How to Use Taxis in Tbilisi: Essential Tips, Common Issues & 3 Taxi Apps Compared

For such a safe and easy city to navigate, taxis are surprisingly one of the most stressful parts of getting around Tbilisi.

Fast driving, unmetered fares and unclear pricing regularly catch visitors off guard – especially on their first few days in Georgia.

My Tbilisi Taxi Guide covers everything you need to know about using cabs to travel around the city and beyond, including common issues, safety tips, and recommended taxi apps.

Quick reference: What a taxi ride in Tbilisi should cost

Bolt is the most widely used taxi app in Tbilisi and the one I recommend for everyday rides around the city. You can find more tips for using Bolt below.

For now, here are some real example fares from Bolt’s own fare estimator to give you a rough idea of how much taxis cost in Tbilisi:

• Tbilisi Airport → city centre (Freedom Square / Old Tbilisi): ~ 30-35 GEL
• Central Railway Station → city centre (Freedom Square / Sololaki): ~ 8-12 GEL
• Short city ride (e.g. Freedom Square → Fabrika): ~ 4-10 GEL
• Cross-city ride (e.g. Saburtalo → Old Tbilisi or Vake → Avlabari): ~ 10-25 GEL
• City centre → Chronicles of Georgia: ~ 12-15 GEL

In practice, Bolt fares in Tbilisi usually work out to around 1.5-2 GEL per kilometre, but prices vary depending on traffic and demand. The final fare is always shown in the app before you confirm.

Is it safe to use taxis in Tbilisi?

Yes, it is generally safe to get around Tbilisi using taxis. Taxis are a budget-friendly option for travelling longer distances around the city.

The biggest risk is unsafe driving, and unfortunately this can be hard to avoid. Taxi apps such as Bolt hold their drivers to a higher standard and take complaints seriously, which makes them a safer option overall.

If your driver is speeding or weaving through traffic, don’t be afraid to speak up or ask them to slow down or stop. Always wear your seatbelt (even if it is only mandatory for front-seat passengers).

If you are a solo female traveller, I recommend sitting in the back seat behind the driver. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or apartment, consider being dropped off at a nearby address rather than at your exact location.

Why you should never hail a street taxi in Tbilisi

The biggest issue is that most taxis in Tbilisi are unmetered – meaning every fare is up for negotiation.

If you hail a cab on the street or from a taxi stand, you have to agree on the price in advance – and that can be quite difficult if you’re unfamiliar with the city or don’t share a language with the driver.

Prices are inconsistent, and tourists are sometimes overcharged. While outright scams are less common than in some European cities, inflated fares do occur, particularly around Old Tbilisi and in major transport hubs.

For this reason, I strongly recommend avoiding street taxis altogether. In Tbilisi, you can use one of several ridesharing apps, as outlined below.

This is particularly important when arriving at Tbilisi Airport. Never approach a driver or accept a ride from a driver who approaches you in the terminal, even if they claim to work for Bolt. I recommend you avoid using the official airport taxi service as well.

→ For safer alternatives, see my guide for getting to the city from the airport.

3 taxi issues to look out for (even when using apps)

Outside of the airport, serious taxi scams aren’t particularly common in Georgia, but visitors do occasionally run into problems in Tbilisi and Batumi. Using a taxi app such as Bolt will help you avoid most issues, but there are still a few things to be aware of.

A tip: Never jump into a car without cross-checking the number plate first. Once I mistook a street taxi for my Bolt because I didn’t check – it was an awkward trip!

1. “That’s just the starting price”

Some drivers – particularly at the airport – may claim that the price shown in the app is only a starting fare. This is not correct.

The fare displayed in Bolt when you request a ride is the final price. It will only increase if you keep the driver waiting beyond the free window, the driver has to take an alternative route due to traffic or road closures, or you add a tip.

2. Taking the scenic route or failing to end the trip

I’ve experienced this more than once. On one occasion, a Bolt driver started taking me towards Gelati Monastery outside Kutaisi when I had clearly pinned Bagrati Cathedral as my destination. On another, the driver dropped me off but didn’t end the ride, so I was charged while he continued driving.

In both cases, I contacted Bolt support and received an immediate apology, a credit to my account, and confirmation that I would not be matched with that driver again.

3. Asking you to cancel and pay cash

Some drivers may ask you to cancel the ride in the app and pay in cash instead, usually on longer trips. This isn’t a scam as such, but it allows the driver to avoid paying the app fee.

One of the main reasons for using a taxi app is safety, so I never agree to cancel the ride. There’s also a risk you’ll be penalised by Bolt for cancelling.

GoTrip.ge, Georgia’s long-distance rideshare service, is a much more reliable alternative for intercity trips.

Recommended Tbilisi taxi apps: Bolt vs Yandex vs Maxim

For everyday taxi use in Tbilisi and Georgia, using an app is absolutely essential.

Not only do you get a guaranteed upfront price, but an app also removes the communication barrier and saves you from having to give directions – a welcome relief for both you and your driver. Apps offer transparent pricing, cashless payment, and an added safety net if something goes wrong.

There are currently several taxi apps available in Tbilisi. Here is a quick comparison of the most popular ones and how they stack up.

Uber Black launched in Tbilisi in spring 2024, but it operates as a separate regional app – your regular Uber app will not work in Georgia. For this reason, I don’t recommend using it here.

1. Bolt – Best all-round taxi app in Tbilisi

Estonian app Bolt is the most reliable, user-friendly and widely used taxi app in Tbilisi. With short wait times, clean cars and strong safety standards, it’s the app I use for around 99% of my rides in Georgia.

Pros:

• Excellent maps and address recognition (Google-powered)
• Large fleet = very short wait times
• High vehicle and driver standards
• No-smoking policy
• Works across major cities in Georgia
• Good in-app support

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than Yandex
• Drivers can see your phone number (Georgia-specific issue)

Coverage & availability

Bolt operates in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kazbegi/Gudauri, Kutaisi, Telavi, Gori, Poti and several other cities across Georgia. It is by far the most popular taxi app in the country, and the preferred option among most locals and expats.

User experience & booking

Bolt has the best interface of any taxi app in Georgia. Maps are powered by Google, so the layout will feel instantly familiar.

Street names are searchable in English (as long as your app language is set to English), and address recognition is excellent. You can also search for landmarks, which is extremely helpful in Tbilisi.

Once a ride is accepted, the app displays the full number plate, car make and colour, and the driver’s name. You can track your driver in real time and see exactly which direction they’re approaching from.

Rides can be scheduled 30 minutes to 90 days in advance. This is particularly useful for airport transfers. Bolt gives you lots of flexibility when it comes to airport pickups – you can even enter your flight details and the driver will adjust your pick-up for free if you are delayed.

Vehicles, pricing & wait times

Bolt offers regular, premium, XL (6-seater), electric, and pet-friendly vehicles. There are also newer ‘Taxi Tbilisi’ and ‘Bus Lane’ categories, which allow drivers to use public transport lanes.

• Minimum fare: 3.30 GEL
• Average wait time: Usually < 2 minutes outside peak hour
• Ride scheduling: 30 minutes to 90 days in advance

Safety & standards

Bolt enforces higher standards than other apps. Cars are generally newer, with working seatbelts and air-conditioning.

Drivers are prohibited from smoking, eating or drinking during a ride. While not everyone follows the rules, you can complain through the app and request a refund if needed. Bolt is known for removing drivers who repeatedly break the rules, and the algorithm prevents you from being matched with a driver you’ve reported.

Caveat: phone number visibility

Unlike in many other countries, Bolt Georgia allows drivers to see your phone number. I’ve personally had one incident of inappropriate messaging, and I’ve heard similar stories from other women. Unfortunately, there’s currently no way to opt out of this.

Payment, tipping & support

Payment can be made by cash or card. Most international cards work without issue (if you’re having issues, message support), and a detailed receipt is emailed after each ride.

You can edit your destination mid-ride, leave a star rating, and tip either during or after the trip. Bolt’s in-app chat support is reliable – I’ve been credited within hours on the rare occasions I’ve been overcharged.

→ Bolt for iPhone
→ Bolt for Android

2. Maxim: Best backup app for smaller cities

Maxim is a useful alternative to Bolt, particularly in smaller cities where Bolt’s driver pool is limited. It’s worth downloading as a backup if you’re travelling around Georgia.

Pros:

• Works in smaller cities
• Multiple payment options, including TBC top-ups
• Roadside services including jump-start

Cons:

• Maps are cluttered and less intuitive

Coverage & availability

In addition to Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi, Maxim operates in smaller cities not covered by Bolt. It has saved me more than once in Kutaisi, where Bolt’s fleet is a bit smaller.

User experience & booking

Maxim uses OpenStreetMap and, while the interface has improved, it’s still less intuitive than Bolt or Yandex. Maps are now displayed in English, but searching by landmark or business name is hit-and-miss, and many locations don’t appear in results.

The map itself feels cluttered and can be difficult to navigate, especially if you’re trying to pinpoint an exact pickup location. Address recognition is basic, and the app often relies on transliterated street names, which can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with Georgian.

Overall, booking a ride with Maxim takes a bit more patience and trial and error.

Vehicles, pricing & wait times

Maxim offers economy and comfort cars, SUVs and minivans.

• Minimum fare: 2.5 GEL
• Average wait time: ~2-5 minutes
• Ride scheduling: 20 minutes to 3 weeks in advance

You can add paid ‘additional compensation’ (up to 20 GEL) to increase your chances of finding a driver quickly.

If you’re hiring your own car in Georgia, Maxim has some very handy roadside services including towing and personal driver (i.e. someone to drive your vehicle). I have used the jump-start more than once!

Payment & tipping

As well as cash and card, you can top up your Maxim balance via a secure TBC Bank portal – useful if you don’t want to store your card details in the app.

Tips can be added in advance, and you can request change for large notes if paying cash.

→ Maxim for iPhone
→ Maxim for Android

3. Yandex Taxi (Yandex Go): Cheaper, but with caveats

Yandex is often cheaper than Bolt and has excellent maps, but most Georgians avoid it due to driver quality issues and data privacy concerns.

Pros:

• Lower prices than Bolt
• Excellent maps and navigation
• Ability to order a car for someone else
• ‘Don’t call me’ setting for non-Georgian speakers

Cons:

• Older cars and inconsistent vehicle standards
• Poor driver reputation among expats
• Russian ownership and data security concerns

User experience & booking

Yandex Go has very strong mapping and GPS functionality, with landmarks, metro stations and street names clearly marked in English.

A particularly useful feature is the ‘Don’t call me’ option, which prevents drivers from phoning you unless it’s an emergency – ideal if you don’t speak Georgian.

Vehicles, pricing & wait times

Yandex offers economy and comfort cars, minivans, and pet-friendly vehicles. You can select the ‘Fastest’ option to request the closest available car from any category (for an extra fee), or save money with the ‘Ride share’ option by pooling with other travellers on your route.

• Minimum fare: 2 GEL
• Average wait time: ~2-5 minutes
• Ride scheduling: Not supported

Why many people avoid Yandex

Yandex is Russian-owned, and it has been reported that data collected through Yandex Go – including trip data from Georgia – may be accessible under Russian data laws.

Among English-speaking expats, Yandex drivers also have a poor reputation for aggressive driving, unnecessary detours, frequent stops, and older cars with no air-conditioning or unclean interiors.

→ Yandex Go for iPhone
→ Yandex Go for Android

Tbilisi taxi tips & FAQ

Do I need a Georgian SIM card to use a taxi app?

All taxi apps require a phone number to register a new account via SMS code. You can always download the app before you leave home and use your regular phone number for validation – even if you known your SIM won’t work here in Georgia.

You can use these apps on WIFI. As soon as your connection drops out, the app will alert you, but the ride can continue as normal.

It’s far more convenient just to buy a Georgian SIM/eSIM and register the app with a local phone number.

Should I take a taxi from Tbilisi Airport?

Bolt is available 24/7 for Tbilisi Airport pickups, and is a good option for getting into the city when you first arrive. I recommend downloading and validating the app before you leave home. Schedule a ride, or when you land, use your eSIM or the free airport WIFI to order a car.

There have been times when Bolt doesn’t work on the airport WIFI. I don’t know if that’s because the WIFI connection is too weak (in this case, you can try walking over to the departure hall where the WIFI is stronger), or if there is some sort of blocker on the app.

Bolt is not 100% failsafe if you are relying on the airport WIFI to book.

Taxi scams are rife at Tbilisi Airport, and it’s best to avoid other services altogether. Never accept a ride from a driver who approaches you in the terminal, even (or especially) if they tell you they work for Bolt.

For a stress-free arrival, consider pre-booking a private airport transfer with GoTrip.

Shotgun or backseat?

Though not common, I have heard of incidents where drivers have shown inappropriate behaviour towards female passengers, especially foreigners. For this reason, I recommend sitting in the back seat.

Should I pay with cash or card?

All apps give you the choice between paying with cash or by card. I recommend going cashless for ease. I have used my Australian bank card on Bolt with no issues. Wise also works. Some US credit cards aren’t compatible with Yandex.

If you have any issue connecting your card on Bolt, staff offer great support and can walk you through the process via the app help page.

Should I tip my taxi driver?

Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory in Georgia. It is normal though to round your fare up to the nearest lari or let your driver ‘keep the change’ when paying with cash. When using the Bolt app, you have the option to add a tip part-way through the drive or at the end (within 15 minutes after the ride is finished).

Tipping is a personal choice – I always tip unless the driver was particularly bad. I usually add 1 GEL for short trips or 3 GEL if the driver helped me with luggage, had to take a long detour, etc.

Does Uber work in Tbilisi?

In 2018, Uber and Yandex merged to offer one joint service in Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and a few other markets. In spring 2024, Uber Black launched in Georgia.

However, it is a distinct regional app that requires your geo-location to be set to Georgia in order to download it. Your regular Uber app will not work in Georgia.

Is there a women-only taxi app in Tbilisi?

In 2021, a company called TaxiWoman started offering a female-only driver service in Tbilisi. Sadly it was short-lived and it closed down before they had a chance to develop an app.

For now, there is no women-only taxi booking app in Georgia.

Can I use a taxi app for long-distance trips?

When travelling out of Tbilisi to other cities or into the mountains, I recommend using GoTrip, which is basically the long-distance equivalent of Bolt. It works in much the same way by matching you with a private driver.

Visit the GoTrip website and have a look at their Trip Planner, or read my full review of GoTrip for more tips.

Using taxis outside of Tbilisi

Bolt operates in around a dozen cities and larger towns across Georgia, and I use it regularly in places such as Batumi and Kutaisi. In these destinations, app-based taxis work much the same way as they do in Tbilisi and are generally the safest and easiest option.

In smaller cities, towns and villages where taxi apps don’t operate, it’s best to arrange a taxi through your guesthouse, hotel or host. Accommodation providers are usually happy to help and can organise a driver they trust, often at a fair, fixed price.

If that’s not possible, hailing a taxi on the street might be fine outside major tourist hubs – just make sure you agree on the fare before getting in the car. Using the Bolt app to check a rough price for the same distance can help you negotiate and avoid overpaying.

Final thoughts: What is the best taxi app for Georgia?

Between walking and using public transport, you’ll likely only need taxis occasionally in Tbilisi. When you do, always book through an app rather than hailing a car on the street.

On arrival at the airport, bus stations or railway stations, avoid taking taxis directly – these are the places where overcharging and other issues are most likely to occur.

Overall, Bolt is the best taxi app for Georgia and my clear recommendation for Tbilisi. It offers a good balance of pricing, driver availability, and safety standards.

The fleet is generally newer, drivers are held to higher standards, and in my experience – and that of most people I know – there are far fewer issues with Bolt than with alternatives.

More Tbilisi travel tips

• How to get from Tbilisi airport to the city – 5 best transport options
• How to use public transport in Tbilisi – complete guide to the metro & buses
• Using GoTrip Georgia for private transfers – easy multi-city trips & day tours
• Didube Bus Station guide – timetables & tips for Georgia’s main bus depot
• Georgia Travel Guide – all my 200+ posts for Georgia
• 25 Tbilisi travel tips – essential reading for first-timers
• The ultimate Georgia itinerary – the best of Tbilisi & beyond in 1-4 weeks
• How to plan your Caucasus travel itinerary – discover Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan
• What to pack for a trip to Georgia – and what to wear in Tbilisi
• The best things to do in Tbilisi – the ultimate insider’s city guide
• Where to stay in Tbilisi – best neighbourhoods & accommodations
• The best restaurants in Tbilisi – where to find the best Georgian food
• The best cafes in Tbilisi – for coworking, coffee & more
• The best breakfasts in Tbilisi – cafes that open early
• The best gift shops in Tbilisi – where to buy authentic souvenirs
• The best walking tours in Tbilisi – discover the city by foot
• Tbilisi’s best walking streets – architecture, people-watching & street photography
• The best boutique hotels in Tbilisi – art hotels, wine hotels & more
• The best hostels in Tbilisi – accommodation on a budget
• Visiting Gulo’s Spa – the best sulfur bath in Tbilisi
• Visiting the Dezerter Bazaar – Tbilisi’s incredible green market