Both options get you to central Tbilisi in 20-35 minutes. The difference comes down to price predictability, convenience, and how much hassle you want to deal with after a flight.
Taxis at the airport
The taxi rank is directly outside arrivals. Drivers approach passengers actively, sometimes inside the terminal before you even reach the exit. Most taxis are not metered in practice, even though meters exist in some vehicles. The standard approach is to agree on a price before you get in.
Typical fare to central Tbilisi: 30-50 GEL ($11-19 USD). Drivers may start by quoting 60-80 GEL, especially to visibly foreign passengers. Negotiation is expected and not considered rude.
Payment is almost always cash. Few airport taxis accept cards. You will need Georgian Lari, which you can get from the ATMs inside the terminal.
Ride-hailing apps as a middle ground
Bolt and Yandex Go typically price the airport-to-center trip at 15-30 GEL, significantly less than what taxi drivers quote. The tradeoff is a short wait and the need for mobile data or Wi-Fi. Pickup locations can be slightly confusing since drivers may not be able to reach the main arrivals curb.
Pre-booked transfers
You book in advance, receive confirmation with driver details, and someone meets you at arrivals with your name on a sign. The price is fixed at booking, so there is no negotiation at the airport. Vehicles are typically newer and cleaner than average taxi fleet cars.
Pre-booked transfers cost more than app-based rides, usually $15-30 USD to central Tbilisi. The premium pays for certainty: flight monitoring, wait time included, and a driver who is committed to being there.
When each option makes sense
Taxi from the rank works well if you speak some Russian or Georgian, carry cash, enjoy negotiating, and arrive during normal hours.
A ride-hailing app works well if you have mobile connectivity, do not mind a short wait, and want the cheapest car option.
A pre-booked transfer works well if you arrive late at night, travel with family or heavy luggage, want to avoid all negotiation, or are visiting Georgia for the first time and prefer a smooth start.
The honest summary
You will not save a large amount of money by taking a taxi over a transfer in Tbilisi. The distance is short and the price difference is modest. The real question is whether you value predictability or prefer to sort things out on arrival. If you are tired after a long flight and just want to get to your hotel without thinking, a pre-booked transfer removes every variable.