Car Rental in Batumi

Where to drive

• Drive to Gonio Fortress, a well-preserved Roman fortification just 12 km south of Batumi, a scenic 20-minute drive along the coast.
• Explore Mtirala National Park, located about 30 km northeast of Batumi. The winding mountain roads offer breathtaking views and take approximately 1 hour to reach.
• Visit the beautiful Black Sea resort town of Sarpi, right on the Turkish border, about 20 km from Batumi. Enjoy a pleasant 30-minute coastal drive.
• Embark on a day trip to Kutaisi, Georgia's legislative capital, approximately 150 km east of Batumi. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, offering a glimpse into Georgia's interior.
• Discover the Machakhela National Park, roughly 40 km inland from Batumi. This mountainous region, rich in history and nature, is about a 1.5-hour drive on sometimes challenging roads.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Georgia, you generally need a valid passport, a national driving license (held for at least one year), and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Latin script or English. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, often with a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Batumi vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 25-35 USD per day during the low season, while mid-range sedans might be 40-60 USD. SUVs and premium vehicles can range from 70 USD to over 100 USD daily. Prices typically peak in July and August, potentially seeing a 50-70% increase compared to winter rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Georgia, driving is 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 motorways. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%. Headlights are not mandatory during the day, but recommended in poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 12 years old or shorter than 135 cm.

Parking

In Batumi, parking can be a mix of paid and free options. In the city center and along the boulevard, most street parking is paid, managed by the Batumi Parking company. You can purchase parking cards or pay via mobile app. Free parking is available in some residential areas or further from the city center, but spaces can be limited, especially during peak season.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available in Batumi and along major roads. Prices are comparable to other countries in the region, typically ranging from 1.00 to 1.30 USD per liter for gasoline (petrol) and diesel. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some Georgian Lari (GEL) cash for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For city driving and coastal exploration around Batumi, an economy or compact car with automatic transmission is usually sufficient. If you plan to venture into the mountainous regions like Mtirala or Machakhela National Parks, a higher-clearance vehicle or an SUV is highly recommended, especially outside of summer, due to varying road conditions. Manual transmission cars are common and often cheaper.

Frequently asked questions