Rent a Car in Georgia
22 November 2025

Rent a Car in Georgia: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

Renting a car in Georgia is one of the most convenient and rewarding ways to explore the country. From Tbilisi’s vibrant streets to the Black Sea coastline, and from wine regions to dramatic mountain passes, a rental car offers unmatched freedom and flexibility. Instead of depending on fixed tour schedules or crowded public transport, you can design your own route, enjoy scenic stops, and experience Georgia on your own timeline.

But before booking your car rental in Georgia, it’s important to understand the country’s driving rules, insurance requirements, payment policies, and regional travel restrictions. This guide summarizes everything you need to know - structured clearly, based on StarCar’s official rental policies, and tailored for travelers looking for a safe, stress-free experience.

Basic Requirements for Renting a Car in Georgia

Georgia keeps the rental process straightforward, but certain requirements must be met before renting a vehicle.

Minimum Age and Driving Experience

Most reputable rental companies, including StarCar, require:

  • Minimum age: 20 years

  • Minimum driving experience: 1 year

This makes Georgia accessible even for younger travelers while still maintaining safe driving standards. Unlike many international brands that require age 23–25, StarCar’s policy is more flexible, making it easier for visitors to rent a car in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, or Batumi.

Required Documents

To complete your Georgia car rental, you’ll need:

  • Valid home-country driving license

  • English or bilingual license (if your license isn’t in English)

  • Passport

  • Booking confirmation

  • Payment method (cash or card depending on pickup point)

If your license is only in your native language, you must bring a notarized English translation before entering Georgia. This is required by law and avoids complications in case of police checks.

Choosing Between Local and International Car Rental Companies

Georgia has both global rental brands and strong local providers. Each has advantages, but local companies offer significantly better value and flexibility.

International Brands

Pros:

  • Familiarity

  • Standardized processes

Cons:

  • Higher daily rates

  • Less flexibility

  • Limited understanding of Georgian road challenges

  • Slower communication

Local Companies (Best Option for Travelers)

Local providers - especially StarCar - offer benefits tailor-made for Georgia’s driving conditions:

  • Better pricing (no international markups)

  • Flexible policies

  • Local road expertise

  • Fast response communication

  • Vehicles suited for Georgian terrain

StarCar combines professional standards with deep local understanding, making it one of the strongest choices for rent a car in Georgia searches.

Insurance and Protection: What’s Covered

Understanding insurance is crucial when booking a car rental in Georgia.

Included Third-Party Insurance

StarCar provides third-party liability insurance with every rental. This covers damages to other vehicles or individuals - a mandatory level of protection.

Optional Full Coverage

Upon request, StarCar offers full insurance, with pricing depending on:

  • Vehicle class

  • Model year

  • Rental duration

Full coverage is ideal for long-distance routes, regional trips, or mountain roads.
Important: Insurance coverage is valid only within Georgia - it does not extend internationally.

Understanding Rental Durations and Payments

Minimum Rental Period

StarCar’s minimum rental length is 3 days.
Shorter trips (1–2 days) are possible, but pricing is calculated according to the 3-day minimum to maintain fairness and consistency.

Payment Methods

Depending on your pickup location:

  • Airports (Tbilisi/Kutaisi/Batumi): Cash only (EUR, USD, GEL)

  • Office pickups: Card payments accepted (2% service fee applies)

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made 10 days in advance, giving the company time to reassign the vehicle.

Booking in Advance

StarCar recommends booking at least 24 hours before pickup, especially during peak summer or holiday seasons.

Pickup Options: Airports and City Offices

Airport Delivery (Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi)

For travelers searching “Tbilisi Airport car rental” or “Kutaisi Airport car rental,” StarCar provides one of the most convenient services.

  • Operator meets you after arrival

  • Easy-to-spot A4 branded sign

  • Contract completed on-site in ~10 minutes

  • No standing in long rental desk lines

  • Fast, seamless pickup even after late-night flights

Even if you didn’t book in advance, StarCar often manages last-minute delivery - especially at Kutaisi Airport, which is close to the main office.

City Pickup

Ideal for those who want to explore Tbilisi or Kutaisi before starting their road trip. This is also the best option for long-term rental requests like:

  • Long-term car rental Tbilisi

  • Monthly car rental Georgia

Border Crossing Rules

Georgia borders Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia - but rental border rules differ.

Countries You Can Visit

StarCar allows border crossings to:

  • Armenia

  • Azerbaijan

You’ll need a Power of Attorney, prepared about one week before departure.

Countries You Cannot Enter

StarCar does not authorize border crossings to:

  • Turkey

  • Russia

These restrictions apply universally and cannot be changed.

Fuel Policy: Simple and Transparent

StarCar uses a clear, easy fuel policy:

  1. You check the fuel level during pickup

  2. The same level must be returned

  3. Level is written in the contract for transparency

No hidden refueling fees - straightforward and fair.

Understanding Off-Road Limitations

Georgia has remote mountain areas where off-road driving can be extremely dangerous.

Off-road driving is strictly prohibited under all StarCar rental agreements.

Prohibited Terrain Includes:

  • Rocky mountain tracks

  • Unmaintained dirt routes

  • Riverbeds or washed-out roads

Permitted Roads:

  • Paved highways

  • Maintained roads

  • Light gravel surfaces (if suitable for your vehicle type)

If your route seems risky, StarCar’s operators will advise whether your car is appropriate - preventing accidents and damage.

Are Some Roads Dangerous in Georgia?

Yes - certain destinations require high-clearance SUVs due to steep grades, sharp turns, or unstable surfaces.

Routes That Require a Proper SUV

  • Omalo (Tusheti)

  • Ushguli

  • Vashlovani National Park

  • Goderdzi Pass

  • Truso Valley

  • Zekari Pass

Driving these areas with a sedan or hatchback is unsafe and strongly discouraged.


Do You Need to Return the Car Washed?

Yes - vehicles must be returned in clean condition.
If you prefer, you can bring it back unwashed and simply cover the cleaning fee.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Trip

To choose the ideal car rental in Georgia, consider your route, luggage, season, and road conditions.

Sedan (City + Highways)

Ideal for:

  • Tbilisi

  • Kutaisi

  • Highways

  • Summer travel
    Capacity: 4 passengers + 2 suitcases

Hatchback (Budget-Friendly + Easy Parking)

Ideal for:

  • Urban driving

  • Compact routes
    Capacity: 4 passengers + 2–3 small bags

Crossover (Versatile + Seasonal Travel)

Ideal for:

  • All seasons

  • Regional trips

  • Light mountain areas
    Capacity: 4–5 passengers
    7-seat options available

SUV (Best for Mountains)

Ideal for:

  • Winter travel

  • Steep gradients

  • Rural gravel roads
    Capacity: 5–7 passengers

Minivan (Families + Groups)

Ideal for:

  • Large groups

  • Family road trips
    Capacity: up to 8 passengers + luggage

Red Flags When Choosing a Rental Company

Avoid companies that:

  • Lack 24/7 support

  • Refuse to explain terms

  • Have unclear insurance policies

  • Offer unusually low pricing

  • Do not document vehicle condition

  • Have no physical office or direct contact

StarCar avoids all of these issues through total transparency and dedicated customer support.


Why StarCar Is One of the Best Choices in Georgia

Travelers consistently choose StarCar because it offers:

  • Transparent, fair pricing

  • Third-party insurance included

  • Optional full coverage

  • 24/7 support and roadside assistance

  • Airport delivery with no waiting lines

  • Large fleet for all terrains

  • Local expertise with high professional standards

  • Easy booking via website or WhatsApp

StarCar doesn’t just provide vehicles - it provides a seamless, safe driving experience across Georgia.

Booking Your Car: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Select your car category

  2. Choose pickup & return locations

  3. Provide dates and flight details

  4. Review total cost & inclusions

  5. Confirm booking online or via WhatsApp

  6. Prepare your documents

  7. Inspect the vehicle at pickup

  8. Begin your adventure confidently

Start Your Journey With Confidence

Renting a car in Georgia opens the door to unforgettable landscapes, cultural treasures, and true freedom of travel. With StarCar’s reliable fleet, transparent policies, and 24/7 support, your journey will be easy, safe, and stress-free - exactly what a great road trip should be.