Flights to Georgia: Tbilisi and Batumi at the Cheapest Fare, Everything to Know Before You Book
Georgia has become one of the destinations that many of our readers ask about, and it's easy to see why: a short direct flight, and nature that stretches from the Caucasus mountains to the Black Sea coast. But before you book, there are things you need to know so you pay less and choose well.
Tbilisi or Batumi?
The first question to settle: the capital Tbilisi, or Batumi on the sea.
Tbilisi is the starting point for most travelers: a capital with an old town and restaurants, and the base for trips out to Georgia's countryside and the Caucasus mountains. Its airport receives direct flights.
Batumi is a seaside city on the Black Sea, and direct flights to it are mostly seasonal. That means in season there are direct flights, and out of season the direct options are far fewer. If Batumi is your goal in season, don't wait until the last minute to book.
How much does a ticket cost?
In today's check on comparison sites, a round-trip ticket to Tbilisi starts at around $133 per person, and one-way tickets can be found from $64.
The flight to Tbilisi takes about two and a half hours each way, and there are about 50 flights a week on the route, which means a lot of flexibility in days and times. According to Skyscanner's check, November is currently the cheapest month on the route.
Which airlines fly there?
On the Tbilisi route, Georgian Airways, the Georgian carrier, flies direct, along with other airlines on the same route. On the Batumi route there are also direct flights in season.
As on every route, compare the final price: cabin bag, checked bag, and seat selection. An airline that shows a cheaper price in the search can turn out more expensive after the extras.
The open-jaw trick
If you plan to visit both Tbilisi and Batumi on the same trip, check the open-jaw option: fly out to one airport and fly back from another. In season there are direct flights from both airports, and that can save you a trip back across the country. Compare the open-jaw price with the regular round-trip price before you decide.
What should you check before booking?
One, entry requirements: before booking, check Georgia's entry requirements for the passport you hold on the official Georgian government website. The requirements differ by passport and they change, so don't rely on old information from a group or a post.
Two, the season: decide between Tbilisi and Batumi based on your travel season, because direct flights to Batumi are mostly seasonal, and the price calendar shows you which month is cheapest on the Tbilisi route.
Three, trip length: decide how many days you want before you open the search, because the return date directly affects the price, and a one-day difference can change the cost noticeably.
Where should you stay?
There's no single answer that fits everyone, but the rule is simple: choose the hotel based on your trip plan, not only on the price per night. A cheaper hotel in a faraway spot can cost you transport and time every day, so check the hotel's location on the map against the places you plan to visit before you book.
The bottom line
Decide between Tbilisi and Batumi based on the season, open the full-month calendar and pick the cheapest days, book early especially in season, and check entry requirements from an official source before paying.
And whenever we find a price for Georgia that's worth it, we post it as a deal.
Today's deals on the deals page: yalanusafer.com/en/deals/
