I was traveling to Kutaisi, the capital of the Imereti region, knowing only that it is the second most important city in Georgia. The acquaintance turned out to be quite rapid, but this made it even brighter.
It’s worth coming to Kutaisi to remember the legend of the Argonauts, see the most expensive fountain in Georgia, walk along a stone river bed, cross a 19th-century wooden bridge and ride a cable car to drink coffee.
How to get there
Kutaisi is conveniently located - in the very center of Georgia. Therefore, when planning your trip to Sakartvelo (I really like to call Georgia exactly as the locals do), consider starting with Kutaisi.
By plane
Kutaisi Airport is called Kopitnari and is located just 14 kilometers from the city. It opened in 2012, but in just a few years it managed to become one of the most important transport hubs in Georgia.
Often, air tickets to Kutaisi are cheaper than to Tbilisi, besides, you will immediately find yourself in the heart of the country, and cities such as Tbilisi or will be equidistant from you. In addition, it is much closer from here to Svaneti, a wonderful mountainous region, while the journey to Svaneti from Tbilisi will take up to 9 hours by minibus.
You can get from Kopitnari airport to the center of Kutaisi by a regularly running bus for a couple of dollars or by taxi for about $10–15. In addition, from Kutaisi airport you can travel to other large cities: Tbilisi, Zugdidi.
By train
Railway connections between Russia and Kutaisi on this moment does not exist. There used to be a wonderful train - Batumi. However, it still didn’t pass by Kutaisi, but you could get off at any coastal station and get to Kutaisi by bus.
Now the train to Kutaisi runs from Tbilisi (travel time about 2-3 hours, ticket price from $5).
By bus
In summer there is a bus route - Batumi, which runs through the heart of Imereti. Departure from the Shchelkovsky bus station in Moscow, travel time - 48 hours, costs from $70. A journey for the strong in spirit and body. Check with the station ticket office for details.
By car
For land travelers, there is only one road along which you can get to Kutaisi. If you are coming from Russia, then you cannot avoid Vladikavkaz and border point Upper Lars.
Be careful when choosing this route. For example, in June 2016, the Terek overflowed its banks and destroyed the roadway, as a result of which the border was closed and people found themselves in an unpleasant situation. This is the weather, and it is almost impossible to predict its behavior.
If the situation is favorable, you will cross the border of Georgia, drive along Georgian Military Road, you will pass Tbilisi and move to the west of the country. There you will meet Kutaisi.
Previously, it was much more convenient to drive through Abkhazia (from the side), but now this route cannot be used. If you cross the border of Abkhazia, the Georgians will consider you a border violator (because this republic is not recognized by them) and, at best, will forever ban you from entering Sakartvelo. At worst, you will face a fine and arrest.
Clue:
Kutaisi - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow − 1
Kazan − 1
Samara 0
Ekaterinburg 1
Novosibirsk 3
Vladivostok 6
When is the season? When is the best time to go
Kutaisi lies among the hills and mountains, in the Imereti Lowland, so it is quite humid throughout the year. When choosing a month to travel around Georgia in general or Kutaisi in particular, remember that the value velvet season no one canceled. You can find out the prices for tours to Kutaisi in different seasons.
Kutaisi in summer
In July, the warmest month of the year, the average temperature is +23 °C. But high humidity may make it feel much hotter outside. In the summer of 2016, the air temperature in Kutaisi reached +37–40 °C, and walking around the city became a challenge.
If your hotel does not have air conditioning, then do not neglect the screens on the windows, as I did: having ignored the order of the hostess of the guesthouse not to open the balcony door, I let mosquitoes into the room and slept under the buzzing and bites. In summer, the city is downright stuffy.
Kutaisi in autumn
The sweetest time to travel to Kutaisi (as well as almost anywhere in Georgia), in my opinion, is October.
The summer heat is fading, the leaves are twitching bright colors, new wine appears (by the way, not far from Kutaisi there is a wonderful mountain region of Racha, where the rare and expensive wine Khvanchkara is made), the air becomes cooler and cleaner.
Kutaisi in spring
Spring is perhaps the most changeable time in terms of weather. In March there are long rains, the sky is overcast with gray low clouds, and the city looks rather dull. In April, there are often strong winds that bring coolness from the mountain ranges. In May, summer is about to begin in Kutaisi, and it is better to try to catch the beginning of the month, when the city is dry and warm, but not yet hot.
Kutaisi in winter
Winter is mild, sometimes there is a slight minus, and then snow falls. Perhaps the beauty of winter Kutaisi will easily outshine the summer one.
But when going to Kutaisi in winter, it is important to remember one thing: there is no central heating in the houses, and everyone warms their home as best they can. Some people install heaters, others install radiators. As soon as the owners decide to save money, the house begins to freeze. Therefore, clarify this question in advance when choosing where to stay.
Kutaisi - weather by month
Clue:
Kutaisi - weather by month
Districts. Where is the best place to live?
The rocky and muddy white Rioni River divides Kutaisi into two main parts: the left bank and the right bank.
Left Coast
On the left bank is the historical center of the city: Opera theatre, Central Market, Colchis Fountain, Lovers' Park, cable car station.
Housing here is more expensive and, in my opinion, this overpayment makes little sense: from the right bank you can easily walk to the heart of Kutaisi by jumping over one of the bridges over the Rioni.
Tsereteli Street, located near David the Builder Square (David Agmashenebeli), will be of interest to those who plan to leave Kutaisi by car for the sake of. The train station is also located on the left bank, so if you arrive in Kutaisi by train, it makes sense to stay somewhere nearby.
Right Bank
In the north of the city rises famous temple Bagrati. This place is called Ukemerion Hill, and it is believed that the first settlements arose here. To the south follows the strategically important Rustaveli Avenue: along it you can get to the Central Bus Station.
In general, this part of the city is less elegant. Rather, this is a residential part of Kutaisi, but this only makes it more attractive: there is an opportunity to observe the life of ordinary townspeople with all this colorful laundry on the lines, hot khachapuri in kiosks and everyday scenes.
Jewish Quarter
Located on the left bank of the Rioni, almost opposite the Bagrati Temple.
A very interesting part of the city. There are as many as three synagogues preserved here, which are reminiscent of the times when Kutaisi was a multinational city, and this quarter was full of small craft shops.
The so-called Georgian Jews lived here: they spoke the Georgian language, had Jewish roots and were mainly engaged in trade. The main place of settlement was Shaumyan Street. Old-timers enthusiastically remember Jewish weddings, when songs thundered throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.
What are the prices for holidays?
Kutaisi is the second largest city in Georgia, its parliamentary capital (in 2012, a modern glass building was built here on the outskirts of the city and the Parliament was moved to it).
Prices for housing, food and transport are comparable to prices in Tbilisi and other major cities.
Housing
The average cost of one night in a cozy guesthouse in a single room with a shared shower starts from $10 (20 GEL, Georgian lari). I usually look for guesthouses and hotels on Booking (), and check if there are more favorable price, Can . If you prefer to live in direct contact with the locals, you can rent an apartment or an apartment - options for.
It is not necessary to settle in the very heart of the city, although this, of course, is suitable for those who plan to walk around Kutaisi, rarely traveling to the suburbs.
I lived on the other side of the Rioni, closer to the bus station (which was also convenient, given that I went to the suburbs almost every day), and the walk to the center took 30 minutes, not the fastest pace. Housing prices in this area were lower, and I also received a bonus walking tour along Shota Rustaveli Avenue. Of course, in Kutaisi it is not as lush and flashy as in Tbilisi, but it is also quite interesting.
Food
Lunch or dinner cost me about $8–10 (15–20 GEL), but these were real feasts, after which I dreamed of getting home and was not able to wander around the sights of Kutaisi.
Of course, if you are traveling as a couple or in a group, you can save money: order several different dishes for everyone. Taking into account the traditionally large Georgian portions, everyone will try a little of everything, leaving full and satisfied. Needless to say, taking a whole bottle of wine also turns out to be more profitable than taking one glass.
Taxi
If you are lucky, you will agree with the owner of your hotel/guesthouse, and he will take you around the surrounding area. It will cost less than a regular taxi. For $40 (80 GEL) you can be taken to Sataplia Park, Prometheus Cave, and the Gelati and Motsameta monasteries.
In addition, you will have a free excursion on the road and bright Georgian speech. If you, like me, are traveling on a budget, then you can get to all these places by minibuses, you just need to find out the schedule and adapt to it.
Main attractions. What to see
Frankly speaking, Kutaisi can be explored quite thoughtfully in a couple of days at a leisurely pace. Several temples significant for the Christian world, a fountain dating back to the era of the Colchis kingdom, bridges over the Rioni. Be sure to leave time for the suburbs of Kutaisi. They are, in my opinion, the most interesting.
Colchis fountain
You will most likely start from the center. The heart of the city is easily recognizable by the magnificent Colchis fountain. Among the streams of water there are 30 gilded figurines (which is why Georgians joke that this is the most expensive fountain in Sakartvelo), exact copies of images of Colchian culture of the Bronze Age. There are mainly figures of deer, lamb and horses.
The fountain is new, it was installed in 2011, and the statue of King David the Builder, which previously stood on the square, was moved to the railway station. Important: try to plan your route around the city so that you can see the fountain both during the day and in the evening. At night it is beautifully illuminated. And read the legend about the Argonauts, because it was here, to the capital of the then Colchis kingdom, that they sailed for the Golden Fleece.
How to get there
The fountain is located on David the Builder Square (on the map it will be written “David Agmashenebeli”). It can be reached by bus No. 1, which runs from the Kutaisi bus station to the railway station, passing through the city center.
Temple of Bagrat
The most famous temple of Kutaisi, which you will see in all photographs and guidebooks, is the Bagrati Cathedral. It's really worth a walk to it (it's on a high hill and can be seen from anywhere in the city). It was rebuilt in 2012. Before that, it stood in a dilapidated state for several centuries.
The history, like that of most Georgian churches, is broken and complex. There were raids, destruction, and seizures, not only from the Turkish side, but also from neighboring territories (for a long time it consisted of separate separate kingdoms).
Now Bagrat Cathedral is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Strictly speaking, it has been listed there since 1974, and the organization opposed its restoration under the proposed project. However, in August 2012, a cross sparkled on the dome, and Kutaisi once again had a symbol of the city.
It’s worth going up here if only for the view of the capital of Imereti. And in the spring, if you are lucky and the weather is clear, you will see the glaciers of the Rachinsky ridge.
How to get there
Walking distance from anywhere in the city in 20 minutes. If you are lazy, take a taxi for $2 (5 GEL).
What to see in the area
I fell in love with the suburbs of Kutaisi with all my heart.
Gelati. Gelati Monastery
It is worth driving ten kilometers east of Kutaisi, and you find yourself in a monastery complex made of light stone (by the way, the word Kutaisi comes from the Georgian “stone”). The monastery was built by David the Builder (David actually managed to build a lot of things on the territory of modern Georgia during his 33 years of life) at the beginning of the 12th century. The temple was founded in honor of the annexation of Kakheti (now the famous wine region of the country) to the Georgian state and the victory over the Seljuk Turks.
An Academy was created at the monastery, unique of its kind for that period of time. They say that Queen Tamara rests here. And there is definitely a grave of King David the Builder here. He asked to be buried directly under the arch of the main gate, thus showing humility in front of ordinary parishioners.
How to get there
The easiest way is to take a taxi. The cost of the trip will be approximately $10 (20 GEL). If you want to save money, take a minibus, it starts from 8:00 to 18:00 every 2 hours from Marie Bosse Street behind the Meskhishvili Drama Theater. This theater is located on David Agmashenebeli Square, in the same place as the famous gilded fountain. The fare is $0.5 (1 GEl).
Prometheus Cave
Be prepared for the fact that you, like me, will be advised by everyone you meet to go to Prometheus’ Cave.
Yes, it is really huge, there is beautiful lighting and unusual cave formations of stalactites and stalagmites. But there is also a crowd of tourists and an entrance fee: $3 (7 GEL).
How to get there
If you decide to go, then go first to the city of Tskaltubo. From Kutaisi you can get to it by minibus No. 30, which starts from the Red Bridge. The fare will cost $0.5 (1 GEL). You will take a minibus to the market square.
As you go around the bazaar, you will see a bus station, from there minibuses run to the cave for $0.8 (1.5 GEL). Please note that there are only 4 of them per day: at 07:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 15:30. Alternatively, you can bargain with the local drivers (the drive is only 5 kilometers, so don’t give more than $5 (10 GEL).
I wanted to be alone, so I chose the Martvili Canyon and the city of Bagdati (by the way, if you do go to Prometheus, take warm clothes: the air temperature inside the cave stays around +14 °C all year round).
Martvili. Martvili Canyon
It's also known as Dinosaur Canyon.
Previously, Martvili was open at any time, delighting guests with wild cliffs and free entry. Now it has been improved: entrance costs approximately $2 (5 GEL). On Mondays, like a real museum, the canyon is inaccessible.
They say there are dinosaur footprints imprinted in the rocks here. Whether this is true, everyone decides for themselves. But what I can say for sure is that you should definitely take a boat or catamaran ride: from the water you will see a lot beautiful places, clear emerald water, clear waterfalls (you can take a dip in the summer), rocky gorges.
Afterwards, you can wander around the surrounding area and admire the waterfalls from the ground. There is a small cafe nearby where you can relax before heading back.
How to get there
An hour by minibus from the central bus station of Kutaisi (you need to look for it in the simplest and most effective way in Georgia - ask people, or take bus No. 1) to the town of Martvili, and you are almost there. To determine the right minibus, again, just ask people: they will help. They not only escorted me, but even paid for my passage. This is, get used to hospitality.
In the center of Martvili you will see a cable car with cute yellow cabins that look absolutely Soviet. Don’t rush to jump out, you need to drive another 10 minutes, remembering to remind the driver that you need the canyon.
When you are dropped off from the minibus, cross the paved road and continue down the dirt road. You will probably be greeted by a pack of local dogs. Try not to react, but rather get to the canyon as quickly as possible.
Baghdati. Mayakovsky House
Where you should definitely go for your portion of gastronomic joy is the famous Kutaisi market. First of all, he's handsome.
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Secondly, hold on tight. The aromas of spicy spices, moist bunches of strange greens, cheeses (salty, unleavened, soft, spongy), fresh bread, invitingly sparkling with a golden crust, can make you feel unaccustomed to it.
It’s better to come in the morning, around 9 o’clock. Bargain with passion (the main commandment of Georgian trade), and victory will be yours.
Holidays
Kutaisi is called the city of May and roses. It’s not entirely clear with roses, but with May it’s easier: on May 2, Kutaisoba, or simply City Day, is celebrated here.
On this day, many citizens and travelers flock to the center. The morning begins with the solemn ringing of the bells of the Bagrati Cathedral, the Kutaisi Metropolitan blesses the city and its people.
The symbol of Kutaisoba is an ordinary chamomile; on this day they are sold on every corner, live and artificial. Fairs, dances, national flavor and exhibitions - this will be more than enough for you if you find yourself in Kutaisi on May 2.
Safety. What to watch out for
It wasn’t me who said this, it’s sung in one of the thieves’ songs.
Perhaps earlier the city was considered the unofficial capital of thieves in law, but now the situation has changed. As you know, during the reign of Mikheil Saakashvili, numerous arrests were carried out (I suggest not discussing their justice), and the level of security in the country increased significantly.
I walked around Kutaisi at night alone, and the only adventure that happened to me was meeting a Spanish engineer who has been living in Kutaisi for a couple of years. We exchanged a couple of phrases in English, I asked how he lives here without knowing Russian and especially Georgian, and we, wishing each other good luck, parted ways.
Nobody stopped me on the city streets anymore. Perhaps it's time to admit that it is one of the most safe countries in the post-Soviet space. What is the reason, the change of government or the mentality of the residents (kind, hospitable and a little lazy), one can only guess. And enjoy walks through the evening cities, not forgetting about the basic precautions that we follow anywhere in the world, including at home.
Remember: Georgians answer you with what you came to them with. Go in peace and goodness, you will receive the same in return.
Things to do
And even though my heart is given to another Georgian city (), I must admit that Kutaisi is also very good. It is worthy of coming here especially for a couple of days, or it can become an intermediate point on the way to the Batumi sea wave. Imereti is beautiful and hilly, but for active rest you will have to go to neighboring regions: Racha or Svaneti.
Fishing
If you like fishing, then take a ride to the Shaori or Tkibul reservoirs. The water in these reservoirs is clean and the landscapes are beautiful.
In the Tkibul reservoir they catch pike, in the Shaorskoye - pike and perch. There is a good trout farm in the Racha region.
How to get there
These places are located close to each other. You need to get to the village of Shardometi, it is located near the town of Ambrolauri. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, but you can also take minibuses.
A one-car train runs from Kutaisi to the city of Tkibuli. It departs from the train station (ticket price - 0.5 $ or 1 GEL). Check the schedule directly on site, on the Georgian Railways website or. The schedule may vary depending on the season.
River rafting
Rioni is one of the most beautiful rivers Georgia. It originates in the Racha glaciers and rushes down to Kutaisi. Rioni is rocky and stormy, so this adventure can be classified as extreme. Only experienced watermen are allowed on most sites.
The rafting begins high in the mountains, in the town of Utsera. The entire journey to Kutaisi will take approximately 7 days (you will have to overcome about 120 kilometers of rapids of varying difficulty: from 1st to 6th category). Beginners can tackle an easy category 1 route on the section north of Kutaisi. Rafting on the Rioni ends in Kutaisi. There you can come to your senses and get ready for your further journey.
How to get around the city
The easiest way to get around Kutaisi is by buses and minibuses.
Buses are usually old and atmospheric. Sit closer to the first door to admire the view from the window, listen to music from the radio and look at the cigarette smoke curling beautifully around the driver. And if you don't smoke, go to the back of the salon.
The fare costs 30 tetri, Georgian kopecks, which is approximately $0.15. The money is handed over to the driver upon leaving the salon. At first, the Georgians were amazed at my attempts to slip money right at the entrance, as I was used to doing in Moscow minibuses.
Kutaisi railway station and the city center can be easily reached by minibus No. 1 from the central bus station (in fact, it is the only one in the city; the best landmark is McDonald's). The first route is circular, so if you missed your stop, you can make a circle around Kutaisi (the whole circle takes no more than 50 minutes). A taxi from the bus station to the center will cost approximately $3 (5 GEL).
Previously, there was a trolleybus network in Kutaisi (88 kilometers!), It existed for 50 years until 2009, then it was closed.
Intercity bus service between Kutaisi and Zugdidi (the closest city to Abkhazia) is well developed, but it is better to check the schedule in advance and arrive 30 minutes before departure to ensure there is enough space for you and your luggage.
By the way, for freedom of movement you can rent a car, and it’s convenient to look at prices and models on aggregator sites, for example.
Kutaisi - holidays with children
Kutaisi is not the most suitable city for families with children. But if you still find yourself here with a child, then visit the places that I will talk about below. You can have fun in them.
Amusement park
The full name is the Park of Culture and Leisure named after Vissarion Gabashvili, a Georgian poet of the 18th century. There are few attractions: a Ferris wheel (which can be interesting for adults), horses, cars. Tickets for all cost approximately the same: $0.5 (1 GEL).
There is a beautiful carousel, similar to those located near Eiffel Tower in Paris. By the way, there is also a tower here.
There are a lot of people in the park on weekends, so it’s better to come at weekdays. In addition to the attractions, the park attracts with an abundance of greenery, in the shade of which it is pleasant to hide from the summer heat. Afterwards you can go up to the Bagrati Temple: it’s just a stone’s throw from here.
How to get there
You can get here by cable car (cost in both directions - 0.5 $ or 1 GEL), the lower station of which is located next to the White Bridge in the city center, or on foot. Opens from above beautiful view in Kutaisi.
City square near the Colchis fountain
There is a small children's playground in the center of the square. Balloons, cotton candy and other children's delights are sold nearby. This square can be a good stopover point for a walk around the city.
Reserve "Sataplia"
Mount Sataplia is named so thanks to the bees that have chosen its slopes. Translated from Georgian, “satapli” means “honey mountain”. This place will be interesting for teenagers and adults.
Here you can climb karst caves, climb observation deck overlooking the green mountains and see dinosaur tracks discovered about a century ago by local historian Peter Chabukiani.
The park contains mechanical figures of dinosaurs that inhabited our planet in ancient times. However, no dinosaur remains were found in the Kutaisi area, only traces.
How to get there
Get from Kutaisi to natural park You can take a taxi (10 kilometers, they won’t charge much and you may have to wait) or take minibus No. 45 to the town of Tskhaltubo for $1 (2 GEL).
Ski holiday
The closest ski resort to Kutaisi is Hatsvali. He is in Upper Svaneti(capital). You can get there by minibus from the Kutaisi bus station. On the minibus it will be written “Mestia”, however, in Georgian. Ask the drivers, they will show you the one you need. You will get there in 5 hours along the serpentine road and 18 $ (35 GEL).
Hatsvali is enough new resort: It opened in 2011. There are trails for beginners and freeride. There is only one hotel in Hatsvali itself, so make reservations in advance or stay in Mestia.
It is 8 kilometers from Hatsvali, which will have to be covered twice a day by taxi. Taxi drivers often overcharge, so consider the option of walking: the road goes up, but the slope is not strong, and it’s possible to cover 8 kilometers of the road in 2-3 hours. Of course, this will only work if you rent the equipment upstairs.
A ski pass for a day costs $10 (20 GEL), ski or snowboard rental costs $13 (25 GEL) per day. The top station of the Hatsvali resort is located at an altitude of 2,347 meters, and you can imagine these mountain views, Truth?
Here, for example, is a view of Mount Ushba (I remember its “cat ears”), one of the most dangerous in the region. Vissarion Khergiani, the father of the famous climber Mikhail Khergiani (his museum is located in Mestia), was one of the first to conquer Ushba in 1937.
Anything to add?
You can get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi in the following ways: by car, buses and minibuses, train, plane or taxi. The article provides information on all options with prices, schedules and descriptions.
From Tbilisi to Kutaisi by car
The distance between Tbilisi and Kutaisi is 230 km. Travel time greatly depends on the time of day; in the morning the journey will take a little over 3 hours, including two stops, in the afternoon and especially on Friday - over 4 hours due to traffic jams.
The cost of fuel in Georgia fluctuates with changes in the dollar exchange rate. Below are the prices at the exchange rate of 2.46.
- 92nd gasoline – 2.38 GEL;
- 95th premium – 2.46 GEL;
- diesel– 2.44 GEL.
The road is good almost everywhere, which means any car can pass. In winter, crossing the pass will also not be difficult, because in case of snowfall the road is cleared around the clock.
I advise you to leave Tbilisi before 8 am, at this time of day there is much less chance of meeting trucks on the road and then trailing behind them throughout the pass.
A concrete highway was built on the Tbilisi-Gori section, the speed limit is 110 km/h plus a permissible excess of 15 km/h. Please note that there are cameras installed on the autobahn with electronic license plate recognition and time recording. They don't just record speed at one point , and calculate average speed on area from one chamber to another. Therefore, it is not enough to slow down in front of the camera; you should not exceed it all the way, so as not to get a fine.
Before the start of the pass there is a campsite. There is a small market and a cafe where you can drink coffee, visit the toilet and refuel your car.
Beyond Surami the pass begins. The road here is only paved and single-lane. The speed limit is 90 km/h and some areas 70 km/h. At night the road is not illuminated. Therefore, try to overcome the pass during daylight hours.
Bread and pastries are sold along the road near Sura. Sellers invite customers to come to them by vigorously waving bread past passing vehicles. A little further on they sell honey and pottery.
The pass ends in Zestafoni. In this town you can relax a bit and have a snack, as well as refuel and wash your car.
After Zestafoni and all the way to Kutaisi there is again a partially illuminated highway.
Bus Tbilisi – Kutaisi
If you need to go to Kutaisi airport, then it is convenient to travel from Tbilisi by bus. The bus departure schedule is flexible and adjusted to aircraft departures.
It is better to buy tickets in advance online on the carriers' websites.
Metro Georgia
Official website in Russian: geometro.ge
Ticket price: 20 lari ($8.2).
Travel time: 4.5 hours
Departure point in Tbilisi: Ortachala bus station, Gulia street, 1.
The buses are comfortable for 38-40 passengers, with monitors (there are films in Russian, music and games) and wi-fi. Flight attendants offer tea, coffee, and water free of charge during the trip.
GeorgianBus
The company also transports passengers GeorgianBus. These are no longer large buses, but minibuses for 18 passengers. There are no stops along the way.
Official website in Russian: georgianbus.com
Ticket price: 20 lari ($8.2). For children under 10 years of age, travel is 50% discount.
Travel time: 4 hours.
Departure point in Tbilisi: stop Freedom Square in Pushkin Park.
Minibuses Tbilisi – Kutaisi
Intercity minibuses are one of the cheapest and fastest options to get to Kutaisi and are therefore in demand among local population. For tourists with large luggage, this method of travel will be extremely inconvenient. Therefore, choose minibuses if there are no other options left.
Travel interval: every half hour from 8:00 to 20:00.
Departure point: Okriba bus station next to the Didube metro station.
Arrives at Kutaisi bus station.
Fare: 10 lari ($4.1).
Travel time: about 4 o'clock.
Train Tbilisi – Kutaisi
Fast train No. 18 runs daily from Tbilisi to Kutaisi. The carriages have seating in two rows, with two seats in each row. There are no sleeping places like in a reserved seat.
Departure time: 9:00.
Travel time: 5.5 hours.
Ticket price: 9 lari ($3.6).
We look at the current train schedule on the official website of the Georgian railway http://railway.ge. It is possible to purchase a ticket on the website; to do this, you must register. Tickets are sold 40 days before the train departure date.
Children under 5 years old travel free of charge without a separate seat. If the child is between 5 and 10 years old, then it is necessary to purchase tickets with the “children” fare. Children over 10 years old pay full fare.
Example train schedule Tbilisi – KutaisiTransfer Tbilisi – Kutaisi
If you are traveling with a company or family with children and want to get to another city quickly and comfortably, you should consider the transfer option.
Transfer– this is a trip on the selected type of transport along the route, booked in advance. The cost is fixed and agreed in advance.
The advantages of the transfer are obvious. You will be met with a sign at the airport or picked up at a convenient time from your hotel. The price for renting a vehicle with a driver is often lower than renting a car separately and paying extra for gasoline. In addition, it is possible to add additional stops to the route and explore nearby attractions.
Many companies provide transfer services. Good conditions on the website gotrip.ge.
All prices are per car. It is possible to choose the type of car and what languages the driver speaks (Russian/English/Georgian). Photos of cars and customer reviews are presented.
Cost of travel from Tbilisi to Kutaisi or Kutaisi airport from 141 lari ($57) on a sedan and from 206 lari ($78) minivan for 5-6 passengers.
In Georgia it provides kiwitaxi services. The cost of the transfer depends on the class of the selected car. To get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi, you will have to pay from 102$ for the sedan and from 149$ for a minibus for 4-7 people. Additionally for 4$ You can order child car seats or boosters.
In other directions, kiwitaxi has good propositions, so better check on the website.
Taxi Tbilisi – Kutaisi
Contact taxi services for intercity travel, probably not the best option. After all, the exact cost will be known only at the end of the trip. And this is like buying a pig in a poke.
You can also contact private taxi drivers on the street and arrange a trip. We'll have to bargain. Average price approx. 150 lari ($61). The advantage is that you can immediately see the car you are going to drive.
Airplane Tbilisi – Kutaisi
Flying by plane from Tbilisi to Kutaisi is not at all an option. There are no direct flights between these two cities. Taking into account transfers, the travel time will take 9 hours or more. As a result, it will be very long and expensive (from 400 GEL).
conclusions
To summarize, what is the best way to travel from Tbilisi to Kutaisi?
- Transfer or car is the best option. There is an opportunity to stop anywhere and take photos and see the sights along the way.
- The bus is fast and comfortable and arrives directly at Kutaisi airport. You will then have to get into the city by taxi or bus.
- There is only one advantage of minibuses: they will deliver you to the bus station in Kutaisi.
- The train takes longer than the bus. But it doesn’t make you feel sick on the road.
Have a nice trip to Kutaisi!
Georgia is not the most big country on the world map. Therefore, traveling along it is quite convenient. Ancient fortresses and temples, diverse flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes: at the end of the trip, your camera will be filled to capacity with photographs. The trails in this country are in excellent condition. This article describes how to get from Kutaisi to Tbilisi. The territory of Georgia stretches from east to west. Since the capital is located at opposite ends of the country from each other, they are located at a great distance from each other - 226 kilometers. We will tell you how to overcome this distance.
By plane
Air transport is deservedly the fastest. However, it is not as effective on this route. When deciding how to get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi, you don’t have to think about planes, because direct flight from the capital of Georgia to Kutaisi does not exist.
- The flight from city to city will have transfers. The entire journey will take you about 15 hours.
- Prices for air tickets in Georgia are steep: the cheapest will cost 400 lari (9,400 rubles).
- Do not forget that you will have to get to the airport and wait about 1.5 hours for departure. Kutaisi Airport is located 17 kilometers from the city. And to get there by taxi you will have to pay about 10 more lari (235 rubles).
- Considering that you will have to wait about 5 hours in the waiting room at the transfer point, such a trip cannot be called comfortable.
“Travel by plane is not recommended in this case.”
How long does it take to travel by train?
You have a choice of several trains: night and several daytime. Electric trains also run. In Kutaisi, the railway station is located near the city center, 10 minutes from the old quarters. City minibus No. 1 goes just to the station.
The distance from Kutaisi to the capital by rail is about 250 kilometers. The night train “Kutaisi Tbilisi” No. 602 covers this distance in 5 hours. An alternative is the daytime high-speed express train No24.
Electric trains are suitable for those who want to experience local life. They stop too much along the way, so the travel time will be at least 6 hours
“On the official website of the State Railways you can not only find out the train schedule, but also book/purchase tickets online”
- A train ticket will cost 3 lari (70 rubles).
- The price of tickets on Georgian railway trains varies depending on the class of train and carriage.
Trains with transfers
There is one loophole regarding how to get cheaply and quickly from the capital to Kutaisi, and local residents constantly take advantage of it. Rioni railway station is located five kilometers from Kutaisi. Many comfortable high-speed trains follow through it to the capital of Georgia, especially the double-decker Stadlerkis from Batumi. Trains from Poti and Ozurgeti are also suitable. You can get to Rioni by taxi; five kilometers is not a distance. By car you can reach Tbilisi in 3-4 hours.
An attached carriage also travels to Rioni from Kutaisi, in transport hub assigned to long-distance trains.
“Transplantation is the fastest and not at all expensive. A one-way trip will cost 10-15 lari (230-350 rubles depending on the class of train). The main thing is not to forget to check the schedule in advance.”
How long does it take to travel by bus?
The road from Tbilisi to Kutaisi runs almost directly along a 240-kilometer-long highway. Therefore, many people travel from city to city by minibuses. Their main flaw is that they are popular with local residents and the cabin will be very crowded. Therefore, you should come to the bus station early: before everything is dismantled good places. In addition, if the driver takes a full minibus, he does not wait for the departure time.
However, minibuses travel between Tbilisi and Kutaisi on a fairly tight schedule, so you won’t have to wait long. The journey itself will take three hours. Cost: about 10 lari (230 rubles)
- Kutaisi bus station is located half a kilometer from McDonald's on the corner of st. Chavchavadze and Gamsakhurdia. It's easy to find thanks to the large number of minibuses parked there. You can also use the Geomaps map upon request Kutaisi.
- Tbilisi bus station is located a quarter of a kilometer from the Didube metro station.
For 10 GEL you will get a seat on a large comfortable bus and get to Kutaisi in 3 hours.
“For 15 lari you can buy a ticket from bus companies Georgian Bus and Metro Georgia Tbilisi. The journey will take the same time, but the buses themselves are much more modern and comfortable. The vehicles of these companies have air conditioning, TVs, and wi-fi.”
A few years ago, a bus was launched on the route, which goes to Kutaisi straight from Tbilisi airport:
- Distance – 250 kilometers.
- Ticket price is 23 lari (470 rubles).
By car
The most convenient form of transport. The 240 kilometers of highway between cities can be covered by car in two hours. In order to get from Kutaisi you need to take the E60 highway through Zestafoni, Khashuri and. If you want to save a little money, you can take travel companions through the Bla-Bla-Car app, which is popular here.
You can cover the distance from Tbilisi to Kutaisi in various ways: by plane, by car, by minibus, by transfer or by bus. But the main thing is not only to get from point A to point B, but also to have time to fully enjoy your trip around Georgia and feel its atmosphere.
Choosing the Kutaisi-Batumi route is the most popular among vacationers, as it connects ancient capital with a coastal port city. Today we will tell you how best to use all currently existing means of travel, we will check the facts.
By plane
Let's consider air lines between given points Kutaisi and Batumi. The length of this line is 112 km, on the ground - 148 km. It is known that the average speed of an aircraft is 800 km/h. To cover a distance of 112 km, an airliner will have to fly for about 15 minutes. Does it make sense to accelerate, take off, fly, descend and land? Taking into account the inertial motion, this will take almost an hour. It is more economical to use expensive equipment over longer distances. This is the reason why planes between these geographical points they simply don't fly. But there is a Tbilisi-Kutaisi flight, and Batumi can be reached by other transport. The distance from Tbilisi to Kutaisi is 220 km.
Kopitnari International Airport is located just 22 km from Kutaisi. Every traveler first of all dreams of visiting the capital, so the Tbilisi flight is in great demand. Planes usually arrive late and there are two options for solving problems: stay overnight here or continue on to Batumi. Those wishing to stay can go to the hotel. By taxi this “pleasure” will cost 10-15 lari. Those who chose the second option are advised to use another type of transport. Minibuses, buses and taxis run between Kopitnari airport and train stations (railway and bus). The most reliable way to get there, combined with efficiency, is by bus.
By bus
At Kopitnari Airport, go to the Georgian Bus (Georgian bus) counter. Here you can purchase tickets for a comfortable bus, which will take you to your vacation or travel destination for just 15-20 GEL.
When departing from the bus station, the fare will be lower. Soft comfortable seats, air conditioning, the opportunity to communicate with other travelers along the way, receive valuable recommendations, and cost-effective travel - these are just some of the reasons for choosing this particular type of travel. The Batumi-Kutaisi bus runs safely in both directions. It will be possible to get there without being particularly tied to the schedule, there are many flights.
For those who are planning to go to Kutaisi for the first time, we advise, if possible, to time your stay to coincide with City Day. It has been celebrated annually on May 2 for a century now. The Kutaisi holiday is special and unforgettable; a trail of May and roses emanates from the city.
By train (train)
Having flown from Tbilisi to Kutaisi, you get to Batumi by purchasing travel tickets online via the Internet or through the railway station ticket offices. Trains run daily. You can see the train schedule on electronic boards or advertising stands located at railway stations. In 4 hours, in fairly comfortable conditions, you will reach “the very blue sea,” which for greater persuasiveness was called the Black Sea. In financial terms, such a trip will cost you 330 rubles or a little more. Try to check the schedule in advance, since there is only one train in this direction. Departs from Batumi at 18:45 and arrives at the final station at 21:30. True, there are still long-distance trains passing through, but you can buy tickets for them at the peak of the season. holiday season can be problematic.
By minibus
The most popular type of communication is minibuses. Passengers traveling on this route should take into account that they depart on the flight only after the entire cabin has been equipped. Its average capacity is 14-16 people. It happens that drivers pick up passengers on the highway, although this is prohibited. For just 10-15 GEL, admiring the picturesque landscapes outside the window, in 2.5 hours you will be in the capital of Adjara. Usually all bus stops are scheduled and strictly regulated in time. Compared to a bus, a minibus will allow you to avoid forced downtime at stops and save time.
Whether in Batumi or at the final stop Kutaisi, the minibus arrives every hour. By laying out a harmless amount for your wallet of 260 rubles, you will reach your goal.
By taxi
If you can afford it, this is a great choice. By ordering a taxi directly to the hotel where you are staying, you will avoid all road problems. All responsibility for safe transportation falls on the shoulders of the driver; all you have to do is enjoy the passing landscapes that are just begging to be captured on canvas.
There are many advantages to this route:
- comfortable and convenient interior with fresh air conditioning;
- a driver who instantly retrained as a tour guide;
- the opportunity to calmly enjoy the changing landscapes;
- quickly, the distance will decrease significantly, and you will not notice how you overcome the chosen trajectory.
Although you will have to shell out a much larger sum - about 50-60 euros, believe me, the pleasure is worth it: how many legends, parables and stories you will hear for the same money along the route. In the end, add your own, but this time about Georgian taxi drivers.
By car
You can cover the given route yourself, in your own or rented car. If this is not your first time here and you know the local roads well or your regular “road guide” (navigator) is with you, feel free to hit the road. You will cover the distance from Kutaisi to Batumi or back, 148 km, on average in 2.5 hours, and spending about 15 liters of gasoline will more than cost you 1 thousand rubles. A completely justified idea, especially if the interior of your car is full of friends or household members. Long-distance travel has cemented more than one alliance.
Anyone who is used to driving around cities and villages in their own car understands how pleasant it is to avoid the bustle of the bus station. In addition, you can drive and stop in each area you like for at least a couple of days. Drive further, exploring all the surroundings, seeing popular attractions, tasting the aroma of riotous colors or silent snow - what could be more beautiful.
We hope that the information provided will be useful to you, and you will be happy to discover another corner of our vast country.
Kutaisi - calm cozy city Georgia, located along the banks of the Rioni River. Founded in the 6th-5th centuries. BC was the capital of the Colchis Kingdom (Colchis - ancient Georgians), and from the 8th to the 13th centuries. - Abkhazian Kingdom. Nowadays it is called the unofficial “second capital” of Georgia, and since 2012 it has also been its parliamentary capital. Indeed, the architecturally luxurious parliament building was erected here, and the current parliament has already moved there from Tbilisi. There's a lot to see here. Two monuments World Heritage UNESCO: Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral. We recommend visiting the Geguta Palace.
Batumi, previously known as the capital of ancient Adjara, is now the main tourist centre Georgia from amazing skyscrapers. Located on the Black Sea coast and along two other local rivers. Medea with the Golden Fleece, Cathedral of the Nativity Holy Mother of God and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are the main attractions of the city. Having visited the vastness of Batumi archaeological museum you will come into contact with antiquity and perhaps begin to appreciate the present more. Having visited the Kobuleti nature reserve, you will plunge into the mysterious natural area. How many emotions and unforgettable impressions await you ahead!
