Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) is Georgia's busiest gateway for budget airlines, welcoming flights from across Europe on carriers like Wizz Air and other low-cost operators. If you are flying into Kutaisi and planning to explore western Georgia, renting a car directly at the airport is the most convenient way to start your trip.
This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car at Kutaisi Airport — from pickup procedures and pricing to insurance options and the best routes to take once you are behind the wheel.
Kutaisi Airport sits about 14 kilometers west of the city center, and public transport connections are limited. While a taxi or marshrutka can get you into town, having your own rental car opens up the entire region from the moment you land.
Western Georgia is home to some of the country's most rewarding destinations — Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave, Okatse Canyon, and the Black Sea coast — and many of these spots are difficult to reach without a car. Renting at the airport means you skip the transfer into Kutaisi and head straight for wherever you want to go.
Compared to Tbilisi, Kutaisi Airport often has more competitive rental rates. Budget travelers flying into KUT on low-cost carriers can pair an affordable flight with an equally affordable rental car to keep overall trip costs down.
Most car rental companies operating at Kutaisi Airport do not have physical desks inside the terminal. Instead, the standard process works like this:
Reserve your vehicle online before you arrive. This guarantees availability, especially during the summer months from June through September when demand peaks. At Star Car, you can browse the full fleet, compare prices, and confirm your booking in a few minutes.
After you land and collect your luggage, step outside the main terminal exit. Your rental provider will meet you in the parking area directly in front of the airport. With Star Car, you receive a confirmation message with your driver's contact number before your flight, so you can coordinate the handover without any confusion.
Before you drive away, walk around the car together with the representative. Check the body for any existing scratches or dents, test that the lights and wipers work, and make sure the spare tire is in place. Take photos of the car from all four sides — this takes thirty seconds and protects you when returning the vehicle.
Bring your valid driving license (international driving permit recommended if your license is not in Latin script), your passport, and the credit or debit card you used for the booking. The entire process from landing to driving away typically takes around fifteen to twenty minutes.
Rental rates at Kutaisi Airport vary by season, vehicle type, and rental duration. Here is a general pricing overview for 2026:
Economy cars (Hyundai i10, Toyota Yaris): from $25–35 per day in low season, $35–50 per day in peak summer months.
Compact and midsize (Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra): from $35–45 per day in low season, $50–70 per day in summer.
SUVs and crossovers (Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4): from $55–75 per day in low season, $75–110 per day in summer.
Minivans (Toyota Sienna): from $70–90 per day, ideal for families or groups of five or more.
Longer rentals almost always bring the daily rate down. A seven-day booking can be 20–30% cheaper per day than a three-day rental. Check Star Car's fleet page for current prices and availability.
Standard rental agreements at Kutaisi Airport typically include basic third-party liability insurance. Beyond that, you have several options:
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) reduces your liability if the car is damaged in an accident. This is the most commonly selected add-on and is worth considering for peace of mind on unfamiliar roads.
Theft Protection (TP) covers you in the unlikely event the car is stolen. Georgia is generally safe, but having this coverage removes any financial worry.
Full coverage combines CDW and TP with a zero or minimal excess, meaning you pay nothing (or very little) out of pocket if something goes wrong. This option costs more per day but eliminates financial risk entirely.
Always read the terms before you sign. Pay attention to what is excluded — damage to tires, windshield, and undercarriage is often not covered by basic CDW.
Once you pick up your car, western Georgia is your oyster. Here are the most popular routes:
Distance: 14 km. Driving time: about 15–20 minutes. Take the main highway east toward the city. The road is well-maintained and clearly signed.
Distance: approximately 150 km. Driving time: 2.5 to 3 hours via the southern route through Samtredia and Kobuleti. This is a popular route for travelers heading to the coast. Read our detailed guide on driving between Kutaisi and Batumi for route tips and recommended stops.
Distance: approximately 230 km. Driving time: 3 to 3.5 hours on the main east-west highway. The road is a modern dual carriageway for most of the distance. If you need a one-way rental from Kutaisi to Tbilisi, Star Car offers this option.
Distance: 50–60 km. Driving time: about 1 hour. These natural attractions are among the most visited in western Georgia and are almost impossible to reach conveniently without a car.
Book in advance during summer. July and August see the highest demand. Booking at least two weeks ahead ensures you get the vehicle type you want at a better rate.
Check flight delay policies. If your flight arrives late, confirm that your rental company will still meet you. Star Car monitors flight arrivals and adjusts pickup times automatically — no extra charge for delays.
Fuel policy matters. Most rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you receive the car with a full tank and return it the same way. The nearest gas stations are along the main road toward Kutaisi, just a few minutes from the airport.
Consider an automatic transmission. If you are not comfortable with manual gearboxes, request an automatic when booking. Availability is more limited, so reserve early.
Ask about cross-border permissions. If you plan to drive into neighboring countries like Turkey or Armenia, confirm this is allowed under your rental agreement and what additional documentation is needed.
The return process mirrors the pickup. Drive to the airport parking area, meet the representative, and complete a brief vehicle inspection together. Make sure you return the car with the same fuel level and remove all personal belongings.
If your departure flight is very early in the morning, arrange the return time in advance. Most providers can accommodate early drop-offs if you communicate your schedule when booking.
Yes, one-way rentals are available with most providers, including Star Car. A one-way fee may apply depending on the route and vehicle type.
Most companies have a minimum rental of one day (24 hours). Some may offer half-day rates during low season.
If your driving license is issued in a country that uses Latin script, you generally do not need an IDP. However, if your license is in Cyrillic, Arabic, or another non-Latin script, an international driving permit is required.
The minimum age is typically 21 years, though some vehicle categories may require the driver to be 23 or older. Learn more in our guide on age requirements for renting a car in Georgia.
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