1. Best Airports to Fly Into

Tbilisi International (TBS): Modern hub, 20 min to city. Ideal for capital nightlife, sulfur baths, and wine bars.

Kutaisi International (KUT): Low-cost heaven – Wizz Air & Ryanair from Europe. 3.5 hr scenic marshrutka to Tbilisi ($8).

Batumi International (BUS): Black Sea gateway. Summer flights from Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai.

Direct flights from: Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Warsaw, Riga, Vienna, Athens, Baku, Tel Aviv, Kyiv.

2. Airlines & Budget Flight Hacks

Budget kings: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Pegasus, FlyDubai, AirBaltic, Buta Airways.

Full-service: Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, LOT, Georgian Airways.

Cheapest months: Nov–Mar (except NY) – round-trips from Europe $40–120, Middle East $150–250.

Peak season: Jun–Aug & Dec–Jan – book 3–5 months ahead.

• Use Skyscanner “Everywhere” + flexible dates
• Sign up for Wizz Discount Club (€40/yr = $30–70 savings per flight)
• Fly Tue/Wed for lowest fares

3. Land & Train Border Crossings

Turkey → Georgia:

• Sarp/Sarpi – coastal, 20 min to Batumi
• Vale/Posof – mountain route to Akhaltsikhe

Armenia → Georgia: Sadakhlo–Bagratashen (fast), Bavra–Ninotsminda (mountain).

Azerbaijan → Georgia: Lagodekhi–Balakən (wine region access).

Russia → Georgia: Only via Kazbegi (closed to foreigners since 2023).

Night train: Yerevan–Tbilisi ($35, 10 hr, stunning Ararat views).

4. Scenic Drives & Internal Transport

Georgian Military Highway: Tbilisi–Kazbegi (3 hr) – Ananuri, Gudauri viewpoint, Gergeti Church.

Marshrutka vans: Everywhere, $3–15, depart when full.

GoTrip.ge: Private driver with custom stops ($40–120/day).

Night trains: Tbilisi–Batumi ($12–35), Tbilisi–Zugdidi ($10).

5. Best Time to Visit – Month by Month

May–Jun: Wildflowers, 18–25°C, perfect hiking weather.

Jul–Aug: Hot in cities (30–35°C), ideal for Black Sea & mountain trekking.

Sep–Oct: Rtveli wine harvest, golden forests, 15–25°C – best overall.

Dec–Mar: Ski season in Gudauri, snowy Kazbegi, Tbilisi Christmas markets.

6. Weather & Ultimate Packing List

Continental + subtropical mix. Layers are essential.

• Merino base layers (hot days, cold nights)
• Scarf for churches (women cover head)
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Swimsuit (Batumi beaches & hotel pools)
• Power bank + European plug adapter (Type C/F)
• Reusable bottle (tap water safe in cities)
• Headlamp for cave cities & power cuts
• Sunscreen + hat (high UV in mountains)

7. Cultural Etiquette & Useful Phrases

Orthodox Christian values + legendary hospitality:

• Cover shoulders & knees in churches
• Women wear headscarf (provided at entrance)
• Accept food/drink – refusing is rude
• Remove shoes in homes
• Toast properly at supra (never drink before tamada)

Useful Georgian:
Hello – Gamarjoba
Thank you – Madloba
Cheers! – Gaumarjos!
Delicious – Gemaqrileba
How much? – Ra ghiris?

8. Safety, Scams & Money Tips

Georgia is one of Europe’s safest countries. Violent crime extremely rare.

Common issues: Taxi overcharging in Tbilisi, fake police (rare), marshrutka pickpockets.

Money: GEL everywhere. ATMs dispense GEL. Cards accepted in cities, cash in villages.

Safety hacks:

• Use Bolt/Yandex Go (metered, half taxi price)
• Hotel safe for passport
• Download offline Google Translate (Georgian)
• Travel insurance with winter sports if skiing

9. Visa, Entry & Onward Travel

Visa-free: 100+ countries get 365 days (USA, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).

E-visa: Others apply at evisa.gov.ge ($20, 5 days processing).

Border runs: Leave to Turkey/Armenia/Azerbaijan, re-enter for new 365 days.

Overstay: $50–200 fine – avoid it.

Onward ticket: Rarely checked, but have a bus ticket if worried.