Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0Kia Picanto
- 4 seats
- 1 bags
- Automatic
- Petrol
An economy hatchback is the cheapest way to drive yourself around Georgia, and on paved roads it is all most couples need. These cars slip into tight spaces in Old Tbilisi and Batumi, use little fuel on long runs to Kakheti or Imereti, and take two travellers with soft bags.
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0Prices are approximate, in US dollars per day, for 2026. July and August cost more; longer rentals cost less per day. We can quote in GEL or EUR.
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0The limits are space and clearance. Four adults with suitcases will feel cramped, and gravel tracks in the mountains are no place for a small car. If your plan includes Kazbegi in winter or any dirt road, look at a crossover or a 4x4 instead.
Third-party liability plus collision cover with an excess, typically $300 to $1,000. If the car is damaged, you pay up to that amount.
Zero or very low excess, often with a smaller deposit. Read the exclusions: tyres, glass, the underbody and off-road damage are sometimes left out.
Georgia requires foreign visitors to hold travel health insurance from 2026. It covers you, not the rental car, so keep both.
From 21 with most local firms, from 23 to 25 with international brands. Young drivers may pay a surcharge or a higher deposit.
Held for at least one to two years. Licences in Latin letters are usually accepted; for other scripts bring an International Driving Permit too.
Passport and the original driving licence of every person who will drive.
About $0 to $300 with local firms, $500 to $1,500 with international brands, returned when you hand the car back.
Many firms allow trips to Armenia if you ask in advance. Crossing into Azerbaijan by land is not possible for most visitors at present.
From December to March, ask for winter tyres for any mountain road. Chains can be required on the Jvari Pass.
A small hatchback such as a Kia Picanto or Hyundai i20. Expect roughly $20 to $30 a day in spring and autumn, more in July and August, and a lower daily rate if you keep the car for a week or longer.
In summer, yes: the Georgian Military Road is paved all the way to Stepantsminda. In winter the Jvari Pass needs winter tyres and sometimes chains, so a crossover or 4x4 is the safer choice.
Mostly automatic. A few firms keep manual hatchbacks, usually for slightly less money.
Photo: User3204, CC BY 4.0Roomy five-seaters with a proper boot for longer road trips.
Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0Higher seats and all-wheel drive for broken tarmac, gravel and snow.
Photo: Raf24~commonswiki, CC BY-SA 4.0Real off-roaders with low range for mountain tracks and passes.
Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0Seven or eight seats for families and small groups, self-drive or with driver.
Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0Sprinters, Transits and coaches with a professional driver for groups.
Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0Business sedans and luxury SUVs, with a chauffeur if you like.
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0Sleep under the Caucasus in a roof-tent 4x4 or a campervan.
Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0Easy 50cc and 125cc scooters for Batumi and the coast.
Photo: San Andreas, CC BY-SA 4.0Adventure and dual-sport bikes for Caucasus road trips.
Photo: TRAILSOURCE.COM, CC BY 2.0City bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes by the day or week.
Photo: rugbyxm, CC BY 2.0Skis, boards, boots and clothing waiting for you at the resort.
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0Tents, sleeping bags, stoves and glacier kit for the mountains.