Kutaisi International University (KIU) is located on the outskirts of the city, approximately ten kilometers from the center. Despite being outside the city center, it is easily accessible by local transportation.
The university campus has two entrances, front and back. Entry typically requires a badge or some form of identification.
The bus ride from the city center to the university takes approximately 20 minutes and stops at the back entrance. Bus routes N3 and N25 connect the city center to both campus entrances, with N3 also stopping at Rioni railway station. Bus tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or via a special transport card.
Taxis are also a convenient option. The best way to get a taxi is by using apps such as Bolt or Maxim, which function similarly to Uber and other ride-hailing services. These apps allow you to add your card for automatic payment at a fixed, pre-determined price based on your selected destination. Maxim is more widely used in Kutaisi and has a larger number of drivers, though the service quality can be inconsistent. Bolt, on the other hand, primarily operates in the capital, Tbilisi, and has fewer drivers in Kutaisi. However, it generally offers higher service standards. Taxi fares in Kutaisi are relatively inexpensive compared to average European prices.
Approximately 25 km from Kutaisi, there is an International Airport (KUT) that primarily serves low-cost airlines. It offers direct flights to and from numerous destinations, including:
Europe: Athens, Barcelona, Beauvais, Berlin, Budapest, Charleroi, Copenhagen, Dortmund, Hahn, Hamburg, Katowice, Kraków, Larnaca, Lyon, Madrid, Memmingen, Milan–Malpensa, Poznań, Prague, Riga, Rome–Ciampino, Thessaloniki, Vienna, Vilnius, Warsaw–Chopin (also by Smartwings), Wrocław, Tallinn - all by Wizz Air. Moscow–Vnukovo (by Azimuth), Minsk (by Belavia).
Asia: Abu Dhabi (by Wizz Air), Istanbul–Sabiha Gökçen (by Pegasus Airlines), Almaty, Aqtau, Astana, Atyrau, Shymkent - all by FlyArystan.
You can also fly into Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, which offers a wider range of flight options via Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). However, keep in mind that Tbilisi is approximately 200 kilometers from Kutaisi.
To get from Kutaisi Airport to the city center, you can either use taxi service on the spot, taxi apps (see these above) or the direct shuttle bus provided by the airport.