Tbilisi International Airport, also known as Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), is the main gateway into Georgia. Whether you're flying in from Europe, the Middle East, or Central Asia, one thing helps from the first minute: a rental car waiting for you at the airport.
This guide walks through how airport car rental actually works at TBS, what it costs, and how to keep the whole process smooth in 2026.
TBS has two terminals, though most international flights land at the main one. The process itself is simple, but knowing what to expect ahead of time saves you a bit of hassle.
Book your car online before your trip. Pre-booking locks in your rate, since prices climb during peak season. It also guarantees the vehicle category you want, and means someone is already waiting when you land. At StarCar, booking takes just a few minutes and you get instant confirmation.
Once you're through passport control and have your bags, head out through the main arrivals hall. Rental representatives usually meet travelers just outside the exit doors, or in the parking area nearby. StarCar sends you your driver's phone number ahead of time, so you can call or message the moment you have your luggage.
The handover usually takes ten to fifteen minutes. You'll present your driving license, passport, and booking confirmation, then sign the rental agreement. After that, you'll walk around the car together to note any existing marks or damage. Then you'll get the keys, plus a quick rundown of the controls.
It's worth taking a few photos of the car before you drive off. It only takes a moment, and it gives you clear proof of the car's condition at pickup.
Pricing at TBS depends on the season, the vehicle type, and how many days you're renting. Here's roughly what to expect in 2026.
Economy cars like a Hyundai i10 or Chevrolet Spark run $25 to $40 a day, depending on the season. They suit solo travelers or couples sticking mainly to the city. Compact and midsize options such as a Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra cost $35 to $55 a day. That's a solid pick if you want more comfort on a longer trip.
For mountain routes toward Kazbegi, Tusheti, or Svaneti, an SUV or crossover like a Tucson or RAV4 makes more sense. Expect $55 to $90 a day for that category. Minivans, a Toyota Sienna or similar, run $70 to $100 a day and fit families or groups of five to seven well. Premium vehicles like a Mercedes-Benz or BMW start from $100 a day, aimed at business travelers or anyone who wants extra comfort.
Weekly and monthly rentals come with meaningful discounts. You can see the full fleet and live pricing on StarCar's vehicle page.
TBS sits about 17 km southeast of central Tbilisi, and the drive in takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Follow the signs toward Tbilisi as you leave the airport. The main road connects to the city's highway system, which leads straight into districts like Saburtalo, Vake, and Old Tbilisi. Traffic gets heavier during the morning rush, roughly 8 to 10 AM, and again in the evening between 5 and 7 PM. Plan around that if your flight lands during those windows.
Parking in central Tbilisi is paid in most areas, usually around 1 to 2 GEL per hour. Many hotels offer free or discounted parking for guests, so it's worth checking before you book.
Having a rental car waiting at TBS means you can head off in pretty much any direction right away.
Mtskheta is the closest worthwhile stop, just 30 km from the airport and about 25 to 30 minutes by car. It's Georgia's ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can see both Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in half a day.
Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda, is about 155 km out and takes 2.5 to 3 hours along the Georgian Military Highway. It's one of the more scenic drives in the whole Caucasus, with mountains, rivers, and the Gergeti Trinity Church along the way.
Batumi is the longer haul at around 370 km, roughly 5 to 6 hours on a well-maintained east-west highway. For the full route breakdown, our Tbilisi to Batumi road trip guide covers it in detail.
Kakheti's wine country is a shorter trip, 85 to 110 km depending on where exactly you're headed, and 1.5 to 2 hours by car. Sighnaghi, Telavi, and the surrounding vineyards make for an easy day trip or a nice overnight from the capital.
Rental car insurance in Georgia typically starts with basic third-party liability, and you can usually add more on top.
A Collision Damage Waiver, or CDW, reduces how much you're on the hook for if the car gets damaged. There's usually an excess attached, often somewhere in the $300 to $500 range, meaning that's the most you'd pay out of pocket. Full coverage with zero excess removes that risk entirely, and it's the option worth picking if you'd rather not deal with financial surprises. Theft protection covers the value of the car if it's stolen. Car theft is rare in Georgia, but it's still there as an extra layer of security if you want it.
It's worth reading the coverage details in your rental agreement closely. Across the industry, common exclusions include damage to the undercarriage, the roof, the tires, and the interior.
To rent a car at Tbilisi Airport, bring:
Georgian rental companies accept most national driving licenses from Europe, North America, Australia, and many Asian countries. If you're not sure whether yours qualifies, it's worth checking with your provider before you arrive.
If you need an automatic, request it early. Manual is the default in Georgia, and automatics are available but in shorter supply.
The fuel policy is full-to-full almost everywhere: you get the car with a full tank and return it the same way. Gas stations are easy to find along the airport road and throughout the city.
If you're flying out of a different airport, say Kutaisi or Batumi, ask about one-way rentals. StarCar offers flexible pickup and drop-off across the country.
Mobile data is cheap in Georgia, but it's still worth downloading Google Maps or Waze offline before you land. That way you're never stuck without navigation, especially once you're off the main roads.
Speed cameras are active on Georgian highways, so traffic fines are a real possibility, not just a theoretical one. Limits are typically 60 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on highways. Fines are tied to the vehicle, and unpaid ones can end up deducted from your deposit.
Drive back to the airport and meet the rental representative at the same spot where you picked the car up. The return inspection takes about five to ten minutes. Make sure the tank matches the agreed level, the car is reasonably clean, and you've grabbed all your personal items before handing back the keys.
If your flight leaves early in the morning or late at night, arrange the return time with your provider ahead of time. StarCar can accommodate early or late returns with a bit of advance notice.
Is it cheaper to rent at Tbilisi Airport or in the city center? Prices are generally about the same either way. Airport pickup saves you the cost and hassle of getting into the city first, which makes it the more practical choice for most travelers.
Can I rent a car at Tbilisi Airport without a credit card? Some providers accept debit cards, though a credit card is preferred since it makes the deposit process simpler. It's worth checking with your rental company ahead of time.
How old do I need to be to rent a car at Tbilisi Airport? The minimum age is usually 21. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge, and some categories like SUVs or premium cars may require you to be at least 23. Our guide on age requirements for car rental in Georgia covers this in full.
Can I cross the border with a rental car from Tbilisi Airport? Crossing into Armenia or Turkey is possible with some rental companies, but you'll need to request permission in advance. Travel into Russia, Azerbaijan, and occupied territories generally isn't permitted. Always confirm border policy with your provider before booking.
Start your Georgian road trip the right way. Reserve your car at Tbilisi Airport with StarCar and drive off within minutes of landing.
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