Georgia is a country full of unique experiences. Perched right at the intersection of Europe and Asia, it has an eclectic culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes, to boot. But to truly make the most of your time there and explore all its cities, mountains, and coasts, renting a vehicle is the best option.
In this blog below, we'll break down the top reasons to rent a car in Georgia for your next trip, and all the ways the flexibility and convenience it brings would make the trip much easier to navigate.
Renting a car in Georgia can make your trip much more convenient, whether you're sticking to the urban areas or exploring the countryside. Let's go over the main reasons why a rental vehicle is a wise choice, regardless of what's on your Georgian itinerary.
Georgia is full of off-the-beaten-path destinations, from rural towns to natural wonders to historical sites, located away from inhabited areas. Public transport doesn't always make it easy to reach these places. Renting a car will allow you to explore the hidden gems and natural attractions at your own pace without being tied to bus schedules or costly taxi rides. Eschewing a rental means you'll either miss out on some of the most beautiful parts of the country or will have to spend a lot of resources like time and energy (and sometimes money) planning a trip to each destination. And it goes without saying that you'll see a lot less than you would if you could move at your own pace.
We must be honest: Georgia's public transport isn't the worst. Most urban centers are well connected, either via train, bus, or marshrutkas - and it's pretty cheap, especially compared to other European destinations. On the other hand, the trains can be sparse, while marshrutkas can be unpredictable and inconvenient. Additionally, buses and marshrutkas (minivans that travel specific routes) don't always have set schedules (marshrutkas, particularly, frequently depend on the drivers' conveniences - not the travelers'), and they can get overcrowded, especially during peak times. Having a rental means you'll avoid these challenges entirely. You won't have to worry about waiting for the next available marshrutka or figuring out whether the routes work for you. Sometimes, the cards only mention the starting and ending point of the routes, and you have to ask around if the marshrutka will go through the settlement you need (and then you have to pray no one mixed anything up and you're definitely going the right way). Instead, you'll have the freedom to get where you need to go quickly and comfortably.
Often, the best travel experiences are unplanned - and that can be especially true for a country as eclectic as Georgia, one that most travelers find full of surprises. Some of the best experiences will be derived from recommendations you'll get from locals when you're already here. Getting a rental allows you to follow those recommendations and take spontaneous detours, be it a stop at a local vineyard that cannot be found on Google Maps or a scenic route through the mountains. You won't have that kind of freedom with public transport or pre-planned tours. Being tied to a rigid schedule could mean you've curtailed yourself and won't be able to add some of the most exciting experiences to your trip. Choosing a local car rental service in Georgia gives you access to options that the internet isn't able to recommend, at least not yet.
Fair warning: traveling with friends or family will get complicated if you plan to rely on public transport. Can it be done? Yes. But if you're the one responsible for organizing tickets for everyone and coordinating routes, expect to be tired by the end of the trip, and not rested. There's a reason why being a Tour Guide is a full-time job.
A rental simplifies things. A group can travel together without any one person having to take all the organizational responsibilities, it's comfortable, and you don't need to constantly be tense, trying to keep track of everyone. This is particularly true if you're traveling with kids - a rental makes traveling ten times easier, from packing snacks to taking breaks as needed.
For extended trips, renting a car often ends up being more economical than constantly using taxis or public transport. What might seem like a higher upfront cost quickly balances out when you consider the flexibility, comfort, and convenience of having your own vehicle. The cost of multiple short trips can add up, especially when visiting more remote areas. Especially if you're traveling with a group, splitting the price of a rental vehicle among you will make the trips more affordable than buying individual tickets if you're planning to visit multiple locations across the country. Renting a car provides a fixed cost that covers all your travel, and, if nothing else, it makes it easier to stick to the budget you've set for the trip.
With Star Car, renting a car in Georgia is simple. You can either book your vehicle through our website, where you can choose the pickup location, time, and model, or you can contact our operators for assistance via WhatsApp.
Follow the instructions on the website, but make sure to rent a car in Tbilisi in advance so we can accommodate your preferred dates. Be sure to provide accurate flight details when booking to ensure a smooth handoff. Once everything is set, you can expect to get your rented vehicle right upon your arrival at Tbilisi Airport. A representative will meet you near the airport exit, holding an A4 sign with the Starcar logo. Payments are made in cash at pickup, and you can pay in GEL, USD, or EUR.
If you're flying into Kutaisi, you'll have more options. You can pick up your rental at the airport or at Starcar's office in the city. You can pay with cash or a card, though note that card payments are made at the office, and there's a 2% fee. Otherwise, the process of renting a car in Kutaisi is pretty much the same.
The process for Batumi arrivals is similar. You book online in advance, and a Starcar representative will be waiting for you at Batumi Airport, per the flight details you provide. As with the other locations, payments are made in cash at pickup.
Renting a car in Georgia gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace, and Starcar makes the process simple and transparent. Be sure to book in advance and enjoy your journey!
