Kutaisi Airport is one of the easier airports to navigate with children. The terminal is small, modern, and uncrowded. The challenge for families is not the airport but the onward journey, particularly if your destination is Tbilisi or Batumi rather than Kutaisi itself.
The terminal
The building is compact and well-designed. The walk from the gate to baggage reclaim is short. There are clean toilet facilities. The arrivals process is quick. With children, you will be outside within 20-40 minutes of landing. There is nothing particularly stressful about this airport, which is a welcome change if you have been through larger, more chaotic hubs.
Car seats
Georgia has child car seat laws, but compliance in taxis is very low. Airport taxis do not carry child seats. The Georgian Railways bus does not have them either. If your child needs an appropriate restraint, you need to bring your own or arrange a transfer and request one specifically.
For the short drive to Kutaisi city, some families accept the risk of a 15-minute ride without a car seat. For the 3.5-4 hour drive to Tbilisi, this is a different calculation entirely. Hours on a highway without a proper child restraint is something most parents would prefer to avoid. If booking a transfer for the long journey, confirm the car seat is included. Specify your child's age and weight.
The long drive to Tbilisi with children
If your actual destination is Tbilisi, you are looking at roughly 3.5-4 hours in a car. For young children, this is a significant journey. The highway is modern and well-maintained, but there are limited rest stops along the route. Plan accordingly:
- Pack snacks and water in your carry-on, accessible for the car
- Bring entertainment: tablets, books, games
- Plan at least one stop, even if the driver does not suggest it
- Leave the airport as quickly as possible to minimize total travel time
The Georgian Railways bus option
The airport bus to Kutaisi station is cheap and functional, but with a family it becomes complicated. Luggage space is limited, there are no child seats, and you then need to manage a train transfer at the station. The train to Tbilisi takes about 5.5 hours. Combined, you are looking at 7-8 hours of travel with at least two transitions. With young children and luggage, this is exhausting. It works for budget-conscious adults but is hard to recommend for families.
Kutaisi as a base
If your final destination is elsewhere in Georgia, consider spending a night in Kutaisi rather than rushing onward. The city has affordable hotels, and starting fresh in the morning makes the onward journey easier for everyone, especially children. Kutaisi itself has things to see, including a cathedral and nearby caves, so a night there is not wasted time.
Summary
The airport is family-friendly. The transport from it requires thought, especially for long distances. For families heading to Tbilisi or Batumi, a pre-booked transfer with a suitable vehicle and car seat is the most practical option. For families staying in Kutaisi, even a basic taxi works for the short ride into town, though you will want to bring your own car seat if your child needs one.