Major Highways & Driving Tips in Tbilisi, Georgia
1. M2 Highway (Ageing Soviet-era Road)
The M2 is a major east-west artery connecting Tbilisi to neighbouring countries. Despite its age, it remains one of the busiest routes in the city.
- High Traffic: Extremely high volume of vehicles daily
- Ageing Infrastructure: Requires regular maintenance due to its age and heavy use
- Potential Congestion: Congestion occurs during peak hours, especially at border crossings
2. Mikheil Meskhi Stadium Highway
This highway connects Tbilisi with the Dinamo Arena and is typically congested during matches.
- Sports Event Traffic: Increased traffic volume during sports events at the Dinamo Arena
- Local Residential Area Access: Requires careful navigation to reach local residential areas
- Limited Parking Spaces: Parking can be difficult to find near the stadium on event days
3. Chagani-Mtatsminda Cableway Road
The road leading to the cableway offers scenic views but can be steep and winding.
- Steep Gradient: Steep incline may cause discomfort for some drivers
- Winding Roads: Twisty roads can make navigation challenging
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers stunning views of Tbilisi from various vantage points
4. Vazha-Pshavela Avenue
This busy avenue runs through the heart of Tbilisi and connects significant landmarks.
- Heavy Traffic: Extremely high volume of vehicles daily
- Historic Landmarks: Passes by significant historical sites such as Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue
- Pedestrian Areas: Requires caution when navigating pedestrian zones
5. Kakheti Highway
The Kakheti Highway connects Tbilisi to the Eastern regions of Georgia.
- Lengthy Journey: Long drive from Tbilisi to eastern destinations
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Georgian countryside and mountains
- Frequent Checkpoints: Expect to encounter multiple police checkpoints along the route
6. Tbilisi-Kutaisi Highway
The Tbilisi-Kutaisi highway is a major artery linking Tbilisi to Western Georgia.
- Long Distance: Long drive from Tbilisi to Kutaisi
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Georgian countryside and mountains
- Traffic Congestion: Potential congestion during peak travel times
7. Tbilisi Sea Highway
This coastal road connects Tbilisi to Batumi via the Black Sea.
- Lengthy Journey: Long drive from Tbilisi to Batumi
- Scenic Coastal Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Black Sea coastline
- Multiple Stops: Frequent stops for food, rest, or sightseeing along the way
8. Pankisi Gorge Highway
The Pankisi Gorge highway connects Tbilisi to the picturesque valley of Kakheti.
- Rough Terrain: Uneven and winding roads can be challenging to navigate
- Historic Significance: Passes through the historical region of Pankisi Gorge
- Isolated Location: Remote location may require extra planning and precautions
9. Tbilisi-Gudauri Highway
This highway connects Tbilisi to the winter resort of Gudauri.
- Mountainous Terrain: Steep and winding roads through the mountains
- Snowy Conditions: May require snow chains or all-wheel drive during winter months
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Georgian mountains and valleys
10. Tbilisi-Stepantsminda Highway
This highway connects Tbilisi to the town of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) near Mount Kazbek.
- Mountainous Terrain: Steep and winding roads through the mountains
- Snowy Conditions: May require snow chains or all-wheel drive during winter months
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Georgian mountains and Mount Kazbek
11. Varketili Bypass Road
The Varketili bypass road connects Tbilisi's southern districts and alleviates city traffic.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: Alleviates congestion in the southern parts of Tbilisi
- Limited Access to City Center: Requires detours to reach central Tbilisi areas
- Industrial and Residential Areas: Passes through industrial and residential zones
12. Didube Highway
The Didube highway connects Tbilisi to the international airport and the surrounding districts.
- Airport Access: Provides easy access to the Tbilisi International Airport
- Heavy Traffic: Extremely high volume of vehicles daily
- Surrounding Residential Areas: Passes through residential zones in the Didube district
13. Lagodekhi Highway
The Lagodekhi highway connects Tbilisi to Azerbaijan via the Dariali Gorge.
- Long Distance: Long drive from Tbilisi to Azerbaijan
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Dariali Gorge and Caucasus Mountains
- International Border Crossing: Requires passport control at the Georgian-Azerbaijani border
14. Saguramo Highway
The Saguramo highway connects Tbilisi to the mountain resort of Saguramo.
- Mountainous Terrain: Steep and winding roads through the mountains
- Snowy Conditions: May require snow chains or all-wheel drive during winter months
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Georgian mountains and valleys
15. Tbilisi Ring Road (Metropolitan Highway)
The Tbilisi Ring Road encircles the city, providing a bypass for heavy traffic.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: Alleviates congestion in the city centre
- Diverse Landscape: Passes through various urban, residential, and industrial areas
- Limited Access to City Centre: Requires detours to reach central Tbilisi areas