If you're visiting Tbilisi, Georgia, you'll want to know how to get around the city. Fortunately, Tbilisi has a relatively easy-to-navigate public transportation system, including buses, minibusses, and a metro. Here's everything you need to know to get around Tbilisi like a pro.
The Metro
The Tbilisi Metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city. There are two lines, the Red Line and the Green Line, and they intersect at the central station, Didube. The metro runs from 6:00 am to midnight every day, with trains arriving every 3-5 minutes during peak hours.
Buying a Metro Ticket
To ride the metro, you'll need to buy a Metromani card, which costs 2 GEL (about $0.60 USD) and can be purchased at any metro station. You can then add money to the card and use it to pay for your metro rides. The cost of a single ride is 0.50 GEL (about $0.15 USD), regardless of how far you're traveling.
Using the Metro
When you enter the metro station, you'll need to scan your Metromani card at the turnstile. Once you're through, follow the signs to the platform for the line you want to take. The trains are clean, air-conditioned, and usually not too crowded.
Pro tip: If you're traveling during rush hour, try to avoid the first and last cars of the train, as these tend to be the most crowded.
The Tbilisi Metro is a great way to explore the city's many attractions. For example, if you're interested in Georgian culture, you can take the metro to the Rustaveli station and visit the Georgian National Museum. Or, if you're looking for some fresh air, you can take the metro to the Varketili station and explore the nearby Lisi Lake.
Buses and Minibusses
If you're traveling to a part of the city that isn't served by the metro, you'll need to take a bus or minibus. Buses are larger and more comfortable, while minibusses (known as marshrutkas) are smaller and often faster.
Buying a Bus or Minibus Ticket
To ride the bus or minibus, you'll need to have exact change. The cost of a single ride is 0.50 GEL (about $0.15 USD), and you'll usually pay the driver directly as you board. If you don't have exact change, the driver will usually give you change, but it's always best to have the correct amount if possible.
Using the Bus or Minibus
To catch a bus or minibus, look for the bus stop sign, which will usually have a list of the routes that stop there. When you see the bus or minibus you want, wave it down to signal the driver to stop. Once you're on board, tell the driver where you want to go, and they'll let you know when to get off.
Pro tip: Buses and minibusses can get crowded, especially during rush hour. If you're traveling with luggage or a lot of bags, it's best to avoid taking the bus or minibus during peak hours.
One of the best things about taking the bus or minibus in Tbilisi is that you get to see more of the city. For example, if you take the #37 bus from the Marjanishvili station, you'll pass by the Tbilisi Circus and the Tbilisi Zoo on your way to the Tbilisi Sea.
Getting a Taxi
If you're in a hurry or don't want to deal with public transportation, you can always take a taxi. Taxis in Tbilisi are relatively cheap, with most rides costing between 5-10 GEL (about $1.50-$3 USD).
Hailing a Taxi
To hail a taxi, look for a car with a taxi sign on top. If the sign is lit up, the taxi is available. You can also use a ride-hailing app like Bolt or Yandex to order a taxi.
Negotiating the Fare
When you get in the taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If the meter isn't working, negotiate the fare before you start your journey. It's always a good idea to have a general idea of how much your ride should cost before you get in the taxi, so you know if the driver is trying to overcharge you.
Pro tip: If you're taking a taxi from the airport, it's best to negotiate the fare before you get in the car. Many taxi drivers will try to overcharge tourists, so it's important to know what a fair price is.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Tbilisi's public transportation system can seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you'll be able to get around the city like a pro. Remember to always have exact change for the bus or minibus, and to keep an eye on your belongings when you're on public transportation. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to explore Tbilisi with ease.
Overall, Tbilisi's public transportation system is a great way to explore the city and get a feel for its unique culture. Whether you're taking the metro to a museum, riding the bus to the Tbilisi Sea, or hailing a taxi to get to your hotel, you'll find that getting around Tbilisi is easy, affordable, and fun. So why not give it a try on your next trip to Georgia?