Kutaisi airport transfers: to Tbilisi and Batumi

Kutaisi airport (David the Builder International) is Georgia’s main low-cost hub: cheap flights from Europe land here. The airport itself is small and sits about 20 km from Kutaisi, so the first question on arrival is how to reach the city - or go straight on to Tbilisi or Batumi. The big convenience is that the airport transfers are synced with flights: the buses wait even for delayed planes.

Shuttle buses (the most popular option)

Scheduled shuttles run from the airport, with timetables tied to arrivals and departures. The main routes are Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi itself, and there are several operators (Georgian Bus, for example). This is the cheapest and most predictable option: it’s worth buying your ticket online in advance, especially for busy flights, as seats sell out. Check the exact price and schedule for your flight on the carrier’s website.

This is a low-cost airport, so keep your baggage in mind: cheap fares have strict allowances, and paying for excess at the desk costs more than doing it online beforehand. Cabin-bag dimensions are checked against a size frame at the entrance. For connectivity, it’s easy to activate an eSIM before you land or buy a SIM in the arrivals area.

How long it takes

• To Kutaisi - about 20-30 minutes (around 20 km).
• To Tbilisi - about 3.5-4 hours (around 230 km).
• To Batumi - about 2.5 hours (around 150 km).

These are rough time guides; there’s sometimes a short stop on the way, and the journey time depends on traffic and the season.

Taxis and transfers

If you’re travelling as a group, with luggage or late at night, it’s easier to book a transfer in advance - the car meets you at the exit and drives you straight to your address. It costs more than the shuttle, but saves time and hassle, especially with children. Regular taxis also line up outside arrivals - agree the fare with the driver before your bags go in the boot.

Car hire

Renting straight off the plane makes sense here: Kutaisi is the natural launchpad for the canyons and caves of Imereti, and several agencies keep counters open right in the arrivals hall. The car hire section covers how the process works locally, and if a deposit hold on your card is the sticking point, car hire with no deposit lists the operators that skip it.

In short

• Shuttle - the cheapest, and synced with flights; buy your ticket in advance.
• Transfer/taxi - pricier, but door to door; handy with luggage and at night.
• Car hire - if you want the freedom to roam the region and the country.

For where to go next, see our guide to Kutaisi, the Tbilisi → Batumi route and our overview of Georgia’s airports.