Planning to book flights from Riga to Tbilisi but not sure where to start? This guide explains how to book your air tickets easily and, most importantly, at a good price.
Which airlines fly from Riga to Tbilisi?
Non-stop flights from Riga to Tbilisi International Airport are operated by the Latvian carrier airBaltic. On the Riga–Tbilisi route airBaltic is the only airline offering a direct service.
It is also possible to travel from Riga to Tbilisi on a connecting flight. For years Ukraine International Airlines offered a comfortable and budget-friendly transit option, letting you fly from Riga to Tbilisi with a change at Kyiv Boryspil Airport.
An equally comfortable connection is offered by the Polish carrier LOT Polish Airlines: with LOT you fly from Riga to Warsaw and on to Tbilisi.
One more airline with connecting flights from Riga to Tbilisi is Turkish Airlines, which takes you along the Riga – Istanbul – Tbilisi routing.
Which airlines offer the cheapest tickets from Riga to Tbilisi?
Historically the lowest fares on the Riga–Tbilisi route have been offered by connecting itineraries rather than the non-stop flight, so it is always worth comparing both options.
How long is the flight from Riga to Tbilisi?
The non-stop flight from Riga to Tbilisi is scheduled at roughly 4 hours and 15–25 minutes. The total duration of a connecting flight depends on how long your layover at the transfer airport lasts.
How to find cheap flights from Riga to Tbilisi
- Book your tickets 1.5–2 months in advance.
- Choose midweek departures rather than weekends: demand is lower on working days, so fares tend to be cheaper.
- Book both legs of your trip at the same time. Airlines and agencies usually offer better prices for a return ticket than for two separate one-way fares.
- Use a search engine that brings together almost every airline and route, so that finding the ticket you want takes just a few clicks.
Tickets to and from Riga can be booked online quickly and conveniently through our search engine. Simply select your departure and destination cities, enter the dates you want, and the system will show you every available flight — making it easy to pick the fare that fits your budget.
Riga to Tbilisi flights: what has changed recently
Because of the changes in European airspace over recent years, the Riga–Tbilisi route now bypasses Russian and Belarusian airspace and runs further south, via Central Europe, the Black Sea and Türkiye. That is why the actual flight time today is around 4 hours and 15–25 minutes, even though the distance between Riga and Tbilisi is only about 2,270 kilometres.
For the same reason, transit flights via Kyiv are not operating at the moment — Ukrainian airspace remains closed to civil aviation. If the non-stop flight does not suit your dates, the most reliable alternatives today are connections through Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Warsaw (LOT Polish Airlines) and other Central European hubs. Always check the current timetable before you travel, as airlines adjust frequencies from season to season.
Practical details for your flight
- Departure airport: Riga International Airport (code RIX), around 10 kilometres from the Latvian capital’s city centre.
- Arrival airport: Tbilisi International Airport (code TBS).
- Non-stop operator: airBaltic, flying the Airbus A220-300.
- Time difference: Tbilisi is one hour ahead of Riga in summer and two hours ahead in winter (Georgia does not observe daylight saving time).
- Baggage: the cheapest fares usually include only a small cabin bag, while checked baggage is priced separately. Always check the conditions of the fare you choose before buying — this often changes the total cost.
When is the best time to fly from Riga to Tbilisi?
The most comfortable weather in Georgia is in spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October): Tbilisi is pleasantly warm, and conditions in western Georgia and the mountains are excellent. July and August are quite hot in Tbilisi and coincide with the peak tourist season, which is also when air tickets are at their most expensive.
The cheapest period is usually winter (January–March), excluding the New Year and Christmas holidays. If your budget is the deciding factor, look for tickets in those months.
Getting from Tbilisi Airport into the city
Tbilisi International Airport is about 17 kilometres from the city centre. There are several ways to get downtown:
- Bus No. 337 — the cheapest option, running day and night towards the city centre. You can pay with a travel card or a contactless bank card.
- Taxi or a ride-hailing app — the trip to the centre usually takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Ordering through an app is generally cheaper and more predictable than taking a taxi offered at the arrivals hall.
- A pre-booked transfer — handy if you arrive on a night flight or are visiting the country for the first time.
There are currency exchange desks and ATMs at the airport. Georgia’s currency is the lari, while Latvia uses the euro.
Frequently asked questions
Do Georgian citizens need a visa for Latvia?
Georgian citizens holding a biometric passport can travel visa-free to the Schengen area, including Latvia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The European Union is gradually rolling out its electronic travel authorisation (ETIAS), so check the current rules on an official source before you travel.
Do Latvian citizens need a visa for Georgia?
No. Citizens of the European Union, including Latvia, can enter Georgia without a visa and stay for up to one year. A valid passport or electronic ID card is enough to enter.
How early should you get to the airport?
For an international flight it is recommended to arrive at the airport two hours before departure. If you need to check in baggage or are travelling at peak times, allow an extra half hour.
Which airline operates the only non-stop Riga–Tbilisi flight?
The only direct service on this route is operated by the Latvian airline airBaltic. Frequencies change with the season, so compare several dates when planning your trip.
Is a connecting flight worth it?
Often, yes. A connecting ticket can be cheaper than the non-stop flight, especially in high season. Just keep two things in mind: leave enough time for the transfer (at least 1.5–2 hours) and make sure your baggage is checked through to your final destination.
