Car Rental in Tbilisi

Why rent a car in Tbilisi?

Tbilisi is a fascinating city to visit. Inhabited since ancient times, it is home to a wealth of historic sites, impressive churches, and grand castles. There’s also contemporary architecture to enjoy as well as great restaurants and stunning nature just outside the city. With a rental car, the peaks of the majestic Caucasus mountains and the Black Sea coast are also within your reach. 

Top ways to enter Tbilisi

• Tbilisi Airport: Also known as Shota Rustaveli Airport after the medieval Georgian poet, it handled 3.8 million travelers in 2018. The airport hosts flights by around 40 different airlines that offer flights to and from Europe, the Middle East, and Central, East, and South Asia. Located 17km (11 miles) southeast of the city center, the airport can be reached in about 25 minutes.
• Kutaisi Airport: Also called David the Builder Airport, it handled more than 870,000 travelers in 2019. The airport, which serves Georgia’s third city, is very popular with the low-cost carrier Wizz Air and also has flights by three other airlines. Located 257km (160 miles) northwest of Tbilisi, the airport can be reached in about four hours.
• Batumi Airport: Serving the city of the same name and located near the border with Turkey, Batumi Airport has flights by 25 different airlines (although many only operate during the summer months). The airport provides flights to and from Ukraine, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, and other countries in Europe and Asia. Located 380km (236 miles) west of Tbilisi, Batumi Airport can be reached in about six hours.

City facts

• Tbilisi has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average high temperature is 31°C  (88°F) in July, the warmest month, and 7°C  (44°F) in January, the coldest. May and June are the most humid months while January is the driest. Located at an elevation of 400-750 m (1,300-2,500 ft), Tbilisi experiences some snowfall every winter. 
• Founded in the 5th century AD (and with human habitation dating back to the Stone Age), Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city in Georgia. Around 1.15 million people reside in the city, with more than 370,000 more living its larger metropolitan area, meaning that roughly every third resident of Georgia lives in or near the capital city. Tbilisi is made up of ten districts which are further divided into neighborhoods. 
• One of the most amazing things about Tbilisi (and Georgia in general) is the food. Although influenced by their Turkic, Caucasian, and Persian neighbors, Georgian cuisine is proudly unique and has birthed many delicious foods. These include khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, khinkali, a type of dumpling, and chakhokhbili, stewed chicken with vegetables and herbs. If you’re done driving for the day, sampling one of the local wines is also an amazing experience.

Top sights and activities

• Open Air Museum of Ethnography. One of the most interesting museums in the region, it is the place to learn about what life outside cities has been for the Georgian people over the last centuries. Visitors can visit the historic rural buildings, see household items, and even try their hand at making traditional Georgian crafts.
• Georgian National Museum. Inhabited since prehistory, mentioned in many legendary tales of Ancient Greeks, and later included in world-famous empires, Georgia is home to a truly fascinating history. This museum does its best to tell the complex but fascinating story of Georgia’s ancient past and does so through different exhibitions, artifacts, and objects of historical importance.
• Sameba Cathedral. Georgia is an overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian nation, and Sameba - also known as the Holy Trinity Cathedral - is perhaps the most important religious building in the country. Built in the 1990s and 2000s, it is 87m (285ft) tall and dominates the city skyline. Many other beautiful churches, some of them much older, can also be found in Tbilisi. The city is also home to Jummah Mosque, a unique place that is shared by Sunni and Shia Muslims.
• Abanotubani. The use of the hot springs of Abanotubani, the traditional bath district of the Georgian capital, for relaxation and medicinal purposes is at least 1,500 years old, having remained popular with various rulers, inhabitants, and visitors of the city over the centuries. The area is a common tourist attraction to this day, including a number of sulphuric bath and spa houses welcoming locals and foreign visitors alike. 
• Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater. As much as winemaking and hospitality, amazing dancing and singing is one of the main characteristics of Georgia and its people. Arguably one of the best places to enjoy all of it is the capital’s opera and ballet which can be found on central Rustaveli Avenue. Visit the theater’s official website to learn about upcoming shows and buy tickets.
• Narikala. A part of the previously mentioned Abanotubani district, but deserving a special mention of its own, the Narikala Fortress is one of the most famous landmarks of Tbilisi. Known for its spectacular hilltop location that overlooks the Kura River and the city below, its first construction dates back to the 4th century. While it has suffered from invasions, earthquakes, and fires, it has always remained one of the symbols of the city.
• National Botanical Garden of Georgia. Continuing the exploration of the Abanotubani, right next to Narikala is the National Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful natural areas of the Georgian capital. This being Tbilisi, the area is hilly and includes some steep climbs, but that is more than made up for by the presence of mountain slopes, gorges, waterfalls, and panoramic views. There are several versions of the founding date of the garden – according to some, it celebrates its 400th birthday in 2025.
• See the following guide for more of the best things to do in Tiblisi.

Traffic and parking

• Georgia drives on the right-hand side of the road. 
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 110km/h (68 mph) on motorways, 90km/h (55.9 mph) on most rural intercity roads, 60km/h (37 mph) in populated and built-up areas, and 20km/h (12 mph) inside residential areas. The speed limit on the George W. Bush Street connecting the airport to the Tbilisi city center is 80km/h (50 mph). The speed limit on streets alongside the Mtkvari river is 70km/h (43 mph).
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. The only exception is if you use a hands-free system.
• While the main roads in Tbilisi and the main highways in Georgia are in good condition, many rural roads might have potholes, lack pavement, or other problems. Wildlife and cattle crossings can also be an issue. It is therefore a good idea to exercise extra caution when driving in the countryside, especially after dark. This also applies to driving in the mountains.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.03% for both experienced and novice drivers, and the rules are enforced more strictly every year. Drunk driving can lead to large fines and even deportation or jail time.
• Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The emergency number in Georgia is 112.

Toll roads

As of December 2019, there are no toll roads in Georgia.

Ideas for day trips

• Mtskheta. Nowadays a small town of just 8,000 souls, Mtskheta is a place of great past - it used to be the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Iberia and one of the centers of Christianity in the region. The city remains home to a number of beautiful churches and monasteries, and interesting archaeological sites can also be found nearby. Located 26km (16 miles) northwest of Tbilisi, Mtskheta can be reached in about 40 minutes.
• Telavi. The capital of the region of Kakheti, picturesque Telavi is one of the most popular travel destinations in Georgia. The town is home to the impressive Alaverdi Monastery, the Palace of King Erekle II, and a number of traditional wineries. The beautiful mountainous regions of Tusheti and Khevsureti can be easily reached from here. Located 95km (59 miles) northeast of Tbilisi, Telavi can be reached in two hours or less.
• Tbilisi National Park. One of Georgia’s nine national parks, this nature reserve is made up of stunning, but accessible mountains, thick woodlands, and deep valleys. Located just 30km (18 miles) north of the capital, Tbilisi National Park can be reached in about one hour.
• David Gareja Monastery. In southern Georgia sits the David Gareja monastery, named after an Assyrian monk who came to Georgia in the 6th century. It’s located in a desert setting with gorgeous views. From Tbilisi, it’s a little less than a two-hour drive.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Tbilisi is the Nissan Micra, although travelers also love the Renault Logan and the Hyundai Sonata. The most popular rental car types are economy, standard, and compact.

Further destinations

• Svaneti. Located in the northwestern part of the country, the traditional mountainous region of Svaneti is, according to many, one of the most beautiful places in Georgia. Though the area is home to snowy peaks, incredible landscapes, and large wilderness areas, its number one attraction is its people, the Svans. A subgroup of Georgians, they are fiercely proud, have a rich culture, and are even more hospitable than people in other parts of the country. Beautiful Mestia, the unofficial capital of the region, is 470km (292 miles) northwest of Tbilisi and takes about eight hours to reach, but the long trip is worth it. You can also divide the trip into two or three days, stopping in Kutaisi, Georgia’s third-largest city, or Samegrelo National Park.  If you stop in Kutaisi, don’t miss visiting the stunning Gelati Monastery nearby. 
• Adjara. Also known as Adjaria, it is one of the most unique regions of Georgia. Located in the Southwestern part of the country and bordering the Black Sea, it is home to a tropical climate, beautiful beaches, mineral spas, and mosques and churches standing side by side. Batumi, the largest city and the best place from where to explore the rest of the region, is 380km (236 miles) from Tbilisi and takes about six hours to reach.
• Borjomi. Best known for its spring waters, the town of Borjomi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the south-central part of the country. In addition to some heritage buildings and interesting local museums, the town provides access to the scenic Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The largest in the country, it’s becoming increasingly accessible to foreign visitors. The drive from the capital to Borjomi takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Vashlovani National Park. Located in the far east of the country along the border with Azerbaijan, Vashlovani is one of the most distinct protected areas in the country. The park is characterized by its very arid, steppe-like conditions, cliffs, and canyons, creating a moon-like atmosphere. Getting here takes some planning — the drive itself is under three hours, but the park is located off the main roads, so hiring a guide or joining a tour might be a good idea. Nonetheless, those who will brave the difficulties will be visited with an experience like no other.
• Armenia. With ancient monasteries, alpine lakes, and religious sites predating Christianity, Armenia has an even more untamed and undiscovered feel than Georgia. Start at its beautiful capital, Yerevan, then go skiing in one of the winter resorts, hike through mountainous national parks, or visit small villages to taste the unique Armenian culinary tradition. Yerevan is about 275km (171 miles) south of Tbilisi and can be reached in about five to six hours. Most rental car providers do not permit crossing the border, but it’s possible to go by bus or train and then pick up a new one after arriving in Armenia. Before traveling, check to see if you need a visa to enter Armenia as the country has a slightly different visa policy than Georgia.

Car rental prices in Tbilisi

• Small cars - from $18 per day
• Medium cars - from $21 per day
• Large cars - from $22 per day
• SUVs - from $31 per day
• Vans - from $63 per day
• Premium cars - from $33 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Land a great rental car in the capital of Georgia by following these tips:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Tbilisi is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 64% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 83% cheaper than renting a vehicle in August.