or Bike
Tbilisi is a compact city, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is not only free, but it also allows you to see the city up close and discover hidden gems that you might miss if you were driving or taking public transportation.
If you prefer to bike, there are several bike rental companies in Tbilisi that offer affordable rates. One of the most popular is City Bike, which has several locations throughout the city. You can rent a bike for as little as 5 GEL (less than $2 USD) per hour, or 20 GEL (less than $8 USD) for a full day.
Use Ride-Sharing Apps
If you need to go somewhere that is not easily accessible by public transportation, or if you are in a hurry, ride-sharing apps like Bolt and Yandex.Taxi are a great option. These apps are similar to Uber and Lyft and allow you to book a ride with a driver at a reasonable price.
Bolt is one of the most popular ride-sharing apps in Tbilisi, and it operates in several cities throughout Georgia. The app is easy to use, and you can book a ride in just a few clicks. The fare for a ride with Bolt is usually lower than a taxi, and you can see the price estimate before you book the ride.
Avoid Taxis
While taxis are readily available in Tbilisi, they are often more expensive than other forms of transportation. Taxis do not have meters, so it is important to negotiate the fare before getting into the car. However, even if you negotiate a fair price, it is still likely to be more expensive than a bus or metro ride.
If you do need to take a taxi, it is best to use a reputable company like Taxify or Maxim. These companies have fixed fares, which means you don't have to negotiate the price with the driver. You can also book a ride through their app, which makes the process more convenient and transparent.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many ways to save money on transportation in Tbilisi. By using public transportation, buying a Metromoney card, walking or biking, using ride-sharing apps, and avoiding taxis, you can enjoy all that the city has to offer without breaking the bank.
Remember, saving money on transportation doesn't mean sacrificing convenience or safety. With a little planning and creativity, you can travel around Tbilisi affordably and comfortably.
One final tip is to plan your route in advance. You can use Google Maps or the Tbilisi Transport app to find the best route and mode of transportation for your destination. This will help you avoid getting lost or taking a longer route, which can cost you more money and time.
Overall, Tbilisi is a wonderful city to explore, and with these tips, you can do it without spending a fortune on transportation.