Rent a car in Tbilisi

International chains (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Budget) operate desks inside the arrivals hall. Local suppliers and aggregators meet you with a name board at the exit of arrivals, with the car parked 50 metres away. The meeting runs by flight number — no shuttle buses and no long waits. The meeting zone works 24/7, including night flights.

A supplier representative waits with a name board at the exit of the arrivals zone. The car is parked 50 metres away. The meeting runs by flight number, so a delayed plane is tracked automatically — you don't need to call ahead. Contract and inspection take 10–15 minutes, and you're on your way.

Economy cars start at $17–22 in low season (March, November), hybrids such as a Prius at $22–28, crossovers at $29 and up. In peak season (July–August) rates climb 40–80%, with availability sharply reduced. Premium category starts at $120 per day. Tbilisi is Georgia's most competitive market, with lower starting prices than Kutaisi or Batumi.

Yes, almost the entire city centre is a paid zone. Payment goes through the Tbilisi Parking app: plate linked, zone selected, 1–3 GEL per hour charged. At pickup the supplier helps install the app, and if something doesn't work, pays on your behalf and invoices you at the end. Many international cards work in the app — confirm during installation.

Download Tbilisi Parking from the App Store or Google Play. Register with a phone number, link your plate, passport and payment card. The zone is detected by GPS and charges deduct automatically. At pickup the supplier helps with setup if something doesn't work — most international cards are accepted.

Economy cars often have no deposit at all — a Georgian market peculiarity. Saloons $100–300, crossovers $300–500, premium from $1,000. Cash in US dollars or Georgian lari is standard practice; card pre-authorisations are the alternative. Deposit is returned on the spot at drop-off if there are no fines or damage.

Yes, this is the second most popular pickup option after the airport. Within the centre it's usually free; outlying areas $10–20. The supplier arrives at the agreed time, inspects the car with you and completes the contract on the spot. Convenient after a late flight or when you'd rather settle in before driving.

The first hour feels unfamiliar — traffic is dense, drivers are spirited, road markings patchy in places. But within a couple of hours a rhythm appears, and by day two you're moving through Rustaveli confidently. For new drivers, start with hotel delivery and an exit to a day-trip first, rather than an airport-centre run in evening rush hour.

Around 400 km and 6 hours on Georgia's only expressway (speed limit 110 km/h). It is Georgia's busiest intercity route. With stops in Gori, Ureki or Kutaisi the journey extends to 7–8 hours. Dropping the car in Batumi (one-way) is a standard option at $30–80 extra.

Yes, one-way into major cities is a standard option. The surcharge is $30–80 depending on route and supplier. The busiest legs are Tbilisi → Batumi, Tbilisi → Kutaisi airport and Tbilisi → Kakheti. With us, the one-way fee is always displayed on the car card when you book.

Call the supplier first. There are two impound lots in the city — staff will direct you. You need the rental contract, your passport and 150 GEL cash for towing plus the original fine. The process takes 1–2 hours. Never attempt to pay an officer off the books — in Georgia this is a criminal offence.

Fines are issued to the registered car owner — the supplier. They deduct the amount from your deposit or card. If paid within 10 days, a 20% discount applies. Ask the supplier to pay quickly: you save money. You can also check outstanding fines yourself at video.police.ge using the car's plate number.