Honest take from a local guide
For tourists staying 3–7 days, a rental car is often unnecessary. Around Tbilisi, Bolt taxi costs ₾3–5 per ride. For day trips out of the city — a guided tour with a private vehicle is actually cheaper than renting when there are 2+ of you, and you get a local expert included. Read on if you still want to rent.
Car Rental Prices in Tbilisi 2026
Prices vary by season. June–August is peak season — expect 20–40% surcharges. The table below shows approximate daily rates at local and international companies.
| Car class | Low season (Oct–Apr) | High season (Jun–Aug) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Dacia Sandero, Hyundai Accent) | ₾80–100/day | ₾120–150/day |
| Mid-range (Toyota Corolla, Kia Cerato) | ₾120–180/day | ₾160–220/day |
| SUV / 4WD (for Kazbegi, Svaneti) | ₾200–300/day | ₾280–400/day |
| Minivan (7 seats) | ₾250–350/day | ₾350–450/day |
Note: prices do not include full insurance. Basic third-party liability is included, but collision damage waiver (CDW) adds ₾30–60/day.
Required Documents
Without these, every company in Georgia will refuse to rent to you:
- National driving licence — must be valid
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — mandatory for foreign nationals. Issued by your home country's automobile club. Takes 1–5 days to obtain; get it before you travel.
- Passport — for contract signing
- Credit card — for the security deposit block (₾500–1,000)
Pitfall: Some tourists arrive with only their national licence, assuming Georgia accepts it. Most companies do — technically Georgia accepts CIS licences — but international companies (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar) always require IDP. Local companies may waive it but can still refuse at their discretion. Don't risk it.
Security Deposit
The deposit is blocked on your credit card (not charged) at the time of rental. Typical amounts:
- Economy cars: ₾500 (≈ $180)
- Mid-range: ₾700–800 (≈ $250–290)
- SUVs: ₾1,000–1,500 (≈ $360–540)
The block is released within 7–14 business days after the car is returned undamaged. Make sure you have sufficient credit card limit before renting.
Rental Companies
Local Georgian companies
- Localrent — one of the largest aggregators, compares multiple local suppliers. Good English support, transparent pricing.
- MyGPS — popular with relocants and expats. Competitive rates, 24/7 roadside support.
- GoCar Georgia — modern fleet, airport pickup available.
International brands
- Sixt — present at Tbilisi Airport. Higher prices but strong insurance options and reliable contract.
- Europcar — available at the airport and in the city centre.
- Hertz — standard international service, accept most international credit cards.
Tip: Book online at least 2–3 days in advance. Walk-up airport rentals cost 30–50% more than pre-booked online rates.
Insurance — What to Know
Georgian law requires third-party liability insurance (included in the rental). However it does NOT cover damage to the rental car itself. Options:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) — reduces your liability for car damage to zero or a fixed excess. Strongly recommended: ₾30–60/day extra.
- Full cover — CDW + theft + glass + tyre protection. Best if driving mountain roads.
- Credit card insurance — some Visa/Mastercard premium cards offer rental car coverage. Check with your bank before relying on this.
Common Pitfalls
- Pre-existing damage not documented — inspect the car thoroughly before driving off. Take photos and video of every scratch, dent and scuff. Send them to the company by email immediately.
- Mountain road restrictions — rental contracts often exclude driving on unpaved roads. The Kazbegi military highway is paved, but the road to Ushguli (Svaneti) is not. Check restrictions before booking.
- Cross-border rules — driving to Armenia or Turkey requires written permission and an extra fee. Not all companies allow it.
- Fuel type — confirm whether the car uses regular petrol, premium or LPG. Filling the wrong fuel is your liability.
- Parking in Tbilisi — the city centre has paid parking zones (blue/yellow markings). Fines are ₾40. Use the Smart Parking app.
Do You Actually Need to Rent?
Tbilisi itself is very easy to navigate without a car:
- Bolt / Yandex Go — ride-hailing, ₾3–8 anywhere in the city
- Metro — 23 stations, ₾1 per ride, covers most tourist areas
- Marshrutka (minibus) — ₾0.50 per ride, extensive network
- City bus — ₾1 per ride with Metromoney card
For day trips outside Tbilisi, compare:
- Car rental for Kazbegi: ₾200–300 + fuel (₾50) + your time navigating = ₾250–350 for 1–2 people
- Guided Kazbegi tour: from ₾175/person all-inclusive — transport, guide, stops at Gergeti Trinity Church, Dariali Gorge
Kazbegi Day Tour from Tbilisi
Private tour with an English-speaking guide. Transport included. From ₾175/person.
See tour details →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an international driving permit (IDP) to rent a car in Tbilisi?
Yes. All rental companies require a valid IDP alongside your national driving licence. Without it you will be refused. Get an IDP from your home country's automobile club before travelling.
How much does car rental cost in Tbilisi?
Budget economy cars start from ₾80–100/day (≈ $30–35). Mid-range cars cost ₾120–180/day. SUVs for mountain roads start from ₾200/day. Prices rise in summer (June–August) by 20–40%.
What deposit do rental companies require in Tbilisi?
Deposits range from ₾500 to ₾1,000 (≈ $180–360). The amount is blocked on your credit card, not charged. The block is released within 7–14 days after return.
Can I drive a rented car to Armenia or Turkey?
Only with prior written permission from the rental company. Not all companies allow cross-border travel, and those that do charge an extra fee of ₾50–150. Check the contract before signing.
Is it worth renting a car for a day trip to Kazbegi?
Financially, no — if you are 2 or more people. A guided Kazbegi day tour costs ₾175 per person and includes transport, a licensed guide, stops at key viewpoints and all logistics. A rental car will cost similar money once you add fuel, insurance and the mountain road risk.