Kutaisi: what to see, where to stay and how to get from the airport

Kutaisi is the third largest city in Georgia after Tbilisi and Batumi and the traditional capital of western Georgia. The city is compact, you can walk around the center, and the main sights lie within half an hour of it. Many people arrive here in transit through the airport, but Kutaisi deserves at least one or two nights. Here is what to see, how to get around and where to stay. The basis comes from Wikivoyage and tourist data on the city.

What makes the city interesting

Kutaisi has long been considered a rival of Tbilisi: it is quieter here, there are fewer cars on the sidewalks and drivers more often give way to pedestrians. After the parliament moved here in 2012, streets, buildings and parks were noticeably restored. If you look at the second floor of old houses you can see wrought-iron balconies. The central park is a handy reference point: everything is close to it.

What to see in the city

• Bagrati Cathedral on a hill above the Rioni river. It was built in the 11th century under King Bagrat III. The cathedral was restored for a long time, and because of this it lost its UNESCO status. Entry is free, and women are given headscarves at the entrance. From the central park you go across the bridge on Nino street and up the stairs.
• Ukimerioni Fortress, 50 meters behind the cathedral.
• Kutaisi Historical Museum, open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
• The White Bridge over the Rioni and the Red Bridge next to the tourist office.
• Kolchuri Botanical Garden in the north of the city, small but cozy.
• The Central Market by the river: fruit, vegetables and homemade wine. Buy homemade wine at the market with care: locals say it is sometimes diluted with sugar.

What to see around the city

The main reason to come to Kutaisi is the monasteries nearby:

1. Gelati, 11 km to the northeast. A large medieval monastery complex and a UNESCO site. You can get there by minibus or taxi, and in good weather people walk part of the way.
2. Motsameta, 6 km from the city on a rocky ridge above a gorge. There are noticeably fewer tourists here than at Gelati, and many consider the views more beautiful.
3. Gegutiu Palace, 15 km south: a secular monument of the medieval kingdom, with free entry.
4. Sataplia Nature Reserve, 10 km: dinosaur tracks, a karst cave and a glass viewing platform.
5. Tskaltubo, 8 km: a former Soviet resort with abandoned sanatoriums and a working spa hotel.

Getting from the airport

David the Builder airport is in Kopitnari, 14 km west of the city. It is small, but inexpensive international flights operate here. The ways to get to town:

• A shuttle to the center: runs around the clock to the tourist office by the Red Bridge, 40 minutes on the road, and according to Wikivoyage for 2025 costs 5 lari, paid by card when boarding.
• Minibuses: many pass the airport on the highway toward Tbilisi, Batumi and Zugdidi. They do not drive into the airport, so you get off on the highway 100 meters from the building.
• Georgian Bus and Omnibus Express buses run by timetable after arrivals: to Tbilisi about 4 hours, to Batumi about 3 hours.
• The train: the airport has a new station with a free shuttle, connecting to trains from Tbilisi, Batumi, Zugdidi and Poti.

The Tbilisi to Kutaisi train takes about 5 hours, and a minibus from Didube station about 3.5 hours. If you plan to continue, see Batumi: areas, beaches and where to stay, Batumi: when to go and what to see and Tbilisi: where to stay and what to see.

Getting around the city

The center and main places can be covered on foot. The circular city bus No. 1 connects the main square, Kutaisi I station and Kutaisi II bus station, and the fare is small and paid to the driver on exit. For trips to the monasteries it is simpler to take a taxi or a day excursion, which saves time.

Where to stay

It is better to stay in the center or near it: then you reach the cathedral, the market and the parks on foot. The city has many guesthouses and hostels, and the hospitality of the hosts often becomes part of the experience. If your flight is early or late you can also stay near the airport, and the terminal itself has cafes and places to rest.

What to keep in mind before the trip

• Allow two days: one for the city and one for Gelati with Motsameta.
• For travel between Kutaisi, Tbilisi and Batumi check train timetables on the Georgian Railway website.
• Find dates in the HotTrip flight search, which shows the cheapest days.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for Kutaisi?

Two days is enough: one for the city and the second for the Gelati and Motsameta monasteries.

How do I get from Kutaisi airport to the center?

The simplest option is the shuttle, which goes to the tourist office by the Red Bridge in about 40 minutes. There are also minibuses on the highway and buses timed to flights.

Can I get from Kutaisi to Batumi?

Yes. The bus from the airport takes about 3 hours, and a minibus from the city takes 2-3 hours. There is also a railway.

Do I have to pay to enter Bagrati Cathedral?

No, entry is free. Women are given headscarves at the entrance.

Which is better, Gelati or Motsameta?

Gelati is larger and better known, while Motsameta is calmer and stands on a rock ledge above a gorge. If you have time, visit both on one day.

Cover: photo by Roman Odintsov on Pexels