Renting a car in Tbilisi: the complete 2026 guide

Why rent a car in Tbilisi

The Georgian capital is beautiful in itself, but the country's real treasures lie beyond it. With a rental car you can reach the ancient complex of Mtskheta (30 km), the mountain resort of Kazbegi (150 km), the vineyards of Kakheti (80 km) and quiet Borjomi (150 km) without depending on minibus schedules.

Public transport in Tbilisi is decent, but using it to reach interesting places outside the city is a half-day trip each way. Renting a car saves up to 4–6 hours of travel per day.

Rental prices in 2026

Economy class (VW Polo, Hyundai i10): from €1,000/day. Crossover (Hyundai Creta, Kia Sportage): from €2,200/day. SUV for Kazbegi (Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander): from €3,500/day. The premium segment starts at €6,500/day.

Prices are lowest with local providers that have downtown offices. Airport counters are usually 15–30% higher and may add an airport surcharge.

What documents you need

Russian national licences are accepted in Georgia without an international permit. A passport and a driver's licence are enough. The minimum driver age is usually 21, and 25 for the premium class. Experience — 1–2 years.

A deposit of USD 200–800 is held on a Visa/Mastercard depending on the car class. Without a card that can hold a deposit, you usually won't be given a car.

Where to pick up the car: airport or downtown

If your plane lands before 22:00, it's more convenient to collect the car at TBS airport — all counters are in the arrivals area. If you arrive at night or early morning, it's better to take a taxi to your hotel and pick the car up in the morning at a downtown office: it's cheaper and there's a shorter queue.

Main pickup points in Tbilisi: TBS airport, downtown (Saburtalo district, Freedom Square) and Didube station. Hotel delivery is usually paid — €500–1,000.

What to check at pickup

Before driving off, always walk around the car and photograph every chip, scratch, tyre condition and the interior from all angles. Make sure the photos are timestamped. This is basic protection against attempts to charge someone else's damage to your deposit.

Check the fuel level and record it in the handover report. Clarify the daily mileage limit — local providers usually offer 'unlimited', while international ones may cap it at 200–300 km/day.

Ask about the terms for crossing into Armenia, Turkey or Azerbaijan if you plan to. Some providers don't allow leaving the country, others charge an extra USD 30–80.