Where should you rent a car in Tbilisi for the mountain roads of Georgia?

Car hire at Tbilisi Airport (TBS) and in the city centre

Most visitors arrive at Tbilisi International Airport, code TBS, on the eastern edge of the city. Many local companies hand over cars in the arrivals hall. Others work from offices in central districts such as Vake, Saburtalo and the Old Town.

For car rental at Tbilisi airport, read the pick-up point on the car card first. It shows whether the company meets you at TBS or in town. If you land late, confirm the handover time with the company.

Delivery to a hotel or flat is common. In this snapshot, 33% of cars offer free delivery. That is a higher share than the average across Georgia. Tbilisi lists 1,336 cars, and 960 of them were analysed for this page.

Deposits and card rules for car rental in Tbilisi

Deposits are rare in the capital. 90% of analysed cars need no deposit, far above the median destination this guide tracks. The share across Georgia is almost identical, so Tbilisi matches the national pattern.

The other 10% ask for a cash deposit. Its amount and how to pay it are shown on each car card. Read that line before you book.

Card rules are simple here. 100% of cars need no credit card. You pay the advance online by bank card, and cash is not accepted for it. The rest goes to the rental company at pick-up, using the methods shown for that car.

Use the no-deposit filter to narrow results. The deposits guide explains how deposits work in general.

Subarus, Jeeps and the roads they suit around Tbilisi

The most listed models are Subaru Forester, Jeep Renegade, Subaru Crosstrek, Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Cherokee. The fleet leans towards SUVs and crossovers, which fits Georgian terrain.

• The Subaru Forester is an all-wheel-drive SUV that suits the Georgian Military Road to Stepantsminda.
• The Jeep Renegade is a compact crossover that handles Tbilisi traffic and the drive to Kakheti.
• The Subaru Crosstrek is a raised hatchback that copes with gravel lanes near David Gareja.
• The Mitsubishi Outlander is a family SUV with space for luggage on long trips west.
• The Jeep Cherokee is a mid-size SUV for winter runs towards the ski slopes.

100% of cars are automatic. The median model year is 2018, and 21% are marked as new. Fleet age is the weakest score here, so check the year on the card.

Cancellation, mileage and delivery terms in Tbilisi

Free cancellation applies to 64% of analysed cars. That is well above the median destination and slightly above the Georgia average. The rest have stricter terms, so read the cancellation line on the card. The free cancellation page lists places where it is common.

Mileage is rarely a worry. 97% of cars come with unlimited mileage. That matters on long loops through Kakheti or out to the Black Sea coast.

Delivery terms differ between companies. Some bring the car to your hotel for free, others do not. The car card states which applies.

Insurance terms also differ by company. Each car card lists the cover included, so compare cards before you choose. Your final conditions appear in your voucher.

Day trips and longer routes from Tbilisi

To rent a car in Georgia, Tbilisi makes a practical base. Several classic routes start right from the city.

• Mtskheta, the old capital, lies a short drive north.
• The Georgian Military Road climbs past Ananuri to Gudauri and Stepantsminda.
• Kakheti wine country, with Sighnaghi and Telavi, lies east over the Gombori Pass.
• David Gareja monastery sits south-east, with a rough final stretch.
• The East-West Highway runs west towards Kutaisi.

Gudauri has far fewer cars, a lower free cancellation share and no free delivery. Kutaisi has slightly fewer cars and a lower free cancellation share. For a road trip across the country, picking up in Tbilisi usually gives more choice.

How a Localrent booking in Tbilisi works

Localrent is an online booking service, not a rental company. It lists cars from local, independent firms and owns no cars itself.

• Search your Tbilisi dates and apply filters such as no deposit or no credit card.
• Pick a specific car from a named local company.
• Check the car card: model, year, photos, deposit, payment methods, mileage, insurance and cancellation.
• Check the minimum driver age and licence rules, which each company sets.
• Pay the advance online by bank card to confirm.
• Pay the rest to the company at pick-up and sign the rental contract with them.

Your voucher holds your conditions. The car card checklist and how it works guide cover each step. See is Localrent legit and the methodology behind these figures. Other cities appear on the Georgia country page.

Our verdict

Tbilisi is one of the easiest places in Georgia to rent from local companies. Most cars need no deposit or credit card, and nearly all have unlimited mileage. Check the model year and cancellation line, as fleet age is the main weak point.