Saturday, February 16, 2013

Kutaisi airport public transport information.


Kutaisi airport in Georgia is a new airport, with relatively few flights at present. However, due to Wizzair's direct flight from Kiev, it is now the cheapest location to arrive in if you are coming to the Caucasus from Europe. It is not easy to find out information about local transport to and from the airport, so I hereby place this information on the internet, hopefully to help other people.

The simplest way into Kutaisi is simply to get a taxi. A fare of about 25 Georgian Lari (£10, $15) seems to be the going rate. Whether locals get a cheaper price and/or taxi drivers will try to get away with charging you more if they can remains to be seen. On the other hand, the distance is about 20km, so this isn't particularly unreasonable.

When I arrived on January 28, there were two public minibuses (marshrutkas) waiting outside the terminal, one going to Batumi (2 hours away) and the other going to Tbilisi (four hours away). I don't know if such services go after every flight, but they are likely useful. Of course, they also likely go in the other direction, but when and where they depart from in Tbilisi and Batumi is not information I was able to find out, even with the help of a Georgian in Tbilisi. (as the Tbilisi bus goes in the direction of Kutaisi, it is likely possible to ask the driver to take you to Kutaisi for a few Lari, but I suspect that this depends on how full the bus is).

However, the key piece of information is this.

Kutaisi airport is on the main highway in Georgia (Georgian Highway number 1, European route E60), in the sense that you walk out of the terminal and past the car park, and the exit to the carpark turns straight onto the highway. Locally, this is the road from Kutaisi to Samtredia. (The airport is actually closer to Samtredia). To get into Kutaisi, you should stay on the same side of the highway as the airport terminal, and flag down the next marshrutka going in that direction.To get from Kutaisi to the airport, you should get the minibus to Samtredia, and ask the driver to let you off at the airport.

This should be simple, once you know this. (To get from the airport to Samtredia, cross the road and flag down a marshrutka going in the opposite direction. There is a bus shelter at which to wait).
Similarly, to get to Kutaisi airport from Tbilisi, you should get a bus to Samtredia and ask the driver to let you off at Kutaisi airport. (Getting on the bus to Poti likely works, too). Coming from the coast, get on the bus to Kutaisi, and ask the driver to let you off at the airport. In a pinch, get off at Samtredia, as this is much closer to the airport and going all the way to Kutaisi will involve 20km of backtracking.

When I was there in January 2013, there were no money changing facilities or ATMs at the airport. As the airport was brand new and still being finished at the time, this might be rectified soon. If not, this is unlikely to be a problem if the service you are boarding terminates at wherever you are going, as there are many money changers and ATMs in all Georgian towns, and getting a little money to pay the driver at the end of the route is feasible. If you are getting off in the middle of a route, this might be a little more problematic, and there is something to be said for having a few small denomination euros or dollars handy. (Good advice anywhere). If none of this works, appealing to the kindness of strangers is also likely to work. Georgians are very warm and hospitable people to visitors, and are likely to be sympathetic.

Update (19/2/13): I see that Wizzair have just announced that they are increasing the Kiev route to daily, as well as adding flights from Kutaisi to Warsaw, Donetsk and Kharkiv. That Warsaw flight is going to make it even easier for those of us trying to get to the Caucasus from Europe. Hopefully, the increased traffic will also encourage the owners of the airport to, say, install an ATM.

Further Update  (11/11/13): I went to Kutaisi airport again in late October. There is now a company (GeorgianBus) providing timetabled bus services to and from Tbilisi and Batumi to meet every flight at Kutaisi airport. They have a desk at the airport that sells tickets and accepts credit cards, tickets can be bought in advance online, and I highly recommend them. I also saw a local Kutaisi city bus (number 777) arrive in the carpark at the airport and leave while I was there. I suspect that this means that there is also now a timetabled bus service to Kutaisi, but I cannot vouch for this 100%. The airport now also contains a Tourist Information Desk that also changes money, cafe/bars both before and after security, and a kiosk selling Georgian mobile phone SIMs. Two things lacking are an ATM and a duty free shop, but there still appears to be some work going on on the airport terminal. Basically, though, this airport now has most of the regular facilities found in airports. There is no particular need for special preparations any more.

51 comments:

David Farrer said...

Michael,

The Anti-Corruption Chamber of Georgia is here.

Michael said...

David: You went on a Black Sea cruise? That sounds like it could be fun.

David Farrer said...

Michael,

Yes, we went on a cruise. They are lots of Black Sea photos on my Flickr Sets back in Sep/Oct 2009. It's a fascinating part of the world.

Michael said...

I've been to most of the countries round the edge: the coasts of Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Abkhazia, and now Georgia. No Russia though - the visa requirement is still putting me off.

Bas said...

Thanks for this piece of information! Hard to find anywhere else since the airport also doesn't have a website with any useful information.

Do you have any information on how to find (cheap) accomodation as well? Can you just do this on the street or is making a reservation a better idea?

Michael said...

There's plenty of cheap accommodation in Kutaisi. This is easy enough to book on booking sites like booking.com or hostelworld.com.

However, in Kutaisi (and most other Georgian towns) most cheap accommodation is not listed on the internet. This usually takes the form of guest houses, which vary from people renting a room in their homes to what are essentially small and simple hotels. If you show up in Kutaisi (or other Georgian towns) and simply look for signs saying "Guest House", you will almost certainly be fine, too.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to thank you for posting the only reliable information about this that I could find.

I thought I'd let you know that you can now change money when you arrive at a white desk just inside the door. The rates were not posted and I didn't see an ATM.

There are now several buses outside the terminal going to Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. When I flew out there was one with a sign for Mestia but departure didn't seem imminent. I paid 10 USD to go to Batumi.

Michael said...

Yes, I went again in May, on the flight from Warsaw which arrived mid morning. There was a bus to Mestia on that occasion, too. This was very convenient to me, as this was where I was headed and I had thought I would have to make my way to Zugdidi and proceed to Mestia the next morning. This saved me a day. The bus stopped for a break at Zugdidi (where there are plenty of banks, money changers, and ATMs), and there is also one ATM in Mestia, so the money situation was solved easily enough.

Madeleine said...

Hi Michael,

I'm curious about the bus that you took to Mestia - where and when did it depart, and do you know if it runs regularly? My boyfriend and I will go to Kutaisi in a month with the Warsaw connection arriving at 11.10. It would just be so much better to go straight to Mestia without having to take the marshrutka to Zugdidi and spend the night there, as I thought we would need to do.

Thank you for posting this helpful information!

Madeleine

Anonymous said...

I am from the city and flying first time to this airoport on Saturday, I found this info very useful, I will try to update you once I get more info at the airoport

Michael said...

The bus I got to Mestia was the bus from Tbilisi to Mestia. I got off the plane, walked to the main road, and the bus was waiting. I got on, and it departed shortly afterwards. Most of the other people on the bus were Poles. I suspect that they had also just arrived on the flight from Warsaw, but I am not 100% sure of that. Whether the bus always stops and waits for the flight from Warsaw, I do not know. Whether such buses meet flights from other destinations, once again I don't know.

I think there is a good chance of it, though. If there is a market for it and money to be made, someone is going to put on a minibus. The locals are still adapting to the influx of foreigners coming through the airport. One can't rely on the bus being there, but walk out, look in the car park, then look at the bus stop on the other side of the main road. One cannot rely on the bus being there, but there is a fair chance it will be.

I think one can rely on their being buses to Tbilisi and Batumi, however.

Michael said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dfez said...

Hello Michael:
Do you have information about parking a car at the Kutaisi airport? You mentioned a car park and I'm curious to know if it was safe/affordable. Any information you have would be appreciated.
Dave

Unknown said...

Happy that i landed here on your blog what if i ask you to share something about car parking services at Gatwick such as Gatwick meet and greet . Interesting thing about your blog is that you actually write what comes into your mind. Cheers.

Ferya said...

Thanks for this piece of information! Hard to find anywhere else since the airport also doesn't have a website with any useful information. Meet and Greet parking gatwick

Suzan Baker said...

such public transport information makes it easier for all the customers and provide them with the things they require. keep on sharing such blogs in the future as well. Secure Car Parking Luton

carlagrace said...

the information does help, its very kind of you to share it. most people wouldn't bother. For more parking facilities do visit gatwick airport parking

Unknown said...

Transport information is the source of comfort, ease and saving time for a lot of people. your blog is a humble source for that, cheers. cheapest gatwick parking

Anonymous said...

Some extra information how to get from Kutaisi city center to airport for budget travelers. I came with minibus (marshrutka) from Tbilisi Didube bus station to Kutaisi(12 lari). Bus can let you out in Chavchavadze avenue bus station near McDonald's or drop you in the city center. If you step out near McDonald's, go to the back yard of McDonald's and you will see a bus station. Ask for marshrutka to Samtretia and say that you need to step out near airport(2 lari). p.s.: Ride with marshrutka parked near the street (10-5 lari), taxi (20 lari).

Unknown said...

Hi, nice post
thanks sharing this kind of information Taxi company Auckland

Monday said...

Kutaisi Airport - Tbilisi Kutaisi Airport - Tbilisi 1-3 Persons 180 GEL

4-7 Persons 210 GEL Kutaisi Airport - Gudauri

230 GEL 4-7 Persons 230 GEL
New Cars, All Cars Insured, Special Box for Luggage and Ski.

Drivers Speaks English and Russian, Non-Smokers

No Extra Charge for Stops.

CALL US 24 HOURS +(995) 593 99 43 31 tornike86@gmail.com

+995 593994331 VIBER or WHATS'UP

Unknown said...

Transfers Georgia is official licensed Transportation Company. Transfers From Kutaisi airport to any destination. New cars. Non smoker drivers. cheap and comfortable transfers.
we will meet you in the airport any take you where you wish. Cheap and comfortable Transfers

24 Hours

Tours around Georgia.

Minivans, Jeeps, Minibuses.

Transfers Georgia

transfersgeo@gmail.com
+995593994331 Viber - what's up

Unknown said...

Kutaisi airport transportation service blog is very effective helps to passenger to decide what they have to do if they going to choose public transportation or need local private airport car company as DTW Airport Cars working as private transportation company in Michigan USA

Monday said...

@sara are you joking ? This post is for Republic of Georgia Kutaisi not USA

Unknown said...

When you want a minibus to proceeds a group to the station you necessarily think about Minibus Hire Service. This is the one of the finest and information BlogSpot I forever perceived.

Unknown said...

This is certified airport Hire a Minibus service that is offering great services for several locations at very low fares with cool accommodations at 24/7 online access.
Its very kind of you to share it. This is great post.

Unknown said...

Hi fellas,
Thank you so much for this wonderful article really!
If someone want to read more about that Geo Taxi Services I think this is the right place for you!

George Harison said...

Georgia is a nice country and also good to hear about the Kutaisi airport for global travellers! London Heathrow airport taxi service

Eat Cake Today said...

Airport Transfers Service, Best and Cheap Airport Taxi in London UK. Upto 50% cheaper then Uber and Black Cab.We are experts in any London Airport and any Sea Port transfers from and to London City. Based next to London Heathrow, We provide excellent minicab service to and from Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport, Luton Airport or London City Airport.

Ethan Marcotte said...

Wonderful information about the Kutaisi public transportation. I hope this information is really helpful for the passengers and travellers!
Heathrow airport minicab and taxi transfer service

Reshmi said...

This page is really such a great post. most valuable information. I liked it very much and felt beneficial for travellers. Thanks

Online Cab Booking

Rides Are Us said...

Thanks for sharing and such great blogs. Waiting for more.I certainly love reading everything that is posted on your website.Keep the stories coming. I liked it! Cheap transportation in Ottawa Ontario
Transportation to Montreal

Airdrie City Taxi said...

Wonderful blog!! I am really surprised by this blog. Post is very informative, You explained very well. Thanks for all the information. Crossiron mill Taxi Service
Taxi service in Crossfield Alberta


rohanrj said...

At this point I won’t promise anything. The project is not dead, let’s call it a transition period. It’s not just word play. airport transfer beijing

suzanne said...

Thank you for writing a great read! It was a very educated read for me for sure...I had no idea where "Kutaisi" was. https://www.valueridesllc.com/transportation-to-dia

Nemaram Punavat said...

Serving Los Angeles

Riverside is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, located in the Inland Empire metropolitan area. It is the most populous city in the Inland Empire as well as Riverside County, and is located approximately 60 miles of Los Angeles] It is also part of the Greater Los Angeles area.
to get more - https://www.allstoplimo.com/riverside/

Arizona Airport Express said...

Thanks for sharing such a useful piece of knowledge.
phoenix airport shuttle
shuttle service phoenix

Mark's Auto Trim said...

Very informative, good job guys and thanks for sharing such a awesome blog.Car seat covers Oshawa Ontario
Seat covers in Oshawa Ontario

Amanda Smith said...

Need Airport Transportation to and from Poolesville? Look no further, DarkHorseLL offers best and luxury airport limo service . For Booking call (571) 208-9111  

Arizona Airport Express said...

Realy amazing.It is so helpful post for me thanks.shuttle service to phoenix airport

phoenix airport shuttle

Sam Anderson said...

Thanks for sharing this nice informative post and I appreciate it. Great!
cheap stansted airport parking

gbairporttransfer said...

Great post
Heathrow taxis provide very smart taxis service across London and airport transfer and taxis to all local cities.
Taxis in GB Airport Transfer-Heathrow Taxis Company provide taxis and minicab to all airports, seaport and railway station in London at affordable price also offers taxi
Gbairport transfer
Gbairport minicab
Gbairport taxis

Mac pro said...

Nice article admin thanks for share your article keep share your knowledge i am waiting for your new post check mens puffer jacket tracksuit bottoms kindly review and reply me

Tom said...

Great article.
millhill minicabs providing safe ride facilies for customer.minihill providing taxis,airport transfer and online booking minicabs through the all over the london city.
taxi services
millhill online booking
airport transfer

Tom said...

Great post and nice article.
thanks for sharing the information
millhill minicabs providing safe ride facilies for customer.minihill providing taxis,airport transfer and online booking minicabs through the all over the london city.
taxi services
millhill online booking
airport transfer

Sam Anderson said...

This post contains much information and airport transport can help people to reach airport timely.
meet and greet at stansted

Michael Ruth said...

Helpful public transportation information shared on the above post. Beware from scams. Thank you.
Heathrow park and ride
cheap Luton airport parking

Arya Jon said...

Well written post about Parking at stansted airpot

Arya Jon said...

Amazing blog! Also visit Stansted park ride

Dennyella said...

Great post it’s very helpful for traveller.
Also Check meet and greet stansted
park and ride gatwick airport

Dennis Bell said...

Choosing Ezybook for Meet and Greet Gatwick services is a game-changer when it comes to hassle-free travel from the UK. Park your car with confidence and enjoy a seamless experience, ensuring a stress-free start to your journey. Ezybook truly lives up to its name, making travel arrangements easy and convenient.

Blog Archive