Tbilisi Car Hire

Top tips for renting a car in Tbilisi

• A car hire is the most comfortable way to explore not only the city of Tbilisi, but also other great destinations across Georgia that public transport can’t serve. With a vehicle you’ll be able to plan your road trip freely and make as many scenic stops as you please. Head to the many natural parks surrounding Tbilisi or embark on a road trip to the Dashbashi Canyon, which is only about 68 miles from the capital.
• All the big car hire agencies, including Avis, Alamo, and Hertz, can be found at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), which is located just over 17 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of the city center. The car hire desks are situated in the Arrivals Hall of the airport’s main terminal, just after you go through baggage claim. The roads around the airport can be quite confusing, so make sure you ask for a GPS device that’s in English.
• The roads in Tbilisi can also be slightly challenging in the sense that many large intersections don’t even have traffic lights, so you should always drive defensively. Georgians are famously reckless drivers, and they will perform seemingly random maneuvers without warning, so stay alert. Free-roaming livestock on the streets can also be a road hazard, and it’s rather common in the city.
• The city of Tbilisi experiences quite heavy traffic during rush hour, so avoid driving between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and then again between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. if you want to avoid adding extra time to your travels. The city center is particularly challenging, with streets such as Baratashvili Street experiencing traffic jams. The route to the airport can also get quite crowded, so plan your journey in advance when heading there.
• Book your rental car in Tbilisi at least 2 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price