Car Rental in Dilijan

Where to drive

• Explore Dilijan National Park: Drive to Haghartsin Monastery (approx. 15 km, 25 minutes) and Goshavank Monastery (approx. 20 km, 35 minutes), both nestled in dense forests.
• Lake Sevan Excursion: Take a scenic drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in Eurasia (approx. 40 km, 45 minutes), visiting Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsula.
• Lori Region Monasteries: Venture north to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries in the Lori region (approx. 90-100 km, 1.5-2 hours drive one way), offering breathtaking mountain views.
• Parz Lake: A short, picturesque drive to Parz Lake (approx. 10 km, 20 minutes) within Dilijan National Park, perfect for a peaceful picnic or a boat ride.
• Jukhtakvank Monastery: Discover the twin churches of Jukhtakvank, located just a few kilometers outside Dilijan (approx. 5 km, 15 minutes), often requiring driving on unpaved roads.
• Ijevan and Environs: Drive to the nearby town of Ijevan (approx. 40 km, 45 minutes) to explore its botanical garden and local wineries.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Armenia, you generally need a valid passport, a national driving license from your home country, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). While some local agencies might accept a foreign license alone, an IDP is highly recommended and often required by law for non-Armenian licenses. The minimum driving age is typically 21 years old, and some rental companies may require at least one year of driving experience.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Dilijan vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around 30-40 USD per day during the off-peak season, while SUVs and premium vehicles can range from 60 USD to 100+ USD daily. Summer months (June-August) and national holidays typically see the highest demand and prices, potentially increasing rates by 20-40%.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Armenia, traffic drives on the right-hand side. Speed limits are generally 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 110 km/h on highways. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Child safety seats are required for children under 12 years old or under 135 cm tall. The legal blood alcohol content limit for drivers is 0.0%.

Parking

In Dilijan, parking is generally straightforward. You'll find free parking available in most areas, especially near tourist attractions and hotels. In the town center, there might be designated parking spots, some of which could be paid, usually managed by attendants. Always look for signs or ask locals if unsure. Parking outside marked areas or blocking traffic can result in fines.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in Dilijan and along major routes leading to and from the town. Common fuel types are Regular (AI-92), Premium (AI-95), and Super (AI-98) gasoline, as well as diesel. Fuel prices are generally lower than in many Western European countries, but can fluctuate; expect to pay around 1.00-1.20 USD per liter for gasoline. Most stations accept both cash and major credit/debit cards.

Which car to choose

For exploring Dilijan and its immediate surroundings, a compact or mid-size car with good ground clearance is often sufficient, especially if sticking to paved roads. However, for venturing into the national park, accessing more remote monasteries like Jukhtakvank, or driving to the Lori region, an SUV or a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended due to unpaved, winding, and sometimes challenging mountain roads. Manual transmission cars are common, but automatics are also available.

Frequently asked questions