Car rental in Kutaisi
Kutaisi Airport is Georgia's low-cost gateway, and the city sits in the middle of the west. Within an hour you reach canyons, caves and monasteries, and the road to Svaneti starts here.
Central square, KutaisiPhoto: georgia.travelWhat to rent in Kutaisi
Prices 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 4.0Small, thrifty hatchbacks for city streets and paved day trips.
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.
Where to pick up the car
About 20 km west of the city, 25 minutes by car. The car is handed over outside the terminal. Tell us your flight number; low-cost flights are often late.
Most local firms bring the car to your guesthouse or hotel and collect it there.
Trips from Kutaisi by car
Distances one way, with the type of car we suggest.
Driving in and around Kutaisi
A car makes the most sense in western Georgia. The sights around Kutaisi, such as Prometheus Cave, the Martvili and Okatse canyons and Gelati Monastery, lie in different directions and public transport between them is slow. With your own wheels you can see two or three of them in a day.
Kutaisi has fewer rental firms than Tbilisi, so book ahead in summer. The airport is outside the city, and most firms meet you there with the car or deliver to your hotel in town.
- Plan a loop rather than out-and-back trips: canyons in the morning, caves in the afternoon.
- If you go on to Svaneti, ask for a car with good tyres and check that Ushguli is allowed in the contract.
- Book a few days ahead in July and August; Kutaisi has fewer cars than Tbilisi.
What you need to rent
From 21 with most local firms, from 23 to 25 with international brands. Young drivers may pay a surcharge or a higher deposit.
Usually held for at least one or two years, depending on the firm. 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.
Renting in Kutaisi: FAQ
Is there car rental at Kutaisi Airport?
Yes. Several local firms and some international brands hand over cars at Kutaisi Airport, usually by meeting you outside the terminal with the car. Book ahead, as the choice is smaller than in Tbilisi.
Can I drive from Kutaisi to Svaneti in a normal car?
The road to Mestia is paved and fine for a normal car in summer. The last stretch to Ushguli is partly gravel, and many contracts exclude it; a 4x4 or a local driver is the safer choice.
How many days do I need a car around Kutaisi?
Two days cover the canyons, caves and Gelati. Add three or four if you continue to Svaneti or the coast.
