Car Rental in Poti, Georgia

Where to drive

• Explore Kolkheti National Park: Drive approximately 10-20 kilometers (15-30 minutes) from Poti to experience the unique wetlands and biodiversity of Kolkheti National Park, perfect for birdwatching or boat tours.
• Day trip to Batumi: Head south on the E70/E692 for about 65-70 kilometers (1.5-2 hours) to the bustling resort city of Batumi, known for its modern architecture, botanical garden, and lively boulevard.
• Visit Ureki's Magnetic Sands: A short drive of around 30-40 kilometers (45 minutes to 1 hour) south of Poti will take you to Ureki, famous for its therapeutic magnetic black sand beaches.
• Discover Kutaisi and Gelati Monastery: Venture inland approximately 90-100 kilometers (1.5-2 hours) to Kutaisi, Georgia's legislative capital, and nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites like Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral.
• Explore the Guria region: Drive east towards the Guria region, known for its tea plantations and charming villages, just an hour or two's drive from Poti, offering a glimpse into rural Georgian life.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Georgia, you generally need a valid national driving license from your home country, your passport, and often an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Latin script. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and have a minimum of 1-2 years of driving experience.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Poti can vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars might start from an approximate 25-35 USD per day during the off-season, while standard sedans could range from 40-60 USD. SUVs and premium vehicles typically cost 70-120 USD or more daily. Prices tend to peak during the summer months (June-August) due to high tourist demand, potentially increasing by 30-50% compared to the lowest off-season rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Georgia, driving is on the right-hand side. The general speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 110 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.0‰ (zero tolerance). Headlights are not mandatory during the day but are recommended in bad weather. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children up to approximately 12 years old or under 135 cm in height.

Parking

In Poti, parking is generally available, with a mix of free and paid options. In the city center and near popular attractions, you might find designated paid parking zones. Payment is often made via parking machines or mobile applications, with hourly rates being relatively low. Free parking can be found on residential streets or slightly outside the central areas, though availability may vary.

Fuel stations

Fuel is readily available throughout Georgia, including Poti and along major routes. You'll find petrol (gasoline) and diesel. The approximate price level for a liter of regular petrol is around 2.50-3.00 GEL (Georgian Lari). Most fuel stations accept cash and major credit/debit cards.

Which car to choose

For exploring Poti and its immediate surroundings, a compact or economy car is usually sufficient. If you plan to venture into more mountainous regions or desire greater comfort for longer drives to places like Batumi or Kutaisi, a standard sedan or even a small SUV would be a better choice. For off-road adventures or traveling in winter conditions, a 4x4 SUV is highly recommended, especially when heading towards the higher Caucasus mountains. Manual transmission cars are common, but automatics are also widely available.

Frequently asked questions