Car Rental at Kutaisi Airport

Airport travel guide

The third-largest city in Georgia, Kutaisi is home to an airport popular with low-cost airlines and therefore a popular entry point for foreign visitors (the airport is located a 30-minute drive southwest of the city, near the smaller town of Samtredia). More importantly, Kutaisi is not just a jumping-off point for the capital, Tbilisi, or the country’s Black Sea coast, but a lovely travel destination in its own right. These are three of the most notable attractions in and around it:

• Baghrati Cathedral. Although there is some recent controversy around this 11th-century religious landmark – unsanctioned repairs had it removed from the UNESCO list of world heritage sites – Baghrati remains one of the most interesting places to visit in Kutaisi. Named after the monarchic Baghrat Dynasty which sanctioned its construction, the cathedral has been damaged by various invaders over centuries but has always been rebuilt and remained one of the symbols of the city.
• Gelati Monastery. Another UNESCO site – and this one has very much remained on the list – Gelati dates back to the so-called Georgian Golden Age of the 12th century and was built on the orders of David the Builder, an iconic Georgian king. Known for its dramatic setting over Tskaltsitela Gorge, it is located a short drive to the northeast of the city center.
• Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Located just over an hour’s drive southeast of Kutaisi, Borjomi-Kharagauli is truly immense, taking up close to 10% of the country’s territory. More importantly, it’s also stunningly beautiful, with its snow-capped peaks, highland lakes, and forested ravines providing home to a variety of wildlife. There are eight hiking trails that visitors can follow, as well as simple cabins that can be rented by those staying overnight.

Top international routes

• Warsaw
• Abu Dhabi
• Larnaca
• Vienna
• Astana
• Barcelona
• Aktau
• Athens
• Munich
• Minsk

Main airlines

Wizz Air, Fly Arystan, Vanilla Sky Airlines, and Belavia

Terminals

The airport is fairly small and has a single passenger terminal. Everywhere can be easily accessed on foot. It was renovated in 2012.

Location

As mentioned above, Kutaisi Airport is located some 23 km (14.3 miles) southwest of the city of Kutaisi, a drive that takes about 30 minutes. Those headed straight for the capital city of Tbilisi can count on a 250 km (155 mile) drive that will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Most popular types of rental car

• Premium cars - from $38 per day
• Small cars - from $28 per day
• Medium cars - from $35 per day
• SUVs - from $41 per day
• Large cars - from $37 per day
• Vans - from $82 per day

Car rental desks

Some are in the arrivals hall. The exact location of your car rental provider's desk will be listed on your Confirmation Voucher.

Services and facilities

Although Kutaisi Airport is quite small, you’ll find a few coffee shops and eateries serving both international and Georgian cuisine, souvenir stores, and a duty-free outlet. There are also banks with ATMs, baggage wrapping services, a lost and found office, a first aid service, and power outlets for charging your mobile devices near the lounge area. Some of the airport’s facilities are well equipped for travelers with reduced mobility. Free assistance is also offered, but you should contact your airline at least 48 hours before your arrival if you’d like this service.

Nearest gas station

Topich gas station, open 24/7, is about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the airport on the way to the city (it will be on your right when driving along Highway E60). There are several other gas stations on the way to both Kutaisi and Samtredia and in both cities themselves.

Popular one-way rentals

• Tbilisi (241 km / 150 miles)
• Batumi (139 km / 86 miles)