Tbilisi International Airport — named after Shota Rustaveli — is Georgia’s main air gateway and plays an ever-growing role in connecting the country with the world. In 2026 the airport is undergoing a major upgrade — an expansion of the new terminal, added flights to new destinations, and improved services. This guide covers everything you need to know about Tbilisi Airport before your flight.
Tbilisi Airport — Key Facts
- Full name: Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport
- IATA code: TBS
- ICAO code: UGTB
- Operator: TAV Georgia (Akfen Holding)
- Distance from the center: 17 km
- Terminals: 1 (passenger, international and domestic)
- Website: tbilisiairport.com
How to Get from the Airport to the Center of Tbilisi
There are several convenient options for getting from the airport to the center:
1. Bus N37
The most economical solution — 1 GEL one-way. Runs every 25–30 minutes, 24/7. Stops: Station Square → Rustaveli Avenue → Freedom Square → Avlabari → Aviation (airport).
Duration: 35–50 minutes (depending on traffic).
2. Train
There is a railway station at the airport. The train to Tbilisi central station — 0.5 GEL, 25 minutes. Runs 4–5 times a day.
3. Taxi (Bolt, Yandex Go)
A taxi via the apps — 15–25 GEL. Fixed taxis at the airport — 35–45 GEL. Always use an app.
4. Transfer
Many hotels offer a free or 30–50 GEL transfer — specify it when booking.
Tbilisi Airport Flight Schedule 2026
In 2026 Tbilisi is connected to 35+ cities worldwide. The most popular destinations:
- Tbilisi — Istanbul (Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, AnadoluJet — daily)
- Tbilisi — Baku (Azerbaijan Airlines, Buta Airways)
- Tbilisi — Paris (Air France, Georgian Airways)
- Tbilisi — Amsterdam (KLM)
- Tbilisi — Rome (ITA Airways, Georgian Airways)
- Tbilisi — Moscow
- Tbilisi — Tel Aviv
- Tbilisi — Athens
The full flight schedule and price comparison — on Flygeorgia.ge.
The Airport Terminal — What to Know
The airport has a single terminal, but domestic and international flights are in different zones. Procedures:
- Arrival at the airport: 2 hours ahead for an international flight
- Check-in: each airline has its own desk. Online check-in — recommended
- Security check: standard European rules (1 litre of liquid, in 100 ml containers)
- Passport control: e-gates for Georgians — with a biometric passport
- Departure zone: 30+ shops, restaurants, a lounge (Priority Pass accepted)
Parking at Tbilisi Airport
The airport offers 3 types of parking:
- P1 — Short-term: 4 GEL/hour, first 15 minutes free. By the terminal.
- P2 — Mid-term: 25 GEL/24 hours. 200 m from the terminal.
- P3 — Long-term: 15 GEL/24 hours. 500 m away, with a shuttle.
Tip: always book online — it’s 20% cheaper.
Airport Services
- WiFi: free, 60 minutes (paid afterwards)
- Lounges: Primeclass Lounge — €35 (free with Priority Pass)
- ATMs: all major banks are present
- Currency Exchange: 24/7
- SIM card: Magti, Geocell, Beeline — in the arrivals zone
- Baby room: in the international zone
Tbilisi vs Batumi vs Kutaisi — Which Airport Is Better?
Georgia has 3 international airports. The choice depends on the destination:
- Tbilisi (TBS): the most destinations, the most premium airlines
- Batumi (BUS): seasonal flights (summer), mostly charter
- Kutaisi (KUT): the Wizz Air hub — the cheapest flights to Europe
5 Practical Tips for Flyers
- Arrive 2 hours ahead for international, 1 hour for domestic. Pre-flight queues are often long on morning flights.
- Use online check-in. Every European airline charges €35–40 for a ticket at the airport.
- Get a SIM card on arrival. Magti — the most stable 4G/5G.
- If you have a long layover, visit Tbilisi. 17 km away — pop into the center for 2–3 hours.
- Check the currency. The lari is the only official currency; dollars/euros come at variable rates at ATMs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the airport have a lounge?
Yes. Primeclass Lounge — in the international zone. Can be free with Priority Pass.
Can I manage without prior knowledge?
Yes, Tbilisi Airport has a single terminal and is clearly signposted. Everything is duplicated in English and Georgian.
How much is a taxi to the center?
Bolt/Yandex — 15–25 GEL. A fixed price for fixed taxis — 35–45 GEL.
Conclusion
Tbilisi International Airport is one of the most orderly and traveler-friendly airports in the region. Arriving on time, online check-in, and the right transport choice — everything you need for a smooth flight. Start your flight search and plan your trip.