If you’ve got a layover in Sukhumi, don’t let it go to waste sitting at SUI. The city, in Georgia, is within easy reach — roughly 70 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Important Details Before You Go
Before heading into Sukhumi, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Georgia vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Sukhumi is roughly 70 minutes from SUI via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into Sukhumi from SUI
The most straightforward way into Sukhumi is the local transport, which takes about 70 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 90 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
Exploring Sukhumi on a Layover
If you head into Sukhumi, here are two things worth checking out:
Sukhumi Botanical Garden is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
Makhajirs’ Embankment (Promenade) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at SUI, check out Sukhumi Airport Waiting Area or Abkhazian Souvenir Kiosk to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near SUI
In Sukhumi
If you make it into town, Narta Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Cafe Lika.
Inside SUI
If you’re staying in the terminal, Sukhumi Airport Mini-Cafe is your main option. Quick Bites Stand works too if you want something quick.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Sukhumi might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at SUI may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Sukhumi’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SUI, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sukhumi itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Georgia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at SUI include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Georgia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Sukhumi exploring the streets or relaxing at SUI, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.