Traveling from Tbilisi to Batumi by Car: Car Rental in Georgia
- berfinozelsel
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
GEORGIA TRAVEL GUIDE
For us, road trips are the best way to travel the world. We enjoy exploring the unique landscapes of countries and exploring off-the-beaten-path routes more freely. Therefore, we try to take advantage of this opportunity by renting a car whenever possible. Georgia, with its natural beauty, historic cities, and holiday destinations along the Black Sea, offers a delightful road trip destination. A drive from Tbilisi to Batumi, in particular, allows you to explore freely and experience the Caucasian landscapes along the way. If you want to make your Georgia trip even more memorable, renting a car is a great option. You can also explore the cities of Tbilisi and Batumi with ease by car.
Do you really need to rent a car in Georgia?
Georgia is a small country, and transportation options are quite diverse. You can easily explore the country by minibus, train, or private car service with GoTrip. If you're visiting Georgia for the first time, or even exploring larger cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, public transportation will be sufficient. In fact, both cities are ideal for exploring on foot.
But if you're looking for more freedom, stopping by mountain villages, stopping off wherever you like along the way, and exploring, then renting a car offers a huge advantage . Georgia's natural beauty is so captivating that you might suddenly stop by a vineyard on the side of the road while driving, or stop for a coffee on the coastline, enjoying the Black Sea view.
Our Car Rental Process
Initially, I looked at corporate companies like Avis and Enterprise. But the prices were very high, especially since we wanted to pick up the car in Tbilisi and drop it off in Batumi, so they charged me almost double . Then, in my research, I discovered LocalRent .
LocalRent is essentially a platform that brings together local car rental agencies. We rented a Toyota RAV4 from Tbilisi and Batumi. We paid an additional $90 for pickup in Batumi. We paid 20% of the fee online and paid the rest in cash upon pickup. The best part about this site is that most vehicles come with fully comprehensive insurance . While larger companies charge extra fees, this one doesn't require it. Simply notify the agency if there's any damage.
A word of caution: rental cars in Georgia aren't always in excellent condition, so if possible, opt for a newer model.
Car Rental Conditions in Georgia
While the requirements for renting a car in Georgia aren't particularly complicated, there are still some basic rules you should know: Most companies require drivers to be between the ages of 23 and 70. At least three years of driving experience is required.
But here's the bright side: Platforms like LocalRent offer flexibility for young drivers. Vehicles can be provided to those aged 18 and over, and there's no upper age limit for drivers over 70. This means they appeal to a wider range of users, unlike standard rules.
If you're under 23 or over 70, be sure to check the "driver age" option in the filters when searching for a vehicle. This will ensure only vehicles suitable for you are listed.
Insurance costs can also vary from company to company. Most vehicles on LocalRent come with full insurance , which is a great reassurance, especially for young drivers.
Driving with a Foreign License in Georgia – Is an International Driving Permit (IDP) Required?
You can easily drive in Georgia with a Turkish driver's license . An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required. However, for frequent travelers, obtaining an IDP might be a good idea, as some countries (e.g., Korea) specifically require it. There's no such requirement in Georgia; just a driver's license and passport are sufficient.
The IDP is valid for one year in Turkey, and you must pay a fee to renew it annually. Currently, this document costs around 5,000 TL . It might be convenient for frequent travelers, but if your trip only covers Georgia, it's not really necessary.
Rental Prices
Economy vehicles start from an average of 30-40 USD per day.
4x4 SUV models are more suitable for mountain roads and are a bit more expensive.
You can easily rent a car from Tbilisi Airport or the city center.
Driving Rules and Safety in Georgia
One of the things we remember most from our trip to Montenegro was the traffic fines. As I've mentioned in my previous posts, we received a hefty fine for an illegal overtaking, and the police gave us a lot of trouble. Frankly, we didn't think the driving rules in Tbilisi were as strict... until we made the same mistake here.
The sky was slowly darkening. Since the headlights on our luxury car didn't come on automatically—and we weren't used to that—we'd forgotten to turn them on. We'd just set off when a police car appeared behind us. They were shouting something at us in Georgian, but of course, we couldn't understand a word. We didn't pay much attention at first, but soon they were coming after us with their sirens blaring, like they were chasing criminals. We glanced at each other, turned on our hazard lights, and pulled over.
The police approached us, first asking for our driver's license in Georgian, then switching to English when they realized they couldn't understand our language. They told us they would give us a ticket for not having our headlights on. And so we experienced our second international ticketing adventure!
Tbilisi Car Rental
While Tbilisi's urban traffic isn't as chaotic as Istanbul's, it does require some patience. The roads are narrow, and some areas are old and have many one-way streets. Drivers are a bit creative, so it's best to be careful. Traffic is on the right , but both right- and left-hand drive vehicles are available; for safety, I recommend renting a left-hand drive car .
Speed limits are generally 60 km/h in the city, 80–90 km/h on intercity roads, and around 110 km/h on highways. Radar checks are frequent, especially at city entrances and exits, so it's important to follow speed signs. The biggest advantage of renting a car in Tbilisi: parking is rarely a problem .
There are two types of parking systems in Tbilisi:
Areas with a "P" sign: These are areas where companies pay annually. You don't need to do anything extra.
Areas with a letter and number code next to a "P" sign: These are paid parking spots. When we parked there, we sent the code to the rental company, who paid us and didn't charge us.
In short, don't worry too much about parking. We were generally able to park our car wherever we wanted and had no problems. Gas prices are a bit more affordable than in Türkiye, and finding a gas station in major cities is quite easy.
Another important point: radars are very common in Georgia. It's essential to obey speed limits, as fines are recorded directly in the system. Google Maps will be useful for navigation, but be aware that internet reception can be slow, especially on mountain roads.
Travel from Tbilisi to Batumi by Car
The distance between Tbilisi and Batumi is approximately 370 km , and the journey takes approximately 5-6 hours . Fifty percent of the route is modern, toll-free highways, which are easy to navigate. However, there are also older roads; narrow, winding sections that pass through villages can slow things down a bit.
If you're traveling by private car, you can reach Batumi without stopping in about 4.5 hours . A bus or minibus journey may take slightly longer. The journey by train is similar: about 5 hours and 8 minutes (5 hours and 35 minutes in winter).
Things to See Along the Way
Gori (Stalin Museum, fortress and old town)
Khashuri (Surami Fortress and nazuki sweet bread)
Kutaisi (Historical cathedrals, caves and natural beauties)
Zestafoni (look at the mosaics and have lunch at Lia Deida in nearby Argveta)
Kobuleti (Soviet-era mosaics and local museum)
Poti, Ureki and/or Shekvetili (on the Black Sea coast)
Scenic Driving Routes in Georgia
Here are just a few of our favorite , breathtakingly scenic driving routes . All of these roads are newly paved and suitable for sedans.
Koda–Ninotsminda Road: This road runs along the Javakheti Plateau, passing volcanic landscapes and lakes along the way. You can use this road to travel from Tbilisi to Vardzia .
From Sachkhere to Oni: The new pass connecting Imereti and Racha offers magnificent mountain views. You can use this road to Racha from Kutaisi or Chiatura .
Kutaisi–Ambrolauri Road: Connects Kutaisi to Racha, heading towards Lake Shaori via the Nakerala Pass. Like the Sachkhere–Oni Road, it is particularly beautiful in autumn .
Alpana–Tsageri Road: A loop road in the Lechkhumi District, passing through vineyards and limestone cliffs .
Tianeti–Ninigori Road: This is a convenient route from the Kakheti Wine Region to Kazbegi, saving you from having to pass through Tbilisi. It's newly paved and has several attractions along the way, such as the Kvetera Kale Church .
Didgori Valley Road: The road to the War Memorial stretches like a ribbon over undulating hills . It's exceptionally beautiful and almost always quiet.
Tetritskaro to Bolnisi: This new road passes through the Samshvilde Canyon and a beautiful area of the Kvemo Kartli Region.
Gombori Pass: While not new, the road from Tbilisi to Telavi has been recently renovated . It's a bit winding but passes through a stunning forest . You can stop at Ujarma Fortress .
Conclusion
Renting a car in Georgia from Tbilisi to Batumi transforms your trip from a standard excursion into an adventure in itself. Stop in small villages along the way, sample local delicacies, and savor the Georgian landscape.
If you're planning a trip to Georgia, consider renting a car. This trip will offer you freedom, comfort, and the joy of discovery.
1. How many hours does it take to get from Tbilisi to Batumi by car?
The distance between Tbilisi and Batumi is approximately 370 km and normally takes 5-6 hours . This time may be longer depending on road conditions, traffic density, and your breaks.
2. How much does it cost to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi?
Fuel prices are more affordable than in Turkey. A one-way trip with an average car costs around $25-30 . The total cost should be calculated by including the car rental fee.
3. Is a Turkish driving license valid in Georgia?
Yes. You can easily drive in Georgia with a Turkish driver's license. An international driver's license is not required.
4. What should be considered when renting a car in Georgia?
Read the rental agreement carefully. Be sure to ask about insurance coverage. Take photos of any scratches or damage when you pick up the vehicle.
5. Is it possible to travel from Batumi to other countries by vehicle?
Rented cars are generally not allowed across the border. If you have such plans, be sure to check with the rental company beforehand.
6. Are the roads safe in Georgia?
The main roads are generally in good condition. However, night driving is not recommended on mountain roads. It's best to be aware of radar and police checks.
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