Public transportation is very popular among tourists due to its affordability and convenience. Some people do not want or cannot afford to travel by car. Sometimes you want to fully "experience" the city, and it's difficult to do that from a car window. The colorful Georgian transport with cheerful drivers and fellow passengers will not only take you to your destination but also lift your spirits.
Types of Transport
In Tbilisi, you can reach your destination by bus, minibus, metro, and taxi. All of them are budget-friendly and convenient. You can get to almost any part of the city.
Metro
The metro in Tbilisi was built half a century ago. The stations are undergoing renovations, but they are not brought to an ideal state - they are neglected with worn-out corners. However, the metro trains are cute, comfortable, and in good condition. Inside, they have red seats and a white interior.
The metro in Tbilisi is not very extensive and does not cover the entire city, but you can reach the main attractions. The advantages of using the metro are affordability, speed, and coolness (which is especially important in the summer heat).
Map
There are 22 metro stations. They are labeled in Georgian and English, and announcements are made in both languages.
There are 2 lines, with one transfer from the Saburtalo line to the Akhmeteli-Varketili line.
The metro has six popular stations:
Didube - mainly used by tourists, the station is close to many attractions.
Station Square 1 - a transfer station, where you can change lines.
Rustaveli - the center of Tbilisi.
Liberty Square - convenient for reaching the old part of the city and the funicular.
Avlabari - the closest station to the cable car and the highest church in Georgia.
Isani - near this station, you can take a bus to Kakheti.
Samgori - you can reach Sighnaghi, which is known as the city of love.
You won't have to wait long for a train, as they run frequently with waiting times ranging from 2.5 to 10 minutes.
Working hours: the metro is open from 06:00 to 00:00.
Fare Price
The fare price is 0.5 GEL.
It is more convenient to purchase a Metromoney card. The required fare amount is deducted from the card when you ride. You can buy the card at any station in the hall or when you are at the cable car. The price of the card is 2 GEL. After purchasing it, you will need to top it up.
Rules for using the card:
After the initial payment, you can travel with the Metromoney card for free for up to three hours. This means that you tap the card for validation, but no money is deducted from it.
You can also use Metromoney for riding minibusses, buses, and visiting the cable car.
You cannot use the card to pay for the funicular.
Metromoney is not sold at the airport.
The card is only valid in Tbilisi.
If you have used the card for less than a month, you can return it and get 2 GEL back. You will also receive a refund of any remaining balance on the card.
Buses and Minibusses
One of the most popular modes of transportation in Tbilisi. The schedule is convenient, buses run frequently, and the fares are affordable. You can use the Metromoney card for payment.
The only drawback is that all route information is in Georgian. However, this issue can be easily solved by communicating with the driver or fellow passengers, as they often know Russian.
Taxis
Taxis are not as affordable as buses or the metro, but they are cheaper than renting a car.
The fare starts at 0.6 GEL per kilometer. Here's a little tip: to avoid overpaying, choose taxis with the traditional yellow identification sign.
