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Georgia is one of the easiest places to rent a car in Europe — visa-free for most travellers, low deposits, and a country that genuinely opens up only with a car. Most rentals start at Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi airport, run 5–7 days and cover Kakheti, Kazbegi, Svaneti and the Black Sea coast.
Choosing the right car for Georgia
Georgia is one of the few European-adjacent destinations where a week behind the wheel takes you through alpine mountains, Black Sea beaches, wine valleys and mediaeval architecture — without the paperwork. Most European passport holders enter visa-free for up to a year, which makes Georgia an unusually easy first-time drive abroad.
The people who come here are rarely package tourists — there is barely a package-tour industry in Georgia at all. These are independent travellers who booked their own flights and want to decide on the day where they drive next. Couples and solo travellers dominate; families with young children are the minority because mountain logistics and long drives don't always suit toddlers.
In Georgia there is almost no ready-made tourism. People who arrive here are the kind who want to pick their own route over breakfast. Without a car the country shrinks to central Tbilisi; with one, it opens all the way to remote mountain villages.
The average rental in Georgia lasts five to seven days, and nine out of ten travellers pick up the car straight at Tbilisi International Airport. Kutaisi is the second gateway, served by European low-cost carriers, and Batumi is the sea-and-mountains finale on the Black Sea coast. Between these three points, the country is genuinely accessible only by car.
A week is enough to see Kakheti's vineyards, the Caucasus ridge at Kazbegi and the Black Sea at Batumi — but only if you drive. Buses and trains cover the cities, not the bits in between that make Georgia worth the trip.
The unofficial national car of Georgia is the Subaru Forester. It is imported in volume from US auction sites, arrives by container at the port of Batumi and then prepared for resale locally. The Forester handles mountain switchbacks, rough tarmac and bad weather confidently, and it is one of the few countries where you can rent one easily — prices start from around $30 per day.
Petrol or diesel is the other question every renter asks. In Georgia, choose petrol. Diesel quality is noticeably poor compared to Western Europe and punishes older engines. Hybrid economy cars (Toyota Prius, Toyota Aqua) require 95-octane petrol only — using 92 will flag a dashboard error immediately.
Around ninety per cent of our fleet comes from American auctions. New cars exist in Georgia, but they are the exception. If you want a recent Camry or fresh Jeep, book a few weeks ahead rather than hoping to find one on arrival.
A quirk of the Georgian market: some Japanese imports arrived right-hand drive and were converted to left-hand drive locally. The conversion isn't factory work and you can spot one by the small mirror on the left-hand bumper — it belonged there when the steering wheel was on the right. Driveability is fine, but the detail is worth knowing.
Automatic gearboxes dominate the market, roughly seventy per cent of the fleet. For serious mountain routes — Kazbegi, the Military Road, Svaneti — an automatic is less tiring on long descents, and most renters choose it over manual even when the price difference is five dollars a day.
One of our suppliers keeps a fleet of fifty-plus vehicles, and almost every one of them is a Forester. That tells you everything about what works in Georgia: a reliable 4x4 in a landscape that changes from motorway to gravel in an hour.
Где арендовать машину в Грузии?
When to book and what to pay
The cheapest months are March and November. In low season an economy car starts at $22 per day, a mid-size saloon at $28, a crossover from $29.
July and August are the opposite: prices rise 40–80% and availability evaporates. Book four to eight weeks ahead in peak — you won't always get your first choice on a two-week notice.
In the shoulder season we often upgrade a booked economy car to a crossover at no cost, because the booked unit has already left and a better one is free. In July that generosity disappears — there are no spare cars at all.
Deposits in Georgia are low by European standards. Economy cars often have none, saloons ask for $100–300, crossovers $300–500. Cash in US dollars or lari is standard, and refunds happen on the spot at drop-off.
A booking four weeks in advance versus the day before in high season is a different world — not only price, but choice. The best cars go first, and by the last week you are picking from whatever remains.
Subaru Forester in Georgia
The car was picked up from the office and handed over at the airport. There were some dents on the body, which were fixed at once. The only thing that did not work signal in the car, but so everything went very well. Thank you
Subaru Forester in Georgia
contact with the operator was acceptable. indeed the car was changed for jeep and other operator provided the car but my airport was changed so It is not operator foult. The only fault was that remote locker in back Door was broken
Toyota Prius C in Georgia
The car was old and damaged everywhere on exterior, but i realized that most of the cars from Georgia are the same, so it was fine for me as well. I went till the mountains and back without any issue and the whole paperwork process was very easy. The consumption of the car was very low as well. So, if i’ll come back in Georgia and i need a car, for sure i’ll contact back the same guy because he was very nice and kind like the most of the local people.
Toyota Prius in Georgia
Everything went super, went to the mountains, traveled. The car was delivered and picked up at the agreed time. Service is super, thank you!
Ford Fusion Sedan in Georgia
All went great.
Toyota Sienna in Georgia
Everything went great. Thank you.
Mercedes-Benz E350 in Georgia
All perfect! However, the condition of the car left much to be desired, but I was ready for it for such a price) The only thing, the steering wheel was beating strongly at a speed of 100-130 km/h. Apparently problems with balancing of the disks.
Mitsubishi Pajero Io in Georgia
Everything went very well. The landlord was extremely polite and explained everything in detail. I highly recommend him! Thank you!
Toyota Prius in Georgia
Everything was great! And I really liked the car)
Mazda 6 in Georgia
everything went well, thank you.
Toyota Yaris in Georgia
Service was great. Employes who helped us throught all the rental proces were wery helpful. I picked up the car at the airoport and dropped it off at there too, I even manage to change cars returning time without any problems. Everything was fast, simple and effient.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in Georgia
Everything was fine, and owner was very polite. Thank you
Toyota Prius in Georgia
Accepting a car: The voucher letter had irrelevant information. It was clearly not written that I needed to pay in cash, but the manager said that I needed a cache, which I did not have. Usually when renting a car there is no problem to pay through the terminal. In the end, we were able to pay via QR code with additional commission, but we spent time and nerves. In addition, the car had a flat tire, if we had not noticed it, it could have been a problem. In the end we went together with the manager to the service station and everything was done, but also minus time and plus inconvenience. On the positive side, thank you for the delivery of the car to the address and willingness to solve problems from the manager, well, and in general we understand that everything happens. Delivery of the car: At the address of delivery was an apartment building and in general it is not clear whether we arrived correctly or not. We had to call to clarify, which is also an inconvenience. In addition, we had to wait about an hour for a person who will take the car, although the time was agreed in advance. Minus time, minus nerves. Also, the manager said that the car should be washed, although in the voucher about it is not specified, he called again to clarify and he himself had to convince that the fine for washing us to take unfair. On the plus side, the manager's attitude was very human and he really wanted to help solve problems. In addition, the deposit was refunded more, which covered the transfer fee. In general, we got the service, the car is fine and a lot of inconveniences were compensated. There are a lot of questions about the service, there is a lot of work to do, we have rented cars in different countries and we have never had such a hassle anywhere, usually the processes are well established.
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Kakheti wine country
A classic day trip from Tbilisi: Sighnaghi, Telavi, Bodbe monastery. Tarmac the whole way, any saloon or crossover will manage. If the itinerary includes hillside monasteries, a car with an automatic gearbox is more relaxing on the short steep approaches.
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Military Road to Kazbegi
The Georgian Military Highway runs all the way to Stepantsminda and the Gergeti Trinity viewpoint on sealed road — a Toyota Prius will make it. From December to March winter tyres are mandatory on the pass; reputable suppliers fit them free of charge during the season.
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Svaneti, Tusheti, Khevsureti
Serious mountain logistics. Tusheti and upper Khevsureti are 4x4-only on high-clearance vehicles. Sanveti is paved to Mestia but gravel to Ushguli. Most standard contracts prohibit gravel roads — you need a specific off-road package from the supplier.
Documents, deposit, insurance and payment — how it really works
Licence and age
A national driving licence from any country using Latin or Cyrillic script is accepted in Georgia for up to 12 months from entry — no international driving permit required. EU, UK, Swiss, US and Canadian licences all qualify. For licences in Arabic, Hindi or Chinese characters an IDP is needed. Minimum age is 21 with at least one year of driving experience. A second driver can be added for $3–7 per day, sometimes free of charge, and must be present at pickup.
The international driving permit is the single biggest unnecessary worry for European visitors to Georgia. Your national licence is enough — we process European and North American licences every day without any paperwork issues.
Deposit
Georgia is unusual for the region: on economy cars the deposit is often zero. Saloons require $100–300, crossovers $300–500, premium cars $1,000 and above. Cash in US dollars or Georgian lari is the common format, and deposits are refunded immediately at drop-off if there are no fines or damage.
More than half our economy fleet in Georgia goes out with no deposit at all. It's not carelessness on the supplier's side — it is a deliberate compromise: you take an older car, but you aren't tying up several hundred dollars on your card.
Payment and cards
Deposits for online bookings can be paid by any standard Visa or Mastercard. The balance is typically settled on arrival in cash (US dollars or lari) or by card. Most local suppliers accept debit and credit cards; international chains (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt) require a credit card in the lead driver's name. Official supplier currency is Georgian lari — if someone demands payment only in USD without any paperwork, that's a reason to walk away.
We accept standard European cards for the deposit so the customer can arrive relaxed. The balance is settled on the ground — cash or card, whatever works for the renter. This is the standard pattern across the Georgian market.
Insurance — what is actually covered
Georgian law requires only TPL (Third Party Liability) insurance to be included in every rental. CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) is an optional add-on at $5–15 per day — it covers bodywork and mechanical damage but excludes windscreen, wheels and undercarriage. Super CDW (Full Coverage with zero deductible) removes the excess and usually adds glass, tyres and undercarriage to the cover.
No Georgian insurance policy covers off-road driving — this is stated in every contract. Tyre punctures are also normally excluded; dedicated tyre cover is offered as a separate line item. From 1 January 2026, all visitors to Georgia must hold valid travel medical insurance with minimum cover of 30,000 GEL (around $11,000) — this is unrelated to the rental insurance and must be arranged separately.
The single biggest renter mistake is seeing the word 'insurance' on the voucher and relaxing. Basic CDW leaves an excess that often matches the deposit. The price gap between basic CDW and Full Coverage is $7–10 per day. The peace-of-mind gap is much bigger.
We recommend Super CDW to anyone renting in Georgia for the first time. Hand the car back, let the supplier check it, drive to the airport — and you never need to worry about a kerb in Old Tbilisi or a stone on a mountain road.
Driving style and parking
Driving is on the right. Local style is spirited rather than aggressive — quick lane changes, overtaking on solid lines, the occasional tight pass. Steady speed and safe distance are the best strategy. All major signs use Latin letters.
Central Tbilisi uses an official app, Tbilisi Parking, at 1–3 GEL per hour. Unpaid parking is 50 GEL, bus-lane 100 GEL, towing is possible. Suppliers help renters install the app at handover.
The first hour driving in Tbilisi can feel chaotic. By the third, most renters are weaving through Rustaveli Avenue like a local taxi. The rhythm is faster than ruthless — visitors adapt quickly.
Off-road, speeding and accidents
Leaving the tarmac is prohibited in most contracts and most cars carry GPS trackers. Speeding is caught from +10 km/h: 50 GEL for 15–40 over, 300 GEL above 40. Pay within ten days for a 20% discount; after thirty days the fine doubles.
For any accident, even a scratch, call 112 and the supplier. A police report is mandatory for insurance. Don't move the car before the report, never settle cash at the scene — it voids cover and counts as a bribe.
Fines go to the car owner — the supplier — not the driver. We ask renters to tell us promptly so we can pay inside the ten-day window and take the discount. It's one of the most overlooked savings on the Georgian road.
Crossing borders
The most common cross-border trip is to Armenia. It's officially possible — you need a notarised permit from the supplier (2–3 working days) and local TPL bought at the border kiosk. Azerbaijan's land border is closed to foreign tourists. Turkey is possible only with a handful of suppliers and by advance arrangement.
Armenia is doable on a Georgian rental but needs preparation. Notarised permit first, then border insurance on the spot. Without the permit you'll be turned around — plan it at booking, not at the checkpoint.
Where to pick up your car in Georgia
Most Georgia trips start in one of three cities. Car hire in Tbilisi is the largest market, with the main airport, the widest choice of vehicles and the most competitive pricing. Car hire in Kutaisi suits travellers arriving on European low-cost flights — Wizz Air and others. Car hire in Batumi is the right option for a Black Sea finish, or for exploring Adjara and the coast.
Сколько стоит арендовать авто в Грузии:
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Средние цены на аренду в Грузии по всем классам при аренде на 7 дней и без учета доставки
Frequently asked questions
In low season (March, November) economy cars start from $22 per day, a mid-size saloon like a Toyota Camry from $28, and a crossover from $29. Peak season (July–August) adds 40–80% to these rates, and availability drops sharply. Premium cars start at $120 per day, with rare exotics at several hundred per day.
No, not if your licence is written in Latin or Cyrillic script. EU, UK, US, Canadian, Swiss and most Balkan licences are accepted directly for up to 12 months from your date of entry. An IDP is required only for licences in Arabic, Hindi, Chinese or similar non-Latin scripts.
Yes. EU, EFTA and UK national driving licences are accepted directly for up to 12 months from your date of entry to Georgia. Plastic card format and the older paper format are both fine. No IDP required. Make sure the licence is still within its validity — Georgia does not honour expired documents even if they've been renewed elsewhere.
Economy cars in Georgia frequently come with no deposit at all — a regional peculiarity. Saloons require $100–300, crossovers $300–500, and premium cars $1,000 or more. Deposits can be taken as a card pre-authorisation or cash in USD/GEL, and are refunded on the spot at return if no fines or damage are found.
For Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) — no: the Georgian Military Highway is sealed to the village. Winter tyres are mandatory in winter. Svaneti is paved to Mestia but gravel to Ushguli, which requires 4x4. Tusheti is 4x4-only — the road to Omalo includes one of the most exposed mountain passes in Europe.
CDW covers bodywork and mechanical damage but keeps an excess — often equal to the deposit ($100–500) — and excludes windscreen, wheels and undercarriage. Super CDW (or 'Full Coverage' / 'Zero Deductible') removes the excess and adds glass, tyres and undercarriage to the cover. Daily price gap: $7–10.
Yes. From 1 January 2026 every foreign tourist entering Georgia must hold valid travel medical insurance with minimum cover of 30,000 GEL (approximately $11,000). It is separate from the car insurance and is checked at entry. Buy online before flying or at one of the insurance desks at the airport.
Yes, from 1 December to 1 March on mountain roads (Kazbegi, Bakuriani, Gudauri, Goderdzi). It is not just a recommendation — police turn back vehicles on summer tyres. Reputable suppliers fit winter tyres free of charge during the season, but confirm at booking. Snow chains are useful for Tusheti and higher Svaneti.
No. Georgia has no toll motorways, no vignettes and no electronic tags. You can drive the entire country freely, including the Tbilisi–Batumi expressway and the Military Highway. The only road-related costs are paid parking in Tbilisi and Batumi and fuel — around $1 per litre for 95-octane petrol.
Yes, one-way hire between major cities is a standard option. The drop-off fee is typically $30–80 depending on route and supplier. The busiest legs are Tbilisi → Batumi and Tbilisi → Kutaisi airport. With us, the one-way surcharge is shown on the car card before you confirm the booking.
Call 112 first — a police protocol is mandatory for any insurance claim. Then call the supplier. Do not move the car before the report is filed. Do not settle on the spot in cash with the other party or the officer — this voids the insurance and in Georgia is treated as bribery, which is a criminal offence.
All three international airports: Tbilisi (Shota Rustaveli), Kutaisi (David the Builder) and Batumi (Alexander Kartveli). Each has international chains (Europcar, Hertz, Sixt) and local suppliers. Meeting by flight number, no shuttle buses. Local fleets in Kutaisi and Batumi are smaller than Tbilisi — some cars are driven in from the capital to match your flight.