Long-distance transport in Georgia

If you do not have your own car and decide to travel around Georgia, your attention should be paid to intercity transport for transportation. It is the best and most affordable way to travel in the regions of Georgia. Georgia has many types of public transport, and which one you use depends on the price, comfort of transport, availability and its type.

Below are discussed the types of intercity transport available in Georgia today and their characteristics.

Minibus

It is the most common type of intercity transport in Georgia today. The minibus has gradually replaced buses for regional travel, as it is faster than buses, runs at frequent intervals, and can reach places that buses cannot. For this reason, most passengers prefer this type of transport. Minibuses run in almost all directions in Georgia.

The main bus stations in Tbilisi are: Didube, Ortachala, Navtlughi and Station Square.

Minibus routes departing from Didube bus station include Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida and Kvemo Kartli, and Imereti. Minibuses depart from here in the direction of Batumi.

The main flights from Ortachala station are to eastern Georgia. This applies to the Kakheti region, although there are also routes to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, etc.

Flights from Navtlughi bus station mainly operate in the Kakheti region and Kvemo Kartli.

Minibuses also depart from the area surrounding the station square. Flights mainly cover western Georgia, mainly the Samegrelo and Guria regions, as well as some directions in Samtskhe-Javakheti.

Bus

Although bus travel is no longer popular, services still operate between the main cities of Georgia. Bus services often cover long routes. They depart from the stations listed above. There is also private bus service in Georgia, provided by various companies.

"Minivan"

This type of transport is becoming more and more popular for regional travel in Georgia. This service is provided by various private companies. It provides fast and comfortable transportation for a small group of people, approximately 5-6 people. They depart from both Didube and Ortachala bus stations, although the starting point of the “minivan” may depend on the company. Some companies provide additional services (calling to your home, taking you home, etc.). “Minivans” travel at frequent intervals, as the number of passengers, as a rule, fills up quickly. The cost of travel exceeds the cost of travel by minibuses, but if comfortable and fast travel is a priority for you, then using a “minivan” will be your best choice.

Train

The favorite form of transport for many people - the train - is very popular in Georgia. Both high-speed and suburban electric trains and international trains operate in Georgia.

High-speed trains connect major cities in Georgia and sometimes stop at stations in smaller towns. These include trains to Batumi, Ozurgeti, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, and Poti.

Suburban trains, also known as electric trains, run on relatively short routes and serve the population of municipal cities and villages. Due to the current pandemic situation, most of these train services are not running.

Flights are also operated internationally. Trains run daily from Tbilisi to both Yerevan and Baku.

For schedules, tickets, and other additional information, please check the official website of Georgian Railways.

Taxi

Taxis are an option for getting around the region. Taxis are usually more expensive than other forms of intercity transportation. This option is mostly used by tourists because they do not have enough information about other forms of intercity transportation and it is easier for them to hire a taxi.

In Georgia, a taxi driver can be an individual or he can be hired by a private company. An individual driver sets his own fare, which he can artificially increase. This often happens when he is dealing with an uninformed tourist. An individual driver may also be incompetent and not familiar with the route you have decided to take.

Private companies generally have a fixed rate and their services are more convenient. Many of them also have an on-call service.

The positive side of traveling by taxi can be considered that if you love and want to travel alone or only with your loved ones, then paying the extra money and hiring a taxi will really give you the happiness of traveling alone or with your loved ones.

Domestic flights

This means of transport can be considered the most unpopular, which has several explanations. First of all, Georgia is not a large country in terms of area, which does not create the need to increase the intensity of domestic flights. Also, the domestic market of Georgia is not large and only a few airlines operate. Domestic flights are carried out in several directions: Batumi, Natakhtari, Ambrolauri, Mestia, Kutaisi, Tbilisi. It is the fastest type of transport, therefore, prices are also increasing compared to the other transports listed above.