How to Get to Georgia – All Travel Options

Getting to Georgia is straightforward: direct flights connect Tbilisi to dozens of international destinations, while overland border crossings from Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan provide road alternatives. The three international airports are Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) as the main hub, Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) for budget airlines, and Batumi International Airport (BUS) for the coast. Flight time from Istanbul is about 2 hours, from major European hubs 3–5 hours.

Key facts:

• Three international airports: Tbilisi (TBS) – main hub, Kutaisi (KUT) – budget terminal, Batumi (BUS) – seasonal
• Visa-free entry for many nationalities, but medical insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors since January 1, 2026
• Budget flights to Kutaisi – Wizz Air offers tickets from €30 one-way from European cities
• Overland crossings from Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are well-established
• Car rental is a practical option for exploring the country, bookable through Localrent or EconomyBookings
• Mandatory insurance – entry may be refused without a valid policy; purchase online through EKTA

Tbilisi International Airport handles the most international flights. Airlines from Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region operate here. The airport is 17 km from downtown Tbilisi, with transfers taking 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.

From the airport to the city center, bus #37 costs 0.50 GEL (approximately $0.20) and runs around the clock at 15–30 minute intervals. Taxi via app (Bolt is the most popular) costs 25–40 GEL ($9–15). Pre-booked transfers through KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups run $20–35 with a driver meeting you at arrivals.

Important: Avoid taking taxis from drivers outside the terminal without an app – they charge 2–3 times the normal fare.

Kutaisi International Airport is the budget traveler's best friend. Wizz Air flies here from Budapest, Vienna, Berlin, Warsaw, and a dozen other European cities, with fares starting at €30 one-way when booked early. The airport is 14 km from Kutaisi and 230 km from Tbilisi.

There's no direct public transport from Kutaisi airport to Tbilisi. You'll need to get to Kutaisi bus station first (minibus or taxi, 10–15 GEL), then catch a bus or marshrutka to the capital (15–20 GEL, 4–5 hours). Pre-booking a transfer is the stress-free alternative.

Batumi International Airport serves the Black Sea coast. It operates primarily during the summer season (May–October), with limited winter flights. Located just 6 km from downtown Batumi, a taxi costs 10–15 GEL ($4–6).

Via Istanbul: One of the most popular transit routes. Turkish Airlines operates multiple daily flights to Tbilisi and Batumi, Pegasus flies to Tbilisi. Fares from Istanbul start at $60–100 one-way, flight time is 2–2.5 hours.

From Europe direct: Wizz Air to Kutaisi from multiple European cities (from €30). LOT, Lufthansa, and other carriers connect to Tbilisi with one stop. FlyDubai and Air Arabia operate via the UAE.

From the Middle East: Direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Tel Aviv to Tbilisi. Flight time 3–4 hours, fares from $150 one-way.

Airport comparison:

(Updated: February 2026)

Two main crossings: Sarpi (coastal, near Batumi) and Vale (inland). Sarpi is the most popular, with typical wait times of 30–60 minutes. From Trabzon to Batumi is approximately 250 km (4–5 hours). Many travelers combine eastern Turkey with a Georgia trip.

Several border crossings exist, with Sadakhlo/Bagratashen being the most popular on the Yerevan–Tbilisi route. Distance from Yerevan to Tbilisi is about 280 km (4–5 hours). Road quality is good, making this ideal for combined Caucasus trips.

The main crossing is "Red Bridge" (Tsiteli Khidi) on the Baku–Tbilisi route. Distance from Baku is approximately 550 km (7–8 hours). Check Azerbaijan visa requirements before planning this route.

For getting around Georgia itself, renting a car is highly practical. Compare prices and book through Localrent or EconomyBookings. For details on rental pitfalls, read Car Rental in Georgia – Complete Guide and Hidden Pitfalls.

Fuel cost in Georgia: approximately $1.14 per liter (3 GEL).

From Turkey: Regular buses run from Trabzon to Batumi (6 hours, $5–7). Overnight buses from Istanbul are available but take around 20 hours ($40–60).

From Armenia: Buses and marshrutkas from Yerevan to Tbilisi depart several times daily. Cost: $9–15, journey time 5–6 hours.

From Azerbaijan: An overnight train runs from Baku to Tbilisi (15 hours, from $25) – a comfortable option with sleeping compartments. Buses take 10–12 hours (from $15).

Search bus and train tickets across the region through Omio.

(Updated: February 2026)

Since January 1, 2026, medical insurance is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Georgia. This applies to air passengers and overland travelers alike. Border officials may refuse entry without a valid policy.

Coverage must include emergency medical assistance. A basic 7-day policy (EKTA START) costs from $7. An enhanced policy (EKTA GOLD) starts at $12 per week. Purchase online in 5 minutes through EKTA.

For more on insurance options, read Georgia Travel Insurance – What to Choose and How Much It Costs.

You'll need internet from the moment you land: ordering a taxi, navigating, translating menus. Two main options: eSIM (purchased before departure) or a local SIM card.

Local SIM cards cost from 10–15 GEL ($4–6) for a data package at operator stores (Magti, Geocell, Beeline) in the city. The catch: SIM cards at Tbilisi airport cost 2–3 times more than in city stores. If you arrive late at night, airport kiosks may be your only option.

eSIM can be purchased and activated in-flight, giving you internet the moment you land. For short trips (under 2 weeks), eSIM is often cheaper than an airport SIM. Here's a comparison:

Tip: For short trips (under a week), eSIM is clearly better value than buying a SIM at the airport. For stays over a month, a local SIM in a city store offers unlimited data from 20–25 GEL ($8–10) per month.

Check visa requirements for your nationality before traveling. For more on mobile connectivity, read Mobile Internet in Georgia – How to Choose a SIM Card.

The most common mistake is taking a taxi from drivers outside the arrivals hall. Drivers at Tbilisi airport without apps charge 60–80 GEL for a trip that costs 15–25 GEL through Bolt.

Transfer options from Tbilisi airport:

For late arrivals or travelers with heavy luggage, pre-book a transfer through KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups. A driver will wait at arrivals with a name sign, and the price is fixed.

When to fly cheaper. The lowest airfares are in November, January, and February (excluding holiday dates). Peak prices hit in July, August, September, and around New Year's. The difference can be 2–3x.

Combined Caucasus routes. Georgia pairs naturally with Armenia (5–6 hour bus ride) and Azerbaijan. If visiting multiple countries in the region, consider a regional eSIM package from Voye: 5 GB for 15 days across Europe and the Caucasus for $15.

The Georgian Military Highway. If entering via the northern land border, allow at least half a day for the drive from the border to Tbilisi. Stop along the way at Gergeti Trinity Church and the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument – both are directly on the route.

1. Do I need a visa to visit Georgia? Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to one year, including citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many Asian countries. Check your specific nationality's requirements with the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since January 1, 2026, all foreign visitors must have valid medical insurance regardless of visa status.

2. Which airport should I fly into? It depends on your plans. Tbilisi International Airport for starting in Tbilisi and central Georgia. Kutaisi International Airport for the cheapest European flights (Wizz Air). Batumi International Airport for the Black Sea coast. Note that cities are 200–370 km apart, and internal transfers take 3–6 hours.

3. How much does it cost to get from Tbilisi airport to the city center? From $0.20 on bus #37 to $10 by taxi via Bolt app. Pre-booked transfers cost $20–35. Avoid unlicensed airport taxis – they charge 3–4 times the normal rate.

4. Can I enter Georgia overland? Yes, functional border crossings exist with Turkey (Sarpi, Vale), Armenia (Sadakhlo), and Azerbaijan (Red Bridge). All are suitable for private vehicles and pedestrians. Check border hours and any visa requirements for transit countries.

5. Does eSIM work in Georgia and is it worth buying? Yes, eSIM works well in Georgia through providers like Airalo and Yesim. It's worth buying if you arrive late (connectivity stores closed), are visiting for a short period, or don't want to deal with local SIM registration. A 5 GB package for 15 days costs €8.50–14 depending on the provider. For longer stays, a local SIM from a city store is cheaper.

The best way to reach Georgia depends on your starting point and budget. From Europe, budget airlines to Kutaisi are unbeatable on price. From Turkey, a short flight or scenic overland crossing through Sarpi works well. From the Middle East, direct flights to Tbilisi are widely available. Don't forget mandatory insurance, sort out connectivity before you fly (eSIM or plan to buy a SIM in town), and your first hours in the country will be smooth.

Read also:

• First Time in Georgia – What You Need to Know Before Your Trip
• Car Rental in Georgia – Complete Guide and Hidden Pitfalls
• What to See in Tbilisi in 1, 2 and 3 Days
• Georgia Travel Insurance – What to Choose and How Much It Costs
• Telavi and Kakheti – Georgia's Wine Region