Georgia measures 69,700 square kilometers between the Black Sea and Azerbaijan, with transport infrastructure concentrated along an east-west corridor connecting Tbilisi to Batumi. The country's two dominant topographic features—the Greater Caucasus range blocking routes north and the Lesser Caucasus occupying the south—force most road and rail connections through narrow valleys and mountain passes. Movement between regions requires understanding that what appears close on a map may require substantial travel time. The 220 kilometers between Tbilisi and Mestia, for instance, typically consumes eight to nine hours by road despite measuring less than a three-hour straight-line distance.
The Georgian Railway operates the primary rail network, totaling approximately 1,250 kilometers of track inherited largely from Soviet-era construction. Electrified lines run from Tbilisi west to Poti and Batumi on the Black Sea coast, with diesel service extending east to Azerbaijan and south toward Armenia. The Tbilisi-Batumi overnight train departs nightly in both directions, covering 376 kilometers in approximately five hours. Seats exist in platskart (open dormitory), kupe (four-berth compartments), and spalny vagon (two-berth compartments). This service costs approximately 20-40 lari depending on class. Day trains connecting Tbilisi and Batumi operate less reliably, with schedules subject to seasonal adjustment. The railway maintains additional routes between Tbilisi and Zugdidi, Tbilisi and Ozurgeti, and Tbilisi and Gori, though frequencies rarely exceed one or two departures daily on secondary lines.
Rail connections do not reach Svaneti, Tusheti, Kazbegi, or Kakheti's primary wine towns. No passenger rail serves Mtskheta despite its proximity to Tbilisi. The Borjomi branch line, operating tourist-focused service in summer months, connects Khashuri junction to Borjomi and Bakuriani, climbing through forested valleys at speeds rarely exceeding 25 kilometers per hour. Tickets for this route cost 3-5 lari. The Georgian Railway website (railway.ge) publishes schedules, though printed timetables at stations sometimes reflect changes not yet updated online. Ticket purchase occurs at station windows—advance booking is not required except on overnight services during July and August.
Marshrutkas form the backbone of intercity transport throughout Georgia. These minibuses, typically Mercedes Sprinters or Ford Transits seating 15-18 passengers, depart when full rather than on published schedules. Tbilisi's primary marshrutka stations include Didube (serving western destinations including Kutaisi, Batumi, Zugdidi), Ortachala (serving southern routes to Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi), Navtlughi (serving eastern Kakheti destinations), and Samgori (serving Telavi and northeastern regions). Station assignments change periodically—drivers and ticket sellers direct passengers to the correct platform. Fares run approximately 1-2 lari per 50 kilometers. The Tbilisi-Batumi marshrutka costs 25-30 lari and requires five to six hours. Tbilisi to Telavi runs 10-12 lari over two and a half hours. Payment happens directly to the driver, usually upon arrival rather than departure.
Marshrutkas to mountain destinations operate on reduced schedules outside summer. Service to Mestia from Tbilisi (Didube station) departs once daily in morning hours during peak season, twice daily in July and August. The journey costs approximately 30 lari and consumes eight to nine hours including a rest stop in Zugdidi. Roads climb through Enguri gorge with sections unpaved between Khaishi and Mestia. Winter service depends on snow conditions—departures cease entirely when passes close. Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) receives more frequent service from Tbilisi's Didube station, with marshrutkas departing when full throughout the day in summer, less frequently in winter. This 156-kilometer route requires three to three and a half hours and costs 10-15 lari. The Georgian Military Highway, which this route follows, crosses the 2,395-meter Jvari Pass and remains open year-round except during severe weather events.
Tusheti presents the most constrained transport access in Georgia. A single unpaved road enters the region from Alvani near Akhmeta, climbing to 2,900 meters over Abano Pass. This 70-kilometer route opens only from late May or early June through October, weather permitting. Local drivers operate 4WD vehicles (primarily UAZ vans and Toyota Land Cruisers) on this route, charging 150-300 lari per vehicle (not per person) for the four- to five-hour journey. Shared rides can reduce individual costs but require coordinating with other travelers. No marshrutka service exists to Tusheti—all transport is by pre-arranged 4WD. The road from Pshaveli to Omalo features 15 hairpin turns ascending a cliff face without guardrails. Sedans and standard vehicles cannot complete this route.
Renting a car in Georgia requires an International Driving Permit alongside a valid national license. Rental agencies operate in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi, with daily rates starting around 80-120 lari for economy vehicles and 150-250 lari for SUVs. Insurance coverage requires careful reading—many basic policies exclude coverage on unpaved roads, which eliminates protection throughout Tusheti, upper Svaneti, and portions of other mountain regions. Agencies including Hertz, Sixt, and local operator Naniko rent at Tbilisi International Airport and city offices. One-way rentals between cities typically incur surcharges of 50-150 lari. Georgia drives on the right side of the road. Fuel stations appear regularly along main highways but sparsely in mountain areas—fill the tank before ascending to Svaneti, Tusheti, or remote sections of Samtskhe-Javakheti.
Road conditions divide sharply between primary and secondary routes. The east-west highway connecting Tbilisi, Gori, Kutaisi, and Batumi maintains consistent pavement with two lanes in each direction for most of its length. This route, designated E60, meets European road standards along renovated sections. The Georgian Military Highway north to Stepantsminda similarly offers good pavement, though fog and ice present hazards at elevation. Roads deteriorate substantially off main corridors. The route to Vardzia involves 40 kilometers of rough pavement and gravel beyond Akhaltsikhe. Gremi to Nekresi monastery requires navigating 15 kilometers of potholed asphalt and dirt. Winter weather closes mountain passes—the Goderdzi Pass between Akhaltsikhe and Batumi typically closes December through April, the road to Tusheti closes October through May, and access to Ushguli becomes unreliable November through March.
Tbilisi operates a metro system comprising two lines totaling 27 kilometers with 23 stations. Line 1 (Akhmeteli-Varketili) runs roughly east-west through the city center. Line 2 (Saburtalo-State University) extends from western suburbs through the center to eastern districts. Service runs from approximately 6:00 AM to midnight daily. A flat fare of 1 lari per ride applies regardless of distance. Passengers purchase reloadable Metromoney cards at station kiosks for 2 lari (including 0.50 lari credit). The metro reaches Tbilisi Central Railway Station, Didube bus station, and central areas but does not extend to the airport. Stations display names in Georgian script and English transliteration. Announcements occur in Georgian only.
Tbilisi buses complement metro service with routes covering areas the metro does not reach. Bus number 37 connects Liberty Square to Tbilisi International Airport, running approximately every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM to midnight. The journey takes 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and costs 1 lari, payable with Metromoney cards. Bus schedules and route maps appear at major stops, though real-time arrival information is limited. Drivers do not announce stops—passengers track progress using GPS-enabled phone applications or by asking fellow passengers.