How to Travel From Kutaisi to Tbilisi: Detailed Transport Guide

Detailed transport guide for travelling from Kutaisi to Tbilisi, with airport transfers, bus and train schedules, ticket prices, and tips for where to stop along the way.

Tbilisi Kutaisi is one of the most frequently travelled routes in Georgia.

Whether you’re arriving/departing from David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport or you’re just making your way around the country, there’s a good chance you’ll have to do this east-west trip at some point during your stay.

There are multiple ways to move between the two cities depending on your budget, timeframe and tolerance for bumpy roads.

I live in Kutaisi and visit Tbilisi at least once a month. I have travelled this route more times than I can count using every means of transport possible – and I’m pretty confident that I have figured out the pros and cons of each.

Updated and accurate for this year, based on my personal experiences travelling between Kutaisi and Tbilisi, this guide covers 5 different transport methods in detail.

Read on for the latest timetables and ticket prices, map pinpoints for all the relevant bus/train stations, ideas for where to stop along the way, and my tips for road safety.

Distance from Kutaisi to Tbilisi

Kutaisi is located west of Tbilisi, roughly two-thirds of the way towards the Black Sea Coast. The distance from Kutaisi to Tbilisi is approximately 213 kilometres (132 miles).

Kutaisi Airport is further west of Kutaisi city via the new highway that bypasses the city centre. The distance from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi is 234 kilometres (145 miles).

Kutaisi to Tbilisi travel time

The fastest way to travel between Kutaisi and Tbilisi is by road (E60 Highway, pictured in the graphic above). This takes between 3-4 hours on average depending on the type of vehicle you use and traffic conditions.

Private transfer is the quickest option, taking as little as 2.5 hours, while the bus/marshrutka takes closer to 3.5-4 hours with stops along the way.

The journey from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi is slightly longer, 3.5 hours by road on average.

Construction of the new Rikoti Expressway – with its 51 new tunnels and 97 bridges – was officially finished in December 2025. Travel time between the two cities is now significantly shorter than it used to be.

Kutaisi is not on Georgia’s main train line, but you can take the train to Rioni Station or the Kutaisi Airport Station. It now takes just under 3 hours to travel between Tbilisi and Kutaisi by train.

There are no domestic flights from Kutaisi to Tbilisi.

How to travel from Kutaisi to Tbilisi (or Tbilisi to Kutaisi): Transport overview

Travellers currently have 5 options for the Kutaisi-Tbilisi journey: Train, private transfer, coach bus, marshrutka van, or self-drive.

In the next section I will explore each option (and its pros and cons) in detail.

First, here is a quick overview:

What is the best way to travel from Kutaisi to Tbilisi?

TL;DR: Train from Rioni Station to Tbilisi Central (Option #1).

Why?

• Travel time is more or less the same as going by road (and you don’t have to worry about traffic in Tbilisi).
• Tickets are affordable (the same or less than a marshrutka).
• The Rioni trains are older, but more comfortable and more affordable than the new Kutaisi Airport trains.
• These trains put you closer to Kutaisi city (use public bus #3 to get from Rioni to the Colchis Fountain in ~20 minutes).
• Train travel is generally safer than road travel in Georgia.

If you have something against trains, the next best thing is the City Bus or Okriba coach (Option #3).

Option 1: Kutaisi Tbilisi train from Rioni Station

Train is my preferred way to travel between Kutaisi and Tbilisi. I love train generally, and Georgia’s railways have a long and interesting history. But in practical terms, the train is affordable, comfortable and scenic – and most importantly, it’s a lot safer than travelling by road.

There are no longer any trains from Kutaisi I Railway Station to Tbilisi. Instead, you want to use the trains that stop at Rioni Railway Station, which is located 15 minutes’ drive south of Kutaisi city centre and reachable by taxi or city bus.

Train to Tbilisi from Rioni Railway Station

Rioni Railway Station is located on the main east-west train line that cuts across Georgia. There are three daily trains to Tbilisi that depart from Rioni: A morning train at around 10am, a midday train, and an evening train at around 8.30pm. These trains originate in Poti, Ozurgeti and Zugdidi respectively, and stop at Rioni on their way to Tbilisi.

Travel time is 2 hours and 50 minutes (in winter, the trains might be slightly slower). Tickets cost 14 GEL for second class.

All of these trains also have a first class carriage (26 GEL/ticket). It is well worth upgrading for the extra leg room and access to power sockets (two per row). Business class is available on the Poti and Zugdidi trains and is much the same as first, but with a privacy curtain and tables.

There are no dining carts on Georgian trains, so be sure to bring enough drinking water and snacks with you. There is a convenience store on the platform at Rioni Station. Sometimes there is a vending machine on board the train, and there are khachaupri vendors on the platform at Khashuri Station.

There is no WIFI on these trains, but there is phone reception/mobile 5G access for most of the journey.

How to buy train tickets

I recommend using the new Georgian Railway website to buy your tickets. Create an account by putting your passport number in the ID number field, then validate via email code.

For this route, use Rioni as the origin and Tbilisi or (Tbilisi-pass) as the destination. Seat selection is available for an additional 1 GEL (choose a window seat with a power outlet if you’re going first class).

International cards are accepted as payment (with a 50 tetri processing fee). After confirmation, download your PDF ticket voucher to show staff on your phone as you board the train. No need to print anything.

Sales open around three weeks in advance. If you are travelling during the busy summer months, it’s a very good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible.

It is also be possible to purchase tickets from TKT.GE, in person at the train station, or using the 12Go website.

Departing from Rioni Railway Station

Rioni Station is located 10 kilometres (15-20 minutes by road) from the Colchis Fountain in the centre of Kutaisi (see the exact location here on the map). A Bolt taxi costs around 8-10 GEL, or you can get there with city bus #3 (~1 GEL when you tap on with an international card/mobile wallet, with departures every 30 minutes).

If you are booked on the morning train, give yourself some extra time to reach the station – there can be traffic in Kutaisi around school drop-off time.

Rioni Station is a beautiful old building that is almost completely empty inside. There are new bathrooms in a separate building at the far end of the platform (tip: the women’s toilet is the one closest to the station building, marked with a ‘K’ symbol), and there is a convenience store on the platform if you need provisions.

Trains only make a quick stop in Rioni, so when you hear the whistle, walk to the end of the platform and get ready to cross the tracks. Boarding the train here is a bit of an adventure!

Arriving in Tbilisi

All trains terminate at the same place: Tbilisi Central Railway Station, which is located adjacent to the Station Square Metro, roughly 5 km north of Freedom Square. See the exact location here on the map.

Before arriving at Central, the train first stops at Didube Railway Station. If you want to get straight on a marshrutka at Didube Bus Terminal, you can alight the train here.

To get into the city from Central Station, you can either take the metro (1 GEL) or book a taxi through Bolt (8-10 GEL to Freedom Square). If you are using Bolt, a good tip is to choose the ‘Dadiani Side’ pick-up location, which is the first option offered in the app. This way, you don’t have to deal with the mad rush of taxi drivers at the main entrance.

After walking up the stairs from the platform into the station building, turn towards the back and exit through the glass doors on the left, through the corridor under the escalators. Walk through the carpark and cross the little footbridge to Dadiani Street. Your driver will meet you here.

There are clean bathrooms on the top level of the station (1 GEL, payable by card). To find them, ride the escalator up, then go towards the back right corner, past the canteen counter.

DO NOT use a street taxi – always book through the app.

Alternative option: Train to Tbilisi from Kutaisi International Airport Station

As of May 2022, all east-west trains (including the Batumi-Tbilisi fast trains) now stop at Kutaisi International Airport Station in Kopitnari, 22 km or 30-40 minutes from the centre of Kutaisi. This is a new option, but it’s not necessarily going to save you time or money. In fact, it costs more and takes almost as long.

There are 2-5 double-level, ‘fast’ Stadler trains every day from the Airport Station, taking 2.5 hours to reach Tbilisi Central. These trains originate in Batumi, and continue to the capital non-stop.

Personally, I find these trains much less comfortable compared to the older trains that go through Rioni. They are almost always full, and always cluttered with suitcases and luggage. Yes, they are non-stop and a tiny bit faster – but the only real advantage is having your own power socket and WIFI. But the WIFI doesn’t work half the time anyway.

The airport trains work out to be significantly more expensive if you are starting from Kutaisi city. (If you are coming directly from the airport, there is a free shuttle to the railway station – see my Airport Arrivals Guide for details).

Tickets for the Stadler train cost 33 GEL for second class or 71 GEL for first. Tickets are sold on TKT.GE. To get to the Airport Station from downtown Kutaisi, you need to take a taxi (25 GEL when booked through Bolt). This brings your total spend to 55 GEL minimum, and total travel time to 3-3.5 hours.

Return trip: Tbilisi to Kutaisi train

Trains to Rioni Station and Kutaisi Airport Station all depart from the same place – Tbilisi Central Station. There are at least 6 services a day. Prices and travel times are the same.

If you are arriving at Rioni Station, you can either use the #3 bus to travel the rest of the way to the centre, or use Bolt. Drivers are not always available in Rioni, so I highly recommend scheduling a Bolt taxi before you leave Tbilisi or while you’re on the train.

Option 2: Private transfer from Kutaisi to Tbilisi with GoTrip

If you’re looking for the fastest way to travel between Kutaisi and Tbilisi and you don’t mind paying a little bit more for added comfort, safety and convenience, then a private transfer is your best option.

It’s possible to reach Tbilisi in as little as 3 hours when travelling by private car with no stops.

There are multiple ways to organise a private transfer. I highly recommend hiring a professional driver through GoTrip.ge.

GoTrip is a web platform that matches travellers with freelance drivers for intercity trips (sort of like a long-distance Uber). In this guide, I discuss the mechanics in detail.

GoTrip drivers are required to observe road safety practices. All cars have AC, working seat belts, and child car seats are available. You can make unlimited rest and photo stops during an A to B transfer, or you can use the GoTrip Trip Planner to build a multi-stop itinerary and do some sightseeing along the way.

This is a door-to-door service, and drivers are available 24/7. If you’re flying into Kutaisi, the driver can meet you at the airport.

Prices start from 220 GEL per car.Rates are completely transparent and once you book, the price is fixed and won’t change – so you know exactly how much you owe. Pay the driver in cash (GEL) at the end of the trip.

The price is the same for a direct transfer or a multi-stop itinerary, so you can do something like this Kutaisi Tbilisi itinerary I created for the same price. For more ideas of places to stop on the journey, see the FAQ section below.

GoTrip works all over Georgia. If you’re travelling on to Kazbegi or Kakheti, this is the only option that doesn’t require you to change drivers in Tbilisi.

→ Book a private transfer here on GoTrip.

Option 3: Kutaisi to Tbilisi bus (coach)

For a good compromise between comfort and affordability, consider travelling to Tbilisi by coach bus.

There are now two companies on this route: Okriba and City Bus. Okriba coaches depart from Kutaisi Central Bus Station and arrive at Didube in Tbilisi. City Bus coaches depart from Chavchavadze Street in Kutaisi and arrive at either Ortachala or Didube in Tbilisi.

These buses are large 47-seater coaches. They have undercarriage luggage storage, comfortable seats, free WIFI, and either USB or two-prong charging sockets. There may or may not be a working toilet on board.

Travel time is around 2 hours and 45 minutes, including at least one rest stop in Zestafoni/Terjola/Gori.

There are three more companies that run coach buses from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi: Georgian Bus, Omnibus and Metro Georgia. But these buses DO NOT stop in Kutaisi city. If you are coming from Kutaisi city, you can take a taxi to the airport and board the bus there (I have done this many times in the past – when booking bus tickets on the website, just select a dummy flight).

Bus schedules & tickets

Okriba operates four coaches from Kutaisi to Tbilisi each day, including a morning bus at around 10am, day buses at around 12pm and 4pm, and an evening bus at around 6pm.

Travel time to Tbilisi is just under 3 hours, and Okriba tickets cost 25 GEL one-way. City Bus tickets are a bit more expensive at 30 GEL.

In Kutaisi, the Okriba bus departs from Central Bus Station (see the exact location here on the map), while City Bus departs from Chavchavadze Avenue in front of Youth Park (see the exact location here on the map).

To get to either departure point, take a Bolt taxi or city bus #1 from this bus stop at the Colchis Fountain (60 tetri with a local bus card or ~1 GEL when you tap on with an international card/mobile wallet; card payment only).

In Tbilisi, the bus terminates at Didube Bus Terminal, 9 km from Freedom Square. See the exact location here on the map. Some City Bus services terminate at Central Bus Station Ortachala, which is a 15-minute taxi ride from Freedom Square. See the exact location here on the map.

Tickets can be purchased through 12Go or on the City Bus / Okriba websites.

The airport coaches (Georgian Bus, Omnibus, Metro) are all timed to depart from Kutaisi Airport as flights land. Because this is effectively an airport bus, the driver will wait if the flight is delayed.

Tickets cost 30 GEL one-way (the fare is the same for all companies).

At Kutaisi Airport, buses wait right in front of the terminal building. In Tbilisi, Georgian Bus terminates behind Central Railway Station, close to the Station Square Metro Station. Omnibus and Metro both terminate on the opposite side of town at Ortachala Bus Station.

All these buses are effectively the same – personally I use Georgian Bus. You can bring large luggage items and equipment (such as skis) on board for free, while stowing a bicycle will cost you an additional 20 GEL.

Buy tickets online through the relevant website, linked above, or in-person from the airport kiosk.

Return trip: Tbilisi to Kutaisi Coach

City Bus (to Kutaisi city) leaves from either Ortachala or from this bus stop in the Dighomi neighbourhood. Okriba buses depart from Didube Bus Terminal.

Buses to the airport depart from Tbilisi around 7 hours before scheduled flights out of Kutaisi. Georgian Bus, Omnibus and Metro all leave from the same spot where they arrive.

Option 4: Kutaisi to Tbilisi by marshrutka van

Note: New regulations that prohibit minivans from transporting passengers on journeys of more than 150 kilometres have been postponed until 2027. Vans on this route operate as normal.

Marshrutka vans (fixed-route minivans) are a budget-friendly way to travel around Georgia, including between Kutaisi and Tbilisi. They are not terribly comfortable, nor do I think they are particularly safe (speeding and reckless driving is common, and this road is quite busy). But it’s a popular option budget travel option nonetheless.

Average journey time is between 3-3.5 hours depending on traffic and conditions.

Kutaisi Tbilisi marshrutka schedule & fares

Vans operated by the company Imeritrans depart from Kutaisi every 30-60 minutes between 6am and 9pm. I strongly advise against travelling by marshrutka after dark. In summer, the latest you would want to depart Kutaisi is 3pm or 4pm.

Vans will leave early if they are full, so you should try to arrive at the station at least 40 minutes ahead of time to get a seat.

Tickets cost 25 GEL and can be purchased from the cashier desk at the station (directions below) or online in advance via the TKT.GE website.

Departing from Kutaisi

All marshrutka vans leave from Kutaisi Central Bus Station, located on the western side of the river near McDonalds and the Grand Mall shopping centre (4.5 km from the Colchis Fountain).

To get there from the centre, take city bus #1 from the Colchis Fountain (60 tetri; card payment only; see here for bus stop locations). Alternatively, a taxi should cost no more than 5 GEL when booked through Bolt.

Tbilisi and Batumi vans leave from Chavchavadze Avenue, just to the left of the McDonalds. There is new, very clear signage at the bus station – it’s impossible to miss.

When you arrive at the station, look for the PSP pharmacy underneath the black metal roof – the ticket desk is located down the tiled corridor to the right, between the pharmacy and the shawarma joint.

There are grocery stores, bakeries and coffee kiosks inside the station area. Public toilets are at the back (near the train tracks) and cost 50 tetri.

You can find additional Mercedes vans departing from the Okriba Autostation a few doors down.

Tip: If you are coming from Kutaisi Airport, it might be possible to hail a marshrutka to Tbilisi from the highway in front of the terminal or from the airport carpark.

Arriving in Tbilisi

In Tbilisi, vans terminate at Didube Bus Terminal in the north of the city, 9 km from Freedom Square. See the exact location here on the map. It might be possible to get out early, but since the route doesn’t go through the centre of Tbilisi, you’re better off alighting at Didube.

If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of visiting Didube, it can be a bit overwhelming! No doubt you will be approached by taxi drivers as soon as you get out of the van. 

Politely decline their offers and move on – it’s much better to either take the metro from nearby Didube Station (follow the signs to enter via the undercover market and underpass) or to walk a little ways down the road and order a Bolt taxi. It should cost approximately 8-10 GEL to get to Freedom Square.

Return trip: Tbilisi to Kutaisi marshrutka

Vans travelling the opposite way from Didube to Kutaisi Central Bus Station operate on a similar schedule, departing regularly between 6am and 9pm. Travel times and ticket prices are the same.

For the exact location of the Kutaisi vans, see my Didube Video Tour.

Option 5: Driving from Kutaisi to Tbilisi

For a completely flexible trip to Tbilisi at your own pace, consider hiring a car in Kutaisi and driving yourself. There are currently road works happening on the highway, but it is a smooth drive overall.

Alternatively, you can take the backroads and make a journey out of it. There’s so much to see and do along the way (see my recommendations for where to stop in the next section), you could easily spin it out into a 2 or 3 night trip.

Hiring a car in Kutaisi

Before I bought my own car, I always used Local Rent in Georgia. The platform works with local agents to offer a great selection of vehicles at very affordable prices. Insurance is usually included and oftentimes there’s no deposit required. If you want to drop off the car in Tbilisi, you will need to pay an additional one-way fee. Local Rent offers pick up from Kutaisi Airport or from any address in the city.

Be sure to read up on my tips for driving in Georgia before you hit the road.

Kutaisi Tbilisi FAQ

What is the road from Kutaisi to Tbilisi like?

The highway between Tbilisi and Kutaisi, the E60, is Georgia’s main highway. It is a new, two-lane expressway with dozens of tunnels and bridges.

Because you are on the highway the whole time, it is far from the most exciting drive. For a more scenic alternative, see my Georgia Road Trip Itinerary.

Where to stop on the way from Kutaisi to Tbilisi?

There are dozens of places to stop near the main highway. Here are a few of my top suggestions.

Lia Deida restaurant (Terjola)

A lovely little restaurant in the village of Argveta (Terjola), just outside Kutaisi. Make a pit stop here for home-cooked Imeretian food at its finest!

Zestafoni

If you like Soviet-era mosaics and Brutalist architecture, Zestafoni is a must. This industrial city in Imereti has long been a popular highway rest stop for coffee and khachapuri, but there are some very interesting things to see in the centre if you have time for a walk around.

See my Zestafoni City Guide for full details.

Ubisa/Shrosha

Western Georgia’s pottery making centre. You’ll notice lots of shops selling clay pots and souvenirs along the highway.

Surami & Khashuri

There are two reasons to stop in the town of Surami on the eastern side of the Rikoti Pass. The first is Nazuki bread, a delicious sweet bread that’s a local specialty. It’s sold at roadside bakeries. I also recommend climbing up to Surami Fortress. Khashuri has its own specialty product: Woven hammocks.

Gori & Uplistsikhe

Aside from the Stalin Museum, there are plenty of other things to do in Gori to keep you occupied for a full day. Uplistsikhe Cave City is also well worth a visit.

Mtskheta

Georgia’s old capital is just off the highway on the way into Tbilisi. If you’re travelling by car, why not take the opportunity to visit some of the more remote mountaintop monasteries in the area along with the UNESCO-Listed monuments of Jvari and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. 

If you’re not keen on self-driving, a full-day itinerary departing Kutaisi and stopping at all of these places – Terjola, Zestafoni, Shrosha, Surami, Gori, Uplistsikhe, Mtskheta and Tbilisi – starts from just 230 GEL per car when booked through GoTrip.

Here is an example Kutaisi Tbilisi itinerary I created.

How to get from Kutaisi Airport to Kutaisi city?

Kutaisi has a 24-hour shuttle bus that runs between the airport and the city centre. Find full details in my Kutaisi Airport Guide.

Should you spend a night in Kutaisi before leaving for Tbilisi?

Yes! I am a little biased because I live here, but I think Kutaisi is a wonderful city. Transport options between Kutaisi city and Tbilisi are plentiful, so you have lots of options for onward travel.

These guides might come in handy for planning your visit to Kutaisi:

• My favourite things to do in Kutaisi
• Alternative things to do in Kutaisi
• The best restaurants in Kutaisi
• The best bars in Kutaisi
• The best day trips from Kutaisi
• Day trip from Kutaisi to Tskaltubo
• Day trip from Kutaisi to Chiatura
• Visiting Martvili Canyon from Kutaisi