Tbilisi Funicular

The Tbilisi Funicular, a landmark ride ascending Mtatsminda Mountain, was first constructed in 1905, with its official opening taking place on March 27 of that year. From its very inception, this remarkable feat of engineering captivated the hearts of locals and guests alike, becoming a beloved attraction in Georgia’s hospitable capital.

During the Soviet era, the funicular’s upper station underwent significant transformations. Not only was a new building constructed, but a leisure and cultural park was established nearby and named after Joseph Stalin. In later years, this space was reimagined into an amusement park, complete with a Ferris wheel and a restaurant boasting sweeping views of the city. Eventually, the lower station was also redesigned to match the evolving aesthetic and functionality of the complex.

In 2000, tragedy struck. A cable snapped, causing a severe accident that injured several international tourists and forced the closure of the funicular for over a decade. Restoration and modernization began soon after but were only completed in 2012, when the funicular triumphantly reopened as one of Tbilisi’s defining attractions. The park itself also underwent extensive renewal thanks to the efforts of renowned Georgian businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili, who played a pivotal role in its revival.

Today, the Tbilisi Funicular features two carriages, each capable of accommodating 60 passengers. The track extends for approximately 500 meters between the lower and upper stations. While it’s a highlight for tourists, it also remains the most practical route to the summit of Mtatsminda.

The funicular operates daily throughout the year, with working hours from 10:30 AM to 11:15 PM. After 7:00 PM, the middle station is bypassed, and the carriages travel non-stop between the bottom and the top.

To ride the funicular, visitors must purchase a Mtatsminda Park Card, available at the ticket booth at the lower station. This card is not only necessary for the funicular ride but also serves as a payment method for the park’s attractions. It can be recharged at kiosks located throughout the park.

• Park card: 2 GEL

• Funicular fare: 10 GEL one-way per person

If you’re traveling as a family or group, there’s no need to purchase individual cards for each person. Simply top up one card with the required number of rides and use it collectively. You can check the card’s balance either at ticket booths or at the station’s turnstiles, where two validators are installed — one to deduct fare, and another to display the remaining balance.

A typical ride begins at the lower station, makes a stop at the middle station, and ends at the upper station atop Mtatsminda. For a more budget-conscious journey, it’s recommended to ride straight to the top, explore the Mtatsminda Park, and walk down to the middle station on foot. This route allows you to visit the Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures and Father David’s Church, before descending to the city. Taking this approach saves money, as each boarding incurs a separate charge of 3 GEL per person, regardless of the distance traveled.

The upper station opens directly into the amusement park, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Old Tbilisi and the city center from the viewing platform. Numerous cafés and restaurants serve traditional Georgian cuisine, offering a culinary experience to match the scenic one.

The amusement park caters to all ages — from thrilling roller coasters and the iconic Ferris wheel, to child-friendly rides, a petting zoo, and playgrounds.

Just steps from the funicular’s exit is a restaurant complex, home to several dining venues. One of the most popular is a pastry café where guests can savor traditional dishes and try the famous Lagidze waters — a beloved Georgian soft drink.

From Mtatsminda Park, a wide staircase and walking trail lead comfortably down to the middle station. Along this path lies one of Tbilisi’s most revered landmarks — the Pantheon, the final resting place of many notable Georgian politicians and cultural figures. At its entrance stands the grave of Alexander Griboedov, the renowned Russian poet and diplomat.

Nearby is the Church of Saint David, one of Georgia’s cherished Orthodox sanctuaries. The church is particularly famed for its holy spring, which, according to believers, has healing properties and is especially revered for its reputed ability to cure infertility.

The lower station of the Tbilisi Funicular is located just one kilometer from Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s most popular and touristic street. A ten-minute uphill walk from the Opera and Ballet Theatre will take you there.

However, since the incline can be steep and challenging, visitors may opt for public transportation instead. From Rustaveli Metro Station, bus No. 124 runs directly to the funicular. From Orbeliani Square, minibus No. 90 offers another convenient route.

• Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 11:15 PM, daily

• Ticket Prices:
   • Park card — 2 GEL
   • One-way ride — 10 GEL per person

• Phone: (+995 322) 492323

• Official Website: www.park.ge

• Email: info@park.ge

• Address: 24 Daniel Chonkadze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia