Bolt and Yandex Go — the main way
Taxis in Tbilisi are cheap and plentiful, but flagging one on the street is almost never worth it. Get the app — it solves three problems at once: a fixed price with no haggling, a navigator route, and card payment. Two services dominate: Bolt (the most popular, most cars) and Yandex Go (slightly higher at peak hours).
Both show the price before you book, and the driver can't change it. No language needed: the address is in the app, the route is on the map. That's why the app removes most of the communication issues I cover in the tourist phrasebook →.
City prices and fares
Tbilisi taxis are among the cheapest in the region. Rough 2026 figures (Bolt fare, normal hours):
| Route | Distance | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|
| Around the centre (short ride) | 2-4 km | ₾4-7 |
| Across the city | 6-10 km | ₾8-15 |
| Airport → centre | 17 km | ₾15-25 |
| Tbilisi → Mtskheta | 25 km | ₾30-45 |
In rain and at rush hour (6-8 pm) a surge multiplier applies — the price can rise 1.5-2×. It's easier to wait 10 minutes than overpay. For overall city spending, see Georgia first-time tips →.
Taxi from Tbilisi Airport
In arrivals, private drivers will offer "taxi, taxi" for ₾40-60. Don't take it — that's 2-3× the app price. Step outside, order a Bolt (there's a marked pickup point), and the ride to the centre is ₾15-25. There's also bus #337 to Freedom Square for ₾1, but with luggage after a long flight a taxi is comfier. Full arrival details are in the Tbilisi airport guide →.
Street taxis and haggling
If the app isn't available (dead phone, no internet), you can flag a car. Simple rules: agree the price before getting in — there are no meters in Georgia. Name a figure yourself; it's usually 1.5× the Bolt price, and haggling is fine. In mountain regions (Kazbegi, Svaneti) street taxis are the main option; see the Kazbegi guide →.
Payment: card or cash
In the app you can link a Visa/Mastercard and pay cashless — no change needed. But keep some lari on you: some drivers prefer cash, especially in the evening. Mir cards don't work in taxis — which cards are accepted in Georgia and where to withdraw cash is covered in our first-time guide →.
Safety and tips
- Tbilisi taxis are safe, but buckle up — driving here is emotional.
- Check the car's plate in the app before getting in.
- No tip needed — the price is fixed (see tipping in Georgia →).
- For out-of-town trips, hiring a car with a driver for the whole day is cheaper than metering.
- No internet for the app? Get a local SIM — there's a separate guide on that.
Need an out-of-town trip with no meter or haggling?
A private transfer or tour with a driver: a fixed price for the whole day, a comfortable car, hotel pickup.