Transportation is one of the key factors to consider when planning a trip. I know many skip this step, believing they’ll figure it all out on the spot. I’ve been guilty of this approach myself. But I’ve also found myself wasting time, money, and effort trying to fix multiple logistical issues when I should just have been having a good time on my vacation. Take it from me: make sure you know how to get from point A to point B on your itinerary before you’re in a new unfamiliar country.
When speaking about Georgia specifically, while the country offers several options for getting around (including public transportation and private minivans), the most popular choices among tourists are to either self-drive or hire a private driver. Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons. To decide which one works better for you, you need to consider the costs, comfort, and safety.
It should come as no surprise that hiring a person to drive you around costs more than simply hiring a vehicle. Hiring a car with a driver in Georgia typically costs between $80-150 per day depending on the itinerary and length of service. While this might seem steep, it covers several hidden expenses you'd otherwise need to handle separately, including fuel and driver's accommodation when necessary. Simply hiring a car at the Tbilisi airport would cost 2 to 3 times cheaper, with the base rate usually ranging from $30-50 per day. But many do skip considering the additional expenses like fuel costs, insurance, and potential parking fees. Once you factor in all the hidden costs, fees for a driver may not seem so outlandish after all.
That said, of course, even if you account for all standard expenses, renting a car is still a more economical option, especially If you're planning to explore multiple regions over several days. Many budget visitors choose to get a rental car in Kutaisi when flying in from Europe since that’s where WizzAir (the cheapest airline operating in Georgia) has its base.
There’s no question about it: hiring a private driver in Georgia means you’re almost guaranteed to have an entirely stress-free experience. But you do need to be selective and do your research before hiring anyone: the best drivers are able to double as local guides, offering insights about the places you visit and helping navigate the language barrier in the regions.
But if you're only planning to explore the capital Tbilisi, you should be deciding between public transportation or renting a car. Hiring a private driver when you’re sticking to one city, a city that is well-covered with public transportation to boot, would be a waste of funds.
Self-driving does allow for more options to explore at your own pace. As long as you’re working with a reputable car rental service in Georgia, that will consult on what type of vehicle to rent according to the time of the year and your itinerary, you should be able to account for most safety issues on your own.
When driving yourself, you can modify the itinerary on the fly, make spontaneous stops at interesting locations, and spend extra time at places you like. This flexibility often makes for unforgettable memories (and beautiful photography).
However, this independence comes with responsibilities. You'll need to handle parking, navigation, and potential interactions with local traffic officers. And it’s worth remembering that while major roads are well-maintained, rural areas may have poor markings and confusing signage, making navigation challenging.
Safety becomes particularly relevant when discussing mountain travel. Georgia's mountainous regions, while breathtakingly beautiful, are hard to navigate - even for Georgians themselves unless they’re local. Roads in areas like Svaneti or Tusheti require experience with mountain driving.
Local drivers know which routes become dangerous during certain weather conditions and can navigate alternative paths when necessary. They're familiar with the unwritten rules of mountain roads and know where to find assistance if needed. If you’re visiting during winter months or planning extensive mountain trips, not getting a car with a driver in Georgia is simply irresponsible. Exploring Georgia’s mountainous roads on your own, especially in winter is not a smart choice, you need someone well-versed in handling challenging road conditions.
In most cases, renting a car and driving yourself is the best balance of cost and flexibility, especially if you plan to travel between major cities and popular tourist destinations.
However, in certain specific scenarios – particularly mountain travel, winter trips, or rural areas with little tourist traffic, where language barriers can be a major concern – the added cost of hiring a driver can be a worthwhile investment.
The key to making the right decision is to carefully consider your specific needs, travel style, and intended destinations.
