Public transport in Georgia. Public transport in georgia

Public transport well developed in Georgia. IN major cities passengers are transported by buses and minibuses. And in the capital of Georgia - Tbilisi, there are also metro, funicular and cable car. Trolleybuses, which only recently existed in all major cities, have now disappeared.

There are few information boards with bus schedules. Most of the information is in Georgian. Very rarely there are maps with bus routes in English.

Great help in finding the right bus or minibus can be provided by local residents, most of whom are fluent in Russian.

Tickets in Georgia

Inspectors in yellow uniforms periodically work on the buses, they check the tickets themselves and collect a fine of 5 lari (105 rubles) for stowaway. If the passenger does not want to pay for the fare, then the controllers can call the police, in which case the fine will be 20 lari (420 rubles).

City buses in Georgia

There are city buses in all cities of Georgia, in Tbilisi they are mostly new buses painted yellow. Usually these are medium and small size buses, designed for 40 to 60 passengers.

Buses stop only at stops, they work strictly according to the schedule from 06:00 to 20:00. Many buses have electronic boards on which the route is written, and the next stop will always be indicated on such boards. In most buses, stop announcements are made in Georgian, less often in English.

You can see the movement of buses in Tbilisi in real time in English.

In addition to buses, minibuses have become one of the most popular modes of transport. big cities these are yellow Ford Transit cars for 16-18 passengers. In small Georgian towns and villages, any suitable minibuses can be used as minibuses.

The operating mode of minibuses in each city of Georgia is different, so in Tbilisi they start working on average from 08:00 to 20:00. After 20:00 most citizens use buses or taxis. In other regions of Georgia, especially where minibuses are practically the only mode of transport, they operate until late in the evening.

There are several important differences between minibuses in Tbilisi and minibuses in other cities. The most important of them is that in Tbilisi minibuses, in addition to cash payment, there are reusable travel cards for buses.

The fact that air conditioners are installed in new cars that work on hot days adds to the great popularity of minibuses in Tbilisi.

Metro in Georgia

There is a metro in Georgia only in Tbilisi. It consists of 2 lines - Akhmeteli-Varketil and Saburtalo with 22 stations on them.

Metro operating hours: 06:00 - 24:00.

The intervals between trains during peak hours are about 2-3 minutes, closer to the night, when there are fewer passengers, the intervals increase to 10-12 minutes. The entrance to the Tbilisi metro is marked with a red letter M.

The main convenience of the Tbilisi metro is that it conveniently connects the city center with the railway station and bus stations of Ortachala and Didube. All signs in the carriages, as well as at the stations, except for the Georgian language, are also duplicated in English. Announcements in carriages are also in Georgian and English.

The best (and cheapest) way to get around Georgia is by public transport. He, however, like food in this country is still cheap. There are, of course, organized excursions on comfortable buses with qualified guides, but it's a pleasure and costs accordingly.

Although the territory of Georgia is not too big, the difficult terrain does not make it easy and simple to move around it. To make it more convenient to travel around Georgia, it is best to use a simple scheme - to stay in Tbilisi, and from there travel along the trajectory of a star. That is, in the morning I went along a certain route, and in the evening I returned back. And so every day. Thus, you can see almost all the most interesting places in the country. The easiest and most profitable way to go on such trips is by minibuses. They are very economical, but, unfortunately, it is difficult to call such a trip comfortable. On them it will be possible to reach almost all the most popular sights.

Another good way is to rent a car. Then you will be completely unattached to time and schedules. True, if you are going to go on excursions to mountainous areas, it is best to immediately rent a jeep. A car will not pass in the mountains. I must say right away that driving in this country is an occupation for desperate extreme sportsmen. Rules traffic in Georgia, of course, there are, however, few people observe them. Traffic on Georgian roads is very chaotic, drivers often exceed the speed limit, give signals to other drivers, acquaintances, pedestrians, and simply shout loudly from their windows. Vehicle. At the same time, they also frantically gesticulate with their hands.

There is one more good option how to hire a driver with personal transport. True, it will be more expensive, and you will have to pay extra for gasoline. But you will save your nerves, and the driver will know the roads very well, and it will be much easier for him to negotiate with local population in which case.

You can also travel by train. Trains run regularly - day and night. They connect the capital of Georgia with western part countries. Train tickets are inexpensive, the cars in them are new, modern - both reserved seats and compartments. Tickets can be purchased on the second floor of the building railway station. For example, from Tbilisi to the city of Batumi, a ticket will cost approximately 15-20 GEL. And during the trip you will be able to admire magnificent landscapes outside the window.

And it should also be noted that Georgia is the rarest country where you can easily get around by hitchhiking. Here, with great joy, they deliver even on rural roads. At the same time, you can still be invited to visit and feed deliciously.

When visiting Georgia, you need to remember that there are two regions on the territory of this country, the official status of which has not yet been determined. These are Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The crime rate in them is much higher, although Russian troops are stationed there. Near the borders of these regions, you should be more careful, it is better not to visit them if you do not want problems with the Georgian police or fines. If you still intend to visit them, then it is better to go there from the Russian side.

20,329 km, 7,854 km paved (including 13 km of expressways). Car traffic is on the right.

dense network bus routes connects almost everything settlements countries, many flights are operated by private carriers. State bus depot deplorable enough. Many buses do not have a clear schedule and depart as the passenger compartment fills up. The fare is paid to the driver. On most flights, the bus stops at any place at the request of the passenger.

A more convenient form of transport is fixed-route taxis, but they also depart irregularly, only as the cabin is full, and run only between the main tourist areas and airports.

With the exception of major cities, All passenger traffic across the country is carried out by minibuses. IN mountainous areas the frequency of departures is much lower.

The main modes of transport in Tbilisi are the subway, bus, fixed-route and regular taxis.

Taxi drivers, depending on the company, charge 1-2 lari per 1 km. way (it is preferable to agree on a price in advance) depending on the direction and time.

Tbilisi metro (two lines, open from 6.00 to 23.00) is very convenient for tourists, because it connects historical Center cities with railway station and bus stations. IN Lately the condition of the subway has improved markedly.

Traveling by car requires certain skills and preparation. The roads are in a worn condition. In mountainous regions and in the provinces, they are often simply absent, all transportation is carried out along gravel and gravel roads, which are quite difficult to pass without the help of local residents. It is simply impossible to get to some parts of the country by car - many roads are simply impassable without special equipment. Road signs and pointers are also often missing completely. Gas stations are extremely rare and sell disgusting quality gasoline everywhere.

Compliance (or rather - non-compliance) with the rules of the road local residents- a separate problem. Often cars move without any sign of organization at all. But pedestrians who cross any road (even relatively good highways of national importance) where and how they please, "do not lag behind" them. Everywhere, especially in the provinces, cattle are driven right along the road. Yes, and just a lonely cow on main street some town (often not at all small) is quite a common occurrence. Lighting on the streets is poor, and often non-existent. Petrol good quality can only be found in the capital.

With the exception of the Tbilisi-Batumi highway, all other roads have not been repaired for many years, and average speed traffic on them usually does not exceed 50 km / h. In addition, almost all mountain roads Svaneti, Javakheti and Kakheti.

Local drivers are happy (and often free) to pick up random fellow travelers, and often make an extra detour on purpose to deliver the passenger to the place.

Last changes: 26.01.2013

Air transport

Domestic flights are carried out between Tbilisi and Batumi, the cost of the flight is relatively high.

Air transport is relatively underdeveloped, as the size of the country is small, and mountainous relief seriously complicates air travel.

Last changes: 04.06.2010

Railway transport

Georgian trains are similar to those existing in Russia and are divided into compartment and general. The fare is relatively low. There is a daily Express train Tbilisi-Batumi with seating, departing in the morning.

Bed linen is paid separately ($1).

Some difficulties for the tourist are the lack of duplicate inscriptions, signs and timetables in Russian (or English) at the stations. Everything is exclusively in Georgian, and it is possible to understand timetables, platforms and trains only with the help of local residents.

The third article of the IGotoWorld.com special project "Georgia for Tourists" will help you plan your vacation in Georgia. We covered different types transport in different cities. The indicated prices, tips and notes will definitely come in handy for you.

Georgian transport allows foreign guests and Georgians themselves to get acquainted not only with large cities, but also go to intercity travel, mountains and sea. But it is quite diverse and has its own specifics: therefore, a small tourist guide transport communication for beginners it won't hurt.

Taxi, subway, buses, trains, planes, ships, cars... Georgia has many options for how to get around. Therefore, before leaving, try to consult with the locals and study the tips experienced travelers and drivers (compatriots and foreigners) - this is the optimal combination for a successful trip.

City taxi in Georgia

Taxi services in Georgia work stably in all major cities and near tourist sites. In Tbilisi, for example, a taxi to any part of the city costs 3-5 GEL, to the airport - up to 7 GEL (at night - a little more expensive). By the way, always ask the cost of the trip before getting into the car: if the taxi driver clearly overcharges, then feel free to refuse! And you will see how he himself will follow you to offer a substantial discount.

In Tbilisi, taxis are generally a universal mode of transport, they are everywhere here. You can either order a car with one call to the taxi service, or stop it on the street, or sit down with a free driver in the parking lot.

Route taxis in Georgia

In large cities of Georgia, a network of fixed-route taxis (mini-buses) is developed. The fare in Tbilisi is 3-4 lari (depending on the direction of the route and mileage). Shuttle taxis run regularly, from 7:00 to 24:00. They stop basically where you raise your hand. The same is true here, anywhere.

Metro in Tbilisi

There is a metro in Georgia only in Tbilisi. The Georgian subway consists of two lines and 21 stations. It is open from 6:00 to 24:00. The fare is 1.5 GEL. The metro here is very convenient, they can get not only to the center, but to areas of the city that are otherwise difficult and expensive to get to. Fare is paid through a special metro card: first you need to buy it at the station, and then simply replenish it as needed. The minimum price of such a card is equal to the cost of a one-time trip.

City and intercity buses in Georgia

Another option for traveling around the city and between cities is buses. Urban routes (developed in all major cities) are slightly cheaper than fixed-route taxis. They go to Tbilisi from 7:00 to 24:00, stop only at stops. The bus often has to wait.

Intercity buses often collect passengers at parking lots (bus stations) near metro stations in Tbilisi. This is one of the main types of communication between cities and villages in Georgia. In particular there are bus stations at metro stations Didube, Samgori, Isani. Also, the bus stations are located near the railway station and the bus station "Ortachala" (it can be reached fixed-route taxi No. 94 from the railway station or fixed-route taxi No. 94 st. Didube).

The most popular bus station is near the station. Didube. From here you can reach, for example, Gori, Mtskheta, Gudauri, Borjomi, Kutaisi, Batumi. Details and fares should be obtained at the ticket office of the bus station or at the information offices. For example, the road from Tbilisi to Kutaisi can take from three to four hours and cost 10-14 GEL. It is faster and more expensive to travel not by a direct fixed-route taxi, but international flights, which follow both through the capital and through Kutaisi.

By the way, together with the route "there" even on short distances it is worth planning the return trip, finding out the bus schedule "from there" at the box office and directly from the drivers. It happens that return message stops pretty early, in some directions - already from 16:00. Or book a hotel right away :)

Georgian trains: intercity traffic

Trains connect Tbilisi with such cities as Gori, Kutaisi, Poti, Zugdidi, Batumi, Borjomi, Kobuleti and the like. Also ply electric train from the railway station to the airport. The fare for all directions can be found on the website of the Georgian railway.

The train from Tbilisi to Kutaisi, for example, takes 5-6 hours. Estimated cost trips in the second class - 23 GEL. You can get to Batumi from Tbilisi in almost the same time, but already for 55 GEL. To select and buy a ticket online on the railway website, you will have to register there.

Car rental in Georgia

If you feel like a confident driver (what we are talking about, we will talk more at the end of the material), then in major cities of Georgia you can rent a car. After all, there are many tourist attractions that are otherwise very difficult to reach. In addition, even the picturesque routes of the road are much more real and interesting to inspect. Although there are routes and situations when it is better to take not only a car, but also hire a driver.

A driver can rent a car only if he is already 21 years old, and two of them are driving experience. You also need to have international driver license. The car rental service is quite expensive (depending on the type of car and the number of rental days), indicative prices start from 90-100 GEL per day although ordering online can cut costs by 20-30%.

In addition, you will need to make an insurance deposit (about 300-400 GEL) and be ready to fully take responsibility for the car. If you provoke an accident, lose keys or documents, etc., the deposit will not be returned to you. All rules and requirements of the lease must be clarified and studied in detail before you sign the documents.

Air communication in Georgia

Air communication is not the most popular mode of transport in Georgia itself. Domestic flights connect Tbilisi with Batumi, Kutaisi, Senaki, etc. More often domestic flights are made between Tbilisi and Batumi. Estimated cost - 135 GEL (if you buy a ticket in Georgia), about 270 GEL - if you need to buy a ticket outside the country. It seems that the time spent (not all flights have direct connections, there are also transfers) and the high cost rarely justify the benefits of domestic flights to Georgia.

Funicular and Georgian cable cars

Funicular and observation deck is one of the tourist attractions of Tbilisi. An excursion from the city center to the upper park on Mount Mtatsminda costs 10 GEL. This is the rise to observation deck on the mountain by funicular and descent from there. The start of the trip is the seaport. The middle stop of the funicular is the pantheon of public figures and poets of Georgia. A regular trip by the Tbilisi funicular for adults costs 2 lari, for children - 1 lari. The funicular operates seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 4:00 am.

Another type of tourist transport in Georgia is cable cars. cableways. There are two of them here, in Tbilisi and in Batumi. Metropolitan cable car the road goes to the observation deck, from where Tbilisi is visible at a glance. A particularly magnificent view from here opens in the evening and at night on brightly lit churches, streets, architectural structures... Cableway in Tbilisi combines Europe Square and Narikala Fortress. The floor in all seven gondolas (designed for 8 people) is transparent, so here you can see in detail Old city And botanical gardens. The fare is from 1 GEL. The road operates from 11:00 to 23:00.

Cable car "Argo" in Batumi.

After the success of the cable car in Tbilisi, the Georgian authorities wanted to build nine more. The first of them has already been opened - this is cable car "Argo" in Batumi. The road starts from seaport, 2,600 m are overcome in 10 minutes, so that you get to Mount Feria, to the observation deck. Here always long lines wishing to see Batumi from a bird's eye view. Ticket price - 5 GEL (for children - 3 GEL). Opening hours - from 09:00 to 22:00 daily. Connoisseurs recommend: romantic trips work out in good weather On the Sunset;)

There is also a special "capital" cable cars- city of Chiatura. Here are the old cable cars of the region. They perform in industrial city function of public transport. The trailers here are very old, but they still work: there are only 15 functioning cable cars left in the city, and there were dozens. You should go to Chiaturi only with one of the local escorts. Now the government is dreaming of funds for the revival of cable cars, but in fact the situation remains as it is.

Bicycles in Batumi

The "cycling capital" of Georgia - the city of Batumi. Bicycles are perhaps the most popular mode of transport here, especially among active tourists and restless youth. Of course, first of all we are talking about seasonal skiing in the warm season.

Bicycle path on the embankment in Batumi.

It's nice that tourists do not have to drag their two-wheeled friends with them to Georgia. The city has a whole system of bike rental, which makes renting a bike simple and convenient. First you need to contact the information center. It is located near the Wedding Palace and singing fountains. They will give you a special card and explain what to do with it. The only condition is to have with you not only funds, but also a passport.

Just one hour of using a bicycle costs 2 GEL. But the tariffs for bike rental when buying a card are somewhat different. For a day - 4 lari (four lari on the account, this is a seasonal card). For 10 days - 10 lari (4 - the price of the card, 6 - to the account, this is also a seasonal card). There is also a universal (annual) card in Batumi. Its price is 20 lari, 10 of which will immediately be in the account.

Bicycle rental on the embankment in Batumi.

With the purchased and, accordingly, replenished card, the world of bicycle stations opens up for you (there are many of them on the embankment and in the whole city), where they rent bicycles. Numerous bike paths in Batumi(they're everywhere) lead to everything possible interesting places around.

Walks by the Black Sea in Georgia

Romantic or adventure cruises on charter yachts in Georgia they are organized in tourist-attractive cities above the sea. These are, first of all, the coasts of Batumi, as well as various intercity sea ​​routes on climatic resorts(for example, Zugdidi - Kobuleti - Ureki - Anaklia - Zugdidi). Estimated cost of the tour - from 150 GEL, yacht rental - 180-220 GEL per hour.

Internal maritime passenger traffic in Georgia is actually not practiced(as opposed to international). Seaports perform industrial, administrative, international and tourism functions.

Seaport in Batumi.

Worth knowing for drivers and pedestrians in Georgia

The situation on Georgian roads is quite specific even for pedestrians. First impression - here they go and go, who and how they want. Unfortunately, about half of the drivers do not have a license at all. From the point of view of a pedestrian, everything looks chaotic, you will not master the art of crossing the road right away. Drivers do what they want, for which they are regularly stopped by the police. But that doesn't change the situation much.

Roads in Georgia are much better than Ukrainian ones (primarily urban and rural), but not in the mountains. There are traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, but they are rarely used by both drivers and pedestrians. And since the streets here are mostly narrow, Georgian traffic becomes even more difficult. Actually, therefore, inexperienced drivers are not recommended to drive either their own or rented cars, and pedestrians need to be very careful in terms of their own safety!

The professionalism of the Georgian police somewhat softens the impression in this respect. The police react instantly to the offense they see, but rather mildly when it comes to minor violations. There are also virtually no cases of bribery on the roads.. Although tourists sometimes notice that the rules of the road sometimes seem to change here - depending on how high the cost of the car of a traffic participant is ... Maybe that's why even in small mountain villages, even at a wretched house, there is often a solid jeep. Perhaps this is a “fly in the ointment” in the sweet and attractive image of Georgia, but experience suggests that most tourists quickly learn to cope with it.

Today I will tell you about transport in Georgia: minibuses, trains, buses, planes, taxis. How can you move around the country? What is the cheapest and most convenient way to get to one or another region? All this is in the post below.

Read also:

Aircraft

Air communication in Georgia is not developed. The country is quite small, so it can be traveled in a few hours by minibus and bus, so planes are not popular. I know only two airlines flying inside Georgia - Vanilla Sky and Airzena.

Urban public transport in Georgia

Tbilisi has a metro that is very convenient for moving around the city and cheap (only 0.5 GEL). In addition to it, you can travel around the capital by buses and minibuses - all this is connected to a single network and is paid using a special card that needs to be bought and topped up. The only inconvenience is that all the inscriptions on the buses are in Georgian, you can’t figure it out without the help of locals.