Georgia has become one of the most rewarding road trip destinations in Europe and the Caucasus — dramatic mountain passes, ancient monasteries, Black Sea coastline, and wine country all within a day's drive of each other. But to do it properly, you need a car. Public transport connects the main cities, but it won't take you to Gergeti Trinity Church, Vardzia, or the Truso Valley.
This guide covers everything you need to know before renting a car in Georgia in 2026: requirements, costs, insurance, what to watch out for, and which car to pick for your route.
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Quick answer: You need a valid driving licence, passport, and a debit or credit card. Minimum age is 20 at StarCar. Most routes are paved and manageable in a sedan — but if you're heading to the mountains, book an SUV. |
Georgia accepts foreign driving licences for tourists. You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence is in the Latin alphabet (UK, EU, US, Australian licences are all fine). If your licence uses a non-Latin script — Arabic, Chinese, Russian Cyrillic — you will need a certified translation or an IDP.
Most rental companies in Georgia set the minimum age at 21–23. StarCar's minimum is 20 — one of the lowest in the country — with no young driver surcharge.
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No deposit required: StarCar does not hold a security deposit on your card. You pay the rental amount only — no blocked funds, no surprises at pickup. |
Georgia is significantly cheaper for car rental than Western Europe. Here's a realistic breakdown of typical 2026 daily rates:
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Car type |
Example model |
Daily rate (approx.) |
Best for |
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Economy sedan |
Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla |
$25–$40 / day |
City driving, paved roads |
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Mid-size sedan |
Toyota Camry, Kia Optima |
$40–$55 / day |
Comfortable long-distance |
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Crossover / SUV |
Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander |
$55–$75 / day |
Mixed terrain, mountain passes |
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4x4 / Off-road SUV |
Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser 200 |
$80–$120 / day |
Off-road, Kazbegi, Svaneti |
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7-seat SUV |
Toyota 4Runner 7-seat |
$90–$130 / day |
Families, group travel |
Rates vary by season. April–June and September–October are shoulder season — generally good availability and mid-range pricing. July–August is peak season: prices rise 20–40% and SUVs sell out weeks in advance.
This is the section most renters skip — and then regret. Insurance in Georgia works differently from what many visitors expect. Here's the honest breakdown.
Every legally operating car rental in Georgia must include TPL insurance. This covers damage or injury you cause to other people, vehicles, or property. It does not cover damage to your rental car.
CDW limits your financial liability if the rental car is damaged. Without CDW, you are responsible for the full repair cost of any damage to the car — scratches, dents, broken windscreen, tyre damage. On a gravel mountain road, that risk is real.
CDW typically costs an additional $8–$15 per day and caps your liability at zero or a small excess. For off-road and mountain routes, it's worth every dollar.
Some premium credit cards (Visa Infinite, Mastercard World Elite) offer rental car collision coverage as a benefit — but read the fine print carefully. Most card policies:
If you're relying on credit card coverage, confirm with your card issuer in writing before travel. When in doubt, take the rental company's CDW.
|
Scenario |
Covered by TPL? |
Covered by CDW? |
Verdict |
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You scratch the rental car on a gravel road |
No |
Yes |
Buy CDW |
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You damage another car in an accident |
Yes |
Yes |
TPL covers it |
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Tyre blowout on a mountain track |
No |
Check policy |
Confirm with company |
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Windscreen crack from a stone |
No |
Yes (usually) |
Buy CDW |
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Car stolen |
No |
Check policy |
Ask about theft waiver |
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You injure a pedestrian |
Yes |
N/A |
TPL covers it |
Georgia has a wide range in road quality. The main highways between Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi (S1 corridor) are modern and well-maintained. Regional roads vary significantly:
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Road type |
Speed limit |
Notes |
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Urban / built-up areas |
60 km/h |
Strictly enforced with speed cameras |
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Rural roads |
80 km/h |
— |
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Highways / motorways |
100–110 km/h |
Check signs — varies by section |
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School zones |
20–30 km/h |
During school hours |
Petrol stations are plentiful in cities and on main highways. Fill up before mountain routes — stations are sparse north of Gudauri, near Vardzia, and in Svaneti. Most stations accept cards. Fuel types: regular (AI-92), premium (AI-95), diesel. All StarCar vehicles specify which fuel type is required — check before filling.
Free parking is widely available outside Tbilisi city centre. In central Tbilisi (especially Rustaveli Ave, Old Town, Vake), use paid parking zones — marked with blue signs, typically 1–2 GEL per hour via the TBC or Bank of Georgia parking apps. Illegal parking is enforced with wheel clamps.
Georgia has no traditional toll roads. The Tbilisi bypass (Tbilisi Bypass Road) is free. No toll plazas anywhere in the country as of 2026.
The single most common mistake tourists make is renting a low-clearance sedan and then trying to drive to Kazbegi or Gergeti. Here's a clear guide:
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Your route |
Recommended car |
Why |
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Tbilisi city only |
Economy sedan |
Easy parking, fuel-efficient, cheap |
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Tbilisi + Kakheti wine region |
Sedan or crossover |
Mostly good tarmac roads |
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Tbilisi → Kazbegi (stay on main road) |
Sedan is OK |
Georgian Military Highway is paved |
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Kazbegi + Gergeti Church drive |
SUV or 4x4 essential |
Steep unpaved track to the church |
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Tbilisi → Borjomi → Vardzia |
SUV preferred |
Some gravel sections near Vardzia |
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Batumi coast + Adjara day trips |
Sedan or crossover |
Goderdzi Pass needs SUV |
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Svaneti / Mestia |
4x4 essential |
Remote mountain roads, river crossings |
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Tusheti (summer only) |
High-clearance 4x4 only |
One of Georgia's toughest roads |
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Family travel (5–7 people) |
Toyota 4Runner 7-seat |
Space + mountain capability |
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Honest tip: If you're unsure whether your route needs an SUV, it probably does. Georgia's most rewarding destinations — Kazbegi, Svaneti, Vardzia, Tusheti — all involve roads that a sedan can technically survive but where an SUV gives you safety, comfort, and peace of mind. |
Walk-in rates at Georgian rental desks are 20–40% higher than online prices. For peak season (July–August) and holiday weekends (Easter, New Year, Orthodox Christmas), SUVs sell out 3–4 weeks in advance. Book early, cancel for free if plans change.
Before you drive away, do a full walk-around and photograph every existing scratch, dent, and chip with timestamps. Share the photos with the rental agent and ask them to note any damage on the agreement. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage at return.
StarCar offers free airport delivery at Tbilisi International, Kutaisi International, and Batumi Airport. This is more convenient than going to a city office and is the same price. Specify your flight number when booking so the agent meets you at arrivals.
Return with the same fuel level as at pickup. Most Georgian rental companies operate a full-to-full policy. If you return with less fuel, you'll be charged at above-market pump rates. Budget 15 minutes before your flight for the return inspection.
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Ready to rent a car in Georgia? Browse our full fleet — sedans, SUVs, and 7-seaters. Free cancellation, no hidden fees, airport pickup available in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. → View all cars at starcar.ge/cars |
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Georgia?
No — if your driving licence is in the Latin alphabet (UK, EU, US, Australian, Canadian), you do not need an IDP. Georgia accepts foreign licences directly. If your licence uses a non-Latin script (Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic), you will need a certified translation or an IDP issued in your home country.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Georgia?
The legal minimum varies by company. Most rental agencies in Georgia set the minimum at 21 or 23. StarCar's minimum age is 20, with no young driver surcharge applied.
Is a deposit required to rent a car in Georgia?
It depends on the company. Many Georgian rental agencies hold a security deposit (typically $200–$500) on your card at pickup. StarCar does not require a deposit — you pay the rental amount only. No funds are blocked on your card.
Can I take a rental car from Georgia into Armenia or Turkey?
Cross-border travel is permitted by some rental companies but not all, and usually requires prior written approval and an additional fee. StarCar allows cross-border travel to Armenia and Turkey on request — confirm when booking and ensure your insurance covers the destination country.
What happens if I break down or have an accident in Georgia?
All StarCar rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance. Call the number provided in your rental agreement. In the event of an accident involving another vehicle, call the Georgian police (112) to file a report — you will need the report number for any insurance claim.
