Anaklia to Tbilisi Airport 2026: Transfer Price, Distance & Time
Updated June 2026 · ~340 km · ~5 h by car · West Georgia to Tbilisi (TBS)
| Option | Cost (pay driver) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer (direct) | ~300–380 GEL, fixed | ~5 h, one ride | Flights, families, luggage |
| Marshrutka via Zugdidi + taxi | ~30–45 GEL total | ~7–8 h, changes | Solo budget, flexible time |
| Train Zugdidi → Tbilisi + taxi | ~25–55 GEL + taxi | ~9 h overnight | Sleeping en route |
Why a direct transfer makes sense for this route
Anaklia sits at the far western edge of Georgia, on the Black Sea coast in Samegrelo near Zugdidi and the gateway to Svaneti. Tbilisi International Airport is on the opposite side of the country, so this is one of Georgia's longer domestic transfers — about 340 km and roughly 5 hours of driving. With a flight to catch at the end, the appeal of a single, fixed-price car is obvious: no changes, no waiting for connections, and a driver who plans the timing around your departure rather than a fixed bus schedule.
The alternative — a local marshrutka to Zugdidi, then a long marshrutka or an overnight train across the country, then a taxi from Tbilisi station to the airport — is much cheaper but eats most of a day and adds real risk if a connection runs late. For anyone flying out, travelling as a family, or carrying luggage from a beach holiday, the direct transfer is the low-stress choice. As a developing resort with its new seafront boulevard and the deep-sea port under construction, Anaklia is drawing more visitors who need a reliable airport run.
The route: Anaklia to Tbilisi Airport
From Anaklia the road first runs inland to Zugdidi, the regional hub, then joins the main east–west E60 highway. From there it is a long, mostly fast drive through Samtredia, past Kutaisi, over the Rikoti pass tunnels, and down through Khashuri and Gori toward Tbilisi. The airport sits on the eastern edge of the capital, so a direct transfer can bypass the city centre entirely and deliver you straight to departures. Expect about 5 hours door-to-door, a little more with a meal or rest stop, which most drivers will happily build in on a journey this length.
Because the route crosses the whole country, it pairs naturally with our Anaklia to Batumi Airport guide for travellers flying from the coast instead, and with our complete Georgia airport transfers guide for the bigger picture. If you land in Tbilisi first, the Tbilisi Airport to city centre guide covers the other direction.
Option 1: Direct private transfer — the airport-day choice
A fixed-price private transfer is a single door-to-door ride from your Anaklia hotel to the TBS terminal. In 2026 expect 300–380 GEL per vehicle depending on class and number of passengers, confirmed at booking and unaffected by traffic or fuel prices on the day. OrbiTrip takes no commission, so the agreed fare is paid directly to your driver; the platform simply connects you with a licensed local driver. For a flight this is the only option that gives you a guaranteed arrival time, space for luggage, and the flexibility to leave exactly when your departure requires — including early-morning or late-night flights when public transport does not run.
Check your flight date — fixed price to the terminalOption 2: Marshrutka and train — the budget routes
The cheapest way is to break the journey up. A local marshrutka or taxi covers the short hop from Anaklia to Zugdidi (about 30–40 minutes), from where frequent marshrutka minibuses run to Tbilisi for roughly 25–35 GEL over 5–6 hours. The overnight train from Zugdidi to Tbilisi is more comfortable for sleeping, costs around 25–55 GEL depending on class, and takes about 9 hours — but it arrives at Tbilisi's central station, leaving a final 17 km taxi ride to the airport. These routes work for budget travellers with a flexible schedule, but for a fixed flight time the multiple changes and the late-running risk make them stressful; build in a large buffer if you choose them.
Timing your transfer around your flight
On a 5-hour drive, timing matters. As a rule, aim to reach the airport at least 2.5–3 hours before an international departure, which means leaving Anaklia roughly 8 hours before your flight to allow for a rest stop and any traffic near Tbilisi. For an early-morning flight, many travellers leave Anaklia the evening before and overnight near the airport, or set off in the small hours with a driver who is briefed on the schedule. When you book a private transfer you set the pickup time to fit the flight, and the driver confirms it directly — far simpler than reverse-engineering a bus-and-train chain.
Practical tips for the trip
- Share your flight number and time at booking so the driver can set the right pickup and watch for delays.
- Allow a buffer — aim to arrive 2.5–3 hours before an international flight on this long route.
- Plan a rest stop — Kutaisi or the Rikoti area are natural places to break a 5-hour drive.
- Carry cash (GEL) for the driver, snacks and any roadside stops.
- Book ahead in summer, when Black Sea resort demand and limited long-haul drivers can tighten availability.
How booking works with OrbiTrip
Pick the Anaklia → Tbilisi Airport route, set your pickup point in Anaklia, choose your date, departure time and vehicle class, and add your flight details. The fixed price you see is the price you pay — no surge, no online card checkout. OrbiTrip is a free platform: it connects you with a licensed driver and you settle the agreed fare directly with them. After confirmation you receive the driver's contacts and can coordinate the pickup time and any stops directly — exactly what you want before a flight.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Anaklia from Tbilisi Airport and how long is the drive?
Anaklia is about 340 km from Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), and a private car takes roughly 5 hours via Zugdidi and the main E60 highway through Kutaisi and the Rikoti pass, a little more with a rest stop.
How much does an Anaklia to Tbilisi Airport transfer cost in 2026?
A fixed-price private transfer is typically 300-380 GEL per vehicle depending on class and passengers, confirmed at booking. OrbiTrip takes no commission, so you pay the agreed fare directly to your driver. The budget marshrutka-and-train alternative is far cheaper but involves changes and much longer travel.
Is there public transport from Anaklia to Tbilisi Airport?
Not directly. You would take a marshrutka or taxi to Zugdidi, then a marshrutka (about 25-35 GEL, 5-6 hours) or the overnight train (about 9 hours) to Tbilisi, then a taxi for the final 17 km to the airport. A private transfer replaces all of that with one ride.
How early should I leave Anaklia for an international flight?
Because the drive is about 5 hours, leave Anaklia roughly 8 hours before departure to allow a rest stop, traffic near Tbilisi and arriving 2.5-3 hours before an international flight. A private driver sets the pickup time to fit your flight.
Can the driver pick me up for an early-morning or late-night flight?
Yes. A private transfer runs to your schedule, including early-morning and late-night departures when marshrutkas and trains do not operate. Share your flight time at booking and the driver confirms the pickup directly.
Is Anaklia worth visiting and easy to reach?
Anaklia is a developing Black Sea resort in Samegrelo with a renovated seafront boulevard and a deep-sea port under construction, popular as a beach stop and a gateway toward Svaneti. It is easy to reach via Zugdidi, and private transfers connect it to Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi airports.