The Turtle Lake Cable Car, also known as the Vake-Turtle Lake Aerial Tramway, is a popular attraction in Tbilisi, Georgia. It connects Vake Park with the picturesque Turtle Lake and offers locals and tourists alike a unique perspective of the city. Claustrophobics should be careful, as the rather narrow gondola makes you feel like you’re in a USSR tin can. Our comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about this extraordinary ride — it’s definitely worth the trip to Turtle Lake.
Technical details and operation of the Turtle Lake Cable Car
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 910 meters |
| Height Difference | 93.9 meters |
| Ride Time | Approximately 7 minutes ⏱️ |
| Capacity per Cabin | 8 persons |
| Number of Cabins | 2 |
| Maximum Speed | 5 m/s |
| Year of Opening | 1965 (Renewed 2016) ️ |
| Opening Hours | Daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Subject to change, especially on public holidays) ⏰ |
| Fare | 2.5 GEL (Georgian Lari) per person (as of 2024). Payment with Metromoney card or cash possible. |
| Accessibility | The cabins are suitable for people with reduced mobility. ♿ |
| View | Breathtaking view of Tbilisi, Vake Park and Turtle Lake. ️️ |
The Turtle Lake ropeway – a piece of Tbilisi history
The Turtle Lake cable car is not just a means of transportation, but also a living piece of the Georgian capital’s history. Since its opening in 1965, it has helped shape the cityscape of Tbilisi and transported countless residents and visitors. For a long time, the ropeway was a symbol of the city’s progress and modernization.
The renovation in 2016 was not only a technical advance, but also a contribution to the revitalization of the surrounding Vake Park and the upgrading of the entire district. The ropeway is now an important part of Tbilisi’s tourist offer and helps to position the city as a modern and attractive destination.
History and renovation of the Turtle Lake cable car
The vake park ropeway was originally opened in 1965 and was a popular means of transportation for Tbilisi residents. After years of operation, it was closed in 2006 due to safety concerns. A comprehensive renovation took place in 2016:
- Completely new cabins and stations
- Modernization of the drive technology
- Improvement of the safety systems
- Installation of a computerized monitoring system
Operation and use of the Vake-Turtle Lake Aerial Tramway
The aerial tramway operates daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (as of 2024). There may be longer waiting times at weekends and on public holidays, especially in the summer months. A ride costs 2.5 GEL (approx. 0.60 USD) per person and can be paid with a Metromoney card or in cash.
The lower station is located on the edge of Vake Park, easily accessible from Chavchavadze Avenue. The upper station is located directly on the shore of Turtle Lake, where visitors can enjoy various recreational activities.
View and experience
During the ride, the soviet ropeway offers a breathtaking view over Tbilisi and the surrounding mountain landscapes. Passengers can see the green hills of the Vake district, the city’s modern skyline and even the Caucasus Mountains in the distance on a clear day. The cabins are fully glazed, allowing a 360-degree view.
Safety and maintenance
The cable car is regularly maintained and meets the highest international safety standards. There is an emergency system to ensure the safe evacuation of passengers in the event of a technical fault.
The Turtle Lake ropeway is not only a practical means of transportation, but also an attraction in itself. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Tbilisi from a bird’s eye view and is a must for every visitor to the Georgian capital.
No rides in strong winds!
If the wind blows stronger in Tbilisi, the service is suspended for the safety of passengers. Alternatively, you can take the fast walk or use a Bolt or Yandex Taxi to reach Turtle Lake.
Our conclusion – Is the Turtle Lake Cable Car ride worth it?
Under no circumstances should you miss out on this historically fascinating ropeway ride, even if you have to put up with short waiting times. The ride up to Turtle Lake or down provides a spectacular panorama. However, we must warn Instagram enthusiasts that the cable car does not offer any opportunities for selfies during the ride, as it can get quite crowded here. If you get a seat by the window, you can take great pictures of the natural landscape.
The cable car is suitable for people who are afraid of heights, as it travels quite slowly. Once at the top of Turtle Lake in Tbilisi, there are great views, leisure activities and excellent gastronomy.
FAQ about the Turtle Lake cable car from Vake Park
The Turtle Lake Cable Car operates daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (subject to change, especially on holidays). Please note that there may be longer waiting times during weekends and peak tourist seasons.
The current fare for a single ride on the Turtle Lake Cable Car is 2.5 GEL (Georgian Lari). You can pay with your Metromoney card, Credit- or Debitcard or in cash.
Yes, you can easily pay for the cable car ride with your Metromoney card. This card is a versatile means of payment for public transportation in Tbilisi and is also accepted for the cable car.
Yes, the cable car cabins are designed in such a way that people with reduced mobility can also travel without any problems. There are appropriate facilities to ensure barrier-free access.
No, there is no age limit for using the cable car. However, young children should be accompanied by an adult for safety reasons.
No, for hygiene reasons it is not permitted to take pets on the cable car. However, there are numerous green areas around Turtle Lake where you can walk your four-legged friend.
