In this article we will tell you where and for how much you can rent a car in Tbilisi.
When traveling through Georgia, it's hard not to take advantage of car rentals. There are many options — from organizing your trip through a travel agency and taking part in scheduled excursions to simply arranging a ride with a local taxi driver for a nearby trip.
If you're a traveler seeking to deeply explore the country, visit fascinating places, and reach the most interesting spots, the best way is to learn about the country and rent a car. Then you can follow your own plan and fully enjoy the sights.
Car rental features in Tbilisi
You've probably heard of Georgian hospitality. In Georgia, everyone is ready to help. Also, you’ll easily find a car to suit any taste. Car rentals are offered by private individuals, as well as local and international companies.
What documents are required to rent a car
Your passport
(exception — for citizens of countries allowed to enter Georgia with a national ID card)
Driver's license
One particularity is that when police officers stop a foreign driver, they will first ask for a passport, and only then for a driver’s license. The passport is used to check the entry date and driving eligibility. Foreign driver’s licenses are valid in Georgia for up to one year from the date of entry.
Age and driving experience restrictions
Most rental companies in Georgia have restrictions: the minimum driver’s age is 21 years, and minimum driving experience is 2 years. However, some companies offer car rental without any additional requirements regarding age or experience.
Car rental payment
All payments are made in the local currency — Georgian lari (GEL). It is recommended to exchange money in advance. The exchange rates vary only slightly between different locations, and there is no commission.
Tip: the exchange rate at Tbilisi Airport is also quite favorable.
If you're offered to pay in USD or another currency — that’s a sign of an unreliable company avoiding taxes. Official rental companies only accept payment in GEL.
You can also pay by credit or debit card. Make sure your card works in Georgia — check this with your bank in advance.
Car rental without deposit
Most companies require a deposit — from $100 to $500 (approximately 270–1350 GEL). This amount may be withheld in case of an accident. However, for an additional fee, you can rent a car without a deposit and with full insurance.
For example, at RACE company, the deposit for an economy class car (like a Nissan Versa) is $100 (around 270 GEL), and full insurance for 10 days of rental is just $35 (about 95 GEL).
Both insurance and deposit in Georgia are significantly cheaper than in Europe. For comparison, renting a similar car with full insurance in a European country might cost you €250 deposit and another €140 for full coverage insurance.
Car rental prices in Tbilisi
Prices for car rentals in Tbilisi do not vary significantly between companies, but we noticed a few differences.
International companies:
Prices are very high — usually twice as much as local ones, and four times more than in Europe.
Cars are mostly new, but older models can also be found.
Local car rental companies:
Prices are moderate and almost the same across the board.
Cars are not new, but fully suitable for travel.
Private individuals:
Prices are low — about 10% cheaper than local companies.
It’s common to find cars with damaged seat upholstery or a dirty interior.
How to rent a car in Tbilisi for less
For those who prefer budget travel and still want to explore the country, the best time is the off-season. During this period, both accommodation and car rental are cheaper. After reviewing the options, we found great deals on the website race.com.ge.
Look for special offers — there are plenty of them. Ask about early booking and special conditions.
Discounts on car rentals in Tbilisi
It’s possible to get a discount when renting a car in Georgia. In addition to the standard lower rates for long-term rentals, there are also extra options, such as:
Free car delivery to your address.
Flexible return policy — up to 1–2 hours delay is often allowed.
Good discount for early booking.
Extra discount when paying through the website.
Features of cars in Georgia
Car imports are highly developed in Georgia. That’s why most rental vehicles aren’t bought new from official dealers but are imported from Japan, Europe, and the USA.
Typically, you rent a car that’s 2–3 years old, with mileage up to 100,000 km, and in fairly good condition. Of course, some vehicles may have worn interiors or technical issues.
Where you can travel
There are no major travel restrictions in Georgia, but there are certain roads that are not recommended. Rental companies may also limit travel to these zones.
Where you cannot drive
Tusheti
This region has three of the most dangerous roads in the world. They’re only open to body-on-frame SUVs and only for a few months each year. Nearly every week a local driver dies when vehicles fall off cliffs or are hit by rockslides or mudflows. It's extremely dangerous for tourists to drive here.
Road from Mestia to Ushguli
Only about 20% of the road has been renovated; the remaining 80% is still a rough gravel road with intense shaking. That’s why local transport is recommended from Mestia.
Trans-Adjarian Highway
The views are breathtaking, but the road is terrible. A sedan may suffer engine or transmission damage, and even an SUV will struggle.
8 Driving recommendations in Georgia
Always carry both your driver's license and passport with you.
Do not drink alcohol while driving. You will lose your license and be fined a significant amount (around $300-$500).
Always wear your seatbelt. It is mandatory for the front seats.
There are no specific requirements for child car seats. It is your right to use boosters or child seats.
If you are stopped by a police officer:
Stay inside the car and keep your hands on the steering wheel until the officer approaches. Otherwise, it may be considered an attack on the police officer, and they may open fire.
Do not unfasten your seatbelt until the police officer approaches you.
Be polite and communicate respectfully. They are generally friendly towards tourists and will forgive minor offenses if you acknowledge your mistake.
Every police officer has a body camera and a camera in their car, recording is constantly in progress. Do not attempt to deceive them.
Do not offer bribes to the police officer; you will be taken to the police station immediately.
It is advisable to stop at intersections, even if you have the right of way. Some drivers ignore this rule.
Talking on a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, except when using Bluetooth.
Adhere to speed limits. The radar systems automatically monitor not only the speed at the moment of passing but also the average speed between cameras.
5 Recommendations for car rental in Tbilisi
Book your car in advance to have a better chance of getting the vehicle you want.
Prepare local currency or a credit card for rental payment.
Inspect the car upon pick-up and take photos of all sides of the vehicle.
Clarify the comprehensive list of payment or additional charges for services.
Request a return act for the car upon its return.
Airport car rental
If your trip involves flying, one of the most convenient options is to rent a car at Tbilisi Airport. There are two ways to rent a car upon arrival:
Pick up a car at the desk
The desired car may not always be available, and prices are often higher than when booking delivery. Renting space at the airport is expensive, which affects service prices.
Order car delivery to the airport
Advance booking. Upon arrival, you’ll be met with a sign, guided to the vehicle, and shown everything you need to know.
If you're not ready to rent a car at the airport and prefer to reach the city first, here are the best transfer options from the airport:
Take the bus, which runs every 30 minutes from the airport to the city;
Ride the electric train to the station — it runs only a few times a day;
Airport taxi — not the cheapest option;
Local taxis — cheaper than airport taxis, but still more expensive than in the city.
VIP car rental in Tbilisi
If you need a luxury vehicle or something with flair — like a convertible — then renting a car or booking a transfer is always a good solution. Transfer services can be arranged through a luxury hotel or a rental company.
Among the interesting cars, we found these offers (from the site — race.com.ge):
Mercedes S-Class
$119 for 24 hours with a one-day rental.
Jeep Wrangler
Removable roof, only $65 per day — a great opportunity to ride through the mountains in a convertible SUV.
Mercedes SLK
Convertible — just $65 per day, or $55 per day for rentals of 8 days or more.
Which car to rent?
This is one of the most common questions from tourists visiting Tbilisi for the first time and planning to explore interesting places.
In most cases, a basic sedan is more than enough, especially if you're traveling in Georgia during the warm season. If you’re planning to venture further into the mountains, consider SUVs, crossovers, comfortable urban SUVs, and frame off-road vehicles.
A car with high ground clearance and all-wheel drive — even automatic — is the ideal choice. But if budget is your top priority, go for an economy class car rental.
Car parking
There are no parking problems in Georgia. It's easy to pay — at a terminal or in a bank. Any local will gladly help you with that.
Our observation: RACE offers free car parking in one of the cities — the company covers parking fees for you!
Tips from reviews
All reviews on car rentals in Georgia come down to a few key tips:
Crazy traffic on the roads — you’ll experience it but get used to it in a couple of days.
Clarify the rental terms and costs before the trip.
