Car Rental in Tbilisi - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Tbilisi is generally not recommended for exploring the city itself due to congested traffic, challenging parking situations, and aggressive local driving styles that can be intimidating for visitors. Georgia drives on the right side of the road. However, car rental becomes highly practical for venturing into the Georgian countryside, visiting wine regions like Kakheti, exploring mountain areas such as Kazbegi, or taking road trips along the scenic Georgian Military Highway. The freedom and flexibility of having your own vehicle is invaluable for reaching remote monasteries, small villages, and natural attractions with limited public transport access. Road quality varies significantly – main highways connecting major cities are generally well-maintained, but rural and mountain roads can be narrow, winding, and poorly marked. Winter driving in mountainous regions requires experience with challenging conditions. For tourists comfortable with assertive driving and navigating without extensive signage, a rental car opens up Georgia's stunning landscapes. However, if your itinerary focuses primarily on Tbilisi and major cities accessible by marshrutka or train, public transport and organized tours are more practical options. Check current rental rates and requirements through booking platforms, as prices vary by season and vehicle type.

International Driving Permit

Generally recommended for foreign visitors driving in Georgia. Check current requirements with rental agencies as acceptance of foreign licenses varies.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old, with some premium vehicles requiring drivers to be older. Verify specific age requirements when booking.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. License must typically be held for at least 1-2 years.

Credit Card

A credit card in the driver's name is generally required for security deposits. Debit cards are often not accepted for the deposit hold.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included, but comprehensive coverage options are available. Review coverage details carefully and consider additional protection for peace of mind.

Passport

Valid passport required for identification and rental agreement. Some agencies may require passport to be valid for a minimum period beyond rental dates.

Tbilisi International Airport has major international rental agencies, while local companies in the city center often offer competitive rates - compare options and book ahead during peak season for better availability.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify insurance coverage details, and confirm the fuel policy (typically full-to-full) to avoid disputes at return.

Download offline maps for Georgia in Google Maps or Maps.me before your trip, as GPS signal can be weak in mountain areas and some street names may differ between Georgian and Latin scripts.

Fuel stations are readily available in Tbilisi and major highways - parking in Old Town is limited, so look for paid parking zones or use your hotel's parking facilities to avoid fines.

Plan to return your car with adequate time before flights (typically 2-3 hours for international departures) and refuel at stations near the airport to meet the full-tank requirement and avoid premium refueling charges.

Tbilisi's roads feature steep hills, narrow streets in Old Town, and uneven pavement conditions - drive cautiously in historic areas and expect challenging terrain, especially after rain.

Local driving customs differ significantly from Western norms, including aggressive lane changes, informal parking practices, and flexible interpretation of traffic rules - stay alert and drive defensively.

Rush hour traffic (typically 8-10 AM and 6-8 PM) creates significant congestion on main arteries and bridges crossing the Mtkvari River - plan extra travel time during these periods.

Winter weather can bring snow and ice to Tbilisi's hilly streets, making driving hazardous - check current road conditions and consider alternative transportation during severe weather.