Car Rental in Telavi

Where to drive

• Sighnaghi and Bodbe Monastery: Drive approximately 40 km (25 miles) southeast from Telavi to the 'City of Love', Sighnaghi, and the nearby Bodbe Monastery. The drive takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Alaverdi Monastery: Located just 20 km (12.5 miles) northwest of Telavi, Alaverdi Monastery is an impressive cathedral and a significant cultural site. The drive is about 25-30 minutes.
• Gremi Architectural Complex: Travel about 20 km (12.5 miles) east of Telavi to the historic Gremi complex, the 16th-century capital of the Kakheti Kingdom. This takes roughly 25-30 minutes.
• Tsinandali Estate: A short 10 km (6 miles) drive from Telavi, the Tsinandali Estate offers a peek into Georgian aristocratic life and its famous winery. Expect a 15-20 minute drive.
• Shuamta Monasteries: Visit the Old and New Shuamta Monasteries, located approximately 10 km (6 miles) west of Telavi, offering serene surroundings and ancient architecture. The drive is about 15-20 minutes.

What documents you need

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

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Telavi vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around 25-35 USD per day during the off-peak season, while SUVs and premium vehicles can range from 60-100+ USD daily. Prices generally peak during the summer months (June-August) and harvest season (September-October), where you might see an increase of 20-40% compared to winter rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Georgia, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) outside urban areas, and 110 km/h (68 mph) on highways, where applicable. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0‰ (zero tolerance). Headlights are not mandatory during the day unless visibility is poor, but seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. Child safety seats are required for children under 12 years old or under 135 cm (4 feet 5 inches) tall.

Parking

In Telavi, parking is generally straightforward. Many areas in the city center offer free street parking, especially outside peak hours. Paid parking zones exist, often managed by local authorities or private companies, and usually involve paying at a machine or via a mobile app. Always check for signs to avoid fines. Outside the immediate city center, parking is typically free and readily available.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are common in and around Telavi and along major routes. Prices are approximate and fluctuate, but gasoline (petrol) and diesel are widely available. Payment is usually accepted by cash and major credit/debit cards. The approximate price for a liter of gasoline is around 2.80-3.20 Georgian Lari (GEL) in 2026.

Which car to choose

For exploring Telavi and the Kakheti region, a compact or economy car is sufficient for most paved roads and city driving. However, if you plan to venture into more rural areas, vineyards, or unpaved roads, an SUV with higher ground clearance would be a more comfortable and practical choice, especially during wetter seasons. Manual transmission cars are very common, but automatics are increasingly available.

Frequently asked questions