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Everything You Need to Know About Driving in Georgia
Renting a car in Tbilisi or Batumi is one of the most convenient ways to travel around Georgia. It offers freedom, mobility, and the opportunity to visit places that are inaccessible without a vehicle.
Renting a car in Tbilisi or Batumi is one of the most convenient ways to travel around Georgia. It offers freedom, mobility, and the opportunity to visit places that are inaccessible without a vehicle.
Road Classification
in Georgia
in Georgia
Highways (S-roads)
Marked with the Latin letter S and a number (e.g., S1, S2, S3)
- S1: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gori – Zestafoni – Batumi (partly an expressway)
- S2: Black Sea coastline — from Poti to the Turkish border
- S3: Georgian Military Highway (Tbilisi – Stepantsminda – Lars)
Good pavement; road markings, signs, lighting; suitable for any car
-
Regional and Interregional Roads (Sh)
Marked as Sh16, Sh203, etc. Connect cities, villages, and tourist spots.- Quality: from good to average
- Gravel sections and sudden surface changes possible
- Suitable for passenger cars, but caution is advised
-
Mountain and Rural Roads
- Often unpaved
- Narrow, without guardrails
- Only for 4x4 in bad weather
- Can be dangerous in winter
Road Conditions by Region
-
Tbilisi and Surroundings
Excellent road quality
Rush-hour traffic jams -
Kakheti
Good pavement on Tbilisi – Telavi, Sighnaghi routes
Gravel in villages -
Georgian Military Highway (S3)
Scenic route
Landslides, snow blockages in winter -
Svaneti
Asphalt to Mestia
To Ushguli — 4x4 only, especially after rain -
Tusheti
SUV only
Road open from June to October
No guardrails, road collapses possible -
Adjara
Excellent coastal roads
In mountains — hairpin turns, narrow roads
Navigation and Road Signs
- Google Maps — reliable
- Waze — best for cities
- Organic Maps, Maps.me — best for offline use
- Most signs are duplicated in English
- Clear markings on highways; in rural areas, they may be absent
Driving Peculiarities
- Cows, pigs, and horses on the roads — common sight
- Pedestrians walking along highways in villages
- Sudden potholes
- Blind overtaking is frequent
Road Works and Seasonal Closures
Summer — active repairs
Winter — roads to Tusheti, Khevsureti closed
Check updates: roads.gov.ge
Summer — active repairs
Winter — roads to Tusheti, Khevsureti closed
Check updates: roads.gov.ge
Choosing the Right Car
Road Type
Condition
Recommended
Highways (S1–S3)
Excellent
Any
Regional (Sh)
Average–good
Sedan or station wagon
Mountain (Svaneti)
Variable
Preferably 4x4
Tusheti, Ushguli
Difficult
SUV only
Coastline
Good
Any
Mountain Driving
Which Car to Rent
Route
Minimum Requirements
Kazbegi, Gudauri
Any car, preferably automatic with good brakes
Mestia
Station wagon, preferably 4WD
Ushguli, Tusheti
4x4 only, plus driving experience
Khevsureti
4x4 only, possible fords and rockfalls
Tip: If unsure, hire a car with a driver.
Risks
- Loss of traction
- Brake overheating
- Falling rocks
- Narrow roads with no cell coverage
Preparation
- Download offline maps
- Check brakes and lights
- Refuel in advance
- Bring warm clothes, a first aid kit, and a flashlight
Useful Tips & Lifehacks
-
On the Road
- Stay calm — driving style is emotional but not aggressive
- Be predictable: use turn signals, keep distance
- Watch for animals on the road
-
Fuel
- Best networks: Socar, Gulf, Wissol
- 95-octane is standard
- LPG not available everywhere
- Often, an attendant will refuel your car for you
-
Mobile Connection
- Buy a SIM card from Magticom, Geocell, Beeline
- Internet packages start from 10 GEL
- Useful apps: Tbilisi Parking — parking and fines_------------------------===========Google Translate, TBC Pay — translations and =======================================payments
-
Communication with Locals
- Short honk — greeting
- Hazard lights — “thank you”
- Locals are friendly and willing to help
Car Rental in Georgia: Detailed Guide
Why Renting a Car in Georgia is a Good Choice:
Why Renting a Car in Georgia is a Good Choice:
- Flexible route planning
- Access to remote locations
- Cheaper than taxis if traveling in a group
- Ability to change plans on the go
Car Rental in Tbilisi: What to Consider
-
Criteria
Car type
Transmission
Engine
Options
- RecommendationsCompact for the city, 4x4 for mountains
Automatic for comfort
1.6 L or higher
Air conditioning, GPS, phone mount
Important Contract Details
- Insurance: CASCO, theft, liability
- Check deductible and mileage limit
- Permit for Armenia/Turkey trips
- Take photos during inspection before departure
Common Mistakes
Mistake
Consequences
How to Avoid
Not inspecting the car
Fines
Photos + inspection form
Ignoring insurance
High accident costs
Always take CASCO
Choosing wrong car type
Problems on climbs
Consider route & weather
Late return
Fines, deposit loss
Be punctual + follow contract
Conclusion
When renting a car in Georgia, it’s important to understand local road specifics, know the routes, and choose a car suited to the conditions. Renting a car in Tbilisi, Batumi, or other cities is a great way to explore the country in depth and with more freedom.
If you’re ready for the trip, car rental in Georgia is available online through many trusted services. The key is to stay calm, attentive, and ready for adventure.
When renting a car in Georgia, it’s important to understand local road specifics, know the routes, and choose a car suited to the conditions. Renting a car in Tbilisi, Batumi, or other cities is a great way to explore the country in depth and with more freedom.
If you’re ready for the trip, car rental in Georgia is available online through many trusted services. The key is to stay calm, attentive, and ready for adventure.
