What it costs to get from Kutaisi Airport to your destination

Kutaisi Airport serves three distinct groups of travelers: those staying in Kutaisi, those heading to Tbilisi, and those heading to Batumi. The cost structure is very different for each.

To Kutaisi city centre (14 km)

• Georgian Railways bus: GEL 5-7 per person (cheapest option, timed to flights)
• Bolt: GEL 15-25 (transparent pricing, may require 10-20 min wait)
• Negotiated taxi: GEL 20-35 per vehicle
• Pre-booked transfer: GEL 30-50 per vehicle

For Kutaisi, transport is cheap by any measure. Even the most expensive option, a pre-booked transfer at GEL 50, is roughly USD 18.

To Tbilisi (230 km)

This is where costs diverge significantly based on your choice.

• Bus + train combo: GEL 15-30 per person. Airport bus to Kutaisi station (GEL 5-7), then train to Tbilisi (GEL 10-25 depending on class). Total travel time: 7-8 hours. This is the budget option.
• Negotiated taxi: GEL 200-300 per vehicle. Price depends on negotiation. Journey time: 3.5-4 hours.
• Pre-booked transfer: GEL 200-350 per vehicle. Fixed price. Same journey time.
• Shared transfer (if available): GEL 30-60 per person. Some companies offer shared rides to Tbilisi when there are enough passengers. Not guaranteed.

For a solo traveler, the train is cheapest at GEL 30 total but takes all day. A shared transfer at GEL 50 is better value for time. For couples or groups, a private transfer at GEL 250 split between passengers becomes very reasonable.

To Batumi (150 km)

• Marshrutka (minibus) from Kutaisi: GEL 10-15 per person, but you first need to get to Kutaisi bus station.
• Negotiated taxi from airport: GEL 150-250 per vehicle. Journey time: 2.5-3 hours.
• Pre-booked transfer: GEL 180-300 per vehicle.

To other destinations

• Borjomi: GEL 120-180 by transfer (about 2 hours)
• Mestia (Svaneti): GEL 250-400 by transfer (about 5-6 hours, mountain roads)
• Gori: GEL 150-220 by transfer (about 2.5 hours)

What affects pricing

Distance is the obvious factor for longer journeys. The Tbilisi trip involves real fuel costs and 7-8 hours of the driver's time (return trip included).

Season has some effect. During peak tourist months (June-September), prices for transfers to Tbilisi and Batumi may be slightly higher due to demand.

Time of arrival matters for taxis. Fewer drivers at night means less competition and potentially higher quotes. Pre-booked transfers are not affected by this.

Group size is the biggest factor in per-person cost. A private transfer to Tbilisi at GEL 250 costs GEL 250 whether one person rides or four. For groups, this is excellent value. For solo travelers, the train or shared transfer makes more financial sense.

Currency note

All prices are in Georgian Lari (GEL). At current rates, GEL 1 is roughly USD 0.37 or EUR 0.34. Georgia is inexpensive by European standards. Even the most expensive transfer option from Kutaisi to Tbilisi costs roughly what a short taxi ride costs in Western Europe. Cards are accepted by most transfer companies and through the Bolt app. Taxis prefer cash.