Tbilisi

Europe > Georgia > Tbilisi (TBS)

The Car or no Car advice for  Tbilisi can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Tbilisi ;  is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).

🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Tbilisi ?

These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.

🇬🇪 Mode

Score
🚆 Non-car score non-car score 6

💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Tbilisi?

These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.

🇬🇪 Factor

Score
🚗 Car Score car rental availability score 7
🚗Do we need a car in Tbilisi? Is it worth it? Should we rent one? | Comment
Tbilisi is Georgia’s capital and largest city, set dramatically along the Mtkvari River and spread across hills on both sides of the valley. With a strong metro system and dense historic centre but wide suburban sprawl beyond, visitors often ask should you rent a car in Tbilisi or rely on the city’s extensive public transport and taxis instead.

Tbilisi itself works very well without a car, but the surrounding regions of Georgia open up quickly once you leave the city limits, which can shift the balance depending on your plans.

Advantages of renting a car in Tbilisi

  • Ideal for exploring beyond the city
    A car makes it far easier to reach wine regions, mountain roads, monasteries, and countryside areas outside Tbilisi.

  • Flexibility for regional travel
    Driving allows independent movement to places that are slow or indirect to reach by public transport.

  • Convenient for road trips
    Tbilisi is a natural starting point for journeys towards Kakheti, Kazbegi, or southern Georgia 🚗🏔️.

  • Useful outside the urban core
    Once beyond the central districts, a car can save significant time.

Disadvantages of renting a car in Tbilisi

  • Excellent urban public transport
    Tbilisi has a reliable metro system, extensive buses, and cable cars that cover most city journeys efficiently.

  • Traffic congestion
    Driving in central Tbilisi can be slow and stressful, particularly at peak times.

  • Parking challenges
    Finding parking in historic or busy areas can be difficult.

  • Local driving style
    Driving can feel assertive and unpredictable for visitors.

Conclusion – should you rent a car in Tbilisi

Renting a car in Tbilisi makes sense if you plan to leave the city and explore Georgia’s regions 🚗🌄. However, for stays focused on Tbilisi itself, a car is unnecessary and often inconvenient. With strong public transport and inexpensive taxis, Tbilisi is firmly a no-car city — but an excellent gateway for road travel beyond it.

🚗Do we need a car in Tbilisi? Is it worth it? Should we? Destinations | Comment

🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table

This summary score brings how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.

🇬🇪 Factor

Score
🚗Should You Rent a Car in Tbilisi?
 overall should you rent a car score 5
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