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Tbilisi International Airport Guide: Location, Flights, Services, and Transportation
heliya erfani
2025-04-14
Tbilisi International Airport is the main international airport of Georgia and an important gateway for travelers visiting the country. Located in the capital city of Tbilisi, the airport connects Georgia to many international destinations and supports the country’s tourism and business travel. In this Sepehran Blog guide, we take a closer look at Tbilisi International Airport, including its location, services, transportation options, and useful travel tips for passengers.
Before starting your trip to Georgia, explore our airport guide for international travelers to better understand airport services, travel documents, arrival steps, and transportation options.
Tbilisi International Airport, also known as Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, is one of the main gateways to the country of Georgia. Located near the capital city of Tbilisi, it is recognized as one of the region’s most modern and advanced airports.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | TBS |
| Airport Type | Passenger – Public |
| Airline Hub | Georgian Airways |
| Elevation Above Sea Level | 495 meters |
| Official Website | tbilisiairport.com |
| Google Maps Location | Tbilisi Airport, Georgia |
| Air Distance from Tehran | Approximately 890 kilometers |
Tbilisi International Airport is located about 17 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. The airport is one of the main entry points for international travelers visiting the country and provides convenient access to central Tbilisi, nearby hotels, business areas, and tourist attractions.
Passengers can travel between the airport and the city by taxi, public bus, private transfer, or car rental. Travel time may vary depending on traffic, arrival time, and the chosen transportation method.
The history of Tbilisi International Airport dates back to the Soviet era. Its first terminal building was constructed in 1952, marking an important stage in the development of air transport in Georgia’s capital.
In 2005, the operation of the airport was taken over by TAV Georgia, a subsidiary of TAV Airports Holding. Following major investment and modernization work, a new passenger terminal at Tbilisi International Airport was commissioned in 2007. The project included the construction of a new international terminal, a car park, improvements to the apron, taxiway and runway, and the acquisition of ground handling equipment.
In the following years, additional infrastructure projects were carried out, including runway and taxiway rehabilitation in 2016–2017 and the development of new arrival facilities. These upgrades helped improve the airport’s operational capacity and passenger experience.
Today, Tbilisi International Airport is the main international gateway to Georgia and plays an important role in supporting tourism, business travel, and the country’s air connectivity with regional and international destinations.
Tbilisi International Airport has a compact and modern passenger terminal designed to handle both domestic and international flights. The airport layout is relatively easy to navigate, with departure and arrival areas, check-in counters, security control, passport control, baggage claim, and passenger services located within the main terminal building.
Although the airport does not have separate domestic and international terminal buildings, different areas of the terminal are used for domestic and international flight procedures. Passengers should always check their flight information and follow airport signs or airline guidance on the day of travel.
The terminal offers a range of facilities for travelers, including flight information screens, waiting areas, shops, cafés, restaurants, duty-free stores, banking and currency exchange services, free Wi-Fi, lounges, baggage services, and transportation access.
In recent years, the airport has also expanded its arrival facilities to improve passenger flow and comfort. These developments have helped Tbilisi International Airport serve as Georgia’s main international gateway and provide a smoother travel experience for both arriving and departing passengers.
Tbilisi International Airport offers premium lounge and CIP services for passengers who want a more comfortable airport experience before departure. The Prime-class Lounge is located in the International Terminal, after security and passport control, on the right side near Gate 101.
The lounge is available for international departing passengers and offers services such as an open buffet, snacks, soft beverages, newspapers and magazines, Wi-Fi, restrooms, a bar, a business corner, and an art-gallery-style atmosphere featuring works by Georgian artists. Lounge access conditions, fees, and usage time may change, so passengers should check the latest details before travel.
Tbilisi Airport also offers Fast Track and Meet & Greet services through Prime-class. These services may include assistance with check-in, luggage handling, access to the Fast Track lane, and guidance to the lounge after security and passport control.
*Note: Since lounge services, prices, and operating conditions may change over time, passengers are advised to confirm availability through the official Tbilisi Airport website, their airline, or the lounge service provider before departure.
Tbilisi International Airport provides flight information for both arriving and departing passengers. Travelers can check departure and arrival times, airline details, flight status, and other useful updates through the airport’s flight information screens and official online flight information services.
The official Tbilisi Airport website provides access to departures, arrivals, flight alerts, a live flight tracker, flight prediction tools, an airport route map, airline information, and transfer details. These tools can help passengers plan their airport arrival time and follow possible changes to their flight.
However, flight schedules and statuses may change due to weather conditions, airline operations, air traffic, or other operational reasons. For the most accurate information, passengers are advised to confirm their flight details with their airline before traveling to the airport.
Tbilisi Airport Flight Schedule
Tbilisi International Airport offers a range of passenger facilities and services designed to make the travel experience easier before departure and after arrival. Although the airport is relatively compact compared with major global hubs, passengers can access essential services throughout the terminal.
Available facilities and services may include:
The airport provides information services and flight information screens to help passengers check flight details, departure times, arrival updates, and airport procedures.
Passengers can find bank branches, ATMs, payment points, and currency exchange offices in different areas of the terminal, including arrival and departure halls.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected, check travel information, or contact family and friends.
Baggage services at the airport may include luggage wrapping, lost luggage support, baggage-related assistance, and a left luggage office. The left luggage facility is available 24/7 in the departure area.
Tbilisi Airport provides medical assistance for passengers who need urgent health support at the airport. Pharmacy services may also be available inside the terminal.
Passengers who want a more comfortable airport experience can use lounge, Fast Track, and Meet & Greet services, depending on availability and access conditions.
The airport offers shopping and dining options, including duty-free stores, cafés, restaurants, and retail shops. Availability may vary depending on the flight area and time of travel.
Passengers can use airport parking facilities and transportation options such as taxis, buses, private transfers, and car rental services to travel between Tbilisi Airport and the city.
Tbilisi Airport provides assistance for passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility, or special travel needs. Passengers who require support are advised to request assistance through their airline before traveling.
Since airport services, opening hours, and access conditions may change over time, passengers should check the latest information through the official Tbilisi Airport website or their airline before departure.
Shopping at Tbilisi Airport can be a convenient part of the travel experience, especially for passengers departing on international flights. The airport offers several retail options, including gift shops, souvenir stores, and duty-free shops where travelers can buy international brands as well as Georgian local products.
Available products may include perfumes, cosmetics, personal care items, chocolates, snacks, accessories, toys, souvenirs, and selected local Georgian products. Some regulated items, such as tobacco products, may also be available, but passengers should always check customs rules and duty-free allowances before purchasing.
Duty-free shopping at Tbilisi International Airport is mainly available in the departures area after passport control. ATU Duty Free operates stores in the departures terminal, offering a range of international brands and local Georgian items.
Passengers can use these shops after completing airport security and passport control procedures before boarding their flight. Product availability, prices, and special offers may vary depending on the store and travel date.
The main duty-free stores are located in the international departures area, after passport control. Travelers should follow airport signs for shopping and duty-free areas after completing departure formalities.
According to Tbilisi Airport, duty-free shops in the departures hall behind passport control are open 24 hours. However, some retail outlets may operate according to flight schedules, so passengers are advised to check the latest airport information before travel.
Tbilisi International Airport offers several transportation options for passengers traveling to the city center, hotels, business areas, and tourist attractions. Depending on your budget, arrival time, luggage, and preferred level of comfort, you can choose between airport taxis, public buses, private transfers, ride-hailing services, or car rental.
Taxi is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Tbilisi Airport to the city center and other parts of the city. Official airport taxis are available outside the terminal, next to the curbside of the Arrival Hall, and operate 24 hours a day.
The journey from the airport to central Tbilisi usually takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares are calculated by meter, and the approximate fare to the city center may range from 40 to 60 GEL. Passengers can also check airport taxi details through the official taxi service listed by Tbilisi Airport.
Public bus is a more affordable option for traveling between Tbilisi Airport and the city. Municipal bus route #337 operates between the airport and Tbilisi city center. The bus stop is located in front of the Arrival Hall.
The route connects the airport with key city areas, including Kakheti Highway, Queen Ketevan Avenue, Baratashvili Street, Rustaveli Avenue, and Station Square. Passengers can pay with a Metro Money card or selected bank cards. Bus schedules may change, so travelers should check the latest timetable before relying on this option.
Private airport transfers are suitable for travelers who prefer a per-arranged and more comfortable journey. This option can be useful for families, business travelers, first-time visitors, or passengers arriving late at night. Transfers can usually be arranged through hotels, travel agencies, or online booking platforms.
Passengers may also use ride-hailing apps or car rental services, depending on availability. Ride-hailing can be a convenient option for direct transfers, while car rental may be useful for travelers planning to visit several areas in Tbilisi or other parts of Georgia.
Overall, taxis and private transfers are usually more comfortable and direct, while public buses are more economical. Before leaving the airport, passengers should check the latest transport schedule, fare, and route based on their destination and arrival time.
The distances below are approximate and may vary depending on the selected route, traffic conditions, weather, and the exact destination point. Before starting your trip, it is recommended to check the route on a live map.
Tbilisi International Airport is the main gateway to Georgia and an important starting point for travelers visiting Tbilisi. In this guide, we reviewed essential information about the airport, including its location, history, terminal facilities, flight information, passenger services, shopping options, transportation, and distance to key destinations.
Before your trip, it is recommended to check your flight schedule, travel documents, baggage rules, and airport transportation options to enjoy a smoother travel experience.
If you are planning to travel to Georgia, you can book flights to Tbilisi through the flysepehran website. Passengers can also use flysepehran online services, such as seat selection and excess baggage purchase before departure.
