Driving in Georgia is one of the best ways to explore the country. You can leave Tbilisi in the morning, drive through the mountains in the afternoon and stop at a small village before sunset. But driving in Georgia can feel different from driving in Western Europe or North America.
The roads, traffic, mountain routes and driving habits require some preparation. If this is your first time behind the wheel in Georgia, these 12 things will help you avoid unnecessary stress.
1. Driving is on the right
Georgia drives on the right-hand side of the road, just like most European countries. If you are coming from the UK, Ireland or another country with left-hand traffic, take extra care during your first few hours.
2. Do not underestimate the mountains
Distances in Georgia can look short on a map. They are not always short in reality. A 100-kilometre mountain journey can take much longer than the same distance on a motorway. There are hairpin bends, steep climbs, villages and sections where you simply cannot drive fast.
When planning your route, calculate travel time rather than looking only at kilometres.
3. Main roads and mountain roads are two different worlds
The major highways connecting cities are generally straightforward to drive. Remote mountain roads are a different story. Some are narrow, poorly surfaced or partly unpaved. Conditions can also change after rain, snow or landslides.
If you plan to visit places such as Tusheti, Khevsureti or remote parts of Svaneti, ask your car rental company in Georgia whether your vehicle is suitable and whether the route is permitted.
4. Google Maps is useful — but do not blindly trust every shortcut
Navigation apps are extremely useful in Georgia, but the shortest route shown on the screen is not necessarily the best one. A map may suggest a small road that looks perfectly normal but is actually a rough mountain or gravel track.
Sometimes an extra 30 or 50 kilometres on a good road is much better than taking a questionable shortcut. Before driving into remote areas, ask locals or your rental company about the road.
5. Georgian driving can feel more aggressive
This is one of the first things many foreign drivers notice. You may encounter overtaking in places where you would normally expect drivers to wait, cars changing lanes quickly and vehicles following relatively closely.
Do not try to imitate this style. Drive predictably, keep a safe distance and let more aggressive drivers pass when possible. You are on holiday. There is no prize for being the fastest driver on a Georgian mountain road.
6. Watch carefully in villages
Outside major cities, you may suddenly encounter pedestrians, dogs, cattle or other animals on the road. In villages, people may also cross the road in unexpected places. Reduce your speed when passing through settlements, especially after dark. A few extra seconds can make a huge difference.
7. Mountain weather can change quickly
A sunny morning does not guarantee good conditions in the afternoon. This is particularly important when driving at higher altitudes. Rain, fog, strong winds or even snow can appear surprisingly quickly. Check the weather before leaving and avoid forcing a mountain route when conditions become dangerous. Sometimes the smartest driving decision is simply to change your plans.
8. Do not drive tired
This sounds obvious, but it is easy to forget when travelling. A road trip through Georgia can involve long days and demanding roads. Driving several hours through mountain passes requires much more concentration than driving on a motorway.
If you have been driving since early morning, stop and rest. And if you have been enjoying Georgian wine or chacha, do not drive at all. Arrange a taxi or leave the car until the next day.
9. Parking in Tbilisi requires attention
Driving around Tbilisi can be considerably busier than driving in the countryside. Parking may also be difficult in central areas. Before leaving your car, check whether parking is permitted and whether payment is required. Do not assume that a free-looking space is automatically available for parking. A little patience can save you an unnecessary fine.
10. Check the car before you leave the rental office
Before starting your journey, walk around the vehicle and look for existing damage. Check the bodywork, wheels, tyres, windows and mirrors. Take photographs of the car from different angles. Also make sure you understand how the lights, parking brake and other controls work before driving away. This takes only a few minutes but can prevent misunderstandings later.
11. Choose your rental car according to your route
You do not need a large SUV simply because you are visiting Georgia. For Tbilisi, Batumi, Kakheti and most major paved roads, a normal passenger car is usually perfectly adequate. The situation changes when you plan to drive on difficult mountain or off-road routes.
Some roads require higher ground clearance, four-wheel drive or an experienced local driver. Certain difficult routes may also be prohibited under the rental agreement.
12. Keep some flexibility in your schedule
This may be the most useful piece of advice. Do not plan every day down to the last minute. A road may take longer than expected. You may find a beautiful viewpoint and want to stop. Weather may force you to change your route. That is normal in Georgia. The freedom to change your plans is one of the biggest advantages of travelling by rental car.
What documents do you need?
Before renting a car, check the requirements of the particular rental company. You will normally need your passport and a valid driving licence. Depending on the country that issued your licence and its format, an international driving permit may also be advisable or required. Make sure your documents are valid for the entire rental period.
Car rental in Georgia: choose the car before you choose the adventure
A good rental car can make your trip considerably easier, but the choice should always match your itinerary. Cars4Rent Georgia offers car rental in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi, with airport delivery available. Standard rentals include unlimited mileage, a free additional driver and no deposit or prepayment.
If you are planning to explore remote mountain areas, simply tell the rental company where you want to go before booking. This makes it much easier to choose the right vehicle and check whether your planned roads are permitted.
Driving in Georgia is not about being fearless. It is about being prepared, driving sensibly and knowing when to slow down. Do that, and the road itself can become one of the best parts of your Georgian adventure.