Georgia is a country practically designed for road trips. From the semi-desert, Mars-like landscapes of Vashlovani to the lush, subtropical forests of Adjara and the towering snowy peaks of Svaneti, the scenery changes dramatically every 50 kilometers. While public transport options like trains and "marshrutkas" (minibusses) exist, they often run on unpredictable schedules, are crowded, and—most importantly—they never stop for photos when you see a breathtaking view.
To truly experience the freedom of the Caucasus and reach the hidden gems that lie off the main highway, renting a car in Georgia is the best decision you can make. It transforms a standard vacation into an unforgettable adventure.
However, we understand that driving in a foreign country can be intimidating. You might be asking: Is it safe? Are the police corrupt? What documents do I actually need?
As a leading local rental agency, Star Car values transparency above all else. We want you to feel confident before you even turn the key. Here is our honest, complete guide to driving and renting in Georgia for the 2026 season.
Before you start planning your route on Google Maps, let’s ensure you are eligible to drive here. At Star Car, we keep our requirements simple, but we are strict about them to ensure everyone's safety on the road.
Minimum Age: Unlike many international agencies that require drivers to be 25, we understand that young travelers are capable drivers too. You must be at least 20 years old to rent a vehicle with us.
Driving License: You need a valid driving license printed with Latin characters (English alphabet). If your license is in a non-Latin script (e.g., Chinese, Arabic, or Cyrillic only), you will legally need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany your original license.
Passport: A valid passport is required to sign the rental contract. We will take a copy of it upon pickup.
We believe in a "No Hidden Fees" policy. When you browse our fleet of cars, the price you see should be the price you pay. Here is a breakdown of how our billing works:
Our minimum rental duration is 3 days. Why do we have this rule? Preparing a car for a rental takes time—we inspect, clean, and sanitize every vehicle thoroughly. A 3-day minimum allows us to maintain high service standards while offering you the best possible daily rates.
Note: If you absolutely need a car for only 1 or 2 days, we can accommodate you, but the cost will still be calculated based on the standard 3-day rate.
Like all reputable car rental companies worldwide, we require a security deposit upon pickup. This amount is fully refundable when you return the vehicle in the same condition.
Our Promise: We do not block money indefinitely for "unknown future fines." Our return process is quick, fair, and transparent. Once we inspect the car together and confirm there are no new damages, the deposit process is finalized immediately.
Driving on mountain roads can be unpredictable—loose stones from trucks or narrow village streets can cause minor issues. To give you peace of mind, we offer clear insurance tiers:
Standard Insurance (Included): All our rental prices automatically include Third-Party Liability Insurance. This covers damages caused to other people or property, so you are legally protected.
Full Insurance (Highly Recommended): For a small additional daily fee, you can upgrade to our Full Insurance package. This covers damages to the rental vehicle itself (like scratches, dents, or cracked windshields). Given the nature of some Georgian roads, 90% of our customers choose this option for a stress-free holiday.
Crucial Rule: Our insurance coverage is valid only within the territory of Georgia. Crossing the border to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, or Russia is strictly prohibited. The car is not insured outside the country, and taking it across the border violates the contract.
Traffic culture in Georgia is unique and can be described as "organized chaos." It is generally safe, but you need to be aware of three main factors to drive like a local:
This is not a joke—it is a reality of rural driving. In regions like Racha, Svaneti, and Kakheti, cows, sheep, and pigs often wander onto the road. In Georgia, animals have the right of way by custom!
Advice: If you see animals, slow down immediately. Do not honk aggressively; simply pass them slowly and carefully. Always stay alert around blind corners in the mountains.
Forget old stereotypes—the Georgian Patrol Police are extremely professional, helpful to tourists, and strictly anti-corruption.
Never offer a bribe: It is a serious criminal offense and will get you arrested.
Speed Cameras: They are everywhere, including major highways and city avenues. We recommend using Waze or Google Maps, as they are usually up-to-date with camera locations.
Zero Tolerance: There is a strictly zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.
Georgia has improved its infrastructure massively. The central East-West highway is excellent and comparable to European standards. However, roads leading to remote high-altitude areas like Ushguli, Omalo, or the Goderdzi Pass are a different story. These routes require a heavy 4x4 and an experienced driver. If you are unsure if your chosen car can handle a specific route, please ask our support team before you go.
Here are the most common questions we receive from travelers planning their 2026 trip.
Q: Can I pick up the car in one city and return it in another? A: Yes! We offer flexible One-Way Rentals. You can pick up your car via Tbilisi car rental and return it in Batumi or Kutaisi. This is perfect for travelers who want to land in the capital and fly out from the coast without driving all the way back.
Q: Do I really need a 4x4, or is a sedan enough? A: It depends entirely on your itinerary.
For city trips (Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi) and main highways: A Sedan or Hatchback is perfectly fine and fuel-efficient.
For ski resorts (Gudauri, Bakuriani) or mountains (Kazbegi, Svaneti): A 4x4 SUV is mandatory, especially in winter.
Q: Is fuel expensive in Georgia? A: Fuel prices are moderate compared to Western Europe (approx. 1 Euro per liter, though this fluctuates). Pro Tip: Gas stations are frequent on main roads but sparse in the mountains. Always fill up your tank before leaving major cities.
Georgia is a country that rewards the curious. Don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back. With a modern vehicle and 24/7 support from our local team, you are in safe hands.
Plan your 2026 adventure with confidence.
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