Your one-stop guide to driving in Georgia in 2025 – including up-to-date information about road conditions, essential safety tips, and the ins and out of renting a car in Tbilisi.
When I first travelled to the Caucasus, I would never have dreamed of putting the words ‘Georgia’ and ‘road trip’ in the same sentence.
I am an experienced driver – and I’m a huge fan of road trips, having driven around Spain, Oman and Montenegro in recent years. But the thought of getting behind the wheel in Georgia always terrified me.
The main reason I was so hesitant about renting a car in Tbilisi is the style of driving I observed during my first few years living and travelling in Georgia. If you have spent any time in the country, then you will know what I mean when I say that things are done slightly differently on the roads here.
It took some convincing, but I finally took the plunge and rented a car during my first summer in Georgia. That road trip still stands out as one of the most rewarding travel experiences I have had here.
Four years and a dozen more driving trips later, I am officially about to rent a car for the last time… Not because I have grown tired of driving in Georgia, but because I love it so much, I have decided to buy my own car!
The last four years have taught me that driving in Georgia is nowhere near as bad as it looks.
Given the choice between driving and using marshrutka vans, I would take self-driving every time. You can set your own schedule, move at your own pace, and ultimately control your own fate. And you will see and experience so much more.
There are certain things you need to know before you jump in, however.
In this guide, I will paint you a picture of the road conditions and driving style in Georgia. I will offer my best practical tips for a successful road trip, including important information about staying safe.
I will also give you some itinerary inspiration, point out my favourite drives, and give you a full breakdown about renting a car in Tbilisi or elsewhere through an international company or a local agent.
This is an epic guide packed with helpful tips. Jump ahead using the links below, or else buckle up for a detailed and brutally honest look at driving in Georgia.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.
This post was first created in partnership with Local Rent (formerly MyRentACar), who supplied my rental car for 10 days free of charge in exchange for a fair and honest review. I have since rented from them more than a dozen times. All opinions, recommendations and criticisms are 100% my own.
Should you rent a car in Georgia?
First things first: Do you even need to hire a car in Georgia?
Georgia is a small country, and transportation is fairly easy to navigate (if not a bit slow and clunky).
It is definitely not mandatory to rent a car in Georgia. You can see and do a lot by getting around with marshrutka vans, trains and GoTrip cars.
(The latter is a brilliant private driver service that I use myself all the time for planning day trips and getting from A to B.)
If it’s your first time visiting Georgia, you can quite easily stick to an itinerary like this one that uses public transport.
Looking for an affordable, flexible car rental in Tbilisi?
I use and recommend Local Rent. Save money when you hire directly from a local agent – no credit card or safety deposit required. Pick-up and drop-off from any address in Georgia.
If you’re a repeat visitor or you want to get off the beaten track, there are some major advantages to having your own vehicle:
- You will see a lot more. Needless to say, so much of what makes Georgia Georgia lies off the main highways, away from the big cities. Driving gives you unprecedented access to all the small villages, rural homestays, backstreets, roadside stops and remote areas that will make your trip all the more memorable.
- You can keep to your own schedule. The thing about marshrutka vans is that the schedule isn’t always predictable. Driving your own car isn’t necessarily any faster than taking a van – it may actually take longer if you make lots of stops – but you’ll end up fitting a lot more into each day if you can make early starts and set your own pace.
- You will feel a lot safer. Road safety is a huge issue in Georgia. I’ve had one too many nail-biting marshrutka rides with drivers who have no regard for speed limits. You definitely need to keep your wits about you when driving in Georgia, but in my experience, self-driving gives you a much-needed sense of control over your own fate.
No anxiety over when (or whether!) the marshrutka driver is going to make a bathroom break. No lamenting that you couldn’t pull over for a photo… Hiring a car in Georgia is totally worth it for these two reasons alone.
Where can you go on a Georgia road trip?
The possibilities are endless.
Here are just a few of my favourite places to drive in Georgia:
- The Javakheti Plateau, Georgia’s volcanic lake district
- Guria, Georgia’s tea region
- Racha-Lechkhumi, a lesser-visited mountain area
- Upper Imereti, including Chiatura
- The Black Sea Coast, including lesser-visited beaches and national parks such as Kolkheti
All these locations feature in my Georgia Road Trip Itinerary: Tbilisi to Batumi in 10 Days.
More adventurous travellers will find plenty of opportunities for off-roading in Georgia. If this is you, then I highly recommend picking up a copy of the book Explore Georgia, which contains detailed information and maps for 24 overlanding routes.
Quick facts about driving in Georgia
Here are the key things you need to know about driving in Georgia. I will go into more depth on these topics in the next section.
- In Georgia, you drive on the right side of the road. Both left and right-hand drive cars are present – for safety, be sure to rent a car that has the steering wheel on the left.
- The speed limit in Georgia is 90 km/hour in non-residential areas or 100-110 km/hour on highways, unless otherwise indicated. In built-up areas, the speed limit is 60 km/hour, but it can be tricky to know where built-up areas start and stop. Look out for the big white signs (example below) that indicate when you have entered a village and therefore need to slow down.
- Seat belts are compulsory in Georgia, but only for the driver and the front seat passenger. Back seat passengers are not required to wear a seatbelt by law – but obviously it’s still wise to buckle up.
- Kids under 7 years old must use a children’s car seat. Most rental companies have these available to hire, but you must request one at the time of booking.
- Traffic lights in Georgia flash amber before they turn red. There is no right turn on red, and wherever you see a green arrow, no left turn on a green light.
- Georgia is party to the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, meaning traffic lights and signage are much the same as in the rest of Europe. Street signs are normally bilingual or in Latin characters.
- Georgia has strict rules around drink driving. The legal blood alcohol level is set at 0.03%.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone when driving in Georgia. If you need to use your phone for navigation, make sure you bring a hands-free dashboard mount with you.
- There is a heavy police presence on the road in Georgia. Speed cameras and red-light cameras are ubiquitous throughout the country. More info on how to check for/pay a fine below.
- Georgia is known for an aggressive driving style and lackadaisical approach to road rules in general. This is definitely something to keep in mind when deciding whether or not you want to drive in Georgia.
- There are no toll roads or toll tunnels in Georgia.
- All major highways and most smaller roads in Georgia are sealed with a few notable exceptions (more details below). ‘Village roads’ vary from new, sealed roads to very rough backroads. Use the map below to identify any potentially problematic roads before you set off.
- Many high-altitude mountain roads are completely closed off in winter (usually late October to May, depending on the location). Extreme weather events such as flooding and landslides occur semi-regularly in some areas, including in Khevsureti and Racha.
Requirements for driving in Georgia
Most car rental companies have the following requirements:
- You must be aged between 23 years and 70 years
- You must have at least 3 years of driving experience
Local Rent is able to offer cars to younger drivers (from 18 and over) and older drivers, too. It is one of the only platforms I have seen that does not have an upper age limit.
Insurance requirements are different, however – so if you are under 23 or over 70, make sure you use the ‘driver’s age’ filter to sort appropriate cars.
Driving in Georgia with a foreign license – do you need an international Driving Permit?
Most car rental companies do not require you to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) when renting a car in Georgia, provided your driver’s license is in Latin characters.
However, if you get into an accident, the police might ask you for an IDP or a notarised copy of your license in Georgian. If you plan to spend a long time on the roads in Georgia, consider getting your license translated and notarised at a notary office. This should cost around 50 GEL.
In addition to your license, you should carry your passport/ID card with you in the car at all times.
All cars in Georgia have their own ‘car passport’, which you should also keep handy. See the FAQ below for more details.
What kind of car do you need for Georgia?
A sedan is all you need for travelling the major roads in Georgia. However, because of potholes, unexpected roadworks and rough roads, hiring a 4WD will give you more freedom and greater peace of mind.
During my first four years in Georgia, I almost always hired a Prius. Every single time I got behind the wheel, I got a flat tire! When it came time for me to buy my own car, I thought it was essential to buy a 4WD.
Whatever you decide, you will want to go with a car that has high undercarriage clearance, is mid-sized at a minimum (for safety reasons), and most importantly has the driver’s seat on the left-hand side.
The majority of rental cars in Georgia are automatic transmission so if (like me) you don’t have a manual license, you don’t need to worry about restricted availability.
A lot of cars in Georgia are missing their catalytic converter, so don’t be surprised if you see this warning light displayed on your dash.
Renting a car in Tbilisi
There are four local options I recommend for renting a car in Tbilisi or elsewhere in Georgia:
- Local Rent is an excellent all-rounder, with a nice supply of both sedans and 4WDs. Prices are lower compared to big-brand companies (more details below). This is the company I always use in Georgia – and for 99% of road trips (including my recommended itinerary), it is perfect.
- Martyna z Gruzji offers off-road and semi-off road vehicles that are suitable for the restricted roads listed below. Use the code wanderlush for 10% off.
- Mta Campervans is based in Kutaisi and rents out campers. Mention me for 10% off.
- Overlando rents our 4×4 camping vehicles and retro-style Buhanka campervans.
While international rental agencies (Hertz, Europcar, etc.) do have a presence in Georgia (including offices at Tbilisi Airport), they are not necessarily the best option.
If you do want to compare prices, I recommend using an aggregator website such as Discover Cars.
Why I use and recommend Local Rent
Local Rent is my preferred platform for hiring a car in Georgia. I have rented from them more than a dozen times in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, and I also used the site for my recent road trip in Albania.
Local Rent is an aggregator, but it differs to other websites in that it offers cars from local agents and smaller rental companies. The range of vehicles is similar (or better) than any other portal – they carry plenty of automatic transmissions, hybrid cars, and 4WDs that are suitable for all roads.
The website lists more than 1,700 cars in Georgia with an average cost of 44 USD per day. You can find deals for as little as 35 USD per day in the off-season.
As well as significantly lower prices, there are several other advantages to using the Local Rent platform:
- No International Driving Permit required to rent
- No cash deposit or credit card required
- Payment is made in cash
- Full refund available if you cancel with 24 hours notice (on some cars)
- Comprehensive insurance included (on some cars)
- Unlimited mileage & no additional driver fees
- Pick-up & drop-off at any address in Georgia
- Reasonable one-way fees
One disadvantage is that cars are usually older models – they might be a little banged up.
Because you are hiring directly from an individual or a small agency, the process is usually less formal – sometimes there is not even a contract. But Local Rent is a trusted middle man, and the platform has its own support for another layer of protection and peace of mind.
Get your car delivered to a convenient location and you can start your road trip without having to drive through Tbilisi city – a huge bonus given that traffic in the capital is atrocious.
Another bonus is that you’ll be supporting a small local business over a big brand.
Process for hiring a car from a local agent
To secure the type of vehicle you want for the best price, I recommend booking your car at least 4-6 weeks in advance. If you are planning to visit Georgia in summer, consider reserving a car even earlier than that.
Local Rent offers pick-up and drop-off from 13 different cities across Georgia. Tbilisi has the highest number of vehicles, while Kutaisi and Batumi also have a big selection.
On the website, start by plugging in your location/s, dates, and any search filters (gear box type, 4WD, driver’s age). You can then browse the available listings and make your selection. I love that you get to see real photos of the car as opposed to just stock images.
Optional extras such as a child seats and ski racks can be added here. Winter tires are mandatory on some mountain roads in Georgia from December 1-March 1, so you will need to add-on winter equipment if you are driving during this period (some cars come with winter tires included).
Insurance is not mandatory in Georgia – but I highly, highly recommend you choose a car with SuperCDW. This will cover you for any damage above the deductibles.
Depending on the agent, you may or may not be required to pay an initial deposit online. If you do, it will be low – around 40-70 USD (refundable). The remaining balance is paid in cash (in local currency, GEL) to the agent when you collect the car.
What are the roads like in Georgia?
It is a well-known fact that infrastructure is still developing in Georgia. Huge strides have been made since I first visited in 2017, especially with regards to the roads.
Overall, the roads in Georgia are of a pretty high standard. Much better than you might expect. Through a combination of self-driving, travelling in vans and being driven around on tours, I have travelled almost every highway and many backstreets, and I’ve only encountered a handful of bad stretches.
99% of the roads you will use as a tourist driving around Georgia are sealed. Not only are they sealed, but they are mostly smooth and pothole-free. Two things to keep in mind are that the roads are often narrow (even some major roads are only single-track), and line markings are sometimes faded or missing altogether.
Village and rural roads are more likely to be unpaved – either compacted rubble or loose rock. Some cities (notably Poti) have worse roads than others.
The roads to popular attractions such as David Gareja Cave Monastery, Vardzia and Katskhi Column are all sealed and manageable in a sedan. The road to Gergeti Trinity Church from Kazbegi is also paved and easy to drive in the warmer months (but I recommend you avoid it in winter).
Scenic roads
Here are just a few of my favourite drives for breathtaking scenery. All of these roads are newly sealed and suitable for a sedan.
- The Koda-Ninotsminda Road – My favourite drive in Georgia, this road runs across the Javakheti Plateau with stunning volcanic landscapes and lakes along the way. You can use this road to get from Tbilisi to Vardzia.
- Sachkhere to Oni – The new pass connecting Imereti and Racha is terrific for mountain scenery. You can use this road to travel from Kutaisi or Chiatura to Racha.
- The Kutaisi-Ambrolauri Road – Connecting Kutaisi with Racha, this road travels over the Nakerala Pass via Shaori Lake. Like the Sachkhere-Oni Road, it is particularly pretty in autumn.
- The Alpana-Tsageri Road – A loop road through Lechkhumi Region fringed by vineyards and limestone rock formations.
- The Tianeti-Ninigori Road – A handy way to travel from Kakheti Wine Region to Kazbegi without having to go through Tbilisi, this road is newly sealed and has a few points of interest along the way, including Kvetera Fortress Church.
- The Didgori Valley Road – The road to the Battle Memorial is like a ribbon draped over undulating hills. It is incredibly beautiful and almost always quiet.
- Tetritskaro to Bolnisi – This new road passes through Samshvilde Canyon and a beautiful pocket of Kvemo Kartli Region.
- The Gombori Pass – Though not new, the road from Tbilisi to Telavi was recently upgraded. It is a bit windy, but it passes through a gorgeous forest. Stop for Ujarma Fortress.
Problematic roads
There are a few stretches of road that you should approach with caution. These include:
- The road from Mestia to Ushguli – update: this road is now fully sealed
- The road from Ushguli to Kutaisi (the Lentekhi Pass) – update: this road is now fully sealed
- The road from Khulo to Akhaltsikhe (the Goderdzi Pass) – update: work currently in progress
- The road from Sairme to Abastumani (the Zekari Pass) – update: work currently in progress
- The road from Korsha to Shatili (the Datvisjvari Pass)
- The road to Gomismta mountain (Guria) – update: this road is now fully sealed
- Tracks inside the Vashlovani Protected Areas
Some rental companies in Georgia prohibit you from driving on some or all of these roads, so be sure to read the fine-print when planning your route.
The road to Tusheti (the Abano Pass) and to a lesser extent the road to Khevsureti are both challenging mountain roads that I do not recommend you tackle yourself. These journeys are much better done with a Georgian driver who is familiar with the conditions.
It is possible to self-drive from Zugdidi to Mestia (Svaneti), but again, you should approach this road with caution, especially in late autumn and spring. I do not recommend driving this road in winter. The new road between Kutaisi and Ushguli is in fact much better – see full details in my new Svaneti road trip itinerary. The road from Mestia to Ushguli is also sealed now.
Some people might even find Tbilisi to Kazbegi via the Georgian Military Highway too stressful. This road always has heavy traffic due to the large number of trucks crossing the border. You might find that it is better done with an experienced driver booked through GoTrip.
Since Georgia has strict rules around drink driving, Kakheti wine region does not lend itself particularly well to a road trip, either. (Consider that the legal limit in Georgia is BAC 0.03 compared to 0.08 for the US and 0.05 for Australia.) For visiting vineyards and doing wine tastings, I recommend booking a dedicated wine tour from Tbilisi.
Finally, I do not recommend driving in Tbilisi city! The traffic is terrible, and some roads are very narrow. Use the city’s public transport system instead.
Seasonal road closures
Some mountain roads in Georgia are closed during winter and only passable during the warmest months of the year, from late May until October (depending on weather conditions and snowfall). While many roads are cleaned during winter, the high mountain passes are not.
The road from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, for example, often closes for short period during the winter months. The road to Gergeti Trinity Church from Kazbegi is difficult to navigate in winter, thus it’s best to hire a Delica taxi if there is snow or ice.
Floods and landslides are not uncommon in spring and early summer. Shortly before my first road trip, the road in Upper Racha completely washed away, leaving villages cut off for a week until a temporary road was constructed (I actually drove the new road).
An up-to-date list of road closures and restrictions can be found here on the GeoRoad website (in English).
It is always a good idea to check road conditions and closures before you set out. Call the Roads Department Hotline on +995 322 313 076 and follow them on Facebook for regular updates.
The new Rikoti Highway
For the past few years, a new east-west highway has been under construction in Georgia. Once complete, it will cut the cross-country journey time in half by allowing drivers to bypass Kutaisi, Zestafoni, and other areas. Travel time from Tbilisi to Batumi will be 3.5 hours.
The new Rikoti Highway includes 97 new bridges and 51 new tunnels. As of spring 2024, around 70% are open to traffic. Google Maps hasn’t quite caught up yet, so the estimated travel times you see on the app/website are a bit off.
While certain stretches of road are now much faster, roadworks are ongoing. It’s important to remember that there might still be delays when travelling on the highway.
There are alternative ways to travel across Georgia that avoid this new highway. My Georgia Road Trip Itinerary routes you along a scenic road instead.
Map of roads in Georgia
Here is a quick map I created of notable roads in Georgia, including popular unpaved, gravel and sealed roads that you might encounter on your travels.
I try to keep this map updated. Click through to open the latest version in Google Maps.
Driving style & road safety in Georgia
The roads in Georgia might be better than you were expecting – but the driving style is crazier than you could ever imagine!
People often tell me the roads in Georgia are the worst they have experienced. But having lived in Cambodia and Vietnam, I really don’t think it’s that bad.
The biggest issue is the driving style. Georgian drivers tend to be impatient and somewhat aggressive. This is of course a generalisation, but it’s based on my personal experience (and I think you will find that most people would agree with me).
I could advise you to brush up on Georgian road rules before you get behind the wheel, but there is really no point. No one seems to follow the rules, despite there being a heavy traffic police presence.
My best advice is to take your time, be hyper aware of other cars, stay out of other people’s way as much as you can, and try to avoid making any sudden moves.
Set out early in the morning (before 10am) when there are fewer people on the roads, and never drive at night. Avoid driving in the big cities (Tbilisi, Batumi) at all costs, and try to stick to quieter backroads.
Key quirks to be mindful of
Here are a few lessons I have learned the hard way:
- People love overtaking at high speed, especially on single-lane roads. This includes crossing solid lines (technically illegal). In some cases, a car will come up the middle or appear on your right side, creating a third traffic lane where there isn’t supposed to be one. In addition, cars constantly drift from lane to lane without indicating. This is just something you just have to get used to. Check your mirrors constantly and be aware of people overtaking you from every angle.
- It is not uncommon to see a car hurtling towards you at high speed. I will never get used to this. When you see a car overtaking its lane and coming towards you, slow down and move as far to the right as you can so they have enough room to reintegrate with their lane or squeeze down the middle.
- Right of way (including on roundabouts) goes to the most expensive or biggest vehicle. Technically you should give way to traffic on the right, but in practice there is no rhyme or reason to roundabouts – just take it slow and hope for the best.
- No one shoulder checks. Be very wary of merging traffic and slip lanes, and even of cars pulling onto the road from driveways or the curb.
- Forget the rule of seconds. Cars drive bumper to bumper. If you leave a gap in front, someone will overtake you from behind and fill it immediately. Do the best you can to keep a safe distance.
- Drivers will do anything to not have to stop. I think slowing down is seen as a sign of weakness. This means that drivers always dodge parked cars and other obstructions at high speed. If you do stop suddenly, there’s a high chance the car/s behind you – which will invariably be hugging your rear bumper – will collide. Yes, this happened to me once!
- Be hyper alert to animals on the road. See livestock on the road is very common in rural areas. Cows especially can be very stubborn and reluctant to budge – inch up to them very carefully and use your horn if you need to.
- When in doubt, use your hazard lights. Hazard lights are used to alert other cars to an obstruction on the road (such as cattle). Make sure you always have your finger ready to hit the hazard lights. When I drive, my husband is in charge of controlling the hazard lights.
- Don’t honk. Aside from persuading cows to move, it is not at all common to use your horn in Georgia. If you need to get someone’s attention, flash your lights instead.
Georgia car hire FAQ & troubleshooting
Do you need a GPS for Georgia?
No, you don’t need a GPS unit for Georgia.
Google Maps is more than sufficient for navigating. Just note that some new roads might be unmapped, and sometimes locations on the map don’t match up with reality.
When planning your trip, I recommend you add on about 30% extra to the time estimate that Google Maps gives you.
To make navigation easier and to ensure you can reach your agent in case of an emergency, I highly recommend you buy a local SIM card or eSIM when you arrive in Georgia. Magti has the best coverage and is my top choice.
How do gas stations work in Georgia?
Gas (petrol) stations in Georgia work the old-school way: Pull in, and the attendant will fill up the tank for you. No need to get out of the car.
All you need to do is tell them is the type of fuel you desire, and the value in GEL that you’re after.
There are several types of fuel available in Georgia. When you pick your car up, be sure to ask the agent what fuel is best. Nine times out of 10 you will need to fill up with Premium 95 octane or higher. Just say ‘Premium’ to the attendant – they will understand.
Payment can be made in cash or by card. Even small gas stations normally have a portable terminal.
Gas stations are ubiquitous around the country, even in small villages. If you are driving into the mountains or towards a very rural area, it’s a good idea to fill up the tank before you set out.
Wissol, Gulf and Socar are three big gas station brands that are always reliable.
Most gas stations have other amenities too, including free restrooms and a shop where you can buy snacks and cold drinks. Unlike in some other countries, you cannot pump up your tires at a gas station – for that, you will need a garage that does vulcanisation.
The price of gas in Georgia hovers at around 3.30 GEL (1.20 USD) per litre. Check current petrol prices on this website.
What if I get a flat tire?
If you get a flat tire or have car trouble on the road, the first thing you should do is call your rental agent. They will be able to advise you on the best steps to take.
Garages are pretty ubiquitous and can normally be found around major junctions or on the outskirts of town near the entrance to the highway. In more remote areas, workshops might be closed on Sundays.
As I alluded to earlier, I have a lot of experience with flat tires in Georgia. Neither Ross or I are particularly handy with cars, so we have always had to rely on a helpful guesthouse host (or friendly stranger) to help us out.
On one occasion in Kakheti, we were helped by a friendly neighbour in Telavi who we took our Prius to a local garage and had the tire mended and re-fitted. This cost us a grand total of 20 GEL. It was a Sunday and he opened the garage especially for us.
After sustaining flats in Sachkhere and Akhaltsikhe, we later learned that the going rate for a patch-up is 10 GEL.
What if I damage my car or get into an accident?
If you get into any difficulty or damage your car in any way, call the agent immediately. Insurance normally requires you to report any incident to the police immediately – so don’t wait until you return the car.
If you are involved in an accident, stop the car immediately. Moving the car even one centimetre might void the insurance. Call the police and your agent immediately.
What if I get a speeding fine?
You wouldn’t think it from the way people drive, but speed cameras are very common in Georgia. The fine for speeding ranges from 50-100 GEL.
These ‘smart cameras’ can also pick-up other violations, including not stopping at a stop sign (50 GEL fine), driving without a seatbelt (40 GEL fine), and using a mobile phone whilst driving (30 GEL fine).
If you get caught crossing a solid white line, you will be fined 200 GEL.
Fines are drawn up immediately and issued to the owner of the car via SMS, usually within 4 hours. You then have 30 days to settle the fine or 10 days to appeal it.
If your agent notifies you about a fine, I highly recommend double-checking it before you pay. All violations are recorded on the Administrative Penalties website – search (in English) using the car’s technical passport number and licence plate number.
If you get issued a ticket by a police officer in person, you absolutely cannot pay on the spot. Given Georgia’s stance on anti-corruption, flashing cash in this situation could get you into trouble (or at least lead to a very awkward situation). It happened to me once.
Instead, fines should be settled using a paybox machine. Input the protocol number on the ticket then pay with cash or card. If you have any difficulties, visit a Bank of Georgia or TBC branch. Staff there will be able to assist you.
If you have a local bank account, you can search and settle fines via your mobile banking app.
Is it easy to find a car park in Georgia?
Parking in Tbilisi is difficult – just one more reason to avoid driving in the capital.
Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi all have their own parking payment systems. Passes can be purchased online:
- Tbilisi – details here
- Batumi – details here
- Kutaisi – details here
Outside of these three cities, free parking is plentiful.
Oftentimes parking lots and free parking bays are managed by an attendant dressed in a brightly coloured vest. They are there to help you in and out of the spot, and to watch over your car. It is polite (and frankly, expected) to give a small tip as you leave. A few coins will suffice.
What is a Georgian car passport, and do I need one?
Every car in Georgia must carry a ‘technical passport’, a small ID card that proves the vehicle is registered. Before you take off, it is important to double-check that your car has one, and that you know where to find it in case you get pulled over by the police.
It is usually kept in the glovebox or in the pop-down sunglasses compartment above the centre console.
Can I drive from Georgia into a neighbouring country?
If you are travelling through the Caucasus, it is often easier (and more affordable) to rent separate cars in each country. Local Rent also operates in Armenia and in Azerbaijan.
It is possible to drive into Armenia from Georgia. I did this recently with my dad.
I recommend using the border crossing at Ninotsminda-Bavra rather than the more popular Sadakhlo-Bagratashen. The former is much quieter and faster (but do note that the road on the Armenian side is in pretty bad shape). Insurance for Armenia can easily be obtained from one of the offices at the border.
Under normal circumstances, you can drive from Georgia into Azerbaijan. However, with the country’s land borders still closed to inbound travellers, this option is off the table for now.
It is not possible to drive a Georgian rental car into Turkey or Russia.
If you want to cross the land border in a rental, you will need to obtain a notarised power of attorney from the vehicle’s owner. This incurs an extra fee (around 150 GEL) and takes a minimum of 2 weeks to prepare.
Not every agent will let you take their car across the border. Local Rent does not have this option, but Martyna z Gruzji does.
My experience hiring a car in Tbilisi through a local agent
I have rented cars in Georgia a dozen or more times now. Aside from those flat tires, things have always gone smoothly!
This section refers to my first car rental experience using Local Rent.
Reservation: I booked my car a few weeks in advance using the Local Rent website. The only additional fee I paid was for a one-way rental – the car I chose came with all insurance included. Once my reservation was confirmed, I received confirmation by email.
A few days before I was set to pick up my car, I decided to change my itinerary slightly and wanted to nominate a different pickup address closer to the highway. I emailed Local Rent and they did this for me straight away and sent me a new confirmation.
Pick up: The day prior, I received an email from the agent supplying my car asking for a photo of my passport and driver’s license so that he could prepare my contract. The night before, I received a text message to confirm the pickup address. They also asked if I had the correct amount of cash on hand or if I’d need change.
On the day of the handover, a representative from the agency met me on a street corner with the parked car. I did a quick inspection of the vehicle, then he presented me with a contract in English that I signed. This included a diagram of the car with all scratches and dings marked out. I paid him in cash and we parted ways.
My car, a 2003 Pajero, was definitely worn in, but it served me well. The interior of the car wasn’t very clean, but I didn’t mind. The tank was full.
Drop off: Towards the end of my road trip, I had to change my itinerary again and re-route. I emailed Local Rent and they advised me to contact the agent directly. I was able to organise a new drop off address (in a different city, mind you) without any hassle. All I had to do was confirm the final address the night before.
On the morning I was set to drop off the car, I sent an email with my ETA of 12 midday. The agent asked me to hold onto the car for a few more hours to give his driver time to reach me from Tbilisi. Brilliant!
When we eventually had our rendezvous, the driver did a cursory inspection of the outside of the car and checked that the tank was full. He gave me a big thumbs up, and that was it. Too easy.
The process of going through a local agent was a lot more relaxed than what I’m used to. But everything went smoothly, and I really appreciated the flexibility of being able to adjust my pickup and drop off locations at the last minute.
Conclusion: My best tips for driving in Georgia
Here are the most important things to remember:
- Use a local agent, but go through an aggregator site such as Local Rent. This will give you the best of both worlds in terms of value, flexibility and security.
- A sedan will do for most roads, but a 4WD (or at least a robust car with high clearance) is never a bad idea.
- Take whatever insurance is available. Many cars on Local Rent come with comprehensive insurance included for no additional fee.
- Organise to pick up and drop off your car up on the outskirts of the city. Driving through Tbilisi or Batumi is never pleasant.
- At pickup, be sure to inspect the car thoroughly for damage and take lots of photos or a video. Check the lights are working and note down the fuel level. Often cars come with a low tank, so you might need to visit a petrol station first up.
- Always re-confirm your pick-up and drop-off times. When you use Local Rent, the process for returning the car is very different! Many agents don’t hold you to the return time like international outfits do. Be sure to contact the agent a few hours beforehand to make sure they are there to meet you – otherwise you might get stuck waiting for them.
- Google Maps works perfectly in Georgia for navigation. There is no need to hire a GPS unit. Buy a Magti SIM or eSIM before you set off.
- Familiarise yourself with road conditions and use the Geo Roads page/hotline to check on any closures. If you are driving into the mountains, it is essential to check weather conditions before you set off.
- Hit the road bright and early. Georgia is late to rise generally, so you can have the roads almost to yourself if you get an early start.
- Avoid driving at night.
- If you get into any difficulty or damage your car in any way, call the agent immediately. Insurance normally requires you to report any incident to the police at the time – you can’t wait until you return the car.
- If you are involved in an accident, stop the car immediately. Moving the car even one centimetre might void the insurance. Call your agent and the police immediately.
- Go slow. If in doubt, stick to the right and other drivers will leave you be!
So, would you drive in Georgia? Anything else you’d like to know about renting a car in Tbilisi or driving in Georgia? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll do my best to help.
You might also be interested in…
- The ultimate Georgia itinerary: Four detailed & custom-designed itineraries
- Georgia Travel Guide: All of my 200+ posts plus my top travel tips
- Georgia travel tips: 25 essential things to know before you go
- Places to visit in Georgia: 50+ unique & underrated destinations around the country
- The best things to do in Tbilisi: Favourites, hidden gems & local picks
- 35+ best restaurants in Tbilisi: Where to eat Georgian food
- 15 best day trips from Tbilisi: With detailed transport instructions
- The best time to visit Georgia: Month-by-month guide to weather, festivals & events
I am planning to rent a car in a few weeks during our visit to Tbilisi, but almost all the cars I see have a pickup location about 10-12 km from the old town. The charges for a city pickup and drop are $15 each, which is almost more than the cost of the daily car rental! Are the pickup locations easy to reach by public transport? Or do most end up paying the hefty pickup and drop charges?
Hi Sachin – you absolutely do not ever want to drive through the Old Town of Tbilisi. Just take a Bolt taxi to the pick-up point.
Emily,
Thank you so much for your wonderful blog. I’ve just hired a Local Rent car.
Duncan
Have a safe and fun drive!
Hi! Thanks for the tips for driving! You mentioned that the Mestia-Ushguli road is now paved, does it mean it will not be prohibited by rental companies to drive on this road now? Just checking LocalRent website but they still list this road as prohibited due to poor condition, just wondering if perhaps they just have not updated their website?
I have been encouraging them to review the terms since September last year, but unfortunately they haven’t shared an update yet. I would suggest you reach out to them (and the agent you are renting from) directly about your intentions to drive that stretch as some people have been able to get written permission. I hope an update across the board will come soon. Thanks!
Hi Emily,
Absolutely BRILLIANT blog. Many thanks for the time put into it. I’m headed to Georgia in late April and will be following your 10-day itinerary from Tbilisi to Batumi. In your blog you share a restaurant you picked your LocalRent car up from — but would you recommend a place that is closer to the highway ? We are trying to get to Vardzia on our first day and I’m having a tough time knowing where we can pick a car up. Is there parking associated with restaurants ? I was eyeing the restaurant Makalati but can’t tell if it has parking….
Thank you!
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer – thank you! If the agent offers delivery, you can choose any address in Tbilisi to pick up the car (I just chose the restaurant because it was an easy landmark). If you are headed to Vardzia I would aim for a spot on the Tskneti Highway (within the city limits). Wishing you a safe drive and a wonderful trip!
Thank you!!
Hello Emily! Love your blog, it has been super helpful while planning our Georgia trip for this year. I was wondering, do you know if there are any car rental companies right in Mestia? We are having difficulty finding transportation options between Mestia and Ushguli so we would like to rent a car but we aren’t sure we want to drive all the way from Zugdidi.
Thank you!
Hi Jordan, why not just hire a local driver for the day? Most people do private/shared transfers to Ushguli. It’s very easy to organise onsite in Mestia. You can see this guide for more details: https://wander-lush.org/tbilisi-to-svaneti-how-to-get-to-mestia/
Hi Emily
Can’t thank you enough for your wonderful blog, it has saved me so much time and effort in researching everything. We are planning a 3 three month trip in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, followed by a month in Turkiye, and some time in Cyprus and Rhodes. All the information you have supplied about road conditions, car rental and itineraries has been great and we will continue to read the blog as we go; and update you on anything ‘new’ we find along the way
Thanks again
Thank you, Liz! I would really appreciate that – please let me know! Wishing you a wonderful trip!
Hi Emily – thank you for your wonderful blog on Georgia, it is a treasure trove indeed!!! I am super excited about my road trip in the second half of June. I am planning to go to Mestia and Ushguli. I have two questions: 1/ the new road that you mention, via Lentekhi, is not in Google maps, I was told there is an alternative map, a Russian one, which is better for Georgia remote areas – do you happen to know what it is? I can read Russian. 2/ After Ushguli I have 2 days before my early morning flight back from Tbilisi. With the new road not in the map I am not sure which is the best way and a convenient stopover – what would you suggest?
Hi Nadia, the road is indeed on Google Maps – if it is not showing you the route right now, it’s because the road is partially closed in winter. The road rejoins the main highway at Lentekhi. Racha would be a great choice for a stopover.
Hello, we are planning a trip to Georgia this April and finding your blog incredibly helpful, thank you so much
Great to hear that, Alice! Thank you so much and have a wonderful trip!
Hi Emily
Your posts are very informative. Thank you
We are a family of three and would be traveling between 25th Dec to 4th Jan. We are planning to rent a self-driven car from Tbilisi to Gaudari. And from there to Kutaisi and finally to Batumi.
I have a few basic questions
– Would you recommend hiring a self-driven car or a hire a cab from point to point?
– While checking the local rent website, i discovered something call “delivery” charges which were as high as daily rental charges of three days. is it the refundable deposit?
Hi Runjhun – ‘delivery’ is the same as a one-way fee and is charged when you want to drop the car off at a different location from the pick-up, or in some cases if you request the car to be delivered to a different address.
It is a long drive, and the road conditions this winter have not been great. I would recommend you check the weather reports before you travel (even the main highway to Batumi has been closed at times) and of course take winter tires as they are mandatory for the mountains (Local Rent will provide these free of charge).
Hi Emily,
Thank you for the detailed post and the Aug 2024 update!
We are a couple travelling with our small children (3 years old and 6 months old) next week to Tbilisi for around 6 days. We plan to cover the city and also go to Sighnaghi/Kakheti and Kazbegi/Stepantsminda and were considering taking a car rental (with child seats). Do you reckon we should hire a car for the entire 6 days or just for the out of city trips? Also, would a sedan/mini-SUV be okay or a 4×4 is recommended for the out of city excursions? Thanks
Hi Sohil, it is best to pick your car up when leaving Tbilisi. Driving and parking in the city is very stressful, as I describe in this guide. You do not need a 4×4 for Kakheti or Kazbegi, but if you plan to go to Juta or Truso, you will need an offroad vehicle. I hope this helps!
Hello Emily,
First of all, I want to thank you such detailed blogs on these destinations. Your blogs contain so much information that one does not need to look elsewhere. Hats off to you.
My question is that I was checking local rent for hiring a self drive car. In their terms and conditions they have mentioned few prohibited areas like you can’t go from Sno till Juta. And, also for Truso valley, one is allowed only till Almasiani( which is 6 kms from Kvemo Okrokana, the started point of Truso Trek).
I wanted to do complete Georgia on a self driven car. What do you suggest I do in this case now ?
Thank you again.
Hi Noor, I suggest you rent through Martyna z Gruzji, as I recommend in the post. The road into Juta is closed at the 3km mark for repairs.
Thank you Emily.
This is such an amazing post Emily. Thank you so much for the detailed info.
I have a question. I am coming to Tbilisi on 27th July 2024 and will be there only for 1.5 days. I have heard the outer areas have awesome views but I dont think I will be able to cover any in such a short span of time. I was thinking of Kazbegi but that too will take up my whole day. I and my fiancée, then thought of just exploring Tbilisi in our 1.5 days. Is that wise? What do you suggest?
Regarding car rental, initially I had no plans as I had made up my mind for using the public transport (metro). But my fiancée and friends suggest taking a rent a car for one day on 28th to move around Tbilisi. I read in your post about the traffic in Tbilisi. Since 28th is falling on Sunday, do you think it is wise to take a rented car? Or should we just go on foot around Tbilisi and use public transport wherever possible? Do let me know please.
Thank you in advance for your reply and keep up the good work.
Hi Jai, thanks for your comment! With 1.5 days you should just stay in Tbilisi – that’s 100% for sure. A car will be a major liability in the city. I strongly recommend you just use public transport and taxis booked through Bolt or a similar app.
Hi Emily,
Thank you so much for this informative post! People like you make this world a better place.
I am planning in 4 weeks to drive from Mestia to Tsageri and thereby passing through Ushguli and Lentekhi.
I am not sure which car rental companies allow this. Could you maybe help?
Thanks so much, Abel! Martyna’s car rental (linked in this post) definitely does. You could also try some of the smaller agents e.g. Cars4Rent – but you need to ask them directly about this road to double check. I will also be driving this way in a couple of weeks time!
Hi, Emily!
We’re going on our first trip to Georgia and all you posts have been so helpful!
Question: the “$” in LocalRendt is ment as USD? Should we pay in dollars or convert to GEL? I didn’t find that information in their website.
Again, thanks so much for all the help!
Hi Bruno – you should pay the remainder in GEL. There is a conversion included on the booking confirmation. Happy journey!
Emily,
I just found a filter on the Localrent.com website that filters for age. So, I think we can make this work. Thanks, again, for all of your good advice.
Gordy
Great, Gordy! Thanks for sharing that tip.
Emily,
Thank you for your very informative blog. We’ve used it on several visits to Georgia and appreciate your insights and recommendations.
We are planning on renting a car for this trip and note that the car rental agencies does not rent to drivers over 65 years. Since we are over that ripe age, how can we rent a car?
Hi Gordy, yes a number of companies have this policy unfortunately (it is an insurance thing, I believe). I think you will need to go through one of the big brand name agencies instead. Avis, for example, does not seem to have an upper age limit as far as I can see. Best of luck!
Great blog! Thank you for all the tips.
Quick question regarding Local rent and roads up north.
I’ve been to Georgia twice before, skiing in Gudauri, and always had a driver take me there and back.
This time I want to self-drive, to Kakheti and then Kazbegi/Stepantsminda/Juta.
No plans to get into off-road adventures, but do you think driving north would be a problem? I remember tons of trucks always along the route, but not sure about the road condition. Insurance-wise, do you think the car would be covered going to Gergeti, for example?
Many Thanks!
Shai
Hi Shai,
The road to Gergeti is fully sealed so there is no issue with insurance there.
It’s a personal choice whether you choose to self-drive, and it depends on your confidence level. Since you have experience with the road, you probably have a good idea of what to expect. The trucks can be an issue and depending on the time of year, the weather can change quickly. Speeding cars on the tight bends is also an issue. If you hit the road early when there is less traffic, that will make things a little easier!
What a big fail!
I was about to book a 4×4 car over the recommended website localrent.com. God thanks, I was looking into their terms and conditions letter. For all cars, it’s only allowed to drive on asphalted streets. Many off-road streets, for ex. Mestia >> Ushguli it’s strictly forbidden to drive. All cars have a GPS Tracker on board, so you lose your insurance protection if you drive these offroad tracks.
I’m asking myself: What’s the use of renting a 4×4 SUV if it’s not allowed to drive offroad?
This is clearly stated in my post. This rule only applies to 3 or 4 particularly bad roads. Majority of rental agencies (including all the big ones) have the same restrictions.
A 4×4 SUV in Georgia is handy anyway due to road conditions. There are many other unsealed roads that you can take and that require a 4×4.
Wonderfully written post, Emily, thank you. But can you tell me what those restricted roads are like that you can’t even drive a 4×4 on them? I just got back from another driving tour of Turkey (34 days) and was using a Dacia Sandero Stepway, which is probably the best ‘substitute’ for a 4WD, if you don’t have one. At one point near the Georgian border, google maps brought me to a point where I had a choice of a very bad road, or a ‘road’ which was two wheel tracks through a muddy grass field in the mountains. The car did fine on the latter, but not having offroaded before, I was anxious the whole time. Between that and the potholed disaster known as Ukrainian roads, I can’t imagine anything so much worse.
Also, while I’ll be getting an automatic, I have never used a 4×4 before. Outside of not engaging it on a sealed road, should I be concerned about, in effect, not knowing how to drive one?
Hi Alex, it really depends on the road. Some are not that bad, they are just marked as off-limits by the rental companies. Others like the Tusheti road and the Lentekhi Pass are dirt/mud in parts and quite challenging. I would recommend you have a look at YouTube videos for the routes you are planning to get a feel for conditions on the ground.
Thank you for all the wonderful information. We have thrown our Lonely Planet in the bin and have been planning our trip using all your practical information. We plan to use Local Rent and drive ourselves for most of our 5 weeks in Georgia. Can I ask about picking up a car in Tbilisi? We are staying in Rustaveli Ave and have taken your advice about avoiding driving in the city. Where would you recommend picking up the car if heading towards Gori? The airport and then on to the highway??? Thanks in advance
Hi Cheryl – I would avoid airport pick-up as it’s on the opposite side of the city. I would meet the car somewhere in the Dighomi neighbourhood – that way you will bypass most of the heavy traffic and big roundabouts.
Fantastic. Thank you for the suggestion
Hey hiee
Firstly thank you so much for such informative post about car rental in georgia. I am planning to visit georgia in march 3rd week 2024 . What would be the road condition like and weather in late March . we are thinking of Road trip from tbilisi to kakhati region . then tbilisi to kazbegi .
Wanted to understand the road condition from tbilisi to batumi is it avdisible to go by car or by train .
Also we have our 4 yr son and daughter along with us . Is car seat mandatory for them . ?
Thank you in advance !!
Hi Shalaka, there are roadworks on the main highway to Batumi but for the most part, the road is just fine. Do check the weather and conditions closer to the time, especially for the mountain road to Kazbegi. I recommend hiring car seats, yes. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Emily
Your blog and guides are fantastic! Great resource!
We are also Australian and we are planning a month in Georgia in May 2024 .We plan to pretty much follow your “One month in Georgia itinerary”. I am planning to rent a 4X4 for most of the month after the initial 5 days in Tbilisi. I am confident driving (having driven in many countries including a 1 year road trip up Africa from Cape Town to London in our own LandRover) so that doesn’t worry me too much.
My question is do you reckon in May that one needs to book every accomodation ahead (which can be a pain when “drifting” on a road trip) or is it reasonable to expect to find a place to stay most nights on a “pot luck” basis or with say maybe 24 hours warning? A difficult question I know when tourism is getting busier!
Hi Stan – we spoke on email, but replying here too. Generally May isn’t too busy but I do recommend booking any special accommodations or smaller places (e.g. guesthouses) in advance. Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Emily,
is it wise or cheaper to join on a private tour during your trips to georgia versus renting a car + doing DIY?
Hi John – it depends on your travel style and budget. The right tour can be great; exploring DIY is fun. Driving can be a bit stressful but it opens up a lot of opportunities.
Hi Emily,
Your blog is very very informative. I’m not a fan on reading but your blog made me seat in front of my computer for hours.
Anyways, planning to go 8-day trip in late December this year and I wanna experience driving short trip in the country.
Do you think Sedan/ non-4WD vehicle can be used on Kazbegi/ Gudauri/ Sabaduri forest/ or to any snow roads?
Also, not related to this article, Im a Roman Catholic so we celebrated Christmas on 25th Dec. Do you know if the Catholic churches in Tblisi or any region do a 25-Dec masses?
Thank you in advance.
John F.
Hi John, glad you’ve found the blog helpful!
A 4WD isn’t mandatory but you do need proper winter tires. If you are hiring the car, just mention it to the agent to make sure.
St Peter and Paul in Chugureti (near Fabrika) holds Christmas Eve mass. You should be able to find details on their Facebook Page – or just message them to ask.
Local Rent (formerly MyRentACar) doesnot accept “local driving license” even if it is in “Latin alphabet”. International Driving Permit (IDP) is must.
Hi John – can you please show me where this information came from? As someone who uses Local Rent regularly and does not have an IDP, I can tell you that this is not accurate.
Hi Emily,
Thank you so much for your wonderful website. We’d just been to Georgia and we loved it! We used the information on your website most of the time from Localrent, restaurants, the simcard…and it’s been very, very helpful. Precious!
A big thank you,
Selam.
Amazing, Selam – thank you so much for your support and I’m very glad to hear you enjoyed Georgia! Hope you will be back for another visit soon. Take care!
Hello, fantastic blog !!
We are planning a quick trip to Georgia, on February to spend two days skiing in Gudauri, do you think that is worthy to rent a car to reach Gudauri ?
Thanks
Hi Sole – no, I don’t think it’s necessary. You won’t need it when you’re there if you’re skiing. I would just take a taxi or bus (GoTrip is preferred in winter for safety reasons). Just be sure to check with the resort – the season has been very late to start this year and there still isn’t much snow.
Hi Emma
My two friends and I are planning to buy a car in Georgia and drive to London UK.
Any tips regarding where to look and what the process is please.
Love your blogs – great source of valuable information
Cheers
Ron
Sydney Australia
Hi Ron – the biggest issue is driving into Turkey, you can’t cross that border with a Georgian registered car unless you are a resident of Georgia. The only way around it is to use the car ferry across the Black Sea.
Hey!
Do you think worth renting a car for our 3 and half days trip in Kutaisi?
We are deciding, but wanted to just to make sure we visits more places.
Ps: Your blog is amazing! Thank you.
Regards
Paloma
Hi Paloma – sorry I missed your comment. I’m probably too late, but if not – Kutaisi is a great place to rent a car because there is a lot to see in the regions outside the city. Racha, Samegrelo and Upper Imereti are some of my favourite places!
my wife and I just spent 10 days in Georgia for our honeymoon. Using this article, I rented a car from LocalRent and we drove EVERYWHERE!
From Tbilisi to Batumi, the roads were great! The major hwy project is coming along nicely and even with many construction zones, it was a safe and easy passage. We also drive North out of Tbilisi to play in the snow. My wife, being from the Philippines, had never seen or touched snow. The hwy going north was also safe and easily navigated. I’m not sure why, but by afternoon semi trucks were being stopped on the shoulder of the road to wait. I presumed it was due to the 6-8% grades on those mountain rods but I never stopped to ask.
Driving in Tbilisi is not for the faint of heart. As a person who drives for a living, I enjoyed it greatly! Very agressive and very fast paced. it’s how I always wished I could drive in Detroit!
Beware, if pulling out of a place known to serve alcohol, you may be pulled over “just to check” if you were drinking.
As a non-drinker, I thought it was funny. The police got close enough to know I had what I had eaten.. haha Kabob does have a powerful aroma though.
I could write so much more but I want to thank you for your article! It was the one honest and accurate piece I found on driving.
Perhaps in another post, you could focus on street signs (perhaps you have already and I missed it).
Most are intuitive, but some took a while to understand.
****something I did not see in your post***
The use of headlights is mandatory in tunnels and I recommend having your lights on 24/7 just in case
I love Georgia now, and we will be back in the spring to drive and explore more! Thank you so much for your help
Thanks so much for your trip report, John! I’m glad you embraced the driving style in Georgia!
Trucks are always queuing on the side of the Military Highway because of bottlenecks at the border. There is a new tunnel/road being built now to offer some relief.
Thank you very much for the tips and insights! Hope you’ll be back to Georgia again soon.
Hi! I’ve been to Tbilisi and Gudauri but never behind the wheel. We’re going back but plan to visit Lopota Lake for a day. It’s a 2 hour drive says google map.
Is it considerably easy to drive there? I just thought we’ll have more freedom to see the area with our own car.
Hi Nina – Kakheti is definitely one of the easier places to drive as the roads are good and it’s mostly flat. I found it the easiest region to drive in personally. The highways do get busy on weekends so keep that in mind.
First of all: This blog is one of the most helpful resources when traveling to Georgia! We followed the recommendations here as we wanted to discover Georgia not only by train and Marshrutkas but also on our own terms using a rental car. LocalRent was very easy to use. In hindsight, I would recommend a 4×4 car (we got a Toyota Prius…) as most roads outside of Tbilisi are in (very) poor conditions. We drove to Kazbegi and Sighnaghni and it worked quite well. Always watch out for animals and people wandering on the roads and for (very) reckless drivers. As suggested here, we also avoided driving during night time as you want to see those (sometimes very big) pot holes…
So glad you enjoyed your trip, Patrick!
I understand what you mean but I have to disagree – most major roads outside Tbilisi are relatively good (aside from potholes), but there are a few that are quite rough or under construction. I created a map (found in this post) with the major ones. There is a lot of road work going on now.
Totally agree with you about not driving at night!
Kakheti actually has some of the best roads in the country – you’ll have to come out west next time and see our potholes, he he! Hope you’ll come back to Georgia again soon! Take care!
Hi
Do you know where I can get a drivers rule book downloaded as I would like to get my Georgian drivers license.
Thanks for your help.
Margaret
Hi Margaret – I’m not sure where it’s available in English. I would recommend getting in touch with a local English-speaking instructor. You can also use a site such as this one to prepare for the theoretical test: https://emsi.ge/c/exam/tickets
Hi Emily, I will go to Georgia this September. Should I need a international license if I would like to rent a car? Isit possible that I drive to Mtskheta, kazbegi and return to Tbilisi in one day?
Hi Vlip, it depends on the licence you hold and what language it’s written in. Best to check with the rental company.
It’s possible to do that in one day but you won’t enjoy it – Kazbegi is 3 hours from Tbilisi without stops, and there are lots of places to see on the way. I highly recommend you spend a night in Kazbegi.
Hi,
Your blog has been an invaluable resource in planning my trip to Georgia. One thing that I really want to do (and haven’t had much luck finding info on) is go east from Batumi towards Khulo to visit Adjara’s beautiful 19th century wooden mosques. Since many of these mosques are in remote mountain villages I figured the only way to see them would be by private vehicle but I wanted to get your opinion as to the best way to see them. Thanks!
Hi Ben, thanks so much!
Khulo and Upper Adjara is just wonderful – I have been twice but really want to spend more time there. The mosques are on my radar too after seeing that beautiful photography project.
You’re right that you would definitely need your own car or preferably a car and experienced driver – most are in small villages off the main road. Additionally from my research, I’ve found that some are only accessible by going off-road, so you would need a 4WD. This would be fairly easy to do from Batumi or Khulo.
I hope this answers your question. It would be terrific to see these mosques in person – I hope you can fulfil your plan! Please keep me posted.
Hey Emily, I have no words to explain how useful your blog has been.. I have a trip in june to Montenegro and another in August to Georgia and your posts on these regions are just amazing.. incredible content.
My question: I am planning to go from Telavi straight to Kazbegi.. Google Maps give me 2 routes.. a longer one via Tbilisi and a shorter one going north only.. but this one goes thru the Jhinvali and Tianeti road that you mentioned is partially unpaved.
How hard is it to go thru this unpaved road? Is it doable with a sedan like a Corolla? I am about to book my car with local rent and I am willing to book a Sedan (more comfort for long trips) but this small part of the road is giving me doubts… Thanks for your help
Hi Fabricio, very glad to hear that, many thanks for the kind words!
Yes, the Akhmeta-Tianeti road is still unpaved – actually work just started on it this month but it won’t be finished until next year. I think a 4WD would be preferable, but a Corolla should be fine as long as you stick to the main path and don’t go off-road to any of the churches. I did it in a minivan which was quite low to the ground and we didn’t have any issues. Just take it nice and slow.
But – if it’s raining or has been raining then a 4WD might be mandatory as it could be quite muddy.
I hope this helps!
What’s the police like?
Hi Willy, thanks for your question. There is certainly a police presence on the road plus speed cameras etc. I haven’t had to deal with the authorities personally, but from what I hear, it’s usually a hassle-free process.
Willy, I had several interactions with police. I am a talkative fella and several times I talked to them on the street. I was also pulled over by a road patrol.
in all of my experiences, they were helpful and generous with their time and knowledge.
I felt that they were like most police in any US city, Their happiness is helping others. By showing them respect and appreciation, you will make fast friends and maybe even a photo op with a cop haha
Hi Emily, such a nice and details blog and so far not found this much explanatory details specifically for Georgia trip and that too many blogs on almost on all’ topics.
Need quick guidance, I have booked tickets hotel everything for my mid February trip to Georgia and planning to drive on my own. However just asking if Tbilisi to Gudauri (ski resort) do I need 4wd or a sedan will be ok (considering its peak of winter season). Thank you in advance and stay safe.
Hi Jaggs, thank you! Sedan is perfectly fine for Gudauri, the road is fully paved and well maintained throughout winter. There’s always a chance the road will be closed due to snow/avalanche risk but usually it’s the part beyond the resort. It’s a good idea to double-check conditions before you set off, either ask your guesthouse in Gudauri or call the roads department.
Safe travels!
Thanks Emily for your swift response.
Hi Emily
i am planning to drive from Tbilisi airport to Gadauri then kazbegi. can u suggest a best and safe route. i domt want to hire a guide, want to drive myself
Hi Ramzi – there is only one way up, via the Georgian Military Highway. Just take it slowly, check weather conditions on the ground and watch out for trucks!
Hi Emily thanks for the detailed guide. I am planning to travel to travel to Georgia in November and my iteneary is tiblisi to gudauri to kazbegi to borjomi to kutaisi to batumi and back to tiblisi. Driver with guide is a lot of money so do you suggest renting a car and driving to these places would be okay? We don’t have much experience of snowy roads though. It would be the first time but generally are confident drivers
Hi Arjun, the only place you might see snow is in Gudauri/Kazbegi. It’s a lot of driving but if you space it out, it’s definitely manageable!
Hello! Thanks a lot for all your posts they are incredibly helpful! I decided to rent a car from Tbilisi to be more flexible. Being a good and experienced driver I’ll be driving up the Military Highway. Do you have a recommendation for a pick-up location? Thank you!
Hi Elora,
Fantastic! I once picked up a car from outside ‘Restaurant Tbilisi’ on the highway – it’s a bit busy, but it puts you straight on the highway. You can bypass Mtskheta if you’re not stopping there.
Have a safe and fun drive!
Kindest,
Emily
Dear Emily,
Wow! Amazing guide.
I have booked a car from Myrentacar just now (Ford Escape 2008) as 2011 model doesn’t have Bluetooth and CD players. I will travel from Tbilisi to Batumi on 16th July 2021 and then back to Tbilisi or Racha on 19th July 2021 but I don’t think they can pick the car in Racha so have to drop in Tbilisi. They are also providing free sim car but not sure if it will contain internet package or not.
I have to stay for 3 days in Batumi, we are 2 friends and need 2 separate rooms and 2 washrooms. Can you advise some best options with great surroundings? If reasonable price would be amazing as I don’t want to waste a lot on hotels.
Regards
Shoaib
Hi Shoaib, fantastic! Sounds like an adventure!
My favourite hotel in Batumi is Kartuli, rooms start from a very reasonable rate and the views are outstanding.
thank you for all the great info. I plan on renting a car in Tbilisi in mid July and then returning it in Yerevan. Myrentacar.com does not give me this option and no way to contact the rental company to ask them if they will allow this. Do you know how I can rent a car in Georgia and return in Armenia?
any help will be great.
thanks
Hi Michael, I’m not aware of any companies that allow this (due to insurance issues). But I will ask around and see if I can find some info for you!
Thanks so much for such a comprehensive site – I’m trying to read as much as I can before planning our trip to Georgia this year and you have so much helpful information!
I would like to ask though, you recommend not self-driving to Kazbegi, are there specific reasons to avoid it? Our group tends to like the rental car option, so I want to make sure I know what we’d be getting into, or if we should hire a driver instead.
Thanks again for all the great material!
Hi Karen, very glad to hear that!
The main reasons to avoid that road are weather conditions (snow in winter and rock fall/landslides that block the highway in spring/summer), but more importantly the large numbers of lorry trucks coming to and from the border. It’s really up to you – personally I feel more comfortable going up with an experienced driver in a car, but if you research conditions once you get here and are prepared and confident on the roads, then you could well have a very enjoyable drive! It’s a very scenic road.
I hope this answers your question!
We are a family with little kids heading to Kazbegi… if we get a driver up there… are there other drivers once were there who can take us from place to place around Kazbegi?
Thanks for your tips!
Hi Kirra – there are taxis, yes, and a limited number of drivers on Bolt. But taxis are quite expensive in Kazbegi just because of the size of the town and the nature of the location. If you are overnighting, you can always ask your guesthouse/accommodation to link you with a driver.
Thank you very much for this detailed and useful information. I will take a go trip car during my visit in late June since am a nature lover and it will be my first time trip.
Terrific! GoTrip is a great service. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Hi Emily,
Thank you very much for all the detailed information on Georgia, I am planning a trip on the 4th of June and I’ve used your website for all of my planning, it’s a treasure trove!
I have one question: I plan to rent a car for transportation between Tbilisi-Sighnaghi and Telavi – Tbilisi via Gombori pass ( plus a few small trips in-between).
I am not a complete beginner but I am not 100% confident either considering it’s a foreign country – but would you say it’s safe to drive on these 2 routes (in particular Gombori pass)?
Thank you,
Magda
Hi Magda, very happy to hear that! I hope you have a wonderful trip!
I drove that route in February. The Kakheti Highway to Sighnaghi is very easy. I recommend you get your car delivered to a spot on the highway so that you don’t have to drive through Tbilisi. The Gombori Pass is a little bit windy in parts but very manageable. When I did it, it was a little busy because it was a weekend, so it depends on the day and time of day that you travel. If possible, try to leave early to avoid traffic.
If you don’t feel confident you could look at GoTrip.ge – they offer cars and drivers for a reasonable rate.
I hope this helps!