ARRIVING AT
TBILISILeaving Tbilisi International: transport guide
Tbilisi International · Georgia
Low riskUpdated June 2026High confidence
Small, modern airport 17 km from city. Bus 337 to Avlabari metro for 1 GEL. Bolt is dominant and cheap (15–20 GEL). Some unregistered taxis approach in arrivals.
TL;DR
TBS (Tbilisi International) is the main international airport serving Tbilisi, Georgia. The recommended way out is Bolt app from arrivals (~15–25 GEL (~US$6–US$10), 20–30 min to centro). Pickup is at Bolt meets in designated zone. The most common scam to watch for is "Curb taxi 4x quote". Fares on the TBS → Tbilisi centro/Old Town route typically run 15–25 GEL Bolt; anything above 80 GEL 'fixed' is almost certainly a scam. Last updated June 2026.
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING
Bolt app from arrivals
- Typical fare
- 15–25 GEL (~US$6–US$10)
- Journey time
- 20–30 min to centro
- Pickup
- Bolt meets in designated zone
WARNING · Ignore drivers asking 'Taxi? Taxi?' — they want 50+ GEL
01
Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bolt | 15–25 GEL | 3–8 min | 💳Card | |
Yandex Go | 15–25 GEL | 3–8 min | 💳Card / Cash | |
Bus 337 | 1 GEL | Every 20 min | 💳Card / Cash | |
Airport official taxi | 30–50 GEL | Immediate | 💳Card / Cash | |
Curb 'taxi' tout | 60+ GEL | Immediate | 💵Cash | — |
02
Your first 30 minutes
- 1Clear immigration
- 2Bags
- 3Bolt app: pin location
- 4Confirm plate
- 5Total: 20–30 min centro
03
Airport exit score
AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
82/ 100
- Scam risk85
- Public transport80
- Ride-hailing85
- Signage clarity82
- Payment convenience82
04
Fare reality check
TBS → Tbilisi centro/Old Town
- 15–25 GEL BoltExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- 40 GEL+ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- 80 GEL 'fixed'Probably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
05
Best ways out, ranked
- 1
Bolt
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- 15–25 GEL
- Journey
- 20–30 min
- Wait
- 3–8 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Cheap
- Tracked
Cons- Pickup zone walk
- 2
Yandex Go
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- 15–25 GEL
- Journey
- 20–30 min
- Wait
- 3–8 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Cheap
Cons- Same as Bolt
- 3
Bus 337
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- 1 GEL
- Journey
- 30–40 min
- Wait
- Every 20 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Cheapest
Cons- To Avlabari only
- 4
Airport official taxi
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- 30–50 GEL
- Journey
- 20–30 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Regulated
Cons- 3x Bolt
- 5
Curb 'taxi' tout
- Cost
- 60+ GEL
- Journey
- 20–30 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
ProsCons- Overcharge
06
Paying without surprises
- GEL cash for bus
- Card / app for everything else
- ATMs at terminal
07
Common scams
Curb taxi 4x quote
Medium riskDrivers offer 80+ GEL flat vs 18 GEL Bolt.
HOW TO AVOID · Use Bolt or Yandex app from inside terminal.
08
What locals & travellers say
TBS·Tbilisi
“Reliable, cheap, accepts foreign cards.”
Official AirportBolt is the local UberChecked June 2026likely
- "Reliable, cheap, accepts foreign cards." — Bolt is the local Uber
09
Arrival checklist
- Bolt app installed
- Foreign card linked
- Hotel pin
✉︎
Take it with you
10
TBS arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Tbilisi International?
- Bolt app from arrivals. Ignore drivers asking 'Taxi? Taxi?' — they want 50+ GEL.
- Are taxis at TBS safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: curb taxi 4x quote — Drivers offer 80+ GEL flat vs 18 GEL Bolt. Use Bolt or Yandex app from inside terminal.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at TBS?
- Yes — Bolt works at TBS. Typical cost 15–25 GEL, journey ~20–30 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from TBS to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the TBS → Tbilisi centro/Old Town route is roughly 15–25 GEL Bolt. Anything around 40 GEL+ is high — 80 GEL 'fixed' is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at TBS?
- Carry small local notes — Yandex Go expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Tbilisi International?
- Bolt meets in designated zone. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is TBS safe to arrive at late at night?
- TBS is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at TBS?
- The most reported at TBS: Curb taxi 4x quote. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.