David the Builder International Airport (KUT) sits 23 km west of Kutaisi, about 40 minutes by road. It is a small, single-terminal facility rebuilt in 2021, used primarily by Wizz Air for budget routes across Europe. The airport is straightforward, but a few things are worth knowing before you touch down.
Four Ways to Reach Kutaisi City
1. The Official Airport Shuttle (Cheapest Reliable Option)
A dedicated shuttle bus runs 24/7, departing every two hours: 1am, 3am, 5am, 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm, 11pm. It waits directly in front of arrivals. Fare is 5 GEL, card only. No cash accepted.
The route makes two stops (Gamsakhurdia Street, Kikvidze Park) before terminating at the Red Bridge near the Green Bazaar. Journey: roughly 40 minutes. Modern bus with proper luggage space.
2. Bolt Ride-Hailing (Fastest Door-to-Door)
Bolt works at Kutaisi Airport around the clock. Drivers camp near the airport and accept rides within minutes of flights landing. Flat fare of 25 to 30 GEL to the city center. Pre-install and verify the app before arriving in Georgia.
Critical: Do not accept rides from anyone who approaches you inside or outside the terminal, regardless of what they claim.
3. Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Best for Night Arrivals)
From around 50 GEL per car with a meet-and-greet service. Your driver tracks your flight and waits in arrivals. The highway into Kutaisi is long, straight, and poorly lit after dark, with frequent high-speed overtaking. A vetted professional driver is worth the peace of mind.
4. Rent a Car at the Airport (Best for Exploring Western Georgia)
If western Georgia is your destination, renting a car at Kutaisi Airport is the most efficient start. FSTA delivers your car to the terminal 24/7. No deposit, unlimited mileage. Drive straight to Martvili Canyon, Racha, Svaneti, or the Black Sea coast.
For rough mountain roads, see our Kutaisi 4x4 fleet.
Connecting Directly to Other Cities
To Tbilisi
Three coach companies (Georgian Bus, OmniBus, Metro Georgia) run modern buses timed to departing flights. Fare: 25 GEL one-way. Travel time: 3.5 hours with rest stops. USB chargers, WiFi, and water included. Book online or at the airport kiosk. Alternatively, rent a car and stop at Gori, Uplistsikhe, or anywhere else along the way.
To Batumi
Coaches run direct for 20 to 25 GEL (2 hours). High-speed trains to Batumi also depart from Kopitnari Railway Station, 2.5 km from the airport. Free shuttle buses connect the terminal to the station.
To Gudauri (Winter Only)
Georgian Bus runs a seasonal transfer to Gudauri for 60 GEL (6 hours, with a vehicle changeover).
Arrival Essentials
Cash
Kutaisi is card-friendly. ATMs are inside arrivals on the right. TBC charges 5 GEL and Bank of Georgia charges 3 GEL per withdrawal. For zero-fee ATMs with higher limits, use CartuBank or Basis Bank in the city. Exchange desks are available but city rates are better.
Mobile Data
Magti and other kiosks in arrivals are open 24 hours. Airport tourist packages cost roughly double the standard rate. Unless you need data immediately, buy your SIM at a regular Magti branch in Kutaisi city (St. Nino Street or Gamsakhurdia Avenue). Bring your passport. See our SIM card guide for full details.
WiFi
Free throughout the terminal. If ads block the login, tap the three dots in your browser and select "Connect as is."
Food
A Smart supermarket with a bakery sits in arrivals. Airside has Coffeesta and a Subway. Eat in the city for anything substantial.
Returning to Kutaisi Airport
The shuttle departs from the Red Bridge every 2 hours (same schedule). Bolt costs 25 to 30 GEL and can be pre-scheduled up to 90 days ahead.
Wizz Air passengers, read carefully: You must check in physically at the airport desk even if you checked in online. PDF boarding passes (digital or printed) are not accepted by security. Bring your passport, present it at the counter, and receive a physical boarding pass. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure. Double check-in (online + physical) is mandatory.
FSTA customers: free airport drop-off. Drive to the terminal and hand us the keys.
Why Drive from Kutaisi
Kutaisi is the gateway to Svaneti, Racha, Imereti's canyons, and the Black Sea coast. A rental car gives you total flexibility. With FSTA:
- No deposit, no hidden fees
- Unlimited mileage on every car
- 24/7 airport delivery
- Cross-border travel to Armenia
- 4x4 vehicles for mountain roads
Browse our full fleet or see our Kutaisi rental page.