Route guide
Kutaisi Airport (KUT) to Tbilisi
About 245 km from David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport to the capital. Shuttle coaches timed to flights take 3 to 4 hours; a private car takes about the same and can turn the transfer into a day of sightseeing.
Many low-cost flights to Georgia land at Kutaisi, about 20 km west of the city, leaving visitors with a long road to Tbilisi. The cheapest way is a coach that waits for each flight. The quickest is the train from the airport's own station, a short ride from the terminal.
If your flight lands in the morning, a private transfer lets you use the day: Gelati and Bagrati near Kutaisi, Surami, Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta, and dinner in Tbilisi. For a late arrival, the car simply takes you straight to your door.
Ways to go, compared
| Option | Time | Price (2026) | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport shuttle coachBus stand in front of the terminal; tickets online or at the counter after customs | 3-4 h | about 20-30 GEL (about $7-11) in 2026 | Timed to arriving flights, leaving within about an hour of landing |
| Train from Kutaisi Airport stationKutaisi Airport railway station, about 2 km from the terminal | About 3 h | 2nd class from roughly 25 GEL (around $9), 2026 | A few departures a day on the Batumi to Tbilisi line |
| Private transferArrivals hall, with a name sign | 3.5-4 h direct, a full day with stops | see vehicle prices below | Meets any flight, day or night |
- Time
- 3-4 h
- Price
- about 20-30 GEL (about $7-11) in 2026
- How often
- Timed to arriving flights, leaving within about an hour of landing
- From
- Bus stand in front of the terminal; tickets online or at the counter after customs
- Cheap and waits for your flight
- Can take a while to fill and to load bags; drops in central Tbilisi, not at your door
- Time
- About 3 h
- Price
- 2nd class from roughly 25 GEL (around $9), 2026
- How often
- A few departures a day on the Batumi to Tbilisi line
- From
- Kutaisi Airport railway station, about 2 km from the terminal
- Comfortable and reliable
- Few departures; you need a shuttle or taxi to the station
- Time
- 3.5-4 h direct, a full day with stops
- Price
- see vehicle prices below
- How often
- Meets any flight, day or night
- From
- Arrivals hall, with a name sign
- Driver waits for you in arrivals and stops on request
- Costs more for solo travellers
Prices are approximate for 2026 (1 USD is about 2.7 GEL) and change with fuel and season.
Stops on the way
6 stops, adding about 3 h 45 min to the drive. Easy with a private car; buses do not stop.
- 0 km1Kutaisi Airport (KUT)Start
- 25 km2Bagrati CathedralStop about 30 min · 11th-century cathedral on a hill in Kutaisi, restored and in use.
- 35 km3Gelati MonasteryStop about 45 min · UNESCO-listed monastery and academy founded by David the Builder.
- 120 km4Surami FortressStop about 15 min · Small fortress on a hill after the Rikoti tunnels; buy nazuki bread at the roadside.
- 155 km5Uplistsikhe cave townStop about 75 min · Rock-cut town above the river, 10 km off the motorway.
- 160 km6Gori FortressStop about 20 min · Citadel over Gori with wide views.
- 225 km7Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, MtskhetaStop about 40 min · The country's most important cathedral, 20 minutes before Tbilisi.
- 245 km8TbilisiArrive
Private transfer prices
Whole car with driver, one way, stops included. Sample prices
| Vehicle | Seats | One way |
|---|---|---|
| SedanComfortable saloon such as a Toyota Camry or similar hybrid. Right for one to three people with normal luggage on paved roads. | up to 3 | $145 |
| MinivanMercedes Vito, V-Class or similar. For families and groups of four to seven, or three people with a lot of luggage or ski gear. | up to 7 | $195 |
| SUV (4x4)Real four-wheel drive such as a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or Mitsubishi Delica, with a driver used to mountain tracks. Needed for Tusheti, Khevsureti, the upper Truso valley and snowy winter roads. | up to 4 | $185 |
| MinibusMercedes Sprinter or similar with air conditioning, for groups of eight to seventeen. Paved roads only. | up to 17 | $320 |
- Send us your flight number: the driver tracks the arrival and waits even if you are delayed.
- Many Kutaisi flights land late at night. A private car avoids a 3 a.m. coach and takes you straight to your hotel.
- Change a little money or use the airport ATMs before you leave: cafes on the way may not take cards.
Do it with us
Kutaisi Airport (KUT) to Tbilisi, privately
Any date, any group size. Private guide, transport, horses and camping gear if needed.
Ready-made tourEast to West6 days · from $1,110 pp (sample)Kutaisi Airport (KUT) to Tbilisi: FAQ
How far is Kutaisi airport from Tbilisi?
About 245 km by road, roughly 3.5 to 4 hours by car or coach.
Do coaches meet late-night flights at Kutaisi?
Shuttle coaches are timed to arriving flights, including late ones, but check your flight on the operator's site before you travel.
Can I stop for sightseeing on the way from Kutaisi airport?
Yes, with a private transfer. Gelati, Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta are the usual choices and add about 4 hours in total.
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
Tours on this road
Book a private transfer with stops
Kutaisi Airport (KUT) to Tbilisi in your own car with driver, stopping at Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, Surami Fortress and more. Fixed price, any time.
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