Car Rental in Tbilisi, Georgia

Where to drive

• Drive to the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe and Gori, Stalin's birthplace, a round trip of approximately 160 km (100 miles) taking around 3 hours.
• Journey through the stunning Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), offering breathtaking mountain views. This 160 km (100 miles) drive one-way takes about 3 hours.
• Explore the Kakheti wine region, visiting Sighnaghi, the 'City of Love', and numerous wineries. A typical route covers around 120 km (75 miles) one-way, taking about 2 hours.
• Visit the historic capital of Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, just 25 km (15 miles) from Tbilisi, a quick 30-minute drive.
• Head west to Kutaisi, exploring Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery. This longer trip is about 230 km (140 miles) one-way, taking approximately 3.5-4 hours.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Georgia, you typically need a valid passport, a valid national driving license (held for at least one year), and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, especially if your national license is not in English or does not use the Latin alphabet. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, and some companies require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, often with a surcharge for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Tbilisi vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 20-30 USD per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 50-100 USD or more daily. Prices generally increase by 30-50% during the peak summer and autumn months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Georgia, traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) outside urban areas, and 110 km/h (68 mph) on motorways. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.0‰, meaning zero tolerance. Headlights are not mandatory during the day but are advisable in poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 12 years old or under 135 cm (4 feet 5 inches) tall.

Parking

In Tbilisi, parking can be challenging, especially in the city center. Paid parking zones are common and are managed through a municipal system or private companies. You can often pay via mobile apps or designated payment terminals. Look for blue signs indicating paid parking. Free parking is rare in central areas but can be found in residential districts further from the center. Illegally parked cars may be towed.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is widely available throughout Georgia, with numerous petrol stations in and around Tbilisi and along major routes. Prices are generally comparable to or slightly lower than Western European averages, but can fluctuate. Payment is typically by cash or card. Major brands like Lukoil, Gulf, and Wissol are common.

Which car to choose

For city driving in Tbilisi and trips to popular sites like Kakheti or Mtskheta, an economy or compact car with an automatic transmission is usually sufficient. However, if you plan to venture into mountainous regions like Kazbegi or Svaneti, especially outside of summer, a 4x4 SUV is highly recommended for better ground clearance and traction. Manual transmission cars are also widely available and often more affordable.

Frequently asked questions