Car Rental in Georgia – Complete Guide and Hidden Pitfalls

Renting a car in Georgia is the most convenient – and often the only – way to see the country beyond Tbilisi. Budget sedans start at $20-35 per day, SUVs run $50-70, and the process takes about 10-15 minutes. Most foreign licenses are accepted without an International Driving Permit, and deposits at local agencies range from $100-300 or are waived entirely. However, there are details that rental comparison sites don't always highlight.

Key takeaways:

• Budget sedans from $20/day – weekly bookings reduce the rate by 15-25%.
• Licenses in Latin script are accepted without an IDP – if your license uses non-Latin characters, you'll need an International Driving Permit obtained before arrival.
• Minimum age: 21, with at least 1 year of driving experience; premium and large SUVs require 23-25 years.
• Speed cameras operate nationwide – fines start at 50 GEL (~$19) for speeding and reach 300 GEL (~$115) for serious violations.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.03% – effectively zero tolerance; penalties start at 700 GEL and include license suspension.
• Fuel costs ~$1.10-1.30 per liter – cheaper than most of Europe.
• Cross-border driving to Armenia and Azerbaijan is allowed with a permit from the rental agency; driving to Turkey or Russia is prohibited.

The Georgian rental market splits into two categories: international aggregators and local agencies. Platforms like Localrent and EconomyBookings offer streamlined online booking with standard insurance coverage. Local agencies in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi are often cheaper and more flexible with cash payments.

(Updated: February 2026)

For major highways (Tbilisi to Batumi, Tbilisi to Kutaisi), a standard sedan works fine. But if you plan to reach Ushguli, the Chalaadi Glacier, or the Svaneti mountain passes – you'll need at least a crossover, ideally a 4WD vehicle. This is especially true from May through October, when rain washes out gravel roads.

Important: Before heading onto mountain gravel roads, confirm with your rental agency whether insurance covers damage on unpaved routes. Many companies exclude highland tracks from coverage – meaning all repair costs fall on the renter.

Check visa requirements for your nationality before planning your trip. Payment methods vary between agencies – international cards are widely accepted at aggregators, while some local agencies also take cash in GEL, USD, or EUR.

You'll need three things: a passport, a valid driver's license, and a bank card (or cash, depending on the agency). If your license is printed in Latin characters, no IDP is required. If it uses only non-Latin script, you must obtain an International Driving Permit in your home country before arrival – it cannot be issued in Georgia.

Most rental agencies add a second driver free of charge, though both drivers must be present at pickup with their documents.

Georgian roads are an experience in themselves. Major highways are in excellent condition, signs are in both Georgian and Latin script, and navigation apps work reliably. But local driving culture is aggressive: expect overtaking on mountain curves, sudden lane changes, and livestock wandering across the road.

Speed limits:

Common fines:

Critical: Paying fines within 10 days earns a 20% discount. Unpaid fines double over time and may prevent re-entry into the country.

Cameras don't just catch speeding – they monitor red-light violations, solid line crossing, bus lane use, and stopping past the stop line. Fines are issued to the vehicle owner (the rental company), which then forwards them to the renter.

In Tbilisi, parking runs on the Parking Tbilisi app at 1 GEL (~$0.40) per hour. Registration requires a Georgian phone number and linked payment method. To skip the hassle, ask your rental agency to include a parking pass for an additional $2-3 per day.

In Batumi, daily parking costs 10 GEL (~$4), payable at city terminals.

In Kutaisi and smaller towns, paid parking is minimal – just park sensibly and don't block driveways.

Basic insurance (CDW) is included with most rentals and covers damage with a $300-500 deductible. This means minor scratches are covered, but you'll pay out of pocket for larger incidents.

Full coverage (SCDW) reduces the deductible to zero and costs an additional $5-15 per day. For mountain road trips, this is worth every cent.

Separately, consider travel medical insurance through EKTA for emergency care and evacuation – it operates independently of your vehicle policy.

Premium (95) gasoline costs ~$1.10-1.30 per liter – significantly cheaper than Western Europe. Gas stations appear on all major routes and accept cards. In the highlands (Mestia, road to Ushguli), stations are scarce – fill up before leaving the last major town.

Three fuel grades: Regular (92), Premium (95), Super (98). Most rental cars run on 95 – confirm with your agency.

Tbilisi – Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) (Georgian Military Highway): 150 km, 3-4 hours. Well-paved road with switchbacks, passing Ananuri Fortress, the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, and finishing at Gergeti Trinity Church. Any vehicle class works.

Tbilisi – Batumi: 370 km, 5-6 hours via the highway. Fast road with occasional construction zones. A sedan handles it without issue.

Tbilisi – Kakheti (Sighnaghi, Telavi): 110-130 km, 2-3 hours. Georgia's wine region with excellent roads. Along the way: Bodbe Monastery, Gremi Citadel, and dozens of wineries.

Kutaisi – Mestia (Svaneti): 230 km, 5-7 hours. Paved to Zugdidi, then mountain road with gravel sections. A crossover or 4WD is necessary.

Tip: The Mestia to Ushguli road is one of the most spectacular in the country but suitable only for 4WD vehicles in dry conditions. Rain turns the track into a stream bed.

Inspect the car before signing. Photograph every scratch before accepting the vehicle. Note the fuel level and mileage. Disputes about "new" damage at return are common.

Navigation. Apps work well, but mobile signal drops in mountain areas. Download offline maps in advance. For reliable mobile data, an eSIM is a practical option – compare providers here.

Winter tires. From November to March, mountain regions (Cross Pass en route to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Svaneti) require winter tires. Confirm availability when booking.

Return the car clean. Some agencies charge $10-15 for washing if the car is returned dirty. After mountain routes, a quick car wash is cheaper than the fee.

Airport pickup. International carriers serve Tbilisi International Airport, Kutaisi International Airport, and Batumi International Airport. Most rental agencies offer meet-and-greet delivery directly at the terminal.

1. Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Georgia? No, if your national license includes Latin-script text. If your license is exclusively in non-Latin characters, an IDP is required and must be obtained before your trip.

2. How much does car rental cost in Georgia in 2026? From $20 per day for an economy sedan and $50+ for an SUV. Booking for 7+ days lowers the rate. Peak season (June through September) sees 20-40% price increases.

3. Can I drive a rental car outside Georgia? Yes, to Armenia and Azerbaijan with a cross-border permit from the rental agency (typically ~$100 extra). Driving to Turkey or Russia in a rental car is not permitted.

4. What car should I choose for mountain roads? For the Georgian Military Highway to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), a standard crossover is sufficient. For Svaneti (Mestia to Ushguli) and Tusheti, a 4WD vehicle is essential. For cities and main highways, a sedan is fine.

5. How do I pay a traffic fine in Georgia? Check fines on the video police portal using the car's license plate number. Pay via bank, payment terminal, or online. Paying within 10 days earns a 20% discount. Unpaid fines may prevent you from leaving the country.

Renting a car in Georgia unlocks the freedom to explore places public transport doesn't reach. Prices are low, the rental process is simple, and roads between major cities are well-maintained. The key is matching the right vehicle to your route, documenting the car's condition at pickup, and staying alert behind the wheel – speed cameras are everywhere, and local driving habits will keep you on your toes.

See also: eSIM and Remote Work: How to Stay Connected Anywhere in the World