Car Rental in Artashat, Armenia

Where to drive

• Visit Khor Virap Monastery: Just a 15-20 minute drive (≈10 km) from Artashat, this iconic monastery offers breathtaking views of Mount Ararat and deep historical significance.
• Explore Dvin Archaeological Site: Located around 20 minutes (≈12 km) north of Artashat, Dvin was once a major medieval Armenian city and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
• Day trip to Yerevan: Armenia's capital city is approximately a 30-40 minute drive (≈30 km) north, offering museums, cafes, and vibrant city life.
• Discover Areni Wine Region: Head south for about 1 hour (≈60 km) to Areni, famous for its ancient winery and delicious Armenian wines.
• Journey to Noravank Monastery: Continue past Areni for another 30 minutes (≈25 km) to reach Noravank, a stunning 13th-century monastery complex nestled amidst red rock cliffs.
• Visit Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery: Drive northeast for about 1 hour (≈50 km) to experience the Roman-era Garni Temple and the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery carved into a rock face.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Armenia, you typically need a valid driver's license from your home country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Latin script, and a passport. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23-25 for certain car classes. A minimum of 1-2 years of driving experience is also commonly required.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Artashat generally start from around 25-35 USD per day for economy cars, while mid-range sedans might be 40-60 USD. SUVs, suitable for more rugged terrain or larger groups, can range from 70-100 USD or more daily. Prices fluctuate significantly with the season, with summer months seeing the highest demand and therefore higher rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Armenia, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 110 km/h on highways. The legal blood alcohol limit is effectively zero (0.0%). Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child safety seats are required for children under 12 years old or shorter than 1.5 meters.

Parking

In Artashat, parking is generally straightforward. You'll find free street parking in most residential areas and near many attractions. In the town center, there might be designated paid parking zones, often indicated by signs and parking attendants. The cost is usually low, payable to the attendant or via a mobile app in larger cities like Yerevan.

Fuel stations

Fuel is widely available in and around Artashat. There are numerous petrol stations offering various grades of gasoline (petrol) and diesel. Fuel prices are generally lower than in Western Europe, but higher than in some neighboring countries. Payments can be made with cash or credit/debit cards at most stations.

Which car to choose

For exploring Artashat and nearby main attractions like Khor Virap and Dvin, an economy or compact car with manual or automatic transmission is perfectly adequate. If you plan to venture into more mountainous regions or off-the-beaten-path destinations, especially during colder months or if carrying more luggage, an SUV with higher ground clearance is recommended. Given some roads can be less maintained, an automatic transmission can make driving more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions