Aerial Tramway Rike Narikala
Soar over Tbilisi's Old Town for stunning panoramic views and easy access to Narikala Fortress.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Aerial Tramway Rike Narikala
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar over Tbilisi's Old Town for stunning panoramic views and easy access to Narikala Fortress.
"The ride is short, but the views over Tbilisi are spectacular and worth the minimal cost."
Card Payment Accepted
Don't be deterred by 'cash only' signs; card payment is available at the turnstiles. :credit_card:
Walk Up for Views
Consider walking up to Narikala Fortress (20-30 mins) if queues are too long. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Tbilisi Views
Aerial Tramway cabins
Soar over the Mtkvari River and Old Town for breathtaking cityscapes and iconic landmarks.
Mother of Georgia Statue
Top of the cable car route
Get up close to the iconic 'Kartlis Deda' statue, a symbol of Georgian hospitality.
Narikala Fortress Access
Top of the cable car route
Conveniently reach the historic Narikala Fortress for exploration and stunning vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Queues for a Quick Ride
Payment and Alternatives
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is Cable Car closed?
Card Payment Accepted
Don't be deterred by 'cash only' signs; card payment is available at the turnstiles. :credit_card:
Walk Up for Views
Consider walking up to Narikala Fortress (20-30 mins) if queues are too long. :athletic_shoe:
Just another tourist asking questions about how to spend his time in this beautiful country.
Best one day trips in Tbilisi
Beware of Scams
Be cautious of people offering monkey or falcon photos for payment. :moneywithwings:
Short but Sweet Ride
The ride is brief (5-7 mins), so manage expectations for the duration. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
Card Payment Accepted
Don't be deterred by 'cash only' signs; card payment is available at the turnstiles. :credit_card:
Walk Up for Views
Consider walking up to Narikala Fortress (20-30 mins) if queues are too long. :athletic_shoe:
Beware of Scams
Be cautious of people offering monkey or falcon photos for payment. :moneywithwings:
Short but Sweet Ride
The ride is brief (5-7 mins), so manage expectations for the duration. :stopwatch:
Connect to Botanical Gardens
The tramway provides access to the Botanical Gardens, extending your exploration. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Aerial Tramway offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tbilisi and convenient access to Narikala Fortress at a very affordable price. However, visitors frequently encounter long queues, especially during peak times, which can detract from the experience. While the ride is short, the views are generally considered worth it if the wait is manageable.
"The Narikala Cable Car is advertised as one of the top attractions in Tbilisi, but honestly, the experience can be frustrating. The biggest issue is the long queues – you may need to wait more than an hour, often under the blazing Georgian sun, with little shade or seating. It feels exhausting, especially in summer. During the wait, boat tour sellers keep approaching visitors, which adds to the discomfort.
The ride itself is very short (just a few minutes), and while the view of the old town and the river is nice, it doesn’t quite justify the long wait. In comparison, the Mtatsminda Park funicular offers a longer, more comfortable ride and a much better overall experience.
If you do want to take this cable car, try going early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler and the lines are shorter. Alternatively, you can also walk up to Narikala Fortress (around 20–30 minutes uphill) or take a taxi/bolt directly to the top — faster and less tiring than waiting for hours in the queue.
In short: worth it only if there’s no line. Otherwise, better to skip and explore Narikala by foot or car."
Naaziisha
"YOU CAN PAY BY CARD at the turnicet, the "only cash" sign on the cash desk is misleading.
The 3 GELs for a nice view are definitely worth
(Especially knowing that the cable car to the second park cost 10/12)"
Miroslav Matějček
"Definitely worth the two-minute ride on the cable car to see the Mother of Georgia and enjoy the views over Tbilisi. You can access the Botanical Gardens from there and grab a Turkish coffee along the way. A really nice addition to your city tour."
Jonathan N
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aerial Tramway Rike Narikala is located in Rike Park in Tbilisi's Old Town. You can easily reach Rike Park by walking from most central locations or by taking a taxi/Bolt. The tramway station is clearly visible within the park.
It depends on your preference and the queue length. Walking up takes about 20-30 minutes and offers a more immersive experience, while the cable car is quicker if the lines are short.
Yes, you can take a taxi or Bolt directly to Narikala Fortress, bypassing the cable car queues entirely. This is a good option if you're short on time or prefer not to wait.
Rike Park is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from the Old Town. Public transport options are also available, with several bus routes stopping nearby.
Parking in the Old Town can be challenging. It's generally recommended to use public transport, taxis, or walk to Rike Park rather than driving and searching for parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are very affordable, costing around 3 GEL for a round trip. This price is considered well worth it for the views and convenience.
Yes, despite signs indicating otherwise, you can pay for your cable car ticket using a credit or debit card at the turnstiles.
Operating hours can vary, and the tramway may close for maintenance. It's advisable to check local listings or ask at your accommodation for the most current hours.
Yes, the cable car can be closed for maintenance. One traveler reported it being closed for a month, so it's wise to check for any advisories before your visit.
Tickets are typically for a round trip, offering convenience for reaching Narikala Fortress and returning to Rike Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The cable car offers fantastic opportunities to photograph the Mtkvari River, the Old Town's rooftops, Metekhi Church, and the Mother of Georgia statue. The glass-walled cabins provide unobstructed views.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for cityscapes. Early mornings and late evenings also tend to have fewer people, making for cleaner shots.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography from the cable car itself. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. If you plan to photograph the Mother of Georgia statue up close, a zoom lens can be useful.
Yes, you can get excellent shots of the Mother of Georgia statue as you approach and pass it. The cable car provides a unique vantage point.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The ride itself is quite short, lasting approximately 5 to 7 minutes. It's a quick journey offering scenic views.
At the top, you can explore Narikala Fortress, visit the Mother of Georgia statue, and enjoy panoramic views of Tbilisi. You can also access the Botanical Gardens.
The walk up is moderately steep and can be tiring, especially in hot weather. It takes about 20-30 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to explore Narikala Fortress. Light clothing is recommended for warmer months.
There are usually some vendors and small cafes near the top station offering drinks and snacks. You can also find restrooms.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the top, exploring Narikala Fortress offers a sense of adventure for kids. The views are also captivating for all ages. If the queues are too long, walking up might be too strenuous for very young children, making a taxi or Bolt a better option to reach the fortress directly.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value and avoid frustration, aim for early morning or late evening visits to minimize wait times. If the queues are still significant, the walk up to Narikala Fortress is free and offers its own rewarding experience. Remember that card payment is accepted, so you don't need to worry about having exact change.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples
Consider the tramway as part of a larger exploration of the Old Town. You can combine it with a walk through Rike Park, a visit to the fortress, and perhaps a descent on foot. The evening views, with the city lights twinkling, can be particularly romantic for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Queues and Alternatives
To combat this, travelers suggest visiting very early in the morning or later in the evening when crowds tend to thin out. Another popular alternative is to walk up to Narikala Fortress, a journey that takes about 20-30 minutes and offers a more active way to reach the site. For those seeking the quickest route, taking a taxi or Bolt directly to the fortress is a viable option that bypasses the tramway queues altogether.
While the ride itself is short, the views are undeniably spectacular. However, many reviewers emphasize that the experience is only truly worth it if there's no significant wait. If the queues are daunting, exploring Narikala Fortress by foot or car might be a more satisfying use of your time.
The Ride Experience and Views
The glass-walled cabins ensure that passengers have unobstructed vistas throughout the ride, making it an excellent way to get oriented with the city's layout. Many visitors find the ride to be a pleasant and visually rewarding experience, providing a unique angle on Tbilisi's historic architecture and natural beauty. It's often described as a 'nice addition' to a city tour, offering a different perspective than exploring on foot.
While the ride is short, the visual payoff is significant. It's a quick way to gain a sense of the city's geography and appreciate its charming blend of old and new. The proximity to the Mother of Georgia statue at the top also adds to the appeal, allowing for close-up views and photo opportunities.
Payment, Cost, and Value
Interestingly, while some signage at the ticket booth might suggest a 'cash only' policy, travelers have confirmed that card payment is accepted at the turnstiles. This is a crucial piece of information for visitors who may not carry much cash.
Compared to other attractions, like the funicular to Mtatsminda Park which is longer but more expensive, the Narikala cable car offers a budget-friendly way to access a key viewpoint and historical site. The consensus is that for the minimal cost, the views and convenience (when queues are manageable) make it a worthwhile endeavor.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit