Free transport to operate across Georgia during Patriarch Ilia’s funeral
Because of the huge number of people expected to pay their last respects to Patriarch Ilia, the Georgian authorities have made public transport free on March 21 and 22.
The Georgian authorities have decided to provide free transport for everyone wishing to bid farewell to Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. The decision was made by the State Commission set up to oversee arrangements for the Patriarch’s funeral. Tbilisi municipal transport – buses, minibuses, and the metro – will operate free of charge on March 21 and 22. On both days, the metro will run on its usual schedule, from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, with free service for all passengers.
Georgian Railway will also put on additional passenger trains on March 21–22, offering free travel on the main routes for those wishing to come to the capital to pay their respects to the Patriarch. Both regular and extra services will be free for all passengers during the days of national mourning.
To handle the increased passenger flow, additional services will run on the main intercity routes: Tbilisi–Batumi–Tbilisi, Tbilisi–Poti–Tbilisi, and Tbilisi–Zugdidi–Tbilisi. Alongside the extra services, all regular routes will continue to operate on schedule, including connections between Tbilisi and cities such as Batumi, Poti, Zugdidi, Ozurgeti, Borjomi, and Gardabani.
Free tickets will be available at Georgian Railway ticket offices upon presentation of ID.
Recall that Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II died on March 17, 2026, at the age of 93. The Georgian government declared national mourning, and the Patriarch’s burial is scheduled for March 22 at Sioni Cathedral.
