The Kutaisi Cable Car has been one of the city’s most cherished landmarks for over four decades. First launched during the Soviet era, this aerial tramway is not just a practical means of transportation connecting the two banks of the city—it is also a unique sightseeing attraction, offering breathtaking views of the sprawling urban landscape, lush valleys, steep hillsides, and the charming rooftops of Kutaisi, all set against the backdrop of the fast-flowing Rioni River.
Gliding high above the city, the brightly colored cabins serve both residents and tourists, transporting them swiftly between two scenic stations. The lower station is nestled near the iconic White Bridge and the historic residence of the Imeretian kings, Oqros Chardakhi, within a quaint square along Rustaveli Avenue. The upper station leads to the Besarion Gabashvili Culture and Leisure Park, a green oasis filled with amusement rides and shaded pathways. The park also features a vintage Ferris wheel, another Soviet-era gem, which offers visitors the chance to take in the city from an even higher vantage point.
The cable car operates daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A one-way ride costs 3 Georgian lari per person, while local residents enjoy a reduced fare of just 1 lari. The cabin can accommodate several passengers, who can either sit or stand during the short but picturesque journey. Riders are never left alone—a trained operator accompanies each trip, handling the doors, collecting tickets, and ensuring a safe experience.
Though modest in length, the Kutaisi cable car plays an important role as public transport, linking the hillside residential areas to the multi-storey apartment blocks in the lower part of the city. Even if you’re only in Kutaisi for a brief visit, this ride is not to be missed. The panoramic views from above offer a stunning perspective of the city and countless photo opportunities.
The story of the Kutaisi Cable Car dates back to 1961 when it was first constructed as part of the Soviet Union’s urban development initiative. The system has changed little over the years, preserving much of its original charm. In 1975, the cable car received new gondolas built at the Tbilisi Aviation Factory, though it took two years to fully integrate them into the operational system.
Originally managed by a Soviet organization overseeing cableways across Georgia, the infrastructure is now state-owned. Today, it is leased to a private investor responsible for its upkeep, while technical maintenance remains in the hands of the experienced staff of the Besarion Gabashvili Park. Their dedication has kept the system running smoothly for decades.
The cable car has weathered many challenges. During the turbulent 1990s, staff members had to guard it against theft and vandalism. Despite those hardships, the tramway remained operational—thanks to the tireless efforts of passionate individuals who protected this treasured piece of the city’s identity.
The Kutaisi Cable Car system includes two stations: the lower one used for boarding and disembarking, and the upper one located 50 meters higher and 300 meters away, housing the main machinery that drives the cabins. The retro red and yellow gondolas, produced at the Tbilisi Aviation Factory, have remained in service since 1975.
While the system may appear aged at first glance, its durability is thanks to the use of robust, stainless materials and constant professional maintenance. It remains a reliable and safe mode of transport, blending nostalgia with functionality.
Two types of cables power the movement of the cabins. The thicker, primary cable has been in use since the 1970s, while the thinner towing cables—which stretch and require trimming over time—are replaced every 5 to 8 years. These are inspected and serviced by specialists from the capital. The primary cables are securely fastened to the station structures, and the thinner ones, which operate independently, enable the gondolas to move smoothly along the route.
Importantly, in the event of a power outage, passengers are never left stranded mid-air. A backup generator automatically takes over, ensuring the safety of the ride. Even in the harsh post-Soviet years, when power cuts were frequent, the cable car remained dependable and no passengers were ever stuck suspended over the valley.
Over the decades, the Kutaisi Cable Car has become one of the city’s most iconic attractions. It has appeared in countless film scenes and television documentaries, capturing the imagination of generations.