Autorent Kutaisis

A supplier representative waits with a name board just past passport control. The car is parked 100 metres away. The meeting runs by flight number, with delays tracked automatically. Contract and inspection take 10–15 minutes and you're on the road. The airport accepts flights 24/7, including night arrivals.

Economy from $17–22 in low season, a hybrid like a Prius $22–28, a crossover from $29–35. In Wizz Air peak (July–August, New Year) prices climb 40–80%. The Kutaisi market is the same as Tbilisi: same fleet, similar rates, but fewer cars physically available locally.

Yes, it's normal practice: the Kutaisi local supply is modest and most of the fleet sits in the capital. Delivery takes around 6 hours, so book 5–10 days out. On rentals of 7–10 days or more, delivery is usually included free of charge — suppliers prefer securing the longer booking to charging the transfer fee.

Economy cars often come with no deposit — standard across Georgia. Saloons $100–300, crossovers $300–500, a 4x4 for Svaneti $500–800. Cash in US dollars or lari is taken as standard, and the deposit is refunded on the spot at drop-off if there are no fines or damage.

Yes — night arrivals at Kutaisi airport are normal and suppliers are used to them. A 3 or 4 a.m. meeting is standard, with no night surcharge from local operators or from us. The only requirement is an accurate arrival time at booking, so the driver leaves Tbilisi with the correct buffer.

220 km, about 3.5 hours on Georgia's only expressway. It's the basic one-way for travellers who flew into Kutaisi but fly out of Tbilisi. Drop-off surcharge in the capital runs $30–60. On the way is Gori with Stalin's house-museum and fortress — a good lunch stop.

Mestia — yes, the tarmac is good. Ushguli — no, 4x4 only. The drive from Kutaisi to Mestia takes around 5 hours up a mountain switchback road. In shoulder season and winter, the road occasionally closes due to landslides. For Svaneti, check pass conditions the day before you leave.

Yes. Hotel delivery in Kutaisi is offered on the same basis as airport delivery — usually free of charge within the city. Some travellers land, take a taxi to their hotel and accept the car there the next morning — useful after a late flight. Timing is confirmed in advance.

For the Imereti loop (Gelati, Sataplia, Tskaltubo, Okatse) usually not — heavy snow is rare in these lowlands. For Svaneti between 1 December and 1 March winter tyres are mandatory by law, and police turn vehicles back at the pass. Reputable suppliers fit them automatically on mountain-class cars in season.

Yes, it's one of the most common routes. One-way surcharge in Tbilisi is $30–60 depending on supplier. Return location is the Shota Rustaveli airport or a city office. Useful for travellers who flew in on Wizz, crossed Georgia west to east and fly out of the capital.

At Bar El Depo in the city centre. It rarely appears in guidebooks but locals know it well. The jumbo cheese khinkali here are fist-sized — a format unique to this place in Georgia. Our suppliers often mention it to guests as a small bonus to the rental. Parking nearby is usually free.

No, much easier than Tbilisi. Wider streets, less congestion, far fewer cameras. Local driving style is calmer than in the capital. The one spot demanding attention is the old bridges over the Rioni: narrow lanes that need careful passing with oncoming traffic.