How to get a public transport card at Tbilisi airport?

If you need a taxi instead of public transport: in September 2026 travelers advised downloading a ride-hailing app (such as Bolt) in advance, exchanging some dollars for lari at the airport exchange desk and ordering a car to the arrivals hall. They warn against touts at the exit: according to one traveler, they promise an app-like price and then add extra charges for pick-up and drop-off.

One card can pay fares for several people at once — according to messages from August and September 2026, you do not need a separate card for each companion.

If you did not get a card at the airport: in August 2026 travelers wrote that in Tbilisi itself the card is sold at metro stations and can be topped up at terminals around the city.

Where to buy the card at the airport: according to advice repeated several times in the discussion in July–September 2026, the best option is the bank in the departures hall. Walk out of arrivals, turn right, go about 100 meters and enter the departures hall. The same bank also has a branch in arrivals, but according to this experience it often refuses to sell the card, and pushy taxi touts hang around it.

Cost: according to the same advice (July–September 2026), the card itself cost 2 GEL and one ride 1 GEL. You can top it up right away at the same bank and later at payment terminals. Fares may change, so check on the spot.