Where do travelers actually drive when they rent a car in Georgia?
We checked with customers to find out.
Georgia is a small country with big variety — sea, mountains, desert, wine valleys — and most of it fits into a two-week road trip. Based on what our renters write in their reviews, here are the routes that come up again and again.
Tbilisi — the starting point
Mentioned in 64 reviews. Most rentals start with airport pickup at TBS. Tbilisi is the logical base: it's central, well-connected, and within a day's drive of almost everything.
Tip from renters: Download the Tbilisi parking app before you start driving. Several reviewers were caught off guard by the paid parking system in the city center.
Kutaisi — the budget flyer hub
Mentioned in 32 reviews. Wizz Air and other low-cost carriers fly into Kutaisi (KUT), making it a popular alternative starting point. Many travelers pick up a car here and drive east to Tbilisi or north toward Svaneti.
Batumi and the Black Sea coast
Mentioned in 24 reviews. The coastal drive from Tbilisi to Batumi takes about 5-6 hours on the highway. Some travelers pick up in Batumi directly; others do a one-way rental from Tbilisi.
Mestia and Svaneti — the mountain highlight
Mentioned in 15 reviews. The most-discussed mountain destination. Travelers who went praise the scenery but warn about road conditions — especially the stretch from Zugdidi to Mestia.
"From sunny weather in busy Kutaisi to snow and ice on mountain roads near Mestia: the car took us everywhere without any problems." — Virginie, Netherlands
A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for Svaneti, especially if you plan to drive beyond Mestia to Ushguli.
Gudauri — winter driving
Mentioned in 11 reviews. Georgia's main ski resort on the Georgian Military Highway north of Tbilisi. In winter, confirm your rental car has winter tires and carry chains. The highway is well-maintained but steep.
Ushguli, Omalo, Vashlovani — the adventurous routes
A handful of travelers took 4x4 vehicles to these remote areas. The roads are unpaved and sometimes barely roads at all — but the landscapes are extraordinary.
"The car is a proper 4x4, we have been to Ushguli, Omalo, and Vashlovani with no problems at all." — Maciej, Poland
Important: Many car listings restrict access to these routes. If the listing says you can't drive there, take it seriously — insurance won't cover damage on unauthorized roads.
Cross-border to Armenia
Mentioned in 6 reviews. Some travelers arranged permission with their car owner to drive into Armenia, covering routes through Borjomi, Gyumri, and Yerevan.
"We drove from Kutaisi via Borjomi, Giumri, and Yerevan to Goris close to the border with Iran, then back via Sevan, Tbilisi, and Gori. More than 1,500 km in 3 days." — Piotr, Poland
Cross-border driving requires advance agreement with the owner and may involve an additional fee. Check the listing details before booking if this is your plan.
Pick your car for your route
City driving (Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi)? A sedan or hatchback is fine. Mountain routes? Go for a Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, or similar. Remote off-road? You need a proper 4x4.
Read next: Car Rental Reviews in Georgia: 1,400+ Ratings · Renting a Car in Georgia: Problems to Avoid
