When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Tbilisi?
Much like the rest of Europe, Tbilisi flights are more expensive during July and August to meet the tourist demand. However, if you’re looking specifically for good cheap flights to Tbilisi, then arrange to travel in the spring and autumn when there are fewer tourists, better rates and the temperatures are warm.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Tbilisi?
To get the best deals and savings on your flights to Tbilisi, you should book your tickets two to three months prior to departure. Deals on last-minute flights can sometimes pop up as little as a week or two before departure; you may even find offers in the peak summer season if you’re lucky.
Flying to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is Georgia’s main international airport and is located 17 km away from the city centre. Currently, there is only one direct flight from the United Kingdom (UK) to Tbilisi. It’s operated by Georgian Airways and departs from London Gatwick. These direct flights depart three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Indirect routes can be cheaper, even if they do take slightly longer. Connections are typically made in Istanbul, Russia and Eastern Europe depending on the airline. These depart from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Keep in mind that departing from a London airport will give you much more flexibility on departure dates for your Tbilisi flights. Carriers include Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Pegasus Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines and Belavia Airlines.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
As a single terminal airport, Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is capable of handling just over three million passengers annually. In September 2017, work was completed on the new arrivals terminal, which was integrated into the existing terminal building to increase passenger capacity. Arrivals, customs and check-in are all on the ground floor, while departures, duty-free shopping and passport control are on the second floor. Passengers have access to a good selection of dining options, duty-free shopping and a ‘Primeclass’ lounge.
Getting to the City from Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
70 metres from the airport terminal is the newly built train station that connects the airport with the city centre. A one-way ticket for a 20-minute journey costs the equivalent of just 15p. For the same price, you can also take the number 37 bus, which runs from just outside the arrivals hall to the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a cab from the airport for roughly £7/8. The journey will take around half an hour, depending on the traffic.
Why visit Tbilisi?
Georgia in the winter is cold. Very cold. But with great coldness come great opportunities for skiing. Located just 120 kilometres from the capital (about a two-hour drive), Gudauri Ski Resort is the country’s biggest and most popular locale for winter sports. A variety of runs are available for both beginners and experts. The special soft snow makes Gudauri particularly loved by snow sports enthusiasts.
Of course, if skiing and snowboarding isn’t your cup of steaming, mulled wine, then the capital is brimming with culture and history. Browse Soviet relics at the Dry Bridge Market, wander the twisting Old Town streets and sample local cuisine like Acharuli Khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread loaded with cheese and topped with a runny egg. Then, when you’re all tired out, take a dip at one of the city’s many Sulphur bathhouses.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
You no longer have to procure a visa before travelling to Georgia, and you can stay in Georgia for up to a year visa-free. Georgia has a very strict drugs policy that can affect prescription medication, so it’s recommended that you check your medication. Make sure your prescription is attached and attain a doctor’s note. Georgia uses the lari as their currency, which is not readily available in UK bureaus de change. Take clean, low denomination notes in either pounds sterling or US dollars with you to exchange upon arrival in Tbilisi.
