Tbilisi serves as the gateway to Georgia's mountain roads and wine regions. Local rental companies listed on Localrent offer airport pick-up, city delivery, and vehicles equipped for winter driving.
Car rental Tbilisi arrangements start with the booking widget above, where you'll see offers from local rental companies operating in Georgia. When you rent a car in Tbilisi, you choose a pick-up format that matches your arrival plan.
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) sits 17 km east of the city centre along George W. Bush highway. Most companies on Localrent provide car rental Tbilisi airport service - you land, collect your voucher details, and meet the provider at the arrivals area. The drive into town takes about 25 minutes outside rush hours.
Hotel delivery is common for car hire Tbilisi bookings. The rental company brings the vehicle to your address in the city, handles the paperwork at your hotel lobby, and you start driving from there. The voucher will state the exact meeting time and any delivery fee if applicable.
Some providers maintain an office in Tbilisi where you can pick up the car. The voucher includes the office address, opening hours, and contact number. This format works well if you spend a day or two exploring the Old Town on foot before heading to the mountains.
Your confirmation email from Localrent contains the voucher with the rental company's name, their phone number, pick-up instructions, and the rental agreement terms. Check the voucher for fuel policy, mileage limits, and insurance coverage before you travel.
Tbilisi International Airport 17 km via George W. Bush highway, 25 min drive
Gudauri 120 km via E117 Georgian Military Highway, 2-2.5 h with winter tyres Nov-Mar
Right-hand traffic, assertive local driving style, roundabouts at Heroes Square require attention
Paid zones along Rustaveli Avenue and city centre, meters and mobile payment apps accepted
Dec-Apr ski season in Gudauri and Bakuriani, Tbilisi temperatures 0-8C, chains advised for high passes
Enter your dates and pick-up location in the widget. Localrent displays live offers from local rental companies operating in Tbilisi.
Review car classes, insurance options, and terms. Pay the advance payment online to confirm your reservation.
Localrent emails your voucher with the rental company's contact details, pick-up instructions, and agreement terms.
Meet the provider at the agreed location, sign the rental contract, pay the balance stated in the voucher, and collect your car.
| Class | Typical models | Suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | Hyundai i20, Kia Rio, Renault Clio | City driving, short trips to Mtskheta | Manual gearbox common, enough for paved roads |
| Sedan | Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra | Airport runs, Kakheti wine region | Comfortable for four passengers with luggage |
| SUV | Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage | Mountain roads, winter trips to Gudauri | Higher clearance for rough sections |
| 4x4 | Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Patrol, Suzuki Jimny | Georgian Military Highway, Kazbegi in snow | Winter tyres and chains included Nov-Mar |
| Minivan | Mercedes Vito, Hyundai H1 | Groups, ski trips with equipment | Seats 7-9, luggage space for boards and bags |
When you rent auto Tbilisi for mountain destinations, check the voucher for tyre specifications. The E117 to Gudauri climbs above 2000 metres and requires winter tyres from November through March. Companies supply chains for high passes, but you need to confirm this detail at pick-up.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Road notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gudauri ski resort | 120 km | 2-2.5 h | E117 Georgian Military Highway, winter tyres essential, chains for heavy snow |
| Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) | 150 km | 3 h | Continues on E117, high mountain passes, 4x4 recommended in winter |
| Mtskheta | 20 km | 20 min | Paved highway, UNESCO site with Jvari Monastery |
| Kakheti wine region | 110 km | 1.5 h | Good roads to Sighnaghi and Telavi, sedan suitable |
| Bakuriani ski resort | 180 km | 3 h | Via Borjomi, mountain roads with winter maintenance |
| Kutaisi | 230 km | 3.5 h | Highway E60, stopover for western Georgia |
The drive to Gudauri is the main winter route for cars rent ge Tbilisi bookings. You leave the city on the E117, pass Mtskheta, and climb through the Caucasus foothills. The road is paved but steep in sections, with hairpin bends after Pasanauri. Local drivers move fast even in snow, so take your time and use the turnouts if needed.
Kazbegi sits another 30 km beyond Gudauri at the base of Mount Kazbek. The Cross Pass reaches 2395 metres and can close during blizzards. Check road conditions before you go and carry chains in the boot.
Some local rental companies on Localrent offer car hire Tbilisi arrangements without a deposit hold at pick-up. The booking advance you pay online covers the reservation, and the balance goes to the company when you collect the car - no additional card block required.
These no-deposit offers suit travellers who prefer not to tie up funds on their card during the rental period. The voucher will state if a deposit applies or not, along with the insurance coverage included. Full details about no-deposit rentals and how they work are explained on our dedicated page.
Standard deposit arrangements typically involve a hold on your credit card at the rental desk. The amount depends on the car class and coverage level, and the hold releases after you return the vehicle. Either way, the voucher clarifies the payment structure before you travel.
Bring your driving licence from your home country. Most rental companies in Georgia accept licences in Latin script without an International Driving Permit, but if your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese), you'll need an IDP as a translation.
A credit card in the driver's name is required for deposit holds (or for payment if the voucher states a deposit applies). Debit cards are accepted by some providers for no-deposit bookings, but confirm this detail in the voucher or contact the company before pick-up.
Your passport and the Localrent voucher complete the paperwork. The voucher includes your booking reference, rental agreement terms, and the company's contact information. Print a copy or have it ready on your phone.
Age limits: most providers require drivers to be at least 21 years old with one year of licence history. Some car classes - particularly 4x4 and larger SUVs - have a minimum age of 23 or 25. The search filters in the Localrent widget show which vehicles match your age bracket.
Picked up a Tucson at Tbilisi airport through Localrent in January for a week in Gudauri. Company rep met us at arrivals with the paperwork ready, car had winter tyres and chains in the boot. Road to Gudauri was snowy but manageable, no issues with the car. Returned at the airport on time, deposit released two days later.
Booked a Kia Rio for city and Kakheti wine tour in December. Hotel delivery worked smoothly, car was clean and fuel tank full. Compact size made Tbilisi parking easier than expected. Returned at their office near Rustaveli, quick check and done.
Rented a Pajero for a two-week trip including Kazbegi and Bakuriani. No deposit offer on Localrent was perfect for us. Car handled mountain roads without trouble, chains came in handy twice. Good experience with the local company.
When you rent a car Tbilisi airport through Localrent, the voucher includes the meeting point - usually arrivals hall or a desk near baggage claim. The company representative will have a sign with your name or the company logo. If you don't see them within 15 minutes, call the phone number on the voucher.
One-way rentals between cities are possible with some companies listed on Localrent, but you need to select the different drop-off location in the search widget. The system will show which providers allow one-way trips and any fee will be included in the total. Check the voucher for the drop-off address and opening hours at the destination city.
The coverage depends on the option you select during booking. Basic plans typically include third-party liability and limited collision damage waiver. Full coverage options reduce or eliminate the excess you'd pay for damage. The exact terms, coverage limits, and any excess amount are stated in your voucher.
Rental cars in Tbilisi are equipped with winter tyres from November through March when you book SUV or 4x4 classes for mountain destinations. Some providers include chains in the boot for high passes. Confirm tyre type and chains availability in the voucher or contact the company before pick-up.
Most local companies operate a full-to-full fuel policy: you receive the car with a full tank and return it full. The voucher states the fuel policy and the expected fuel level at return. Keep the last fuel receipt to show you refilled before drop-off.
Cross-border travel depends on the rental company's policy and requires advance permission. Most local providers listed on Localrent allow trips to Armenia with prior arrangement and additional insurance documents. Azerbaijan crossings are less common and often restricted. Mention cross-border plans when you book and confirm written permission in the voucher.
Tbilisi traffic moves fast and local drivers are assertive. Roundabouts at Heroes Square and Freedom Square can feel chaotic during rush hours - vehicles enter without full stops and lanes are loosely observed. Keep your distance and signal clearly.
Right-hand traffic applies throughout Georgia. Speed limits are 60 km/h in the city, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on highways. Police radar checks are common on the airport road and the E117 towards Gudauri.
Parking in central Tbilisi uses paid zones marked with blue lines along Rustaveli Avenue, Marjanishvili, and the Old Town perimeter. Meters accept coins and cards, or you can pay via the TbilisiPay mobile app. Rates vary by zone and time of day; overnight parking is usually free after 20:00. Parking attendants patrol the zones and issue fines for expired meters.
Hotel parking is available at most accommodations outside the Old Town core. If your hotel lacks parking, look for public lots near Marjanishvili or Rose Revolution Square. Avoid stopping on narrow streets in the historic centre - tow trucks operate there.
When driving to Kutaisi or the Black Sea coast, the E60 highway is well maintained but watch for slower trucks on uphill sections. For mountain trips, start early to avoid afternoon fog and ice on shaded bends.
Compare live offers from local companies in the Localrent widget above. Pick your dates, select a car, and confirm with an advance payment. Your voucher arrives by email with all pick-up details.
Search cars now