Bus from Kutaisi Airport (KUT) to Tbilisi – Schedule, Tickets and Travel Tips

Grab the bus from Kutaisi Airport (KUT) to Tbilisi for the fastest city-center arrival. This direct transfer keeps costs low and avoids the hassle of multiple connections, helping you start your trip with confidence.

Schedule and tickets are clear: buses depart from the airport every 60–120 minutes from early morning to late evening. The first option usually appears around 05:30 and the last around 21:00; travel time is typically about 3 hours. For the latest times, search on google, and verify on the operator’s site before you go. Tickets can be bought at the Kutaisi airport desk, online via the operator, or on board where allowed.

Where you end up in Tbilisi matters: most buses drop you at Didube Bus Station, after which locals take a taxi or a short city bus to your hotel. If you prefer a fixed plan, book a transfer service in advance or use a ride-hail app to lock in a flat rate. Also consider money matters: carry GEL, and use atms near the terminal if you need cash before heading into the city.

Travel tips from locals: the route is reliable and best for budget travelers. Outside the airport, grab a bite or a coffee, then head to the city. Kutaisi offers wine and clay crafts; these stops make the trip more enjoyable, and ifyoud like to save time, youd grab a seat on the first available bus.

Second, if delays happen, a pre-booked taxi transfer is a reliable backup. You can also order a private transfer to a flat-rate price, available at the airport desk or through local operators. By planning ahead, you avoid long lines and connect smoothly to your Tbilisi plans, whether you stay near the busiest districts or explore city landmarks.

Direct Bus Routes from KUT to Tbilisi: Stops, Duration and Frequency

Stops along the direct route

Direct KUT–Tbilisi buses are made for speed and reliability. The common direct service departs Kutaisi Airport area from the main station and goes to Tbilisi Didube. The route code is KUT-TSI. bertcompanycountonecompanyname confirms one operator runs this direct link. The line usually stops briefly at Samtredia for a fuel break, then continues to Didube in the capital city area. mestia is not part of this line; if you need mestia, take a separate service.

Duration and frequency

Trip duration ranges from 4h15m to 4h45m under normal traffic. Expect longer times during peak travel periods. The fleet includes coaches and cars, with seating for 40–50 passengers. Departures occur 4–6 times per day, with morning, midday and evening options; weekends often bring more frequent services. For booking, use the route code KUT-TSI when you search or buy tickets, which helps identify the direct option. If you stay near the airport area, a taxi to the departure point is quick and convenient.

Kutaisi Airport Bus Schedule: Daily Timetables and Seasonal Variations

Book seats ahead and pick the first morning departure; arriving into central Tbilisi before noon saves time and avoids traffic peaks.

Daily operation runs from early morning to late evening, and the timetable shows departures roughly every 2-3 hours. In high season, frequencies increase, while in quieter periods some hours may see a longer gap or a stop skipped. This means you can usually plan a ride that fits your flight and hotel check‑in times, but some times vary by day.

Seasonal variations happen: in summer, extra weekend runs appear to handle higher demand; on thursday there are sometimes additional departures to cover busy periods; in winter, one morning run may be taken off. Having a flexible plan helps, but you can still reach central Tbilisi within a comfortable window.

The timetable is posted in the arrival hall and at the offices, and the post or online booking options offer a straightforward way to reserve seats. If you’re traveling with a private transfer, this means a driver meets you at the hall exit; transfers to central Tbilisi area get you close to hotels and offices without extra hassle. For travelers with wizzair arrivals, aligning the flight time with an early service often saves time and avoids unnecessary waiting. The schedule shows various stops along the route, so you can plan a pause at a convenient stop or continue straight to your destination.

Sample Daily Timetable

Sample hours (subject to change): 06:30, 09:15, 12:55, 15:40, 18:50, 21:20. Times depend on season and operator, and high-speed road conditions can alter drive times slightly. Always verify at the hall or with the offices before leaving the airport.

If a train or flight post‑arrival schedule shifts, the next service usually leaves within an hour; having the timetable on your phone or printed from the desk helps you stay on track. In peak periods, seats can fill quickly, so taking the early option avoids having to stand and makes the transfer smoother.

Seasonal notes for travelers

Summer brings additional late afternoon and weekend runs; winter may reduce one morning option. Depending on your arrival time with wizzair or other airports, you can leave the hall directly for a central transfer or drive to the city center. If you miss a service, you can catch a later one and still reach the central area without backtracking, which saves time and avoids unnecessary detours.

Tickets, Fares and Where to Buy: Options for Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi

Book today on official platforms to lock in the best fare and avoid last-minute surcharges.

You cant rely on a single option, so stay flexible. From Kutaisi Airport (KUT) to Tbilisi you can grab marshrutka minibuses, intercity buses from Kutaisi city, private transfers via Bolt, or a train from Kutaisi city. The источник for schedules is official operator pages and the airport information desk. International connections exist across Georgia’s bus and rail networks, especially if you plan to combine routes.

• Marshrutkas from the airport curb: fare typically 8–15 GEL, travel time about 3–4 hours. Tickets are paid on board in GEL; departures run from early morning to late evening, with Sunday schedules sometimes less frequent. Use the posted platform boards or ask staff at the nearby store for the next ride; grab a seat when you see your bound destination on the display.
• Intercity buses from Kutaisi city to Tbilisi: fare around 12–22 GEL, duration 3–4 hours. Buy at the bus station ticket counters or via operator platforms; promotions or bundles may appear online. Paying by card is not always available, so keep GEL handy.
• Private transfers (Bolt and similar apps): door-to-door service, convenient for luggage or tight transfers. Prices vary with demand and distance; you can book today for a fixed rate. Compare Bolt with versa options from other providers to choose the best deal.
• Train option from Kutaisi city to Tbilisi: check Georgian Railways for schedules and fares; travel time roughly 5 hours. You’ll need a short taxi ride from the airport to Kutaisi city train station, and tickets are available on the railway site or at the station (platforms can vary by train).
• Tips for planning: keep nearby alternatives in mind, and be aware that tbilisi-batumi operator pages may bundle routes; always verify you’re selecting Kutaisi → Tbilisi. Promotions and post updates can help you save today.

For a quick start, check the official transport operator sites, visit the airport information desk, or use ride-hailing apps like Bolt. This approach keeps you paying less and ensures you have solid connections for easy city arrival.

Fastest Way from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi: Private Transfer vs Public Bus

For fastest, door‑to‑door travel, hire a private transfer. A driver will meet you at arrivals (david can greet you with a name board) and take you directly to your central Tbilisi address, avoiding stops and detours. That option consistently beats the public bus on arrival times and convenience.

1. Private transfer: how it works and what you gain. The service is fixed‑time, with a professional driver ready to assist with luggage and provide bottled water if you’d like. The route uses maps to pick the best path, adjusting for traffic if needed. Typical drive time ranges from about 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes, depending on traffic along the central corridor. The total distance is well over 200km, so the time difference versus a bus is meaningful, especially during peak hours. From the airport, the first leg to the highway is a quick push through city roads–roughly 22km if you start from certain pickup points–and then a steady highway ride toward central Tbilisi. Prices vary by vehicle type (sedan, SUV, or minivan) and can be quoted as a fixed rate so there is no surprise at arrival. Some operators offer cash payments, while others accept cards, so you can choose what’s easiest. Hiring a driver means you’ll know the departure time in advance and you’ll arrive at your hotel or chosen address in central Tbilisi on the same day.

2. Public bus: how it works and what you give up. Buses and marshrutkas from Kutaisi to Tbilisi run daily, with scheduled departures roughly every 1–3 hours depending on the operator. The trip usually takes 4–6 hours, longer if you encounter traffic or make city stops. Tickets are inexpensive (roughly a few euros) and you can pay with cash; check if the operator accepts atms or card payments at the terminal. Buses typically arrive at Didube or Ortachala bus stations in Tbilisi, not your hotel doorstep, so you’ll need a taxi or another ride to reach the central area. Data shows that these options are reliable but slower, and Thursday mornings or afternoons can see heavier traffic, which further extends the journey. If you’re traveling on a tight schedule, consider private transfer to avoid the unpredictability of public departures and connections. The Batumi-Tbilisi service is a separate route and won’t directly serve Kutaisi to Tbilisi; focus on the direct Kutaisi–Tbilisi options instead.

Comparison snapshot:

• Times: private transfer typically 2.0–2.5 hours; public bus 4.0–6.0 hours.
• Cost: private transfer higher (varies by vehicle); public bus much cheaper (a few euros).
• Convenience: private transfer offers door‑to‑door service; public bus requires additional transit to your final address.
• Flexibility: private transfer uses a fixed departure; public buses follow a published timetable with possible delays.
• Arrival: private transfer arrives at central Tbilisi; public bus delivers you to Didube/Ortachala terminals with further travel needed.

Practical tips to streamline your choice:

• Book ahead to lock in a fixed departure and avoid last‑minute hassle.
• Ask the operator if they offer meet‑and‑greet (david or another name) at arrivals and whether bottled water is included.
• Check payment options: cash or card, and note you may need cash for some private transfers and for public buses at the terminal.
• Carry local currency and have a few euros handy for small payments or tips; ATMs are widely available at the airport and in central Kutaisi and Tbilisi.
• Use maps to track the route in real time and follow any road‑works or detours that could affect estimated arrival times.
• If you’re flexible with time, public bus options can be a reliable budget choice, but count on longer travel and extra transit from the terminal to your final stop.
• For groups, hiring a minivan can maximize comfort and keep everyone together, which makes the private option even more attractive.
• Note day‑of‑week patterns: thursday services may shift departure times or frequency, so check the schedule a day ahead.
• Be aware that some routes labeled batumi-tbilisi refer to a different corridor; stick with the Kutaisi–Tbilisi line for a direct transfer.
• Arrival experiences vary: some drivers will assist with luggage underneath the vehicle and arrange onward transfer to central Poti or other destinations if needed.

Practical Travel Tips: Luggage, Boarding, and Airport Transfers

Book a pre-arranged transfer from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi as your first move; this is the easiest and most reliable way to start your journey. A driver will come to the outside arrivals area, help with your hand luggage, and drive you straight into the city center, avoiding unnecessary stops. If you prefer, you can choose a private van or car for a direct mode of travel into town.

Keep a compact hand luggage setup: a small backpack with essentials, a charger, a change of clothes for the first day, and travel documents in an easy-to-reach pocket. This reduces risk of misplacing items and lets you move across the terminal without extra rummaging. Pack flat where possible to maximize space in your bag and under seats.

Boarding tips: check gate or platform numbers on the screens; in some areas, platforms can be outside the main building, with covered walkways. Arrive 20–30 minutes before your bus or transfer while Saturday and Thursday schedules may differ. The nearest information desk opens early and can point you to the correct platforms, keeping your plan simple and smooth.

If you prefer a budget option, regional buses offer frequent routes to the city, but they may involve more stops and a longer journey. If you take a private transfer, the driver meets you at the curb, handles the doors, and drives you directly into the city. They cut travel time and make the overall means of travel straightforward, especially right after arrival.

Alternatives to the Bus: Train, Marshrutka, and Taxi Options from KUT

Choose the train from KUT for comfortable seats and reliable schedules; from the airport, leave the terminal and head to Kutaisi railway station (about a 20–30 minute ride by taxi). The Georgian Railways service runs several times daily to Tbilisi, with travel times around 4–6 hours depending on the class and service. Tickets can be bought online, at the station, or via the official code-based booking options. Check schedules on a Wednesday or any day you travel, as minor changes can occur. If youd rather have a door-to-door option or need flexibility, marshrutka or taxi will fit that need. Below are quick pointers for each option, and you’ll see how they line up with your data needs, like data-destination-countrygeorgia tags used in some apps. bertcompanycountonecompanyname may appear in listings as a vendor tag, which you can ignore if it doesn’t match the service you choose.

Train options from KUT

From Kutaisi Airport, reach Kutaisi railway station to access the train line to Tbilisi. Departure times are published in the official schedules, and you can leave with confidence knowing that second-class or higher-class options provide comfortable seats and soft interiors. The trip goes around 4–6 hours, depending on stops and service type, so plan your arrival accordingly. Tickets are available online or at the station; bring your passport if required for the booking, and use the ticket code at purchase to speed the process. If you want a calmer ride, the train usually offers steadier speeds and fewer stops than road options. For travel apps, this route is commonly tagged with data-destination-countrygeorgia to help you filter results.

Marshrutka and taxi options from KUT

Marshrutkas from Kutaisi central minibuses station run to Tbilisi roughly every 1–2 hours from early morning to late evening, and the ride takes about 3–4 hours depending on traffic. Prices typically sit in a lower range than a private taxi, around 20–35 GEL per person; you pay at the window or directly to the driver, depending on the operator. To catch one, go to the Kutaisi central bus/minibus terminal; wait times are usually short, and you’ll see the board listing the Tbilisi routes. If you prefer a private transfer, a taxi from the airport to Tbilisi is convenient and door-to-door, with a typical price of 150–250 GEL depending on your final stop in Tbilisi and traffic. The driver can wait for you at the arrival area and assist with luggage. booking in advance with a local firm can yield a fixed price and smoother service. In all cases, verify the exact destination on the driver’s note or the app listing, and confirm the pickup point before you leave the airport. Below are a few practical tips to help you decide which option fits best for your plans.