Tbilisi Metro — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

Tbilisi Metro Information

Characteristic of metro networks in the USSR, the Tbilisi metro was also well decorated and aesthetically pleasing. In fact, it was the fourth metro network to open in the region in 1966. Extremely convenient for the people of Tbilisi, Georgia, the metro network boasted an annual ridership of nearly 100 million. The entire network consists of just 2 lines serving 22 stations. It is not a very large metro network, but it meets the needs of the people in a very efficient way. To be precise, the length of the line is only 27.1 km. It is operated by the Tbilisi Transport Company, which started operations in the same year as the Tbilisi Metro.

The Tbilisi metro is an important mode of transport in the city, serving approximately 252,000 passengers per day. The fare system involves the use of gates and tokens for access.

The metro does not operate 24 hours a day and has no air conditioning. In addition, passengers cannot walk between platforms and the trains are not driverless. There are no screen doors on the platforms.

The metro operates every day of the week from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. The fare is 40 tetries.

For more information about Tbilisi Metro, please visit the official website.

Tbilisi Metro Map

Map of Tbilisi Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Tbilisi Metro map in PDF format.

Lines and Stations

The Tbilisi Metro system consists of two lines and 23 stations with a total length of 26.4 km. Despite its small size, it efficiently transports approximately 600,000 passengers per day throughout the city.

Line 1

Line 1, also known as the Akhmeteli-Varketili line, was the first line to be developed in the Tbilisi Metro system. The need for a reliable transport system to alleviate surface traffic and congestion became apparent in the late 1940s. Construction of Line 1 began shortly after the project was approved.

Currently, Line 1 runs 19.6 km underground, connecting the Gldani district in the north to the Samgori district in the south. There are plans for further extensions, but no concrete decisions have yet been made. Stations along the line include

Akhmetelis Teatri: Originally known as Gldani station when it opened in 1989, this station serves as the northern terminus of Line 1 and is located in the Gldani district.
Sarajishvili: Inaugurated on 7 January 1989, this station serves the Nadzaladevi region and surrounding area. It is named after the Georgian tenor Ivane Sarajishvili.
Guramishvili: Located in the Nadzaladevi region, this station was opened on 16 November 1985. It is named after Davir Guramishvili, a famous Georgian poet.
Ghrmaghele: Also located in the Nadzaladevi region, this station began serving passengers on 25 November 1985.
Didube: Located in the Didube sector, this station was one of the first commercial stations in the Tbilisi Metro system. It was opened on 11 January 1966.
Gotsiridze: Located in the Nadzaladevi area, this station was opened on 11 January 1966. It is named after the Georgian engineer Viktor Gotsiridze.
Nadzaladevi: Located in the Nadzaladevi region, this station was also one of the first to open on 11 January 1966.
Station Square 1 (Sadguris Moedani I): Located in the Chugureti district, this station was opened on 11 January 1966.
Marjanishvili: Named after Kote Marjanishvili, a famous Georgian theatre director, this station was opened on 11 January 1966.
Rustaveli: Located in the Mtatsminda area, this station has the distinction of being the deepest in the Tbilisi Metro system, with a platform 60 metres below the surface. It was inaugurated in 1966.
Tavisuplebis Moedani: An extension of the original line, this station was opened in 1967 in the Mtatsminda district.
Avlabari: Opened in 1967, this station is named after the neighbourhood it serves and is located in the Isani district.
Samasi Aragveli: Located in the Isani district, this station was opened on 6 November 1967 in honour of the 300 soldiers from the
Aragvi valley who died defending the town at the Battle of Krtsanisi in 1795.
Isani: Also in the Isani district, this station was first opened to the public in 1971.
Samgori: Opened in 1971, this station is located between the Isani and Samgori districts.
Varketili: Serving as the current southern terminal of Line 1, this station was opened in 1985 and renovated in 2007.

Line 2

Line 2, also known as the Saburtalo line, was opened in 1979 to serve the western part of the city. It covers a distance of 6.8 km and currently has 7 stations. The stations of line 2 are as follows

Station Square 2: This station, which serves the Didube district, was inaugurated on 15 April 1979.
Tsereteli: Located in the Didube district, this station was inaugurated in 1979. It is named after the Georgian poet Akaki Tsereteli.
Technical University: Part of the first phase of Line 2, this station was opened in 1979 and serves the Saburtalo district.
Medical University: Located near the Saburtalo district, this station was also opened in 1979.
Delisi: Serving the Saburtalo district, this station was opened in 1979.
Vazha-Pshavela: An extension of Line 2, this station was added in 2000. It is located in the Vake neighbourhood.
State University: Serving the Saburtalo district, this is the latest addition to the Tbilisi Metro system. Construction of this station began in 1985, but was halted due to lack of funds. It was finally completed and opened in 2017.

Connections to Other Systems

As the Tbilisi metro is relatively small, it may not reach all areas of the city. However, there are bus stops near metro stations that provide connections to various parts of Tbilisi. Some of the main bus lines are

Didube: This station serves as an important transfer hub as it is located near Tbilisi’s central bus station. Passengers can easily transfer to buses that connect to popular tourist destinations as well as other cities and the outskirts of Tbilisi.
Station Square 1: This station provides access to the central part of the city and is a convenient way to explore the historical areas. It also serves as a connecting point to Line 2, the Saburtalo Line.

Schedule and Timetables

The Tbilisi Metro operates from 6:00 am to midnight every day, including Sundays. During peak hours, trains run at an average frequency of 2.5 minutes, providing passengers with frequent service. At off-peak times, the frequency drops to around 5 or 6 minutes between trains. Late in the evening, the time between trains can increase to around 12 minutes before the system closes for the night.

Tariffs, Tickets, and Cards

Passengers have two main payment options on the Tbilisi Metro: traditional paper tickets or electronic cards, the latter being the preferred choice. One-way tickets can be purchased from ticket counters at any station for 50 tetri (Georgian currency). These tickets are valid for 90 minutes after initial validation and can also be used on the local bus system.

The MetroMoney card is a prepaid card that gives users access to several public transport networks in the Georgian capital. It eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets for each mode of transport. With the MetroMoney card, users can conveniently travel by metro, bus and even cable car in Tbilisi.

In addition to its primary function, the MetroMoney card offers various benefits and special discounts. Users can purchase the card in commercial areas inside metro stations and Rike-Narikala cableway stations. A fee of ₾2.00 (2 Georgian Lari, approximately $0.78 USD) is required to purchase the card. The card is not personalised, so users can lend it to friends or family members, provided they have sufficient credit. Acquiring and using the MetroMoney card is a simple process.

When the credit on the MetroMoney card is depleted, users can recharge it at vending machines or ticket offices in metro and cableway stations. The card can also be recharged at the Bank of Georgia and various other commercial establishments.

To check the remaining credit on the card, users can consult the display at the turnstiles in metro stations, the validation point on buses or the ticket offices of cable cars.

If a user decides to return the MetroMoney card within the first 30 days of use, the ₾2.00 fee will be refunded in full. However, the original purchase receipt must be presented to validate the return.

In the event of any defect or damage to the card that originates from the factory (excluding normal wear and tear or damage caused directly or indirectly by the passenger), users can obtain a free replacement from Customer Services at Avlabari and Medical University stations. However, if the card is found to have been damaged by the user, the replacement will cost ₾2.00 (equivalent to the price of a new MetroMoney card).

If a MetroMoney card is lost, the metro authorities have measures in place to ensure its security. They will immediately block the card number within their network to prevent any unauthorised use. Once the affected user receives a new card, the available balance from the lost card will be transferred to the new card.

Rules and Regulations

Like most metro systems around the world, Tbilisi Metro has rules and regulations to ensure a pleasant experience for all passengers while maintaining a safe environment. Some of these rules are

No dangerous items are allowed on the trains, such as weapons, large tools, fire hazards, fuels or any other items that could pose a risk to themselves or other passengers.
Access to the driver’s cab by unauthorised persons is strictly prohibited.
Access to administrative or restricted areas is also prohibited for unauthorised personnel.
Passengers should refrain from obstructing the closing doors as the train will not proceed until all doors are securely closed.
Personal entertainment devices are permitted provided they do not cause annoyance or disturbance to other passengers. The use of headphones is strongly recommended.
It is strictly forbidden to distribute leaflets, advertisements or posters in the trains and stations of the metro, except with the express permission of the metro authorities.
Passengers are only allowed to occupy one seat per person. It is not allowed to use or block seats for luggage or personal belongings.
While waiting for trains, passengers should avoid distracting or annoying the staff.
Begging is not allowed on the system, except for those using it for transport purposes.
Smoking is strictly forbidden in stations and on trains.
Animals and pets are also not allowed on the network. If you are travelling with your pet, please make the necessary arrangements.
Please allow other passengers to leave the trains before boarding.

Fun Facts

Despite its relatively small size compared to other metro systems in the world, the Tbilisi metro serves a significant number of passengers annually. Approximately 97 million passengers use the services of this metro network each year.
Over the past two decades, several stations within the system have been renovated to preserve or enhance the remarkable beauty that characterises the former Soviet metro stations.
Some stations have been renamed. Guramishvili, Gotsiridze, Station Square 1 and Avlabari were originally opened under different names. However, following the political and ideological changes after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, their names were changed to TEMKA, Elektrodepo, Vagzlis, Moedani and 26 Komisari respectively.
The Tbilisi metro consists of a total of 170 trains, each consisting of approximately 3 or 4 carriages. These trains travel under the city at an average speed of 33 km/h. Maintenance and repair workshops are strategically located throughout the network.
In 2004, the metro was the victim of a terrorist attack in which poisonous gas was released in one of its stations, resulting in the unfortunate loss of several lives.

Connection with the Airport

The Tbilisi metro does not have a direct connection to Tbilisi International Airport, which is located south-east of the capital on the outskirts of the city. Passengers wishing to travel to the airport can take a bus directly to the terminal. Metro users should go to Station Square 1 or Station Square 2, where a bus stop is conveniently located in front of the metro entrance. They should then wait for bus number 37, operated by the Tbilisi Transport Company, which accepts the MetroMoney card as a valid means of payment. The bus ride to the airport takes about 35-40 minutes and costs 50 tetri (about $0.19 USD). Buses stop in front of the main terminal building, allowing passengers to disembark and enter the airport easily.

For travellers arriving at Tbilisi International Airport and wishing to reach the metro, the process is similar. Outside the terminal buildings, passengers will find taxi and bus stops, as well as car rental services. They have the option of taking a taxi for a quicker trip to the city centre, or they can choose to take bus number 37, which will take them to the city centre and connect with the metro at Station Square.

While the bus option is more economical, it’s important to consider the amount of luggage you’ll be carrying. If there is a significant amount of luggage, taking a taxi may be a safer and more convenient option, providing a more comfortable experience without the hassle of handling heavy bags.

Future Expansions

One of the most important projects for the expansion of the Tbilisi metro is the construction of Line 3 (Rustaveli 2 – Vazisubani Line). Originally designed and planned in the 1980s, this line was to serve mainly the Vake district and add 14 new stations to the underground network.

Construction of five of these stations began in 2000 but was never completed. Work has since been halted, but the local authorities have expressed their intention to resume construction of the third line. It is likely that the line would connect to the existing metro system via the Didube station on line 1. However, the project is currently on hold and there is no clear indication of when it will be resumed.

In the meantime, the local authorities have focused on renovating some of the original stations in the system. Many of these stations had deteriorated and were in need of repair. As a result, further extensions to the Tbilisi metro are unlikely in the near future.

Tourism and Sightseeing

Many visitors are drawn to Tbilisi for its rich historical past, particularly as part of the former Soviet Union. The city boasts numerous historical attractions that captivate tourists exploring the beautiful capital. Some of the most notable sites include

Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia: Located near Tavisuplebis Moedani Station on Line 1, this magnificent museum houses a collection of significant archaeological discoveries from the country. The building itself has a colourful history, having undergone various name changes throughout the 20th century and even being looted during the Russian Revolution of 1917. It stands as a historical landmark symbolising the struggle for freedom.

Rustaveli Avenue: Accessible from Tavisuplebis Moedani Station on Line 1, Rustaveli Avenue is renowned for its blend of the past, present and future of Tbilisi and Georgia as a whole. Designed by French architect Georges-Eugène Haussmann, the avenue was intended to contrast with the nearby Old Town. It is 1.5km long and features luxurious hotels and traditional Georgian markets. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the city and is close to many other tourist attractions.