Overview
The Tbilisi Metro (Georgian: თბილისის მეტროპოლიტენი, tbilisis met'rop'olit'eni) is a rapid transit system serving Georgia's capital city. Opened on 11 January 1966, it was the fourth metro system in the former Soviet Union and remains the only metro system in Georgia. The network is operated by the Tbilisi Transport Company, which has run the system since its opening.
As a visitor, you'll find the metro simple to navigate: the system uses a flat-fare, cash-free payment model. You must tap your card or payment method once at the turnstile to enter; no tap-off is required. The metro operates from approximately 06:00 to 00:00 daily. Most stations are notably deep with vivid Soviet-era decoration, reflecting the system's heritage.
The network
The Tbilisi Metro currently consists of two lines serving 23 stations across 28.6 kilometres (17.8 miles). The system is undergoing modernization, including new rolling stock from Chinese manufacturer CRRC as of July 2025.
Metro lines
- Akhmeteli–Varketili Line (Red Line): The original north–south line, serving major stops including Liberty Square, Marjanishvili, Station Square (the main interchange with the second line), and Didube. This line connects the city's central business and cultural districts.
- Saburtalo Line (Green Line): The second line running east–west with six stations. The line was extended to State University station, which opened on 16 October 2017 and meets modern standards with new technologies and facilities.
Station Square serves as the underground interchange between the two lines. English signage appears on platforms, and bilingual announcements are provided. The metro is characterised by very frequent service, especially during peak hours.
Other public transport
The Tbilisi Transport Company also operates buses, minibuses (marshrutkas), and cable cars within the integrated fare system. Bus №337 connects Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport to the city centre, running from approximately 06:59 to 22:59. Several cable cars operate independently: the Bagebi–University Ropeway, Turtle Lake Cable Car, Rike–Narikala Cable Car, Rustaveli–Mtatsminda Cable Car, and Mtatsminda Funicular, though some have separate payment systems not included in standard fares.
Tickets & fares
Flat-fare system
Tbilisi operates a cash-free, flat-fare system with no zones or distance-based pricing. A single journey on the metro, municipal buses, or minibuses costs 1 GEL (Georgian lari). Payment via international bank card or mobile wallet incurs a slightly higher fare of approximately 1.50 GEL per trip. Children under five travel free on the metro and buses.
Transfer policy
A 90-minute transfer window allows unlimited transfers between the metro, buses, minibuses, and Bagebi–University Ropeway on a single fare. This is a significant advantage for multi-leg journeys within the city.
Payment methods
Tbilisi's public transport is entirely cash-free. You must use one of the following to travel:
- International bank card or mobile wallet: Tap directly on turnstiles or validators. This incurs a slightly higher fare than local cards.
- Metromoney card (white): A rechargeable smartcard costing 2 GEL (deposit only). It works on the metro, municipal buses, minibuses, and three cable cars (Bagebi–University Ropeway, Turtle Lake Cable Car, and Rike–Narikala Cable Car). No identification is required, and the card can be shared between passengers.
- Travel Card (blue): A subscription-based card costing 2 GEL to purchase. It caps fares at 20 rides per day and is designed for regular commuters.
Subscription passes
Subscription passes valid on the metro, municipal buses, minibuses, and Bagebi–University Ropeway (excluding tourist cable cars and Mtatsminda services) are available at the following approximate prices:
- 1 day: 3 GEL
- 1 week: 20 GEL
- 1 month: 40 GEL
- 3 months: 100 GEL
- 6 months: 150 GEL
- 1 year: 250 GEL
Where to buy and recharge
Cards and passes are sold at MS cash desks located in all metro stations and at the Narikala Cable Car station. You can also purchase them at Bank of Georgia Express desks, including one at the airport. Recharging is available at orange and white Bank of Georgia Express payboxes on the street and in metro stations; these accept cash and coins. Balance and subscription information can be checked at paybox terminals.
Ticket inspection
Inspectors are common at bus stops and metro stations. They will ask you to tap your card on their handheld terminal. If you have no valid ticket, the fine is 20 GEL, payable at banks or paybox terminals.
From the airport
Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport lies 17 kilometres east of the city centre and is served by several public transport options.
Bus
Bus №337 is the most economical option. It departs from the right corner of the arrival area and runs from approximately 06:59 to 22:59 every 20–30 minutes, with no night service between 23:00 and 06:30 (as of June 2022). The bus travels via Avlabari, Freedom Square, Rustaveli, Republic Square, and Tamar Bridge to the main train station, taking approximately 50 minutes. The fare is 1 GEL with a Metromoney Card or approximately 1.50 GEL with contactless payment via an international bank card. Coins are not accepted. Note that the last airport bus from the city centre may depart earlier than advertised, so plan accordingly.
Taxi
Official taxis charge 20–30 GEL to the city centre, taking approximately 20–30 minutes. Standard rates are listed on a board by the taxi rank as you exit the airport on the right-hand side. Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Yandex.Go offer fares around 20 GEL. Be cautious of unofficial taxi drivers who may aggressively solicit fares and demand inflated prices; scammers have been known to charge several times the legitimate rate. Avoid withdrawing cash from airport ATMs, as some scammer drivers attempt to observe your transaction.
Currency exchange and facilities
The airport has an ATM and a branch of Liberty Bank. Several bureau de change operate 24/7. The three main mobile phone companies sell SIM cards in the arrivals area.
Etiquette & customs
The Tbilisi Metro operates in a bustling urban environment with the following customs and expectations:
- Queuing: Queue discipline at metro entrances and bus stops is expected; locals form orderly lines during peak hours.
- Escalators: When using metro escalators, stand on the right side to allow others to walk past on the left, a convention observed in most Soviet and post-Soviet transit systems.
- Priority seating: Seats near doors and designated areas are reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and families with small children. Offering your seat is appreciated.
- Eating and drinking: Eating is generally not permitted on the metro, though discreet beverage consumption is tolerated. Loud or messy eating is discouraged.
- Rush-hour behaviour: During peak hours (typically 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00), the metro becomes crowded. Expect close quarters and move towards the centre of cars to make space for boarding and alighting passengers. Pushing is commonplace but not considered rude in this context.
- Noise and conduct: Loud conversations are common and generally accepted; the system itself is notably loud due to aging infrastructure. Avoid blocking doors or aisles, and keep your belongings secure in crowded conditions.
- Language: English signage exists on platforms and bilingual announcements are provided, making navigation easier for non-Georgian speakers.
Official links
Survival terms
- მეტრო (metro) – the subway/metro system
- ბილეთი (bileti) – ticket
- ხაზი (khazi) – line
- შესასვლელი (shesasveleli) – entrance
- გამოსასვლელი (gamosasveleli) – exit
- გადაწერი (gadatseri) – transfer
- ერთი მგზავრობა (erti mgzavroba) – single fare
- დღის ბილეთი (dghis bileti) – day pass
Download the official TTC app or use Google Maps for real-time route planning and bus tracking before your journey, as this will help you navigate the system efficiently and avoid uncertainty about connections.