How to Get to Turtle Lake in Tbilisi and What to Do There
Turtle Lake at a glance
- Where: on the slopes of Mtatsminda, southwest of the centre of Tbilisi
- Name: Kus Tba in Georgian
- Getting up: by road or by cable car
- Summer: swimming season and pedal boats
- Next door: the open-air ethnographic museum, Georgia in miniature
- Around it: green slopes that join Vake Park
- Events: a stage by the lake hosts music events in season
Facts come from Wikipedia, Georgia Travel and Wikivoyage; checked on 3 November 2026.
Ways to get there compared
| Option | Price basis | Best for | Waiting | Combine with other sights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable car | Per person | A quick ride up from the Vake side | Not applicable | Only the lake |
| Taxi app | Per trip | A simple one-way ride from the centre | Usually not included | A new car for each leg |
| Private car with driver | Per whole car | Families and half-day city tours | Free | Yes, free stops |
In short: for a simple one-way trip the cable car or a city taxi is enough. A private car makes sense when you want the driver to wait while you swim or visit the museum, or to continue to other sights such as Narikala or Mtatsminda on the same outing.
Why visit Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake is one of the most popular places for recreation in Tbilisi, especially at weekends and with families. It sits on the green slopes of Mtatsminda, southwest of the city centre, and feels much cooler and calmer than the streets below. The area around it joins Vake Park, so there are paths through the trees in every direction.
In summer the lake has a swimming season, and you can rent pedal boats. A stage by the water hosts music events in season, and cafés open along the shore. Outside summer it is a pleasant place for a walk or a run around the lake.
Because it is so close to the centre, Turtle Lake works well as a short break between museums and Old Town sightseeing, or as a relaxed first afternoon after a long journey.
What to do
- Swim or take a boat: in summer, swim from the beach or rent a pedal boat.
- Walk: follow the path around the lake and into the green slopes towards Vake Park.
- Visit the ethnographic museum: the open-air museum next door shows Georgia in miniature, with traditional houses from different regions.
- Catch an event: check what is on at the stage by the lake in season.
- Ride the cable car: enjoy the view over the Vake district on the way up or down.
Who should take a private transfer
- Families: the price is per whole car, not per person, and a child seat is available on request.
- Half-day city tour: combine Turtle Lake with the ethnographic museum and other sights; stops and waiting are free.
- Arriving with luggage: go straight from the airport or your hotel and continue later without carrying bags.
- Early or late plans: the price is the same day and night.
- Plans not fixed yet: booking is free, there is no prepayment, cancellation is free, and you pay the driver in cash (GEL, USD or EUR) after the ride.
Compare drivers and live prices on the Tbilisi to Turtle Lake route page.
Practical details
- Pickup: from your hotel or any address in Tbilisi; give the exact address when you book.
- Book ahead: at least 90 minutes before pickup.
- After you book: the driver confirms the request and sends you his contact, so you know who is coming and can message him.
- Meeting: the driver meets you with a name sign.
- Bring: swimwear and a towel in summer; comfortable shoes for the paths.
- Time: allow one to three hours, more if you add the ethnographic museum.
More in Tbilisi
Combine the lake with the city’s classic sights: our Narikala Fortress guide and Bridge of Peace guide cover the Old Town, and the Anchiskhati Basilica guide covers Tbilisi’s oldest church. For a quiet monastery outside the city, see our Betania Monastery guide.
Why travel with OrbiTrip
- Free stops on the way: viewpoints, the museum or lunch.
- Free waiting: take your time at the lake.
- Free cancellation: change plans without penalty.
- Same price day and night: early or late, the price is the same.
- Pay the driver in cash: GEL, USD or EUR, no prepayment.
- Name-sign meeting: the driver meets you with a name sign.
- Child seat on request: mention it when you book.
- Book ahead: at least 90 minutes before pickup.
- Reliability: For a confirmed booking, your driver is guaranteed to arrive; any necessary replacement driver is at the same price and with your agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Is the price per person or per car?
Per whole car, not per person.
Do I pay in advance?
No. There is no prepayment; you pay the driver in cash in GEL, USD or EUR after the ride.
Can I cancel?
Yes, cancellation is free.
Is there a cable car to Turtle Lake?
Yes. You can go up to the lake by road or by cable car.
Checked on 3 November 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Georgia Travel and Wikivoyage.
OrbiTrip Georgia — private transfers across Georgia with local drivers. Per-vehicle price shown before booking, no prepayment.