Taxis in Georgia: Bolt, Yandex & Maxim – Real Prices, Scams to Avoid & What Actually Works

Uber doesn't work in Georgia – your regular app simply won't find any drivers. Instead, the country runs on three ride-hailing platforms: Bolt, Yandex Go, and Maxim. All three operate in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi, with Maxim covering an additional dozen smaller towns. Ordering through an app costs 2–5 times less than accepting a ride from a street tout, and you'll see the fare upfront.

Key takeaways:

• Uber doesn't work here. In 2018, Uber merged its Georgian operations with Yandex, and the global app has been non-functional since. Uber Black launched as a separate regional app in spring 2024, but the standard Uber app remains useless.
• Bolt is the most popular. This Estonian app is used by the majority of tourists and locals. Expect clean cars (mostly Toyota Prius), upfront pricing, and card or cash payment.
• Yandex Go is 10–20% cheaper. Better availability at night and in suburban areas. Has a dedicated bus-lane option ("Line" tariff) that bypasses traffic jams.
• Maxim is the budget option. Covers 13+ Georgian cities, including smaller towns where Bolt has limited coverage. The interface is partially in Georgian only.
• Street taxis are a gamble. All legal taxis in Tbilisi are white with roof signs and a QR code showing driver details. No QR code – unlicensed driver.
• Airport touts are the biggest trap. Drivers at the arrivals hall regularly quote 100–200 GEL for a ride that costs 25–35 GEL through an app.
• Tipping is optional – rounding up by 1–2 GEL is appreciated but not expected.

All three apps are available for iOS and Android, require a phone number to register, and work on any internet connection.

Tip: Install all three apps and compare fares before every ride. Prices can differ by 30–40%, especially during peak hours.

Georgian taxis are among the cheapest in Europe. The average app-based fare works out to about 1.5–2 GEL per kilometre (roughly $0.55–0.75).

For reference, a street taxi at Tbilisi Airport (TBS) will quote 50–100 GEL for the same journey that costs 30–35 GEL through Bolt.

Warning: Surge pricing applies during rush hours (8–10 AM and 6–8 PM). If you're not in a hurry, wait 15–20 minutes and the fare will usually drop.

Tbilisi Airport (TBS) is where most taxi scams happen. Drivers approach you in the arrivals hall with "special prices" that are 3–5 times above normal.

What to do on arrival:

Exit baggage claim, connect to the free airport Wi-Fi (Tbilisilovesyou), and order a car through Bolt or Yandex Go. The pickup zone is directly in front of the terminal. One catch: the airport Wi-Fi is often unreliable, and taxi apps sometimes fail to load. The fix is to set up an eSIM before your flight – it activates the moment you land, no SIM swap needed.

If you prefer a guaranteed meet-and-greet, pre-book a transfer through KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups. The driver waits with a name sign, and the fare is locked in advance (around 55 GEL to central Tbilisi).

From Kutaisi Airport (KUT), the situation is different – the airport is far from the city, and most travellers head straight to Tbilisi or Batumi. For these longer routes, pre-booking a transfer via KiwiTaxi is the most practical option.

For routes between cities (e.g. Tbilisi to Batumi or Tbilisi to Kazbegi), regular taxi apps won't help – drivers don't accept long-distance rides. Two alternatives work well:

First, pre-book a private transfer through KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups. The price is fixed, and the driver can stop at scenic points along the way.

Second, if you plan multiple trips or mountain routes, renting a car through Localrent is usually cheaper. Three days of rental with full insurance typically costs less than three separate transfers, and the freedom is incomparable. More details in our car rental guide for Georgia.

Taxis in Georgia are generally safe, but a few things are worth knowing.

Driving style is dynamic. Aggressive lane changes, overtaking, and speeding are common. If this concerns you, rate your driver after the trip in Bolt – the platform takes complaints seriously.

Language barrier is minimal when using an app, since the address is transmitted automatically. If you need to explain something, showing a pin on the map works better than dictating an address.

Cash payment works in all three apps. Carry small bills – drivers often claim they don't have change, pocketing the difference.

Child seats are available in Yandex Go for an extra fee. Bolt and Maxim don't offer this option – bring your own.

Warning: Never accept a ride from someone you didn't order through an app, especially at the airport and train station. Always verify the car number and driver name before getting in.

If you're on a tight budget or prefer local immersion, Tbilisi has solid public transport:

The metro covers key areas (2 lines, 23 stations) for just 1 GEL per ride. Bus route 337 runs from Tbilisi Airport (TBS) to Freedom Square via Rustaveli Avenue – 1 GEL, every 15–20 minutes, operating from 7 AM to 11 PM. You can tap a contactless bank card to pay directly on the bus.

Google Maps integrates bus schedules and stops for Tbilisi, making route planning straightforward.

1. Does Uber work in Georgia? No. The standard Uber app does not function in Georgia. Uber Black launched as a separate regional app in spring 2024, but it requires your device location to be set to Georgia to download. For everyday rides, use Bolt, Yandex Go, or Maxim.

2. How much is a taxi from Tbilisi Airport to the city centre? Via Bolt: 30–35 GEL (around $11–13). Via Yandex Go: 25–30 GEL ($9–11). Street taxis may charge 50–100+ GEL. Bus 337 costs just 1 GEL but only runs from 7 AM to 11 PM.

3. Which app is better – Bolt or Yandex Go? Bolt is more reliable in central areas with slightly newer vehicles. Yandex Go tends to be 10–20% cheaper and has better availability late at night and in suburban zones. The optimal approach is to install both and compare fares before each ride.

4. Can I pay with cash? Yes, all three apps accept cash payment in Georgian lari. Carry small bills to avoid overpaying when drivers claim they have no change.

5. Do I need a local SIM card to use taxi apps? You need a phone number to register (your home number works), but for ordering rides you only need an internet connection – Wi-Fi or mobile data. Setting up an eSIM before your trip is the most convenient option, as it activates immediately upon landing.

Conclusion: Three apps – Bolt, Yandex Go, and Maxim – cover all your taxi needs across Georgia. Download them before your trip, and you'll avoid the two biggest pitfalls: overpaying airport touts and struggling with language barriers.

Read also:

• First Time in Georgia – What You Need to Know
• Car Rental in Georgia – Guide & Hidden Pitfalls
• How to Get to Georgia – All Options
• Tbilisi to Batumi: Train, Bus, Transfer & Car Rental
• Internet & Mobile in Georgia – SIM Card Guide
• What to See in Tbilisi in 1, 2 & 3 Days

• Tbilisi International Airport – taxi information
• Bolt Georgia – official app
• Yandex Go Georgia – official site
• Maxim Taxi Tbilisi – official site
• Tbilisi Transport Company – bus routes