Car Rental in Georgia

Getting around Georgia by car offers unparalleled freedom to explore this beautiful country at your own pace. From the winding roads of the Caucasus Mountains to the scenic Black Sea coast, having your own vehicle opens up countless possibilities for adventure. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of renting and driving a car in Georgia.

Basic Requirements for Car Rental

To rent a car in Georgia, you’ll need to meet several basic requirements. Most rental companies require drivers to be between 23 and 70 years old, although some, like Local Rent, are more flexible and accept drivers from 18 years old with no upper age limit. You must also have at least 3 years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license in Latin characters.

Interestingly, Georgia does not require an International Driving Permit (IDP) as long as your license is in Latin characters. However, if you are involved in an accident, the police may ask for an IDP or a notarized Georgian translation of your license, which costs around 50 GEL (approximately $20).

Required Documents for Car Rental:

• Valid driver’s license in Latin characters
• Passport
• Credit card (for some companies)
• Proof of 3 years of driving experience

Comparing Car Rental Companies

The Georgian car rental market offers several reliable options, each with its own advantages:

Local Rent

• Starting at $44 per day, Local Rent is a platform that connects travelers with local car owners.
• They offer a wide selection of vehicles and do not require a credit card or large deposit.
• Their customer service operates in English, facilitating smooth communication for international travelers.
• However, there are restrictions on driving to certain regions like Mestia and Ushguli.

Cars4Rent

• With rates starting from $50 per day, Cars4Rent stands out for including comprehensive insurance in their base price and requiring no deposit.
• They provide pickup from major airports and cities, although their fleet can be somewhat limited during peak season.

Parent.Ge

• Starting at $60 per day, this company is particularly noteworthy for its collaboration with diplomatic missions.
• They offer full insurance coverage and provide a free WiFi router for rentals of over 7 days.
• Their perfect 5-star rating reflects their commitment to quality service.

Professional Tip: Book your car at least 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season (June-September) to secure better rates and ensure availability. Prices during this period can be 30-50% higher than off-season rates.

Car Insurance and Rental Process in Georgia

Insurance is a crucial aspect of car rental in Georgia, with three main coverage types available:

Basic Third-Party Liability

• Included in the base rental price, this mandatory insurance covers damage to other vehicles or property.
• However, it has significant limitations and a high deductible.
• Typically, this basic coverage does not include damage to tires, the windshield, or the vehicle’s interior.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

• Available for an additional 15-25 USD per day, the CDW provides coverage for damage to your rental vehicle.
• It lowers your liability in case of accidents and includes theft protection, though it still carries a moderate deductible.
• Some local companies, such as Cars4Rent, include this coverage in their base price.

Super Collision Damage Waiver (Super CDW)

• The most comprehensive option, costing 20-30 USD per day, eliminates the deductible entirely and covers all aspects of damage, including tires, the windshield, and undercarriage.
• This option is highly recommended for driving in mountainous areas or on rural roads.

Booking and Vehicle Collection Process

The booking process begins online through your chosen rental company’s website. You will select your dates, pickup location, and preferred vehicle type. Most companies require basic information about the driver, including age and driving experience. Some may request a small deposit (40-70 USD) to secure the booking, although many local companies do not require this.

Vehicle Collection
When collecting your vehicle, you will need to:

• Present your original driver’s license and passport
• Complete a thorough vehicle inspection
• Sign the rental agreement
• Receive the car’s “passport” (technical documentation)
• Obtain emergency contact numbers and breakdown procedures

Pro Tips for Vehicle Collection:

• Conducting a thorough inspection before accepting the car is crucial. Take detailed photos or video of any existing damage, no matter how minor.
• Pay special attention to the wheels and undercarriage, as road conditions in Georgia can be challenging.
• Ensure you understand how to operate all vehicle features, including the location of the spare tire and the fuel requirements.

Pricing and Payment

• Economy cars: 120-150 GEL (40-50 USD)
• Mid-size vehicles: 150-200 GEL (50-70 USD)
• SUVs/4x4s: 200-300 GEL (70-100 USD)
• Minivans: 250-350 GEL (85-120 USD)

Most local companies prefer cash payments in Georgian Lari (GEL) upon vehicle collection. International companies typically require a credit card for the deposit and payment. Note that prices may increase by 30-50% during the peak tourist season (June-September).

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Fuel (approximately 3.30 GEL per liter)
• Parking fees in major cities (1-3 GEL per hour)
• Optional GPS rental (5-10 USD per day)
• Additional driver fees (varies by company)
• One-way rental fees, if applicable

Driving Conditions and Road Safety in Georgia

Georgian roads have experienced significant improvements in recent years, though conditions vary widely across the country. Major highways are generally well-maintained, and the upcoming Rikoti Highway project, which will connect Tbilisi to Batumi, is expected to reduce cross-country travel time to just 3.5 hours upon its completion in 2025.

Most tourist routes are fully paved, including access to popular destinations like the David Gareja Cave Monastery, Vardzia, and the Katskhi Column. However, travelers should be aware of some challenging routes:

Noteworthy Road Conditions:

• The road to Tusheti via Abano Pass requires serious off-road experience and should only be attempted with an experienced local driver.
• While the route from Mestia to Ushguli has seen recent improvements, it can still be difficult during adverse weather conditions.
• The Georgian Military Highway, which connects Tbilisi to Kazbegi, often experiences heavy truck traffic due to border crossings.

Seasonal Considerations:

• Mountain passes are often closed from late October to May due to snow.
• Spring poses risks of flooding and landslides, particularly in regions like Khevsureti and Racha.
• Before embarking on mountain routes, it is advisable to check the current road status by contacting the Roads Department Hotline at +995 322 313 076.

Local Driving Style and Safety

Georgian driving culture is quite different from Western standards. Local drivers tend to be assertive and occasionally unpredictable.

Common driving behaviors include:

• Aggressive overtaking, which often leads to improvised third lanes
• Minimal use of turn signals
• Close following distances
• Limited adherence to lane markings
• Animals on the road, especially in rural areas

Speed Limits and Traffic Rules:

• Urban areas: 60 km/h
• Non-residential areas: 90 km/h
• Highways: 100-110 km/h

Georgia has strict drunk driving laws, with a legal blood alcohol limit of 0.03%—much lower than in many Western countries. Speed cameras and traffic enforcement are common, with fines typically ranging from 50 to 200 GEL, depending on the violation.

Navigation and Parking

Navigation is straightforward using Google Maps, but it is wise to allow an additional 30% extra time beyond suggested travel times. Mobile data coverage is generally good; obtaining a local SIM card from Magti provides the best coverage for GPS navigation.

Parking in Major Cities:

• Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi have their own parking payment systems. Rates generally range from 1 to 3 GEL per hour and can be paid through mobile apps or parking meters.
• Outside major cities, parking is usually free, though managed by attendants who may expect a small tip (a few coins).

Safety Tips from Experienced Drivers:

• Start journeys early (before 10 AM) to avoid heavy traffic
• Avoid night driving, especially outside urban areas
• Maintain larger-than-usual following distances
• Use hazard lights to signal road obstacles or sudden stops
• Keep vehicle documents readily accessible

Emergency Numbers:

• 112 for general emergencies
• 199 for traffic police

Most Beautiful Driving Routes

Georgia boasts some of the most spectacular driving routes in the Caucasus region. Here are a few particularly noteworthy scenic drives, all suitable for standard vehicles:

The Koda-Ninotsminda Road

This stunning route across the Javakheti Plateau offers breathtaking views of Georgia’s volcanic landscapes and lakes. Ideal for traveling from Tbilisi to Vardzia, the road features newly paved surfaces and striking mountain vistas. Plan for a full day to fully enjoy multiple photo stops and visit local villages along the way.

The Kutaisi-Ambrolauri Road

Connecting Kutaisi with the Racha region via the Nakerala Pass and Shaori Lake, this route is especially beautiful in autumn when the forests burst with vibrant colors. The journey takes approximately 3 hours without stops, but it’s best to allow 5-6 hours to truly appreciate the scenery.

The Gombori Pass

This recently upgraded road runs from Tbilisi to Telavi, winding through lush forests and passing by the historic Ujarma Fortress. Although the road has many curves, it is well maintained and provides a less crowded alternative to the main highway. The drive typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours.

Regions to Exercise Caution

While most of Georgia is accessible by car, some regions require special consideration:

Svaneti Region

The road to Mestia has seen significant improvements, but winter conditions can be treacherous. The best time to visit is from June to early October. If traveling to Ushguli, consider hiring a local driver, especially during the shoulder seasons.

Tusheti Region

The notorious Abano Pass into Tusheti is regarded as one of the most dangerous roads in Georgia. This route should only be attempted with experienced local drivers in appropriate vehicles, typically between June and September.

Kakheti Wine Region

Although the roads here are excellent, be mindful of Georgia’s strict drunk driving laws (0.03% limit), which make self-driving wine tours impractical. Instead, book organized wine tours from Tbilisi or arrange for a private driver.

Planning Your Route

Best Times for Road Trips:

• Spring (May-June): Comfortable temperatures, though some mountain passes may still be closed.
• Summer (July-August): All routes are accessible, but expect higher prices and more tourists.
• Autumn (September-October): Ideal weather and stunning fall colors, particularly in wine regions.
• Winter (November-April): Many mountain roads are closed; stick to lower elevation routes.

Professional Tips for Route Planning:

• Always check road conditions before mountain trips (use the Roads Department Hotline).
• Allow extra time for photo stops and unexpected delays.
• Download offline maps for areas with poor mobile coverage.
• Carry basic supplies (water, snacks, basic tools) for longer journeys.
• Start mountain drives early to avoid afternoon storms.