Car Rental in Georgia: What to Know Before You Drive
- Price: small car approx. 60–90 GEL per day (€20–30), 4×4 approx. 150–250 GEL (€50–85) – guide values.
- A German (EU) licence is enough; right-hand traffic; 0.0 blood alcohol limit.
- For Tbilisi, Kakheti, Kazbegi and the road to Mestia a normal car or SUV is enough; for Ushguli in bad weather and Tusheti you need a real 4×4.
- Much higher fines since 1 May 2026; many speed cameras.
- Fully comprehensive insurance without excess is worth it.
With a rental car you are free and flexible in Georgia – you can stop at every monastery, every wine cellar and every viewpoint. Traffic is, however, more demanding than in Western Europe. Here you find what a rental car costs, which car you need and which rules apply.
Is a rental car worth it?
| A rental car is worth it … | Better without a car … |
|---|---|
| for round trips through Kakheti, Kazbegi, Imereti | for pure city breaks in Tbilisi or Batumi |
| if you want to stop flexibly (photos, wineries) | if you dislike driving in dense, rough traffic |
| as a couple or family | for Svaneti, Ushguli, Tusheti – drivers with local knowledge are often the better choice there |
A good mix: no car in Tbilisi, then rent one for the round trip – or book a driver with car for the mountains.
What does a rental car cost?
| Vehicle | per day in GEL | approx. € |
|---|---|---|
| Small car | 60–90 | 20–30 |
| 4×4 | 150–250 | 50–85 |
| Fully comprehensive without excess (surcharge) | 30–60 | 10–20 |
Guide values from several rental and travel guides (2026), converted at €1 ≈ 3 GEL. In high season (June–August) prices rise; booking early pays off. From about 3–5 days' rental the daily rate is usually cheaper.
- Deposit: rental companies block a deposit; for large 4×4s, according to providers, about US$300–500.
- Minimum age: usually 21 with at least one year of driving experience, sometimes 23–25 for large SUVs – depending on the company.
- Petrol: in summer 2026 a litre cost about 3.50–4.20 GEL depending on grade (around €1.20–1.40).
Normal car or 4×4?
| Route | Vehicle |
|---|---|
| Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kakheti, Kutaisi, Batumi | normal car |
| Military Road to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) | normal car; winter tyres in winter, temporary closures at the Jvari Pass |
| Road to Mestia (Svaneti) | normal car or SUV |
| Mestia – Ushguli | SUV in good weather, otherwise a real 4×4 |
| Tusheti (Abano Pass) | real 4×4 only and only in summer – many companies forbid the route |
Important: if you drive a normal car on routes the rental company excludes, you usually lose your insurance cover. Ask before booking which roads are allowed.
Traffic rules
- Driving licence: the German (EU) licence is accepted. Licences in Latin script are generally accepted; for licences in other scripts (e.g. Cyrillic) rental guides recommend an international driving permit. Driving without a valid licence can cost 500 GEL.
- Right-hand traffic and seat belts mandatory (50 GEL fine according to guides).
- Alcohol: 0.0 – don't drink if you drive.
- Speed limits: 60 km/h in towns, up to 110 km/h on expressways. Outside towns, depending on signs, usually 80–90 km/h. Signs take priority.
- Children: under 12 in the back seat, under 7 in a child seat (according to guides; book one with the rental company).
- Fines: since 1 May 2026 they are much higher, in some cases several times higher. There are many speed cameras. You can pay fines online at police.ge – with a rental car the company often does this and charges your card.
Tips for Georgia's roads
- Don't drive at night outside towns: poor lighting, animals on the road, risky overtaking.
- Drive defensively: expect oncoming cars to overtake in your lane.
- Cows and dogs: part of everyday life on country roads – pass slowly.
- Mountain roads: take your time. 100 km in the mountains often takes 2–3 hours (estimated).
- Winter check: for Kazbegi and Svaneti in winter, check road conditions beforehand and only drive with winter tyres.
- Photos at handover: photograph any damage before setting off, including tyres and underbody.
Before your trip
How to get to Georgia from Germany and where best to pick up the car: Direct flights to Georgia. Entry rules including driving licence and your own car: Georgia entry requirements 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is driving in Georgia dangerous?
It is demanding. Overtaking is risky, cows wander on country roads, and mountain roads are narrow. With a defensive driving style, no night driving outside towns and a suitable car, it is quite manageable for experienced drivers.
Do I need an international driving permit for Georgia?
Not with a German or other EU licence. According to rental guides, licences in Latin script are generally accepted; licences in other scripts (e.g. Cyrillic) need an international driving permit. Check with your rental company.
How much does a rental car cost in Georgia?
As a guide: small car about 60–90 lari per day, 4×4 about 150–250 lari. In high season and for short rentals it costs more; from 3–5 days it usually gets cheaper. Fully comprehensive cover without excess often costs extra.
Do I need a 4×4 in Georgia?
Only for certain routes. For Tbilisi, Kakheti, Kazbegi and the paved road to Mestia a normal car or SUV is enough. For Ushguli in bad weather and for Tusheti you need a real 4×4 – many rental companies only allow these routes with one, or not at all.
Sources: German Federal Foreign Office: Georgia – travel and safety advice (German) · Wander-Lush: Renting a Car in Tbilisi & Driving in Georgia (2026) · Getmancar: New Traffic Fines in Georgia 2026 · AutoBridge: fuel prices July 2026. All information without guarantee; rules can change at short notice.