Tbilisi Funicular - a view of a city from a hill top
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Tbilisi Funicular

4.3
·451 reviews·Tbilisi, Georgia

Ascend to panoramic city views on the historic Tbilisi Funicular, a unique journey to Mtatsminda Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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Tbilisi Funicular - a view of a city from a hill top

Tbilisi Funicular

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend to panoramic city views on the historic Tbilisi Funicular, a unique journey to Mtatsminda Park.

4.3
(451 reviews)

"The scenery is breathtaking and adds a special touch to the journey."

Vertical photo
TIP

💳 Get Your Funicular Card

A dedicated card is needed, buy and top up at stations.

🚶‍♀️ Walk Down for Views

Enjoy a different perspective by walking down after reaching the top.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top Station

Ascend for breathtaking, sweeping vistas of Tbilisi's beautiful cityscape. A truly memorable journey.

Reddit
Unique Funicular Ride

Unique Funicular Ride

Ascending the mountain

Experience a classic funicular journey, a unique way to reach the top with stunning scenery.

Reddit
Mtatsminda Park Access

Mtatsminda Park Access

Top Station

The funicular is your gateway to Mtatsminda Park, offering entertainment and more city views.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Card Required for Entry

You'll need a special card to ride the Tbilisi Funicular, separate from the MetroMoney card. Purchase and top up these cards at the bottom or top stations. Reddit

Consider Alternatives for Views

While the funicular offers great views, it can get crowded and hot with no AC. Some travelers suggest the cable car for a potentially more comfortable experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Info about Mtatsminda park in Tbilisi

💳 Get Your Funicular Card

A dedicated card is needed, buy and top up at stations. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Walk Down for Views

Enjoy a different perspective by walking down after reaching the top. Reddit

reddit.com

Day 1 in Tbilisi - Mtatsminda Park as a First Stop? Locals, thoughts and tips!

reddit.com

Funicular (Tbilisi)

💨 Consider Cable Cars

If crowds or heat are a concern, cable cars offer an alternative. Reddit

⏱️ Short Ride Time

The ride itself is only about 5 minutes to the top. Reddit

reddit.com

Day 1 in Tbilisi - Mtatsminda Park as a First Stop? Locals, thoughts and tips!

Tips

from all over the internet

💳 Get Your Funicular Card

A dedicated card is needed, buy and top up at stations. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Walk Down for Views

Enjoy a different perspective by walking down after reaching the top. Reddit

💨 Consider Cable Cars

If crowds or heat are a concern, cable cars offer an alternative. Reddit

⏱️ Short Ride Time

The ride itself is only about 5 minutes to the top. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(451 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Tbilisi Funicular for its unique ride and stunning panoramic views of the city, making it a memorable experience. However, some find it crowded and expensive for the short journey, suggesting alternatives like cable cars or taxis for a potentially more comfortable or budget-friendly option. Reddit+2

"Its my first time riding in one of these and the ride up went very smoothly. There was this cat in the way told that we had to stop, and the driver kept honking at it can get out the railway so we can keep going up. The cat eventually went away and we got to the top in relatively quick afterwards we walk back down."

Dani (Danimanjam)

"My time using the funicular was truly a unique experience. As you ascend, you're treated to a stunning view that stretches over the beautiful cityscape of Tbilisi. The scenery is breathtaking and adds a special touch to the journey. Originally, I purchased a two-way ticket for the funicular, but after reaching the top and enjoying the marvelous views, I decided to change my plans and head down via the cable car instead. This choice proved to be a wonderful experience in itself, offering a different perspective of the city. Overall, both modes of transportation provided memorable views and an exciting adventure."

Ahmad Fouad

"Crowded. Would not recommend. Hot. No AC. Might need to wait up to 20 mins. Consider the cable cars instead. They might end up being your better option."

A. D.

What People Like

Breathtaking city views
Unique funicular experience
Access to Mtatsminda Park

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
No air conditioning
Perceived high cost

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The lower station of the Tbilisi Funicular is located near the Avlabari district. You can reach it by taxi or public transport. Many visitors find it convenient to take a taxi directly to the station. Reddit

Yes, you can use Tbilisi's metro system to get close to the funicular's lower station. From there, it's a short walk or a quick taxi ride. Reddit

No, the funicular requires a separate card that can be purchased and topped up at the station. It's not interchangeable with the MetroMoney card used for the metro. Reddit

The funicular is the primary way to reach the top station, offering a scenic ride. Alternatively, some visitors opt for the cable car for a different perspective. Reddit

The funicular typically goes directly from the lower station to the top. If you wish to stop at the church in between, it might require separate arrangements or a different mode of transport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The cost includes a 2 Lari card fee plus the fare for the ride. Some find the price high for the short journey, suggesting taxis are a cheaper alternative. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase one-way or two-way tickets at the lower station. This offers flexibility if you plan to descend via a different route. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase your tickets and the necessary card upon arrival at the lower station. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, but it typically runs throughout the day. It's advisable to check the most current schedule before your visit, especially for late evening or early morning trips. Reddit

During peak times, you might experience a wait of up to 20 minutes. Visiting during off-peak hours can help minimize your wait. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

At the top, you can explore Mtatsminda Park, which features an amusement park, restaurants, and cafes, along with stunning viewpoints of the city. Reddit

Absolutely! The ascent offers fantastic opportunities for photography with evolving cityscapes. The top also provides expansive panoramic shots. Reddit

Yes, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and times. Some visitors recommend the cable cars as a less crowded alternative. Reddit

Reports suggest that the funicular cabins do not have air conditioning, which can make the ride uncomfortable during hot weather. Reddit

The ride itself is quite short, lasting approximately 5 minutes from the lower station to the top. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Mtatsminda Park at the top station offers various restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy food with a view. Reddit

While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally best to consume food and drinks before or after your ride to maintain the cleanliness and experience for all passengers. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo opportunities are during the ascent, capturing the changing city views, and from the observation decks at the top station for panoramic shots. Reddit

Yes, the windows provide clear views, but it can get crowded, so finding a good spot might require some patience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Tbilisi Funicular is a fun way to get to Mtatsminda Park, which is packed with attractions for children, including an amusement park. The ride itself is an adventure for kids, offering exciting views as you ascend. Reddit

Be prepared for potential crowds and heat, as the cabins lack air conditioning. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays to make the experience more comfortable for little ones. The option to walk down can also be an engaging activity for energetic children.

💰 Budget Travelers

While the funicular offers a unique experience, some travelers find the cost (including the card fee) to be a bit high for the short ride. Reddit A more budget-friendly option is to take a taxi to the top or explore alternative transport like the cable car. Reddit+1

If you do opt for the funicular, consider purchasing a one-way ticket and walking down to save on the return fare. This allows you to enjoy the views and get some exercise without the added cost.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Tbilisi Funicular journey provides excellent photography opportunities with ever-changing cityscapes. The panoramic views from the top station are particularly stunning, especially during the golden hour. Reddit

To get the best shots, try to secure a window seat on the funicular. Be patient, as it can get crowded. The descent on foot also offers unique angles and perspectives of Tbilisi that you might miss otherwise.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Tbilisi Funicular System

The Tbilisi Funicular operates on a unique card system. Unlike the metro, you'll need a separate card specifically for the funicular. These cards can be purchased and topped up at both the lower and upper stations. This system ensures smooth operations and helps manage passenger flow. Remember to factor in the initial card cost (around 2 Lari) plus your fare when budgeting for your ride. Reddit+1

While the ride itself is a quick 5-minute journey, the experience is about more than just transportation. It's about the scenic ascent and the panoramic views that unfold as you climb. Some travelers have noted that the cabins can get a bit crowded, and there's no air conditioning, which might be a consideration during warmer months. Reddit+1

For those looking for alternative ways to enjoy the views or reach Mtatsminda Park, the cable car is often mentioned as a comparable option. It provides a different perspective and might be a less crowded choice for some visitors. Reddit

Maximizing Your Visit to Mtatsminda Park

The Tbilisi Funicular serves as the primary gateway to Mtatsminda Park, a popular entertainment complex perched atop the mountain. Once you reach the top station, you'll find a variety of attractions, including an amusement park, restaurants, cafes, and the iconic TV tower. It's a great place for families and offers numerous spots for relaxation and enjoyment. Reddit

Many visitors choose to take the funicular up and then walk back down the mountain. This allows for a more leisurely exploration of the surroundings and offers different vantage points for photography. The descent can be just as rewarding as the ascent, providing a unique way to experience the landscape. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider the time of day. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Late afternoons can offer beautiful golden hour lighting for photos, though it might be busier. The park itself provides a full day's worth of activities, from rides to dining with a view.

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