Tbilisi International Airport

Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport is the main air gateway of Georgia and one of the key aviation hubs of the Caucasus region. Its history began in 1952 with the construction of a terminal in the Stalinist Empire style, but today travelers are welcomed by a modern complex, fully reconstructed in 2007. It is a technologically advanced and convenient air hub that annually serves millions of guests arriving to experience the rich culture and legendary hospitality of the country.

Tbilisi Airport offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable journey. The modern terminal, covering an area of 25,000 m², is designed for rapid and efficient passenger processing. Travelers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the territory, numerous cafes and restaurants, Duty Free shops, currency exchange points, banks, and car rental offices. For added convenience, luggage wrapping services, luggage storage, and business lounges are provided.

Transport connections with the city are well-developed. The center of Tbilisi, located approximately 17 km from the airport, can be reached in several ways. The most popular and budget-friendly option is bus No. 337, which runs to the central railway station with intermediate stops in the city center. The trip takes about 40–50 minutes. Additionally, you can use taxi services by ordering a car through popular mobile apps or at the official stand, or arrange a private transfer in advance.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport rules can always be found on the official website www.tbilisiairport.com.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +995 32 231 04 21 or +995 32 231 03 41.
• Airport Address: Georgia, Tbilisi, Tbilisi International Airport.
• Email: For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the feedback form in the "Contacts" section on the airport website.
• Social Media: You can follow news and updates on the airport's official page on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the Lost & Found service at +995 32 231 03 24. In case of luggage loss during a flight, you must contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general passenger support questions, you can contact the information desk numbers listed above.

Getting from the center of Tbilisi to Shota Rustaveli International Airport (TBS), located approximately 17–20 kilometers southeast of the city, is possible in several ways. The choice depends on your budget, time, and amount of luggage. The main options include public transport, taxi or pre-booked transfer, as well as driving a personal or rented car.

Public Transport is the most economical method. City bus No. 337 is the main route connecting the airport with the city center. It departs from the main railway station and passes through key transport hubs, including Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square. An important advantage of this route is that it operates around the clock, allowing you to get to the airport even for night flights, although the interval between buses may increase at night. The trip takes on average 40–60 minutes, but travel time may increase during peak hours. This is an excellent choice for those traveling light and wishing to save money.

Taxi and Transfer are the fastest and most convenient options. The trip from the city center to the airport will take about 20–30 minutes excluding traffic jams. Popular mobile taxi apps operate in Tbilisi, offering fixed and affordable rates. You can also use the services of taxi drivers on the street, but in this case, it is recommended to agree on the trip cost in advance. For maximum comfort, especially if you are traveling with children or a large amount of luggage, you can book a private transfer that will meet you at the specified location at the required time.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to explore Georgia by car, many rental companies provide the option to rent or return a vehicle directly at the airport. This allows you to drive comfortably to the terminal at your own pace. For those arriving by personal transport, parking is available on the airport territory, offering both short-term and long-term rates.

Despite the presence of a railway platform near the airport, trains run extremely rarely, and their schedule often does not match flight times, so this method is not popular among tourists. Thus, for most travelers, the optimal choice in terms of price and convenience remains a taxi or bus.

Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) features a modern and well-thought-out structure that makes navigation for passengers as simple as possible. The airport operates one main passenger terminal, which serves both international and domestic flights. Thanks to this, travelers do not need to worry about moving between different buildings — all procedures take place in one location.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building has two main levels. The Arrivals Area is located on the ground floor. After disembarking from the plane, passengers go through passport control, then descend to the baggage claim hall and pass through customs inspection. In the arrivals hall, there are currency exchange counters, car rental offices, tourist information, and official taxi services.

The Departures Area is located on the second floor. It can be reached through the main entrance or by taking an escalator or elevator from the ground floor. Check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located here. After completing registration, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening and passport control, after which they enter the "airside" — a spacious waiting hall with Duty Free shops, cafes, restaurants, and business lounges.

Completing all formalities at Tbilisi Airport usually takes little time due to its compactness. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before an international flight departure, especially during the peak tourist season or at night when many flights depart. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass all controls without rushing.

For navigation convenience, clear signs in Georgian and English are installed throughout the terminal. Since everything is in one building, getting lost is practically impossible. Simply follow the "Departures" or "Arrivals" signs and watch for information about your flight on the electronic boards located throughout the hall.

The history of the main airport of Georgia began in 1952, when the first terminal building was constructed in the Stalinist Empire style. This terminal, designed by architect V. Beridze, became the starting point for the development of civil aviation in the republic and defined the appearance of the air gateway of Tbilisi for many years. During the Soviet era, the airport developed actively, connecting the capital with major cities of the USSR.

By the 1970s, it became clear that the old terminal could not cope with the growing passenger flow. In 1973, a new, more spacious building designed in the Brutalist style was opened. This project was distinguished by bold architectural solutions and an original layout, becoming one of the symbols of late Soviet architecture. The terminal functioned successfully for several decades, surviving a change of eras and witnessing key events in the country's history.

A real breakthrough in the airport's development was the large-scale reconstruction at the beginning of the 21st century. In February 2007, a modern international terminal was put into operation, designed according to global standards. The project included not only a new building but also a complete modernization of the runway, aprons, and navigation systems. Simultaneously, a railway line was built connecting the airport with the central station of Tbilisi, which significantly simplified logistics for passengers. Throughput capacity grew to 2.8 million people per year.

Since the opening of the new terminal, the airport has borne the name of the great Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli. Further development followed quickly: in 2017, a new arrivals terminal was opened, allowing capacity to increase to nearly 4 million passengers. Today, Tbilisi International Airport is a modern and dynamically developing aviation hub, playing a key role in the transport system of the entire Caucasus region.

International Airport Tbilisi (TBS) offers a full range of services to make your stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight.

If you are hungry, there are numerous cafes and restaurants on the airport territory offering both dishes of Georgian cuisine and popular international snacks. Whether to have a cup of aromatic coffee or a full dinner — the choice is yours. Shopping lovers will appreciate the stores, including a large Duty-Free zone with a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and souvenirs.

Passengers preferring privacy and increased comfort can use the services of business lounges and VIP lounges. Here, in a quiet atmosphere, you can relax, work, and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with family and colleagues. To recharge gadgets, numerous power outlets and charging stations are installed in waiting areas and at boarding gates.

Financial services are represented by bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs, which are easy to find both in the arrivals hall and in the departures area. This allows you to easily exchange money or withdraw cash upon arrival.

For travelers with children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can take care of your baby in a calm environment. In case of illness, passengers can contact the 24-hour medical point. The airport is also fully adapted for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, and special restrooms. If necessary, you can book an assistance service through your airline.

If you have a long layover or an early departure, a hotel is located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travelers, conference rooms and business services are also provided, allowing you to hold a meeting or negotiations without leaving the airport territory.

At Tbilisi International Airport, passengers will find various options for a snack or a full meal, capable of satisfying different tastes and budgets. Most establishments are located in the Departures area, after passing passport control and security, but there are several options in the public zone as well.

Before Security Control (Landside) In the arrivals area and the public part of the departures hall, you can find several coffee shops where it is convenient to drink coffee with fresh pastries while waiting for a flight or meeting arrivals. This is an excellent option for a quick and inexpensive snack. Prices here are generally slightly lower than in the secure zone.

After Security Control (Airside) The main food court and restaurants are located in the departures area. Here the choice is significantly wider:

• Fast Food: For those in a hurry, international fast-food chain outlets operate, offering burgers, sandwiches, and French fries. This is a predictable and quick way to satisfy hunger.
• Cafes and Bars: The airport has several cozy cafes where you can order sandwiches, salads, desserts, and various beverages. Some of them operate around the clock, which is especially convenient for passengers on night flights. Here you can also find wine bars where you can taste famous Georgian wines before departure.
• Local Cuisine Restaurants: If time permits, we recommend visiting one of the establishments offering Georgian cuisine dishes. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a last Adjarian khachapuri or order khinkali before departure. This is a more expensive, but also more authentic option.

Regarding special dietary needs, in most cafes, you can find vegetarian options, for example, salads or pastries with cheese and vegetables (lobiani, pkhlovani). Gluten-free or vegan dishes might be harder to find, but in restaurants with menu service, you can always clarify the ingredients with the staff. The average price range varies from budget fast food to mid-range restaurants, where a full lunch will cost more than in the city but remains within standard airport prices.

To ensure your journey through Tbilisi airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these tips. Planning and knowing some nuances will help save time, money, and stress.

Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before the departure of international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This time is enough to pass all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours. Consider possible travel time from the city to the airport, as there may be traffic jams on the way out of Tbilisi.

Check-in and Control: Many airlines offer online check-in, which allows you to save time. If you are traveling only with hand luggage, you can proceed directly to security. Be prepared for the standard security check procedure: take metal objects out of your pockets in advance, remove outerwear, and take your laptop out of your bag.

Seat Selection: If there is an opportunity to choose a seat in advance, think about your preferences. Window seats will give you magnificent views of the Caucasus Mountains during takeoff or landing in clear weather. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight.

Hand Luggage: Standard rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml and sharp objects. Remember that famous Georgian wine, chacha, or other beverages can be bought in Duty Free shops after passing security control — volume restrictions do not apply to them (within the rules of your airline and the country of arrival).

Transfer Passengers: Tbilisi Airport is quite compact and understandable, which makes transfers convenient. Check with your airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. If you have enough time between flights, you can use the services of business lounges or relax in a cafe.

Customs Control: When entering Georgia or leaving it, pay attention to customs regulations. Declare cash if the amount exceeds the established limit. There are restrictions on the duty-free import and export of alcohol and tobacco products. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel".

Saving Time and Money: To avoid overpaying for a taxi, use official services or apps for booking a car, or consider taking bus No. 337, which runs between the airport and the city center. By taking an empty water bottle with you, you can fill it at drinking fountains after the security check.

Flight Delays: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the waiting duration, you may be provided with vouchers for food and drinks, and for long delays — hotel accommodation. Do not forget to check the conditions of your travel insurance.