David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport serves as Georgia’s main gateway to the country’s central region. Located near Kutaisi, it connects travelers from across Asia and Europe with easy access to historic sites like the Bagrati Cathedral and nearby mountain landscapes. The terminal provides essential services including baggage handling, customs clearance and rental cars for those continuing their journey into rural Georgia or neighboring countries. Its modern facilities support both business trips and leisure travel while maintaining efficient operations throughout the day.
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Georgian Lari (GEL) £1 ≈ GEL 3.45 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Georgia, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated in Georgia, but not mandatory. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and taxi drivers may expect small tips for good service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is prohibited in some areas of Georgia, but it is generally accepted in parks and other public spaces. Alcohol is commonly consumed in restaurants and bars. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces but allowed in designated outdoor areas. |
| Independence Day (26 May) |
Celebrates Georgia's independence from the Soviet Union |
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| Christmas (7 January) |
Orthodox Christmas, widely celebrated |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
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| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Yandex |
| Other: | Georgia is known for its stunning landscapes, ancient history, and unique culture. Popular attractions include the Caucasus mountains, vineyards, and historic monasteries. |
David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport is the country’s second busiest airport, supporting both domestic and international flights primarily focused on low-cost carriers like Wizz Air. Opened in 2012 after thorough modernization, it offers a modern terminal with essential passenger amenities and connectivity to multiple destinations in Europe and beyond.
The airport is well-laid out but compact, making navigation hassle-free. Inside, travelers will find basic services including coffee shops, duty-free shopping and car rental desks. While the airport is generally efficient, visitors should allow extra time during peak travel seasons due to increasing passenger volumes.
Transportation options from the airport to Kutaisi and other cities are improving, though private taxis remain the most reliable choice for convenience. Public minibus services (“marshrutkas”) are cheap but can be crowded and less predictable for travelers unfamiliar with local patterns.
The climate around Kutaisi features a mild oceanic pattern with moderate rainfall, cool winters and warm summers. The airport’s location makes it a great starting point to explore western Georgia’s nature and historic landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery and scenic countryside.
Kutaisi and its surroundings offer a good range of affordable hotels and guesthouses catering to budget and mid‑range travelers. Most guests prefer staying in Kutaisi city centre for easy access to cultural sites and transportation to the airport.
To Kutaisi City:
Kutaisi city is approximately a 15-minute drive from the airport. Taxis are the quickest and most convenient option, with fares ranging around GEL 20 – 30 (£5.76 – 8.64). For budget travellers, marshrutkas (shared minibuses) operate regularly between the airport and city but can be crowded and less reliable in scheduling.
To Tbilisi:
Travellers can reach Tbilisi, the capital, via intercity buses or minibuses from Kutaisi city, which take about 3-4 hours. Private car hires are also an option for a faster and more comfortable journey. Direct public transport from the airport to Tbilisi is limited, so planning a transfer via Kutaisi is advised.
To Batumi:
Batumi on the Black Sea coast is reachable by long-distance bus or car from Kutaisi city, with a journey time of about 2-3 hours. There are no direct services from the airport, so travellers should transfer first to Kutaisi before continuing south.
