Renting a car in Georgia does not have to be expensive. Economy vehicles start from around $25 per day in low season, and with a few smart choices, you can reduce that cost even further. Georgia remains one of the most affordable car rental markets in Europe and the Caucasus region, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
This guide explains how to find the best rates across Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi, plus practical tips to keep your rental costs as low as possible in 2026.
Rates vary by city, season, and vehicle type. Here is a realistic overview of what to expect:
Kutaisi tends to be slightly cheaper than Tbilisi, partly because it is the budget airline hub and competition among local providers is strong.
Batumi prices spike noticeably in July and August when the city fills with summer tourists. Outside of peak season, rates drop to levels comparable with Kutaisi.
Browse live prices across all three cities at Star Car.
Walk-up rentals at the airport or in the city center almost always cost more than online pre-bookings. Reserving your car two to four weeks before your trip locks in lower rates and gives you a wider selection of vehicles.
Georgia's peak tourist season runs from mid-June through early September. Rental prices during this period can be 40–60% higher than the rest of the year. The best value months are April, May, October, and November — the weather is still pleasant, and rates drop significantly.
Daily rates decrease as your rental duration increases. A seven-day rental is typically 20–30% cheaper per day than a three-day booking. If you are spending ten or more days in Georgia, the per-day savings become even more substantial.
The single biggest factor in your rental cost is the vehicle category. An economy car handles Georgian city streets and highways just fine. Unless you are driving to mountain destinations like Tusheti or Svaneti's remote villages, you do not need an SUV.
Automatic cars cost more because they are in shorter supply in Georgia. If you can drive manual, you will save $5–15 per day and have more vehicles to choose from.
International rental chains (Hertz, Europcar, Avis) operate in Georgia but generally charge higher rates than local companies. Georgian providers like Star Car offer the same or better vehicle quality at more competitive prices, with the added advantage of local knowledge and flexible service.
Car seats, GPS devices, and Wi-Fi hotspots are common upsells. You can save by bringing your own child seat if traveling with kids, using your phone for GPS (download Google Maps offline beforehand), and buying a cheap Georgian SIM card at the airport for data.
Full-to-full is the most transparent fuel policy — you get a full tank and return it full. Avoid pre-paid fuel options where you pay upfront for a full tank regardless of how much you use, as you often end up paying for fuel you do not consume.
If your credit card or travel insurance already includes rental car coverage, you may not need the CDW from the rental company. Check your existing policies before your trip. However, make sure your coverage applies in Georgia specifically, as some credit card programs exclude certain countries.
In some markets, airport rentals carry a location surcharge. In Georgia, the difference is usually small, but if your flight arrives during off-peak hours and you are staying in the city center, compare the cost of a taxi to the city plus a city center rental versus an airport pickup.
If your itinerary is flexible, choosing the right pickup city can save money:
Kutaisi Airport tends to offer the lowest rates overall, especially for budget travelers arriving on Wizz Air. The combination of lower operating costs and competition among providers keeps prices competitive. See the full guide to car rental at Kutaisi Airport.
Tbilisi has the widest selection of vehicles and providers, which means more competition and more chances to find a deal — particularly on longer rentals.
Batumi is the most seasonal market. Prices in winter can be as low as Kutaisi rates, but in summer, they rise above Tbilisi levels. If visiting Batumi in peak summer, consider renting from Kutaisi and driving to the coast.
Budget-friendly does not mean blindly choosing the lowest headline price. Watch for these potential additional costs:
Young driver surcharge: Drivers aged 21–24 may pay $5–15 extra per day with some providers.
One-way drop-off fees: Picking up in one city and returning in another incurs a fee, typically $30–80 depending on the route.
Late return charges: Returning the car more than 30–60 minutes after the agreed time may trigger an extra day's charge.
Traffic fines: Speed cameras are active across Georgia. Fines are linked to the rental vehicle and may be charged to your deposit plus an administration fee.
Fuel shortfall: If you return the car with less fuel than agreed, the rental company fills it up at a marked-up rate — often 30–50% above gas station prices.
Here is what a budget-friendly week of car rental might look like:
Car: Economy vehicle at $28/day = $196 for 7 days Fuel: Approximately $80–100 for a full circuit Tolls: None (Georgia has no toll roads) Total transport cost: Under $300 for a week of complete freedom
That $300 covers unlimited destinations — from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, through the wine region, down to Batumi, and back. Compare that to the cost of taxis, tours, and marshrutkas for the same route, and renting a car is almost always the more economical choice, especially for two or more travelers.
For a detailed comparison of renting a car versus using public transport in Georgia, check our dedicated guide.
Economy cars like the Hyundai i10 or Chevrolet Spark are the most affordable, starting from around $22–25 per day in low season.
Kutaisi is generally slightly cheaper, especially at the airport. However, Tbilisi offers more options, and competition can produce competitive deals for longer rentals.
Reputable providers like Star Car include all mandatory fees in the quoted price. Always confirm what is included before booking — insurance, mileage, taxes, and airport pickup should all be part of the rate.
For city-only trips (Tbilisi only, for example), taxis and Bolt may be cheaper. But if you plan to visit any destination outside the city — Mtskheta, Kazbegi, the wine region — a rental car pays for itself in flexibility and time saved.
Find the best deal on your next Georgian road trip. Compare prices at Star Car and book today.
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