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Should You Hire a Car in Georgia? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Georgia (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Georgia - i.e. is a car better value than using public transport? We'll weigh up both questions and give you a response generated by Chat GPT, together with our own curated opinion before finally giving a yes or no verdict at the end.
CITYIATAScore
KutaisiKUT
TbilisiTBS
TskhinvaliTSKH

Should You Rent a Car in Georgia? 🚗⛰️

Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is a country of ancient wine regions, dramatic mountain scenery, medieval monasteries, and warm hospitality. While public transport connects major towns, many of Georgia’s most stunning destinations lie in remote valleys and highland regions. So, should you rent a car in Georgia? The answer depends on how independently you want to explore the country’s diverse landscapes.

🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car

If you’re focusing on major cities or joining organised tours, you can explore easily without renting a vehicle.

Destination Why a Car Isn’t Needed Best Transport Option
Tbilisi Walkable city with metro and taxis Metro, walking, Bolt/Uber
Batumi Compact Black Sea resort city Walking, bus, taxi
Kutaisi Connected by trains and buses Train or marshrutka
Wine tours in Kakheti Transport included with tours Minivan or 4×4 tour

➡ Georgia’s main cities have reliable transport, and guided tours are common for wine regions and day trips.

🚗 When Renting a Car Is the Best Option

A rental car offers full control over your itinerary, especially if you plan to explore Georgia’s mountainous interior, scenic lakes, and monasteries tucked away in the countryside.

Benefit What You Can Explore
Scenic drives The famous Georgian Military Highway
Remote areas Svaneti, Tusheti, Kazbegi, Vardzia
Cultural sites Rural monasteries and wine villages
Flexibility Stop at viewpoints and local markets

Popular Self-Drive Regions

Route Highlight Driving Notes
Tbilisi → Kazbegi Mountain landscapes and churches Paved but winding
Tbilisi → Kakheti Wine country and vineyards Easy driving
Mestia → Ushguli UNESCO-listed mountain village 4×4 required
Borjomi → Vardzia Cave monasteries Scenic roadtrip

🚦 Driving in Georgia – What to Expect

  • You drive on the right-hand side

  • Roads vary: highways are good, but rural roads can be steep or unpaved

  • Georgian drivers can be assertive, especially around Tbilisi

  • Fuel stations are frequent in populated areas

  • Winter conditions in the mountains may require chains or 4×4

Car Rental Availability

International companies like Avis, Hertz, and Sixt, as well as reliable local firms, operate in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. A 4×4 is highly recommended for remote and mountain regions.

🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car

Transport Type Best For Notes
Marshrutka minibuses Budget travel between towns Frequent but crowded
Taxi/Bolt City and regional trips Affordable and easy to book
Train Tbilisi–Batumi route Comfortable alternative
Guided tours Mountain and wine regions Includes transport

🧭 Conclusion

Renting a car in Georgia is the best option for travellers who want the freedom to explore its majestic mountains, quiet villages, and stunning wine country independently. However, if your trip is focused on cities, major tourist regions, or organised excursions, you can comfortably rely on Georgia’s mix of public transport, taxis, and tours. The right choice depends on whether your travel style leans toward independent adventure or guided exploration.

Should You Hire a Car in 🇬🇪 — or Not? Advice on this page has been written using Chat GPT, backed up by 20 years experience in the travel industry. This site is planned for full launch on 1st January 2026. Full terms, advice, FAQs, disclaimer etc to follow. UN flag is a placeholder

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