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Buses
Tbilisi's buses are blue and yellow and each displays a route number on the front. Many bus stops have an automated board showing which service is due next and how long until it arrives. Pay when you board (put the right amount of coins in the machine) or touch the machine with your plastic, pre-loaded Metromani travel card. Each journey anywhere in the city costs 50 tetri. You can load your Metromani card at any metro station, or use the Express Pay machines at the bus stops.Cable Car & Funicular
There is a cable car from the Rike Park to Narikala Fortress offering spectacular views of the city: one of the cars even has a glass floor. It costs just 1 Lari and you can use your Metromani card. The funicular railway that runs up to Mtatsminda Mountain was opened in 1905 and was recently renovated. It costs 2 Lari: Metromani cards are not accepted.
Metro
There are two metro lines in Tbilisi, which intersect at Station Square. You will need to buy a Metromani travel card to use the metro: these can be bought and re-charged at each station. A metro trip costs 50 tetri regardless of distance. Station names are written in English as well as Georgian, and in-train station announcements are also bilingual. The metro runs from 07:00 until midnight.
Minibuses
Called marshrutkas, Tbilisi's fleet of minibuses supplement public transport and are a key player in keeping the city moving. For the uninitiated, they do need a little explaining, however.All minibuses in the city centre are yellow. Find out the number of the one you want to take and then flag one down - anywhere, there are no stops - by holding out your hand, palm facing down. Rustaveli Avenue is an exception though, they won't stop unless you're at the bus stop. Each journey is 80 tetri. You can pay with cash (have the right change) or a pre-loaded Metromani card when you exit.
There are also marshrutka stations around the city facilitating travel around Georgia. The destination is displayed on a board in the window, but it will only be written in Georgian. Just ask if you are unsure which one is heading your way. In general, Didube station services the west and north of Georgia, Samgori the east, Ortachala is for international routes to Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Agree on a price before you leave - check with the locals.
