Public transport in Georgia operates infrequently, particularly to remote areas. Major attractions—mountain villages, Kakheti vineyards, and Borjomi valley thermal resorts—are scattered far apart. Taxi rides for long distances prove expensive, while buses don't offer flexibility to stop at viewpoints or historic fortresses.
Car rental in Georgia transforms your visit into an unforgettable experience. Behind the wheel, you can tour a dozen wineries on the Telavi route in one day, pause at Ananuri fortress overlooking Zhinvali reservoir, and reach Stepantsminda at sunset near Gergeti Trinity Church.
It is not allowed to drive your rental car across the borders of Georgia.
Why Choose Car Rental in Georgia with Localrent
Georgia offers numerous car rental companies, but advance online booking provides distinct advantages. You gain access to complete fleet inventories rather than just vehicles available at offices upon arrival. This approach reveals more models, enables price comparisons across companies, and allows careful selection based on your budget and specific needs.
Localrent advantages:
- Extensive fleet selection: From compact city cars to mid-size sedans, crossovers, luxury vehicles, convertibles, and minivans for groups.
- Credit card alternatives: Rental options available without credit card requirements.
- Authentic vehicle photos: Real images featured in most listings show exactly what you're booking.
- Transparent pricing: Final booking costs include all fees and taxes. Many options available with no deposit or minimal deposits up to $100.
- Unlimited mileage: Nearly all vehicles include unlimited mileage, with many featuring comprehensive insurance in base pricing.
Dedicated support: Localrent's customer service team assists with any booking questions before and during your rental period.
Car Rental Requirements in Georgia
Essential documentation:
- Valid passport
- Current driver's license
- Booking voucher (sent to email after advance payment)
Driver qualifications:
- Minimum requirements: Age 18+ with 1 year driving experience
- Enhanced selection: Age 21+ with 2+ years experience
- Full fleet access: Age 23+ with 3+ years experience
Specific age and experience requirements vary by vehicle. Even identical models from different local rental companies may have varying conditions. Always verify requirements in vehicle listings, or use filters to display only suitable options.
Tourists in Georgia must have a physical driving licence with a valid expiry date. You can’t drive with copies of your documents or with an electronic driving licence.
Car hire prices in Georgia
The average cost of a one-day car rental. The number is calculated based on the bookings of the previous three years. It takes into account the rental of cars across all classes.
36.2 $
JAN
35.12 $
FEB
38.4 $
MAR
42.4 $
APR
47.96 $
MAY
45.67 $
JUN
44.1 $
JUL
46.2 $
AUG
39.67 $
SEP
36.48 $
OKT
34.56 $
NOV
34.79 $
DEC
Car rental prices in Georgia
Price depends on vehicle class, rental period, insurance, and options, such as a child safety seat, navigation system, etc. On our website, you see the final and detailed calculation of car rental cost at once. No hidden extra charges and payments. No need to look for deposit amount and insurance cost in rental terms for a long time.
In Georgia, you can rent almost any vehicle type: compact, sedan, or SUV.
| Car class | Price from | Model |
| Economy class | $15,00 | Toyota Yaris |
| Standard | $16,00 | Toyota Prius |
| Luxury | $30,00 | BMW 535i |
| SUV | $19,00 | Mitsubishi Outlander |
| Convertibles | $38,00 | Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 |
| Van | $19,00 | Mitsubishi Outlander |
The demand for car rental services in Georgia
The occupancy rate of the car rental fleets by month. For example, most cars are being rented in August, which means that this month has the smallest amount of available vehicles. The higher the percentage of the car fleet workload, the earlier it is worth booking a car to choosing the best option at the best price.
Where you should not drive your rental car
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There are places in Georgia where you should not drive, even if you rent an SUV:
- You can’t drive your rental car to South Ossetia and Abkhazia because those territories are not controlled by the Georgian authorities and insurance is not valid there.
- The “Mestia - Ushguli - Lentekhi” road runs through a mountainous area with many steep and dangerous slopes. It is strictly prohibited to drive a rental car there.
- The “Akhaltsikhe - Batumi” road running through the Goderdzi Pass and the “Sairme - Abastumani” road are simply poor-quality roads that even locals try to avoid.
- Driving is not allowed in the regions of Truso, Juta, Vashlovani, Tusheti, Omalo, and Shatili.
Traffic Rules and Driving Characteristics in Georgia
Speed limits and road conditions:
- Cities: 60 km/h
- Outside urban areas: 90 km/h
- Highways: 110 km/h
Major Georgian highways, such as Tbilisi-Batumi or Tbilisi-Kutaisi routes, maintain good conditions for comfortable travel at permitted speeds. Monitor signage carefully, as limits change near schools or hazardous sections.
However, rural and mountain roads present different challenges. Expect narrow serpentines with sharp turns, poor asphalt sections, and spring/autumn landslide risks. Reduce speed and verify route conditions in advance.
Local driving culture insights:
- Georgian driving style includes distinctive characteristics requiring awareness:
- Frequent speeding, solid line overtaking, and double overtaking maneuvers
- Horn usage for greetings, emotional expression, and overtaking signals
- Inconsistent pedestrian yielding at crosswalks
- Unexpected pedestrian crossings, particularly in rural areas
- Livestock encounters on village roads
Safety recommendations:
- Always use headlights and ensure all passengers wear seatbelts
- Place children under 12 in rear seats; children under 3 require car seats
- Never leave children under 6 unattended in vehicles
- Use hands-free devices for phone calls
- Plan routes on quality asphalt roads for optimal travel experience
- Allow extra time and maintain awareness of road conditions, especially on challenging sections
Parking Guidelines in Georgia
General parking policies:
Finding parking in Georgian cities typically presents few difficulties. Parking is permitted in most locations without prohibitive signage where you don't obstruct traffic flow. While locals sometimes park in inconvenient spots, avoid this practice to prevent fines.
Paid parking zones:
- Paid parking operates in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. Look for "P" signs with local operator logos:
- Tbilisi: City Parking
- Batumi: Batumi Parking
- Kutaisi: Parking Service
All other locations offer free parking unless signs indicate otherwise. Ensure you're not on sidewalks, pedestrian paths, in tunnels, or within prohibited zones.
Fuel Stations in Georgia
Refueling process:
Georgian fuel stations operate simply, with most functioning 24/7 year-round. Payment accepted in Georgian lari or by card only.
Step-by-step refueling:
- Approach available pump
- Lower window for uniformed attendant
- Specify fuel amount or monetary value
- Provide cash or indicate card payment preference
Recommended fuel networks:
Use established chains for reliable fuel quality, especially important for rental vehicles: Lukoil, Gulf, Socar, Wissol, and Rompetrol. Avoid small local stations where fuel quality may be inconsistent. Major cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi feature frequent network station availability.
Online Car Booking Process in Georgia
Booking advantages:
Online reservation offers the most convenient method for finding suitable vehicles by price and conditions. Compare hundreds of offers from verified rental companies, select vehicles matching your route and budget, and secure favorable pricing.
Booking steps:
- Set dates and locations: Specify rental dates and pickup/return cities. Use "Specify location" to select convenient pickup points.
- Apply filters: Sort by vehicle type, transmission, deposit amount, and other criteria.
- Review vehicle details: Study listings and add necessary options like child seats, roof racks, or local SIM cards.
- Complete booking: Enter primary driver information and contacts. Pay 15-20% advance by card. Voucher arrives via email.
- Vehicle collection: Inspect exterior and interior, document all defects. Check fuel level for return matching. Sign contract and pay remaining balance.
Travel preparation complete! Save contract and inspection documents. Plan routes through vineyards or toward snow-capped peaks. Enjoy your journey through hospitable Georgia!
Top Destinations for Georgia Car Rental
Georgia combines compact geography with incredible diversity. Rental car exploration connects mountains, ancient temples, wine valleys, and coastal areas within days.
Essential destinations:
- Kakheti Region: Journey to Georgia's winemaking heart. The Telavi route winds through endless Sighnaghi and Kvareli vineyards. Visit renowned wineries offering historic cellar tours. In Telavi, explore the colorful market, Batonis-tsikhe fortress, and King Erekle II Palace. Stop at magnificent Alaverdi Monastery en route.
- Stepantsminda (Kazbegi): Admire gorge views, rushing rivers, and Mount Kazbek itself. Stepantsminda's main attraction is Holy Trinity Church (Gergeti), positioned on a mountain overlooking glaciers. Essential stops include scenic Zhinvali Reservoir and mighty Ananuri Fortress. Choose vehicles with 1.4-liter+ engines for confident serpentine climbing to Gergeti.
- Kutaisi: Visit magnificent Bagrati Cathedral on the hill and fantastic Prometheus Caves featuring underground boat tours. Don't miss Gelati Monastery complex, a Golden Age Georgian masterpiece and UNESCO site. Include Uplistsikhe cave city stops when traveling from Tbilisi.
- Batumi and Gonio: Batumi features the famous boulevard with moving "Ali and Nino" sculpture, pebble beach relaxation, charming old town exploration, and vast Botanical Garden visits. Take short trips to well-preserved Roman Gonio Fortress. Consider Zestafoni distillery stops when traveling from Tbilisi.
- Borjomi and Vardzia: Borjomi offers Central Park strolls, famous mineral water tastings from natural sources, and pine-scented air. Continue to magnificent Vardzia cave monastery city carved into cliffs above Mtkvari River. Explore hundreds of stone-carved cells, churches, and tunnels. Choose powerful engines (1.4L+) for serpentine navigation.
Additional notable destinations:
History enthusiasts should visit David Gareja monastery complex featuring cave frescoes on the Azerbaijan border. Beach seekers after mountain adventures will appreciate peaceful Ureki resort with magnetic sands. Every Georgian road promises new adventures.
Car Rental Locations in Georgia
Pickup options:
- Online booking allows immediate selection of convenient pickup locations. Georgia offers three primary options:
- Airports: Most popular post-arrival points. Collect vehicles at Tbilisi (TBS), Kutaisi (KUT), or Batumi (BUS) airports.
- City rental offices: Urban pickup locations for convenience.
- Address delivery: Custom delivery to specified locations.
Vehicle availability varies by location. Specific pickup options appear in individual vehicle listings during booking. Use Localrent's "Specify location" filter to view offerings for your preferred pickup point.
Essential Tips for Georgia Car Rental
- Route restrictions awareness:
Verify permitted roads before booking. Routes through Goderdzi Pass (Akhaltsikhe-Batumi), high-altitude Tusheti villages (Omalo, Shatili), and Svaneti regions (Mestia-Ushguli) are prohibited for rental vehicles. These dangerous dirt roads present rockfall risks. Coordinate remote area plans with rental companies in advance.
- Mountain driving expectations:
On mountain roads like Kazbegi routes, local drivers frequently perform double overtaking maneuvers, passing two vehicles while entering oncoming lanes during blind turns. Preparation strategies include:
- Stay right and avoid acceleration during climbs
- Maintain forward vision awareness
- Expect sudden overtaking attempts
- Fine payment procedures:
Foreign visitors cannot pay camera-issued fines online due to Georgian ID requirements. Unpaid fines may prevent border departure. Check for outstanding fines with rental companies 1-2 days before vehicle return.
- General recommendations:
Leave prohibited routes and dirt roads for local residents' jeeps. Maintain road attention and stop safely for scenic viewing opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Car Rental
Can I rent without a credit card?
Most vehicles don't require credit cards. Use special filters to display only suitable options.
Are there mileage restrictions?
The vast majority of Georgian rental cars include unlimited mileage. Always verify this detail in specific vehicle listings before booking.
What's the cheapest rental cost?
Affordable rentals start from $30 daily during warm seasons. Winter periods offer lower rates, with options available for $20-25.
Which vehicles are most popular?
Mid-size cars and crossovers with 1.4-1.6L engines lead demand. Popular models include Toyota Prius, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Hyundai Elantra, valued for serpentine power and fuel efficiency.
Can I drive to Turkey or Azerbaijan?
Rental vehicles cannot cross Georgian borders into neighboring countries.
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based on 238 reviews
Hi, we're interested in renting a car from 11 to 18 september. We arrive in Kutaisi around 14:20 and we would like to rent a car at the airport. We would like to spend the first 2 nights in Usghuli. Since it is prohibited to drive from Mestia - Ushguli - Lentekhi, do minibuses and taxis drives regularly from Lentekhi to Usghuli even around 17:00? Do we need a 4x4 for a drive from Kutaisi - Lentekhi?
Hello! The route from Kutaisi to Lentekhi is allowed, but the route from Lentekhi to Mestia is prohibited. The road from Kutaisi to Lentekhi is in good condition. However for your comfort we recommend a crossover, not a sedan, and the vehicle does not necessarily need to be four-wheel drive for this route. Please check our article on roads at https://localrent.com/en/journal/georgia/articles/prohibited-routes/ and you will be able to organize a safe route for yourself.
Hello! I am from India. I have got my IDP and planning to drive in Georgia. What does this minimum driving experience mean? I have driven right drive cars here in India for the past 9 years. Will I be allowed to drive the left drive cars in Georgia? Please reply asap. I need to confirm my itinerary accordingly.
Good morning! Regarding your query about the minimum driving experience, it generally refers to the total time you have held a valid driving license. The count begins from the date you received the appropriate category for driving a car. To rent a car, you must have a valid national driving license, which includes a version in Latin characters. Copies and electronic licenses are not accepted. If your driving license is only valid in the country of issuance, we highly recommend including an International Driving Permit (IDP) and presenting it upon request. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or use our online chat.
Hallo, how to rent a child car seat and what is the price per day?
Good afternoon! Along with renting a car, you can also rent additional equipment such as a "Child Seat". You can add it to your reservation in selection Additional services. The cost of this equipment depends on the car you choose and the rental period, as the cars listed on our website belong to different local rental companies. When choosing a child seat, it is important to base your decision on the type of equipment you use at home and to consider the legal requirements for child transportation in the country where you are renting. When selecting additional equipment, please refer to the hints provided on the page of each car in the info notes, marked with a question mark, for example: https://prnt.sc/tYv-fkHR5n3h One of the important indicators is the height of the child because it's crucial for the seat belt to pass across the chest, not the child's neck. Therefore, we recommend you specify your child's details in the order comments in the format (age/height/weight). This way, the rental company manager can choose the most suitable equipment for you.
Is it possible to pick-up the car at Kutaisi Airport and drop-off at same.
Hello! Yes, of course. Please select the appropriate pick-up and drop-off city "Kutaisi" in the green panel on our website. To choose a meeting point in Kutaisi, please click "book now" on the car page and select the airport location from the drop-down list of locations.
We rented a car in Georgia and were delighted. We had a competent contact person for the entire rental period. The vehicle was delivered to our home address on time and picked up again at a different address. Simply great. The handover was very quick. We were even able to postpone the return time by a few hours. At no extra cost. We would be happy to do it again.
Dear Thomas, We are delighted that your experience was so pleasant! We value your time and comfort, which is why we strive to provide the best service down to the smallest detail. Your positive feedback is not only praise for us but also a motivation for further improvement. We look forward to helping make your next journey just as wonderful and hassle-free! Kind regards, Localrent.com Customer Care
Is it possibel to take the rental car over the border to Armenia?
Good afternoon! Unfortunately, when traveling in Georgia, most local rental companies prohibit driving a rented car outside the country, which is why this restriction was implemented. However, we can offer you the option to choose a car in Armenia and receive it in Georgia. In addition to the rental fee and deposit, ant delivery fee (the fee for delivering the car from the car's home city in Armenia to Tbilisi, Georgia), you will need to enable the "Georgia cross-border fee" option in your reservation. This fee depends on the chosen vehicle and the rental company, as different companies have varying policies. You can use the filter to select this option, and the system will suggest cars that are eligible for cross-border travel. For a more detailed discussion of your request, you can also write to us at [email protected] or use our online chat. We will be happy to assist you with any questions!
Hello, what is the address of the rental office in Tbilisi? Thanks.
Hello! The address of the office may differ depending on the selected car, as our website presents options of different local rental companies. If you have already booked a car, the address of the rental company's office is indicated in your voucher. If you are only planning to make an order, the cars where pickup at the rental company's office is available, have a link to a map with the approximate location of the office. This can be seen in the car profile on the "booking" tab, after clicking the green "book now" button. If you encounter any difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact our support team by [email protected] or in the support chat on the website - we will be happy to assist you.
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Hello, I would like to ask if you could confirm that the road Sh1 between Akhaltsikhe and Batumi is also forbidden, even for 4x4 vehicles? I can see why Ushguli or Omalo are forbidden, as these roads are narrow, covered with fallen rocks, and go along steep gorges. However, from my talks to Georgians, as well as from StreetView and websites/blogs about Georgian travel destinations, it seems that the Sh1 along Goderdzi Pass is not actually dangerous, it is only that the surface of the road is bad - which is something that any 4x4 with high enough clearance (and a careful driver) should handle without any issues. Thanks!
Hello, You can find detailed information about prohibited routes in our article: Prohibited Routes in Georgia https://localrent.com/en/journal/georgia/articles/prohibited-routes/#akhaltsikhe-batumi Our partners prohibit the movement of vehicles beyond paved roads, as it poses a risk of damage that cannot be covered by insurance. The road "Akhaltsikhe - Batumi" via the Goderdzi Pass is prohibited. The road surface here is in very poor condition, with many dangerous and impassable sections along the way, and if assistance is needed, it may be difficult to find. Even local residents hesitate to travel here, even on special vehicles. Therefore, if you want to visit Akhaltsikhe, we recommend choosing a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high ground clearance and planning your route through Kutaisi to bypass it: Akhaltsikhe - Borjomi - Kutaisi - Batumi. Before your departure, be sure to check the weather forecast and inform the rental company manager about your planned route in advance. You can also specify this in the comments section when making your reservation. If you have further inquiries or need assistance, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or through our support chat. Our support team is more than happy to assist you!
Good day Can you drive in the regions of Iori Reserve and Chachuna Reserve ?
Hello, In rental cars are permitted to travel exclusively on paved public roads. You are allowed to drive your rental car to the village of Kasristskali, but driving in the national park is not permitted. Should you have any further inquiries or require assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] or through our support chat.
Hello Is rental in Kutaisi only at the airport or there is an option to rent in the city?
Hello! On the "Booking" page (after clicking the "Book" button) you will have the opportunity to choose the time and place separately for pick-up/drop-off (next to the time, if it is non-working for this rental, the price for service after hours will be indicated). It depends on which car you choose (cars belonging to different rental companies can have different requirements). To indicate the location in the city you need to choose the option "city delivery" - for example, you need to pick up/drop off at a hotel within the city. You select the "City delivery" within the city option, then indicate the address you need in the comments below.
Hello! From the site I didn't understand whether I can receive and return car in the Kutaisi airport?
Hello! Yes, of course. In the green search panel on our website, select the appropriate dates and city. Once you have chosen the optimal car option for yourself, after clicking "book now", you will be able to select a suitable location and time for pick-up and drop off the car.
Hello! My husband and I are both 22 years old and want to rent a car when we come to Georgia in a few weeks. Some of the cars are labeled that you only need to be 21 years old, but the terms and conditions says that you need to be 23. Are we allowed to rent a car since we're 22?
Hello! In Georgia, we collaborate with numerous rental companies, each having their own terms and conditions. That's why, we recommend referring to the age requirements mentioned on the page of the specific car you are interested in. This information is up to date and reliable. Furthermore, on our website, you can utilize the filters available in the green search panel on the right-hand side to refine your search. You can specify the minimum age and driving experience in the filters. Once you input these parameters, the website will display cars that meet your criteria.
Hallo! Is it possible to drive along the Kutaisi-Ahalzihe road?
Hello! Rental companies in Georgia always inform customers about restricted routes, where driving is only allowed with special vehicles. These restrictions were introduced due to safety concerns and the poor condition of the roads, which are not covered by insurance. The specific route you mentioned, falls under the category of prohibited routes "Akhaltsikhe – Batumi". Information about restricted routes can be found on our website in the terms and conditions section https://localrent.com/en/georgia/terms/.
Is Cyprus driving licence valid for renting a car in Georgia?
Good afternoon! To hire a car, only a valid national driver’s license with a transliteration in Roman letters is required. If your driver's license does not have this, then a driving license should be additionally supported by an international driving permit (IDP). If you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact our support team by email [email protected] or via support chat on the website.