Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is famous for its breathtaking landscapes of snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains to the lush vineyards of Kakheti, rich history, and warm hospitality. This popularity is further fueled by the country’s traveller-friendly visa policy and excellent connectivity. 

Currently, Georgia has three major international airports: 

• Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport, 

• Batumi Alexander Kartveli International Airport, and 

• Kutaisi Davit Agmashenebeli International Airport. 

During the summer tourist season of 2024, which is also the best time to visit the country, Georgia’s international airports collectively served 2,413,760 passengers, marking a 23% increase compared to the same period last year. In 2023 alone, the airports of Georgia served over 6 million passengers. 

Visiting Georgia soon? Make sure to apply for your Georgia e-visa before travelling to the country.

Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport

IATA Code: TBS

Distance from the Tbilisi city centre: 17 km (approximately 27 minutes by car). 

Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport is not only the largest but also the busiest airport in Georgia. As the country's main gateway, it plays a crucial role in connecting the country to the rest of the world. The airport is named after the esteemed medieval Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli and is managed by TAV Airports Holding.

The Tbilisi airport is a hub for several major airlines, including Georgian Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Flydubai. It offers direct flights to numerous key destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, serving popular cities like Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, and Vienna.

Facilities and Services

• Lounges: The airport features two lounge options for travellers. One is the TBC Concept Space, located in the Departure Hall. It provides a quiet environment with amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments, a small library, and comfortable seating. Then, there is the Primeclass Lounge, which offers premium services, including TV, an open buffet, alcoholic beverages, a printer, and a business centre. To access the lounge, you need to make a prior reservation, which is charged 55€ for 3 hours. Infants up to 2 years are allowed free entry. 

• Food & Dine and Shopping: There are numerous food and beverage options, like Wendy's, Costa Coffee and Dunkin Donuts. There is ATU Duty-Free featuring world-famous brands and Georgian local tastes. You can buy perfumes, cosmetics, alcoholic drinks, tobacco, confectionary, toys & accessories, Georgian wines, and souvenirs.

• Health and Pharmacy: Medical points are located at the airport's arrival and departure terminals, where qualified doctors are available 24/7. The airport pharmacy, located at the departure terminal, also has an extensive selection of prescription and non-prescription medicines in stock. 

• Banks and Currency Exchange: Multiple banks and currency exchange offices, including the Bank of Georgia and Liberty Bank, are present throughout the terminal. You can see the offices in the airport map below:

• Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected while at the airport.

• Luggage Wrapping Machines: For added security, luggage wrapping services are available on the departure floor of the terminal. They are available 24/7 and cost 25 GEL, regardless of the size of the box or luggage item.

• Services for Passengers with Disabilities: The airport is equipped with facilities to assist passengers with special needs, including accessible restrooms, dedicated seating areas, and assistance services to ensure a comfortable journey. Moreover, if you have a disability of any kind or your mobility is reduced, and you need help at the airport, you can book assistance 48 hours in advance with your airline or your travel agent. 

• Luggage and Lost Luggage Office: Passengers can securely store bags at the 24/7 Left-Luggage Office in the Departure Hall (10-20 GEL/day). The Lost Luggage Office assists with lost, delayed, or damaged items near the arrival baggage carousels.  If you have lost luggage, you can also contact the relevant authorities at [email protected].

• SIM Card Services: Passengers can purchase local SIM cards from various kiosks within the terminal, ensuring seamless communication during their stay in Georgia.

• WC Facilities: Restrooms are conveniently located throughout the terminal, including accessible options for passengers with disabilities and baby-changing stations. Here’s a map of the WC facilities at the Tbilisi International Airport:

Transportation from the Airport to the Tbilisi City Centre

• Bus: Municipal Bus #337 operates 24/7, connecting the airport to the city centre. The bus stop is located directly opposite the arrival hall. Typically, tickets cost 0.50 GEL and can be purchased on board. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal and provide 24-hour service. The journey to the city centre typically takes 20-30 minutes, and fares range from 40 to 60 GEL, depending on traffic conditions.

Contact Details

• Address: Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport, Kakheti Highway, Tbilisi, Georgia. [Locate on Map]

• Contact number: +995 32 231 04 21 (Arrivals) and +995 32 2 310 341 (Departures).

• Official website: www.tbilisiairport.com.

Batumi Alexander Kartveli International Airport

IATA Code: BUS

Distance from Batumi city centre: 5 km (approximately 10 minutes by car).

The second busiest airport in Georgia is the Batumi Alexander Kartveli International Airport, which is the main gateway to those visiting the Black Sea coast. Named after the renowned Georgian aviation pioneer Alexander Kartveli, the airport plays a significant role in connecting Batumi, a vibrant tourist destination, to international and domestic locations. 

Like Tbilisi, Batumi airport is also a base for several major airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Georgian Airways, and Flydubai. It offers direct flights to key cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, such as Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Warsaw. In fact, during the summer, seasonal flights to popular destinations are frequently added to accommodate the influx of tourists.

Facilities and Services

• Lounges: Batumi Airport features Primeclass Lounge for passengers seeking additional comfort. Located on the first floor, on the right side of the security control, the lounge offers amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, light refreshments, a selection of beverages, and comfortable seating. Access is available with a reservation at different costs depending on whether you are an arriving or departing passenger.

• Food & Dine and Shopping: The Café Canteen is in the departure hall. While waiting for your flight, you can have sandwiches, cakes, coffee, etc. The café is open 24/7. Also, there is an ATU Duty-Free shop where you can buy perfumes, cosmetics, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes and sweets.

• Health: The airport has a 24/7 medical assistance point near the terminal's arrival hall. There are on-duty medical professionals for emergencies. 

• Banks and Currency Exchange: The Bank of Georgia operates at the arrivals hall. 

• Wi-Fi: Passengers can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, ensuring seamless internet access.

• Luggage Wrapping Machines: Luggage wrapping services are offered near the departure terminal 24/7. The cost for the service is 25 GEL per item, irrespective of the size.

• Services for Passengers with Disabilities: Toilets and wheelchair services are available for disabled passengers. Assistance services can be booked through airlines or check-in staff. Moreover, assistance is also available for special needs passengers, like pregnant women or unaccompanied children.

• Lost & Found Office: A 24/7 Lost & Found Office is available at the arrival hall. Lost Luggage Office can also be found nearby in the Arrival Hall.

• SIM Card Services: Local SIM cards can be purchased from Magti or SimCorner kiosks operating at the arrivals area. 

• WC Facilities: Restrooms, including accessible options and baby-changing stations, are located throughout the terminal.

Transportation from the Airport to the Batumi City Centre

• Bus: Municipal buses connect the airport to Batumi city centre. The fare is 0.30 GEL, and tickets can be purchased onboard. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

• Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal. A ride to the city centre typically costs 15-20 GEL, and the journey takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Contact Details

• Address: Batumi Alexander Kartveli International Airport, Airport Highway, Batumi, Georgia. [Locate on Map]

• Contact number: +995 422 231 000, + (995) 422 235 102

• Official website: www.batumiairport.com.

Kutaisi Davit Agmashenebeli International Airport

IATA Code: KUT
Distance from Kutaisi city centre: 23 km (approximately 30 minutes by car).

The third airport is the Kutaisi Davit Agmashenebeli International Airport, which connects Western Georgia to a range of international and domestic destinations. Named after King Davit Agmashenebeli, one of Georgia’s most celebrated historical figures, the airport plays a key role in promoting tourism and economic development in the region. Managed by United Airports of Georgia, the airport is known for its modern design and budget-friendly services, making it a popular choice for nearby travellers.

Kutaisi Airport is a hub for low-cost carriers, including Wizz Air, offering affordable direct flights to many European cities, such as Berlin, Milan, Budapest, and Warsaw. Other operational airlines are FlyArystan, Belavia and AK-Air Georgia. 

Facilities and Services

• Lounges: Kutaisi International Airport features a basic lounge designed for passengers seeking a quieter environment. Amenities include Wi-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating. 

• Food & Wine and Shopping: There is Banagi for vegan snacks, Miniso for gifts and ATU Duty-Free. 

• Banks and Currency Exchange: Currency exchange offices and ATMs are conveniently located within the terminal, offering services from Liberty and Cartu Bank.

• Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

• Baggage Wrapping Machines: Baggage wrapping services are available near the check-in counters. The service operates around the clock.

• Services for Passengers with Disabilities: The airport is equipped with accessible restrooms, elevators, and designated parking spaces to cater to passengers with reduced mobility. 

• Lost & Found Office: If your baggage does not arrive or was damaged during the flight, be sure to register your claim against the airline at the Lost & Found Office. The baggage service representative will give you all the necessary instructions and help you fill out the required paperwork.

• SIM Card Services: Local SIM cards are available at kiosks near the arrivals area, which you can buy after leaving the baggage claim area. 

• WC Facilities: Well-maintained restrooms, including facilities for passengers with disabilities and baby-changing stations, are distributed throughout the terminal.

Transportation from the Airport to the Kutaisi City Centre

• Bus: Regular shuttle buses operate between the airport and major cities, including Kutaisi, Tbilisi, and Batumi. Tickets cost around 5-20 GEL depending on the destination, and schedules align with flight arrivals and departures.

• Taxi: Taxis by Bene Exclusive are available outside the arrivals terminal 24/7. 

• Car Rental: Additionally, Avis and Enterprise car rental services are available at the arrivals terminal for travellers looking to explore the region at their own pace.

Contact Details

• Address: Kutaisi Davit Agmashenebeli International Airport, Kopitnari Village, Kutaisi, Georgia. [Locate on Map]

• Contact number: +995 431 237 737

• Official website: https://www.kutaisi.aero/.

Things to Know Before Flying to Georgia

When flying to Georgia from your country, bear these points in mind for a smoother immigration process upon arrival. 

• Visa and entry requirements: Citizens of over 90 countries, including the EU, USA, and Canada, can visit Georgia visa-free for up to one year. Nationals from other countries must apply for a Georgia e-visa online before travelling. Upon entry, immigration officials will check the e-visa and passport (valid for at least 6 months). Depending on your nationality, you may also be required to show proof of a return ticket and accommodation details.

• Customs regulations: Travellers can bring up to GEL 30,000 without declaration. Items like weapons, narcotics, and unlicensed antiquities are strictly prohibited and will result in fines or legal action. Duty-free allowances include 4 litres of alcohol and 200 cigarettes, but exceeding these limits requires a declaration and potential customs charges. 

• Money exchange: Currency exchange at Georgian airports is available but often comes with higher fees and less favourable rates compared to city exchange offices or ATMs. To save money, consider withdrawing cash from ATMs in local currency or exchanging a small amount at the airport for immediate needs, such as transportation. Major currencies like USD and EUR are widely accepted at exchange offices throughout Georgia.

• Language and communication: English is commonly spoken in airports and tourist centres. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and can be purchased at airport kiosks or city stores, offering affordable data and calling plans for staying connected during your visit.

Conclusion

Each of these three international airports, Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi, are equipped with modern facilities, traveller-friendly services, and convenient transportation options to ensure a seamless arrival and departure experience. Depending on your ease of travel and the cost of travelling, you can choose to travel to any of these three airports. 

Just make sure to keep in mind the key points mentioned above, such as visa requirements, customs regulations, and currency exchange tips, to streamline your journey. Being prepared with the right documentation and awareness of travel procedures will help you navigate the process effortlessly and start your Georgian adventure on the right note.

Planning a trip to Georgia? Discover essential tips and insights in our comprehensive Georgia travel guide to ensure you're fully prepared for an unforgettable adventure.