Georgia is a country that cannot truly be experienced from a bus window. Kazbegi, Mestia, Sighnaghi, Borjomi — most of the best places lack proper public transport. A rental car turns a standard tour into a real journey on your own terms.
from $35 per day — starting rental price
from 21 years old — minimum driver age
No international driving permit needed — a national license is enough
from $35 per day — starting rental price
from 21 years old — minimum driver age
No international driving permit needed — a national license is enough
Why you should rent a car specifically in Tbilisi
Tbilisi is the perfect starting point for any road trip in Georgia. From here, you can reach Kazbegi in the north, Sighnaghi in the east, or Borjomi in the south within 2–3 hours. The selection of cars is the widest, and the prices are the most competitive in the country.
Unlike resort towns, the rental market in Tbilisi operates year-round without seasonal shortages. You can pick up a car directly at the airport or have it delivered anywhere in the city — and hit the road right away.
What makes Tbilisi convenient for car rental
Unlike resort towns, the rental market in Tbilisi operates year-round without seasonal shortages. You can pick up a car directly at the airport or have it delivered anywhere in the city — and hit the road right away.
What makes Tbilisi convenient for car rental
- A wide selection of cars all year round
- Option to pick up the car at Tbilisi airport (TBS)
- Car delivery to any location in the city
- Most routes in Georgia are best started from Tbilisi
- Good road infrastructure and easy exits from the city
What documents are required to rent a car in Georgia
Good news: Georgia is one of the few countries where an international driving permit is not required. Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian, and other national licenses with Latin transliteration are widely accepted. This significantly simplifies travel preparation.
Required documents
- Category B driver’s license (must include Latin transliteration)
- Passport (required to sign the rental agreement)
Minimum rental age is usually 21–23. Drivers under 25 or with less than 2–3 years of experience may face higher insurance costs or restrictions — check conditions in advance when booking.
Some companies require a credit card to hold a deposit. However, there are offers on the market with no deposit at all — we’ll cover them at the end of the article.
How much car rental costs in Georgia in 2026
Rental prices depend on three factors: car class, season, and company conditions. Below are current average prices in Tbilisi for 2026.
The listed prices include basic insurance. Additional options — full coverage, child seat, GPS — are paid separately. Always уточните what is included when booking.
High season
June–September. Prices are 40–60% higher. Demand is high. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
June–September. Prices are 40–60% higher. Demand is high. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
Low season
October–May (excluding holidays). Best prices and wide selection. Great time for mountain routes.
October–May (excluding holidays). Best prices and wide selection. Great time for mountain routes.
Renting for 5–7 days is always cheaper per day than short 1–2 day trips. If you plan a week or longer — check for long-term discounts.
Insurance and deposit: what you need to know
Insurance and deposit are two different things that are often confused. It’s important to understand them before signing the contract, not after returning the car.
Types of insurance
- TPL (Third Party Liability) — mandatory insurance covering damage to third parties. Usually included in the base price.
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) — reduces your liability for car damage. Your risk is limited to the deposit amount.
- Full Coverage — full insurance. Deposit is minimal or zero, but rental price is higher.
What to pay attention to
- Glass damage is usually not covered by basic insurance — road stones are your responsibility
- Typical deposit — $100–300
- Return the car with a full tank and clean
- Take photos of the car from all sides before driving
Which car to choose for your route
Your choice depends on where you’re going. A mistake here costs money: either you overpay for an SUV or get stuck in the mountains.
Route recommendations
- Tbilisi & surroundings — any sedan or hatchback
- Kakheti, Sighnaghi — sedan or crossover
- Kazbegi, Borjomi, Racha — better to use a crossover
- Mestia, Ushguli — only 4WD
- Pay attention to the car’s age: vehicles older than 10 years may have hidden issues affecting safety.
Pay attention to the car’s age: rental cars over 10 years old often have hidden issues—worn-out suspension, unreliable transmission, and high fuel consumption. This is especially critical on winding mountain roads. Choose newer models—this directly affects the safety and comfort of your trip.
Also, look at the actual fuel consumption: a cheap car with a fuel consumption of 15–18 L/100 km on a long route will end up costing more than a more modern one with a fuel consumption of 7–9 L/100 km. Calculate the total cost of the trip, not just the rental rate.
Also, look at the actual fuel consumption: a cheap car with a fuel consumption of 15–18 L/100 km on a long route will end up costing more than a more modern one with a fuel consumption of 7–9 L/100 km. Calculate the total cost of the trip, not just the rental rate.
Roads and traffic rules in Georgia: what to know
Georgian drivers behave unpredictably by European standards—overtaking in unexpected places, making sudden lane changes, and ignoring road markings. The main rule for tourists is to keep your distance, take your time, and stay calm. After a few hours behind the wheel, you’ll get used to the rhythm.
Speed limits
Speed Cameras and Fines
Parking in central Tbilisi is paid. We recommend choosing accommodation with private parking — it will save you both money and time. Fuel — petrol and diesel — is available at gas stations throughout the country, but in mountainous areas it’s best to refuel in advance.
Speed limits
- City — up to 60 km/h
- Outside city — up to 90 km/h
- Highways — up to 110 km/h
Speed Cameras and Fines
- There are a lot of speed cameras in Georgia — on highways, in cities, and at the entrances to towns and villages.
- The average speed control system is especially common: it tracks not your instant speed, but your average speed over a section of the road. It cannot be bypassed.
- Fines are real and must be paid. If a fine is issued for a rental car, the company will charge the amount from your deposit or send you an invoice.
- Even exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h results in a noticeable fine. Follow the speed limits — it’s safer and cheaper.
Parking in central Tbilisi is paid. We recommend choosing accommodation with private parking — it will save you both money and time. Fuel — petrol and diesel — is available at gas stations throughout the country, but in mountainous areas it’s best to refuel in advance.
Tips to Save Money and Nerves
A few practical recommendations from those who travel a lot around Georgia by rental cars:
Checklist Before Your Trip
Checklist Before Your Trip
- Book in advance, especially during high season — good cars get taken quickly
- Clarify all rental conditions: what’s included in the price, deposit amount, and where you’re allowed to drive
- Rentals for 5–7 days are always cheaper per day than short 1–2 day trips
- Avoid cars older than 10 years — saving money isn’t worth the risk on mountain roads
- Check in advance whether the company allows driving to mountain regions (Kazbegi, Mestia, Tusheti)
- Take photos of all scratches and dents before departure and send them to the manager
- Monitor your average speed on highways — cameras operate constantly
- Refuel in advance in mountainous areas — gas stations are scarce
- Choose a company with Russian-speaking support — this is critical in case of breakdowns or accidents
Rent a Car with MY.DRIVE — Simple and Affordable
We’ve made car rental in Tbilisi максимально удобной. Nothing extra — just the car, documents, and the road.
No Deposit
No funds are blocked on your card. Just take the car and go.
Prices from $35 / day
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.
Only Passport and Driver’s License
Minimum paperwork. No additional requirements or documents.
Airport Delivery for $5
We’ll deliver the car right to the terminal exit. Free delivery within Tbilisi.
No Deposit
No funds are blocked on your card. Just take the car and go.
Prices from $35 / day
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.
Only Passport and Driver’s License
Minimum paperwork. No additional requirements or documents.
Airport Delivery for $5
We’ll deliver the car right to the terminal exit. Free delivery within Tbilisi.