Georgia is a country, which has a lot to show the tourist, so people go there not only to rest on the sea, but also to get the maximum amount of interesting and useful information. Taking into account the relatively small size of Georgia, there is a feeling that it is quite easy to do this, and it is not necessary to spend money on a car. In fact, getting to the most interesting places by bus is very problematic. And if you want to see the sights outside the city, then you have to take a cab, and that is not always convenient.
Popular Transportation Options in Georgia
Georgia is a country that has a lot to offer to tourists, so people travel there not only for beach vacations but also to explore and gather interesting and useful information. Considering the relatively small size of Georgia, it may seem easy to get around without a car. However, it can be quite challenging to reach the most interesting places by bus. And if you want to visit attractions outside the cities, taking a taxi is not always convenient.
Car Rental at Tbilisi Airport
Car rental is available at special offices of international companies located at the airport. In this case, company representatives offer customers specific types of insurance policies, including the option to insure their health. Key requirements for drivers include having technical support and a navigation system.
By providing a deposit ranging from 400 USD and paying a rental fee of 100 to 120 USD per day, you can rent a car and enjoy the views of Georgia during your travels.
When signing the rental agreement, it is essential to pay close attention to the details specified in it. It is necessary to thoroughly examine the list of additional services included in the agreement.
Car Rental with Driver (Transfer)
This method of transportation in Georgia is preferred by the majority of tourists. You can independently find the most suitable option for you on a specialized website, based on the cost of the service indicated directly on the site.
In many cases, this option is much cheaper than guided tours or car rentals. If you approach the organizational aspect wisely and practically, the result will be much more advantageous compared to traveling by marshrutkas (minibuses).
A significant disadvantage of this option is the inability to obtain information about local attractions from the driver. It is unlikely that the driver will have sufficient knowledge to provide you with a full-fledged tour. They may try to tell you something, but considering them as a guide would be challenging.
Advantages of Using Transfers
Travelers have the opportunity to visit the specific places that interest them the most, without paying for extra nights in a hotel and without adjusting to other travelers. Another significant advantage is the absence of fatigue during the journey.
Other important advantages of transfers include:
- Optimal prices:
The final cost of trips can be known in advance directly on the website, thanks to a convenient payment calculation system.
- Friendly drivers:
You can obtain all the necessary information about them based on reviews from previous clients.
- Availability of child seats:
Unlike taxis, which usually don't provide child seats, traveling with children in transfers ensures complete safety for young passengers.
- The driver will always wait:
Even if you plan to spend 4-5 hours at a location, the driver will not rush you because they typically only take one order per day.
- Comfort:
The vehicles are always in good working condition, the interior is clean without any unpleasant odors, and the functioning air conditioner provides relief from the Georgian heat.
- All stops are included in the price:
You can get off wherever you find it necessary, and the driver may even take photos of you if needed.
- Creating an individual itinerary:
In addition to transfers between cities, tourists have the opportunity to create more complex itineraries with stops at other tourist attractions.
- No deception or spoiled mood:
The driver will not insist on taking you to a place they deem suitable, and all service payments are made according to prior agreements, avoiding any surprises in the total cost.
Cost of Car Rental with Driver
When booking a trip by car, it is important to remember that the total cost will vary slightly depending on the driver and the vehicle. When returning on the same day, the return transfer is usually free. In other words, the price for a trip from Tbilisi to Borjomi and the route from Tbilisi to Borjomi and back will be the same.
The most popular directions for tourists involve the country's three main cities, and the payment for car rental services with a driver for 1 to 3 passengers will be as follows:
- Airport to Tbilisi: 31 GEL (lari)
- Airport to Batumi: 19 GEL (lari)
- Tbilisi to Batumi: 239 GEL (lari)
- Tbilisi to Borjomi: 138 GEL (lari)
- Batumi to Borjomi: 236 GEL (lari)
Car Rental for Personal Driving
This method is the most convenient for those who feel confident driving on unfamiliar roads in a foreign country. However, considering the cost of fuel, it can be slightly more expensive compared to transfers. In this case, you will have to drive yourself, so you may not have much opportunity to look around. The same applies to wine tasting – you will be deprived of this pleasure.
You need to pre-book the car on the designated website and pick it up at any popular resort. The rental cost will be approximately 45 USD per day with a deposit of 200 USD. The following are included in this amount:
- Insurance in case of an accident
- Unlimited mileage
- Theft insurance and third-party liability coverage
- Various taxes and fees
The minimum rental period for a car is 24 hours. If you exceed the agreed rental time, an additional fee of approximately 5 USD per hour will apply. The price of gasoline in Georgia starts from 1 USD per liter.
Advantages of Daily Car Rental
Despite the cost, daily car rental is a good alternative for organizing tourist trips. Renting a car from a chosen company offers several undeniable advantages:
- Independence:
You can decide where and when to go.
- Cost-effectiveness:
Renting a car for a longer period is much cheaper than for just a couple of days.
- Vehicle options:
You have the opportunity to choose from economical compact cars to more comfortable class vehicles.
- Opportunity for real adventures:
Spontaneity often leads to enjoyable experiences.
- Family trips:
Traveling with children within the family circle is much more convenient in a rented car than in the presence of many unfamiliar people.
Why Taxis in Georgia are Not Advantageous
For those who are still unsure about the feasibility of this method of transportation in Georgia and prefer to hire taxis, the following arguments can be made:
- Lack of quality guarantee:
From the first moments, it is difficult to determine who is the person in front of you, and their character during the trip can become a real problem.
- High prices:
For tourists, the cost of the ride automatically increases, and sometimes it takes a long time to bargain to get a reasonable price.
- Inadequate level of comfort:
The taxi driver's car may be worn out and require repairs, the air conditioning usually does not work, and the driver may smoke in the car.
- Not always a good attitude towards tourists:
There is often a desire from the driver to "earn extra money" by offering intrusive services such as taking you to a specific restaurant.
- Driving style:
The taxi driver may be slightly drunk, drive into oncoming traffic, brake abruptly, all of which is presented as a "brave" driving style.
- Deception in pricing:
Often, at the end of the trip, drivers demand more money than the agreed-upon amount.
After a couple of days of such an experience, many people start thinking about the necessity of renting a vehicle. Otherwise, all the money saved for the vacation will simply go into the pockets of local drivers.
Features of Traveling by Marshrutkas
You can save money on transportation in Georgia by traveling in marshrutkas (minibuses). For just 25 GEL, you can travel half the country from Batumi to Tbilisi. It is one of the cheapest modes of transportation but also one of the most inconvenient. The most unpleasant aspect of traveling in marshrutkas is that the drivers do not adhere to a strict schedule.
Most of them depart from the starting point only as they fill up with passengers. Due to the lack of a schedule, people often find themselves in a situation where they have to pay a lot more for a taxi because the last marshrutka did not arrive or it is unknown when it will arrive. Other disadvantages include:
- Dangerous driving style of Georgian marshrutka drivers
- Poor mechanical condition of the vehicles
- Tobacco smell in the cabin
- No opportunity to stop and see something along the way
- Tiredness after the journey
Features of Car Trips in Georgia
Renting a car in Georgia is very easy. All you need are two main documents: your passport and a driver's license. In Georgia, you can drive with a Ukrainian-style license as long as it is duplicated in Latin letters. Special attention should be paid to the requirements for drivers:
- The age of the person behind the wheel must be at least 23 years.
- The driver must have a minimum of 3 years of driving experience.
Compliance with Traffic Rules
When driving, it is important to strictly adhere to the traffic rules of the country, including speed limits. Here are the speed limits in Georgia:
- Speed limit within populated areas is not more than 60 km/h.
- Speed limit outside of populated areas is approximately 90 km/h.
- Maximum speed on highways is 110 km/h.
There are certain rules of conduct that all drivers must strictly follow:
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol – the allowable blood alcohol concentration is 0.0%.
- Always wear seat belts for yourself and your passengers.
- Transport small children in car seats.
- Drivers must stop at the first request of a police officer.
Roads in Georgia
There are no toll roads in Georgia, but the quality of roads in some regions leaves much to be desired, as well as the driving style of many Georgians. It is important to consider all of this if you plan to drive a rental car. It is also advisable to remember the fine amounts imposed for various violations:
- Detection of alcohol in the driver's blood – 200 GEL or a 6-month suspension of driving privileges.
- Failure to wear a seat belt – 40 GEL.
- Refusal to stop at the request of a police officer – 300 GEL.
- Speeding and crossing a solid line on the road – 50 GEL.
Before traveling to Georgia, carefully consider your transportation options so as not to waste precious time during your vacation. This way, you can fully explore and experience the attractions of Georgia without putting a strain on your wallet or wasting unnecessary time.
