Tbilisi is the heart of Georgia and the natural starting point for most trips around the country. Whether your plan is to visit Kazbegi, taste wine in Kakheti or breathe cool air in Borjomi, having your own car turns a classic city break into a flexible road trip. A good Car Rental Tbilisi deal means you decide when to leave, where to stop, and which detours are worth a quick turn off the highway.
On RentGo Tbilisi you can compare offers from local partners, choose pick-up at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) or in the city, and select car types that match your route – from compact automatics to SUVs for longer mountain drives. Instead of spending hours searching random forums, you get a clear overview of real-world car hire options in the capital.
Why Choose Car Rental Tbilisi for Your Trip? 🚗
Georgia has trains, buses and shared minibuses (marshrutkas), but they come with fixed schedules and limited flexibility. With Car Rental Tbilisi you get:
- Freedom of timing: leave Tbilisi early to reach viewpoints before crowds, or stay late in a wine village without worrying about last buses.
- Access to small places: many churches, waterfalls and viewpoints are easier to reach by car than by public transport.
- Comfort in all seasons: air-conditioned driving in summer, warm and dry in winter while crossing mountain passes.
- Better use of time: combine several sights in one loop instead of spending half a day waiting at stations.
For couples, families and small groups, renting a car in Tbilisi often works out cheaper per person than booking multiple organised tours – especially on routes like Kazbegi or Kakheti.
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Tbilisi
The two most common pick-up points for Car Rental Tbilisi are the airport and central districts. Each has its advantages:
| Pick-up location | Best for | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) | Travellers who start driving straight after landing. | No extra transfers, easy to exit the city towards Kazbegi, Kakheti or west. |
| Central Tbilisi (Rustaveli, Old Town) | Those who spend first days in the city without a car. | Avoid parking costs during city days, pick up the car only when you’re ready to leave. |
| Vake / Saburtalo | Long-stay guests, digital nomads, expats. | Convenient if you’re staying in residential districts with easier parking. |
When you book through Car Rental Tbilisi providers, check whether hotel delivery, after-hours pick-up or drop-off are available – this can make early morning departures or late-night arrivals much easier.
Which Car to Choose – City vs Mountains
Not every route from Tbilisi needs a big 4×4. For many travellers, a comfortable automatic sedan is enough. When choosing a Car Rental Tbilisi option, think about:
- Compact / economy: ideal if you stay mostly in Tbilisi and take one or two gentle trips (for example Mtskheta or nearby wine areas).
- Standard sedan: good balance for Kakheti, Borjomi and Kazbegi in normal weather.
- SUV / crossover: useful if you expect variable road conditions, winter driving or travel with more luggage.
- 7-seater: best for groups or big families who want to travel together in one vehicle.
Remember that “4×4” does not automatically mean that off-road driving is allowed. Most Car Rental Tbilisi contracts only cover paved roads and certain well-known routes. Always confirm with your provider before planning extreme tracks or very remote passes.
Documents & Basic Rules for Car Rental Tbilisi
Requirements can vary slightly by company, but usually you’ll need:
- Valid driving licence – typically at least 1-2 years of experience; some national licences may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Identification – passport or national ID (for eligible citizens).
- Driver age – often 21+ for standard cars, higher for premium categories.
- Payment method – local or international card; some partners offer low-deposit or no-deposit options with clear conditions.
Georgia drives on the right-hand side. Seat belts are mandatory, and speed limits are enforced by cameras and police checks, especially on main roads between cities.
Popular Self-Drive Routes from Tbilisi
1. Tbilisi – Mtskheta & Jvari – Easy First Day Trip
If you’ve just picked up your Car Rental Tbilisi car and want a gentle start, the classic route is:
- Short drive to Mtskheta, the old capital, with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and riverside views.
- Stop at Jvari Monastery above the town for panoramas of the river junction and hills.
This loop helps you get used to Georgian traffic without long distances. You can be back in Tbilisi for dinner and a stroll in the Old Town.
2. Tbilisi – Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) – Mountain Views
One of the most popular Georgian road trips, and a classic use case for Car Rental Tbilisi:
- Follow the Georgian Military Highway via Ananuri (lake and fortress) and Gudauri (ski resort and viewpoints).
- Continue to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) for the famous Gergeti Trinity Church and dramatic Caucasus peaks.
In winter and early spring, always check weather conditions and possible restrictions with your rental company and local news. In summer, leave early to avoid traffic and enjoy clearer views.
3. Tbilisi – Kakheti Wine Region – Sighnaghi or Telavi
Kakheti is Georgia’s main wine region and a favourite for slow self-drive days:
- Via Sighnaghi – cobbled streets, valley views and guesthouses with home-cooked food.
- Via Telavi – vineyards, wineries and quiet roads between villages.
Plan your Car Rental Tbilisi schedule so that the driver can enjoy the scenery while others take the lead on wine tastings. Consider staying overnight in a winery hotel or small guesthouse instead of rushing back to Tbilisi the same day.
Insurance, Mileage & Deposits – Don’t Skip the “Small Print”
Before you click “Book”, spend a few minutes checking:
- Mileage: does your Car Rental Tbilisi deal include unlimited kilometres, or a daily limit with extra fees beyond it?
- Deposit: is the deposit amount fixed and clearly stated? Is it a small cash amount, a card hold, or an excess only?
- Insurance: which areas of damage are covered, and which are excluded (glass, tyres, underbody, off-road)?
- Territorial limits: is cross-border travel allowed (often not), and are certain remote regions excluded?
These details may not be as exciting as planning your winery stops or mountain photo spots, but they are exactly what keeps your Car Rental Tbilisi experience calm and predictable.
Final Tips for Driving from Tbilisi
- Start with one easy day trip (Mtskheta, Jvari or nearby areas) before tackling long mountain drives.
- Keep a small bag with water, snacks, phone charger and a paper map or offline map app in the car.
- Ask your hotel or guesthouse about recommended parking spots – especially in Old Town or busy districts.
- In rural areas, expect slow tractors, animals on the road and people walking – slow down and stay patient.
With the right Car Rental Tbilisi choice, the capital becomes more than just a city break. It turns into a flexible base for exploring mountains, valleys and vineyards at your own speed, with as many spontaneous photo stops, café breaks and village detours as you like.
Choose your dates, pick a car that matches your route, and let local partners from RentGo Tbilisi hand you the keys. And if your next adventure takes you towards warmer seas and desert landscapes, you can look at RentGo Aqaba in Jordan, where a similar no-stress car rental approach helps you explore the Red Sea, Wadi Rum and Petra with the same level of freedom.
