Georgia Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 13
Home Country: georgia
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 Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 12:16 pm Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN GEORGIA / GEORGIA TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
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GETTING AROUND IN GEORGIA
BY AIR
Domestic flights operated by Airzena Georgian Airlines (website: www.airzena.com) run between Tbilisi and Butani, Kutaisi and Senaki.
BY RAIL
In total, Georgia has almost 1600km (987 miles) of railway. The Government has now restored order on the railway, which had suffered from fuel shortages, armed attacks on trains, sabotage of track and bridges, and there is now a fundamentally sound infrastructure. However, rail travel through the Russian border in the north and west is not possible owing to the conflict in Abkhazia and visitors are advised not to undertake long-distance rail travel. Rail passengers are advised to store their valuables in the compartment under the seat/bed and not to leave the compartment unattended. It is also a good idea to ensure the compartment door is secure from the inside by tying it closed with wire or strong cord. Reservations are required for all trains. There are two classes of trains, primarily distinguished by the comfort of the seats. Children under five years of age travel free and children from five to nine years of age pay half fare.
BY ROAD
Traffic drives on the right. Georgia has approximately 20,000km (12,428 miles) of asphalted roads, and there is an ambitious project to construct a motorway connecting the Black Sea ports to the border with Azerbaijan, passing through Tbilisi.
Bus
Buses are in poor condition and timetables change often and can not be relied upon.
Car
Travellers attempting to drive around Georgia independently should be aware that it is difficult to buy fuel without highly specialised local knowledge and that an adequate supply of fuel should be obtained in Tbilisi beforehand. Also, reliable road maps or signposts do not exist.
Documentation: It is possible for holders of an EU license to drive in Georgia but an International Driving Permit is required to hire a vehicle.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Tbilisi is served by buses, trolleybuses, cable cars and a small underground system. The underground system has three lines and 16 stations. Tickets cost 20 Tetri. Regular big buses and trolleybuses cost 10 -25 Tetri and minibuses cost 30-50 Tetri. It is common practice to flag down official taxis, but fares should always be negotiated in advance, bearing in mind the likelihood that rates set for foreigners will be unreasonably high. In view of the rising crime rate, foreigners should take precautions before getting into a car, and it is generally safer to use officially marked red taxis which should not be shared with strangers. It is inadvisable to take a ride if there is already more than one person in the car. |
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