6 Best Nomad-Friendly Cafes in Batumi, Georgia
takayuki
Nomadrista
Tbilisi Public Transport Guide, Georgia: How to Use Buses and the Metro
takayuki
In Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, you can reach almost anywhere in the city by public transportation.
If you search your destination on Google Maps, it will show you routes using the metro and buses.
And best of all, public transport in Tbilisi is very cheap.
Basic Information about Buses and Metro
- You can ride the metro and buses using card payment
- Paying by credit card (VISA, etc.) costs 1.5 GEL
- Paying with a local Metro Card costs 1 GEL
- Metro Cards can be purchased at metro station ticket gates
- Within 90 minutes, you can transfer between the metro and buses with one fare
On this page, we explain how to use buses and the metro in Tbilisi and how to top up a Metro Card.
Travel Insurance Is Required to Enter Georgia
From 2026, travelers entering Georgia will be required to have travel insurance that covers at least $30,000 for medical and hospitalization expenses.
To avoid being denied entry, please consider getting travel insurance in advance.
“SafetyWing” is highly recommended, offering $250,000 in medical coverage for $56.28 per month.
Start by getting a quote that fits your travel plan.
Contents
How to Use Buses and the Metro in Tbilisi, Georgia
You can ride buses and the metro in Tbilisi for 1 GEL .
Even better, you can enjoy unlimited rides for 90 minutes, including transfers between buses and the metro.
Payment Methods for Buses and Metro
- Georgian bank debit card
- Metro Card
- Apple Pay
- Contactless credit or debit card
- 1 GEL coin
Please note that the 90-minute unlimited ride rule applies only when using cashless payment.
If you pay with a 1 GEL coin, the unlimited transfer within 90 minutes does not apply.
How to Use a Bus in Tbilisi, Georgia
After getting on the bus, simply tap your card on the touch panel inside the bus. When the payment is successful, you will hear a “beep” sound.
That’s all. You’re good to go.
If you want to pay with a 1 GEL coin, insert the coin into the coin slot located below the touch panel and take the receipt.
Make sure to keep the receipt until you get off the bus.
Please note that no change is given when paying with coins.
How to Use the Metro in Tbilisi, Georgia
The Tbilisi Metro has two lines:
- Saburtalo Line
- First Line
You can transfer between these two lines at Station Square Station.
Metro stations in Tbilisi are marked with a large “M” sign, so they are easy to find.
To enter the metro, simply tap your card at the ticket gate, just like when you board a bus.
By the way, this is what the Tbilisi Metro looks like.
ジョージアの地下鉄🚇
— Ami (@amihuis_ami) February 7, 2022
旧ソ連感漂う内装がグッときます。 pic.twitter.com/IoExSuOU3g
Please note that it can take some time to reach the platform after passing through the ticket gates.
*If you are in a hurry, using a bus or taxi may be a better option.
Finally, I will explain how to get a Metro Card and how to top it up for use on buses and the metro.
How to Get a Metro Card and Top It Up
The photo above shows the Metro Card, a prepaid card that can be used on buses and the metro in Georgia.
You can buy a Metro Card at the ticket counter in front of the metro gates. Metro Cards are available at any metro station, so look for the orange-colored counter.
At the counter, simply say “Metro card, please.”
The card issuance fee is 2 GEL.
For example, if you give 10 GEL and say “All charge, please”, 2 GEL will be used for the card fee, and the remaining 8 GEL will be added to your card as credit (8 rides).
Next, we will explain how to top up your Metro Card.
How to Top Up Your Metro Card
When walking around the city, you will often see ATM-like machines on the streets.
You can top up your Metro Card using the orange-colored machines.
*These orange machines are always installed near bus stops and metro stations, so they are easy to find.
When you find one, prepare your Metro Card and cash (GEL).
*Credit cards are not accepted at these machines.
First, on the top screen, tap “ENGLISH” in the upper-right corner to change the language to English.
Next, tap “Transport Card Top Up” in the upper-left corner.
The screen will then change, and you will see the message “Tap card to the reader.”
This simply means “Please tap your Metro Card on the reader.”
“Where should I tap it?” you might wonder.
Right here ↓
Tap your Metro Card on the orange area that looks like a Wi-Fi symbol.
Then, your current Metro Card balance will be displayed.
In the example below, the balance is shown as 5 GEL.
Next, insert the banknotes for the amount you want to top up into the bill slot at the bottom of the machine.
This time, we inserted a 10 GEL banknote into the slot.
Then, the amount “10 GEL” appeared on the screen under “Amount Inserted.”
Once the inserted amount appears on the screen, the “PAY” button will turn orange. Tap it to complete the top-up.
*No change will be given when topping up your card.
Then, you will be prompted to tap your Metro Card on the orange area again.
Tap your Metro Card again, just like before.
If a top-up error happens, start the process again from the beginning. The machine will notify you that there is an unfinished top-up, so tap “PAY” again to retry the process.
Once the top-up is completed successfully, the screen will change to the following page.
This time, we topped up 10 GEL onto a Metro Card with a balance of 5 GEL, so the total balance became 15 GEL.
Finally, tap “Finish” to complete the process.
That’s it!
Your Metro Card top-up is complete.
Also, be sure to check out information about Georgia SIM cards too.
Already using a Georgia SIM card?
Georgia SIM Price Comparison: Airport SIM vs City SIM Cards
ABOUT ME
I've been a nomad abroad for five years, traveling through 10+ cities across Europe. Right now I’m spending time in places like Paris, Venice, and Barcelona. I’ll be sharing simple, useful tips for living abroad.
