Turtle Lake Ropeway
A charming, budget-friendly aerial tramway offering stunning panoramic views of Tbilisi, connecting Vake Park to the serene Turtle Lake.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Sunset views are stunning
Turtle Lake Ropeway
Best Time
Sunset views are stunning

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, budget-friendly aerial tramway offering stunning panoramic views of Tbilisi, connecting Vake Park to the serene Turtle Lake.
"A must-try for both locals and tourists: quick, cheap, and offers breathtaking views!"
🎯 Budget-Friendly Ride
Only 1 GEL per person (student card may offer discount). A steal for amazing city views!
⏰ Expect a Short Wait
The ropeway departs when cabins are full. Waits can be 10-15 mins, especially during peak times.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Tbilisi Views
During the ropeway ride
Soak in breathtaking, sweeping vistas of Tbilisi's urban landscape and lush greenery as you ascend.

Turtle Lake Serenity
At the top station
Escape the city bustle at the peaceful Turtle Lake, perfect for a stroll, coffee, or meal.

Affordable Aerial Adventure
Vake Park to Turtle Lake
Experience a unique, short, and budget-friendly aerial tramway ride offering stunning city perspectives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views & Vibes
Budget-Friendly Scenic Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
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[HELP] Hiking from Turtle Lake to Mtatsminda
🎯 Budget-Friendly Ride
Only 1 GEL per person (student card may offer discount). A steal for amazing city views!
⏰ Expect a Short Wait
The ropeway departs when cabins are full. Waits can be 10-15 mins, especially during peak times.
Best one day trips in Tbilisi
🚶♀️ Hike Option Available
For the adventurous, there are marked trails from Vake Park to Turtle Lake.
☕ Cafes by the Lake
Enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the charming cafes surrounding Turtle Lake after your ride.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Budget-Friendly Ride
Only 1 GEL per person (student card may offer discount). A steal for amazing city views!
⏰ Expect a Short Wait
The ropeway departs when cabins are full. Waits can be 10-15 mins, especially during peak times.
🚶♀️ Hike Option Available
For the adventurous, there are marked trails from Vake Park to Turtle Lake.
☕ Cafes by the Lake
Enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the charming cafes surrounding Turtle Lake after your ride.
🚡 Basic Cabins
Cabins are older and can sway slightly. They fit about 8-9 people, so it can feel cramped.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Turtle Lake Ropeway is widely praised for its incredibly low cost and the stunning panoramic views it offers of Tbilisi. Visitors appreciate the quick, scenic ride and the peaceful atmosphere at Turtle Lake, with its surrounding cafes. Some note the cabins are basic and can feel cramped, and waiting times can occur during busy periods.
"The Vake Park Ropeway is a short but scenic aerial tramway connecting Vake Park to Turtle Lake in Tbilisi. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a panoramic view of the city while avoiding the steep uphill climb.
Experience & Views
The ride lasts about 5 minutes and 20 seconds, giving you just enough time to soak in the beautiful views of Tbilisi. As you ascend, you get a unique perspective of the city's mix of urban landscapes and lush greenery. The transition from the bustling Vake district to the peaceful surroundings of Turtle Lake is both refreshing and relaxing.
Cost & Accessibility
A one-way ticket costs just 1 GEL with a student card, making it one of the most affordable scenic rides in the city. Even at full price, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience Tbilisi from above. The ropeway is well-maintained and safe, though the cabins are relatively basic compared to newer cable cars in the city.
Destination: Turtle Lake
Once at the top, Turtle Lake offers a great spot for a walk, a quick coffee, or even a meal at one of the nearby cafés. It’s a perfect getaway from the city's noise, making the ropeway ride not just convenient but also a fun little adventure.
Final Verdict
The Vake Park Ropeway is a must-try for both locals and tourists. It’s quick, cheap, and offers breathtaking views, making it a fantastic addition to any Tbilisi itinerary."
Dushyant Ravindra
"Went around 4:30pm to see the sunset from the turtle lake. Had to wait around 10 mins to go up there but it was ok. Luckily no waiting on the round trip. I think the cable car itself is a bit old and can sway a little with around 8 people inside. Looking down the city from up top is
certainly stunning and worth the wait. There are also a few lovely cafes by the lake."
Charlotte Chen
"From the park, you can walk up to the gondola station and purchase a ticket to visit Turtle Lake. The lake itself is ordinary, surrounded by cafes and restaurants. For a mere 1 Lari per person, you can take the gondola to the lake and enjoy the views. However, be prepared for a cramped ride, as the gondola only departs when a certain number of people have gathered."
yasmine amer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ropeway station is located within Vake Park. You can walk to it from the park entrance. If you're coming from elsewhere in Tbilisi, you can take a taxi or public transport to Vake Park and then head to the ropeway station.
Parking can be challenging in Vake Park, especially on weekends. It's often easier to use public transport or a taxi to reach the area.
Yes, there are marked hiking trails that lead from Vake Park up to Turtle Lake. This is a great option if you enjoy hiking and want to experience the scenery on foot.
Vake Park is accessible by marshrutka (minibus) and regular buses from various parts of Tbilisi. Taxis are also readily available.
The main paths in Vake Park are generally accessible, but the trails leading up to Turtle Lake might be uneven. The ropeway itself is accessible, but the cabins are compact.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A one-way ticket is very affordable, typically costing around 1 GEL per person. A student card might offer a further discount.
No, tickets are usually purchased on-site at the station. It's advisable to have cash, as card payment might not always be available.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by weather. It's best to check locally or look for recent visitor updates, but it generally operates during daylight hours.
Yes, a student card often grants a discounted fare, making the ride even more economical for students.
It's recommended to carry cash (Georgian Lari) as card payment facilities may be limited or unreliable at the ticket booth.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Turtle Lake, you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the water, relax at one of the many cafes and restaurants, or simply take in the peaceful atmosphere away from the city.
The ride itself is quite short, lasting approximately 5 to 6 minutes, offering a quick but scenic journey.
While the cabins are older and may feel basic, they are generally considered safe enough for the short journey. Some users note they can sway slightly with passengers.
You'll get fantastic panoramic views of Tbilisi, showcasing the city's architecture, green spaces, and the surrounding hills.
Turtle Lake can get busy, especially on weekends and during good weather, with locals and tourists enjoying the recreational area. Weekday visits are generally quieter.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Turtle Lake is surrounded by several cafes and restaurants offering various cuisines, perfect for a meal or a coffee break after your ropeway ride.
The dining options range from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, often serving Georgian and international dishes. Prices can vary.
While there are many dining establishments, picnicking might be possible in designated areas, but it's best to check local regulations.
You can find a range of options, from quick snacks at cafes to full meals. Prices are generally reasonable, especially for cafes.
Most Georgian restaurants will have vegetarian dishes like khachapuri, pkhali, and various vegetable stews. It's always good to ask.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are during the ropeway ride itself, capturing the city skyline, and around Turtle Lake with its natural scenery and cafes.
Yes, the windows offer clear views. However, the cabins can be crowded, so you might need to be patient to get an unobstructed shot.
Late afternoon, especially leading up to sunset, offers beautiful golden hour light for photography. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in urban areas. It's advisable to check local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
You can often spot key Tbilisi landmarks like the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Narikala Fortress in the distance, depending on the angle and weather.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds. While the ropeway cabins are basic, they are generally safe for the short trip. The walk around the lake is also manageable for little legs, making it a pleasant family excursion.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine the ropeway with a walk around Turtle Lake and perhaps a picnic or a very affordable snack from a local cafe to keep costs down. It offers significant value for the experience and the views it provides, making it a highlight for those watching their spending.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
From Turtle Lake, you can continue on marked trails towards Mtatsminda Park, offering a more extensive hiking experience with rewarding city vistas. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry water, as some sections can be steep.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Turtle Lake Ropeway Experience
Travelers often highlight the low cost as a major draw, with tickets being exceptionally budget-friendly, especially with a student card. While the ride is brief, the panoramic views are consistently praised, making it a worthwhile addition to any Tbilisi itinerary. The transition from the bustling park below to the tranquil lake above is a refreshing contrast.
It's important to note that the ropeway operates on a system where cabins depart once a certain number of passengers have gathered, which can sometimes lead to short waiting times, particularly during peak hours or weekends. Despite the utilitarian nature of the cabins, the overall experience is widely regarded as a delightful and accessible way to enjoy Tbilisi's scenery.
Exploring Turtle Lake
Visitors can enjoy a walk around the lake, grab a coffee or a meal at one of the lakeside establishments, or simply relax and enjoy the ambiance. The area is particularly popular with families and locals looking for a green space to unwind. In warmer months, the lake area becomes a hub of activity, with outdoor seating and a generally relaxed atmosphere.
For those seeking a bit more activity, there are also walking trails that extend beyond the immediate lake area, offering further opportunities to explore the surrounding hills. The combination of the scenic ropeway ride and the tranquil lake environment makes for a well-rounded and enjoyable outing.
Navigating the Trails: Hiking to Mtatsminda
According to traveler advice, the trail is generally marked, so navigation should be manageable if you follow the signs. It's recommended to wear appropriate footwear and carry essentials like water, especially during warmer months. The hike can be rewarding, offering different perspectives of the city as you ascend.
While the ropeway provides a quick ascent, the hike to Mtatsminda is a great alternative for those who prefer to explore on foot and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. It's a good way to combine a visit to Turtle Lake with a more active exploration of the surrounding hills.
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