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Georgia is a unique country filled with hidden gems and breathtaking nature landscapes. As well as delicious food and friendly locals. However, if you want to discover all that Georgia has to offer, then renting a car is the best way to explore. But before you do, read the following rules, tips & info for driving in Georgia. That way there will be no alarming obstacles while on the road.
Driving in Georgia is an amazing experience, but it is also intimidating. In fact, many people, including Georgians, will tell you that drivers are crazy and the roads can be difficult. Even so, it is 100% doable if you are a confident and experienced driver. It also helps if you have an extra set of eyes in the passenger seat with you. Furthermore, driving gives you the most freedom to travel the country and see what you want.
If you are unsure about driving, know that there are other options such as trains, buses, taxis, and marshrutka’s. A marshrutka is a large taxi-van that will take you to popular spots outside the cities. Though, many drivers seem to follow their own rules and the experience is said to be frightening at times. On the other hand, buses and trains will only get you so far, such as other major cities and towns. That being said, choosing a mode of transport depends on how many places (and where) you want to see outside of Tbilisi and Batumi.
Once you have done a bit of research about Georgia you will realize the amount of beautiful places to discover. Which is why renting a car is highly recommended. Note that the best time to drive in Georgia is from mid-May to mid-October. During this time there is less rain, snow, and road closures that will stop you from seeing some of the best places in Georgia. Later in this post we will go over those hard to reach destinations. As well as everything else you need to know about driving in Georgia.
There are many rental car companies that are both local and international names. However, you might find better deals with the local companies. Be sure to look at a few different options for pricing, insurance, support, and the type of cars available. It should be noted that many drivers can rent a car without obtaining an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). In fact, all you will need is your passport and your drivers license, as long as it is in the Latin or Cyrillic alphabet. Although, be sure to check the specific rules of the company you choose. Also, paying in cash might give you a discount, of course this also depends on the company.
If you are planning to visit northern destinations, or places that are hard to reach, we suggest renting a 4×4 with high clearance. For example a Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler. These cars are especially good for rocky terrain, potholes, and adverse weather conditions. Which by the way are some of the problems when driving to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) or the Svaneti Region. Additionally, find below a few more tips to take note of when choosing a car…
It is worth repeating that drivers are crazy, and you will no doubt encounter aggressive and impatient driving. With this in mind, be aware of your surroundings and do not take it personally. To clarify, drivers will follow close behind, drive extremely fast, and pass you all the time. In fact, they might even pass you and slow down in front of you – it is often like playing a game of leap frog. On another note, drivers might pull out of parking spaces fast or enter your lane quickly without signalling. Of course, these things happen everywhere, but it does seem to happen more often than not in Georgia, so be alert. That being said, drive at a safe and comfortable pace. If people think you are too slow then they will pass you and all will be fine. Also, you will see A LOT of cars with missing bumpers, which ends up being a constant reminder to stay safe and aware. Before moving on to specific areas, below are some rules of the road and information to note…
Driving in major cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi can be much more hectic than in smaller towns. Again, if you drive early, the roads will be less busy and easier to manage. Also, many city roads are cobblestone, but you will get used to that quickly. Last but not least, roundabouts are everywhere and unavoidable. While they may look busy and intimidating, they are easy to get the hang of after your initial panic.
Driving in gravel, snow, rocks, mud, and sand is what it takes to see the more extraordinary sights in Georgia. That is also where your 4×4 comes in handy. Particularly in the Northern regions (but also some other places), you may experience more difficult driving. Not only is the terrain sometimes challenging, but also many routes are on the side of the mountain with a steep drop. And to make it worse, there are a crazy amount of sharp turns on these high-altitude roads. With that in mind, do not drive at night, and be careful. Also, if you see a sign that says “We are sorry for the inconvenience”, know that you are in for a bumpy ride.
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Batumi is busy, and sometimes seems a little more hectic than Tbilisi but it is fairly easy city driving. Apart from that, parking might be a bit more difficult if you do not have designated parking at your accommodation. That said, be sure to check street signs and make sure to ask about street parking.
Driving in Gori is fairly straightforward on both highways and local roads. Although, if you are coming from Tbilisi to visit Uplistsikhe, only follow the main roads. Moreover, google maps might direct you to a dirt road that leads to a REALLY steep hill that you should avoid. The route is shown in the picture below.
Georgia’s wine region is surrounded by mountains and filled with many traditional, friendly, and fantastic wineries. Furthermore, the drive is quite easy within the small towns and paved highways. It should be noted that if you plan to visit Signaghi (The City of Love), it will require more attention. The drive to and within Signaghi is uphill and with many sharp turns, cobblestone streets, and narrow roads.
Kutaisi is similar to Batumi and Tbilisi where there are cobblestone streets and it is busy during the day. As it is a city, be sure to double check parking, and be careful not to turn on to one-way streets.
Speaking of one-way streets, there are a lot in Tbilisi, but google maps does a good job of telling you the right route. Also, you might find yourself on narrow and steep cobblestone streets, so be cautious. Further, Tbilisi is probably the busiest city in Georgia, so roads are often congested. Especially on the major motorways heading in an out of the city (it can be a nightmare). Thus, the best tip for driving in Georgia is to be aware of your surroundings.
The major route heading to Stepantsminda is an experience. One minute it is smooth sailing, and the next you are sandwiched between hundreds of transport trucks. On top of that, there is a section of mountain side driving that is both scary and incredible. However, it is 100% worth it to visit the unreal mountain ranges. Note that driving within the town of Stepantsminda is quite easy, with one exception: Gergeti Trinity Church. Admittedly, the drive is easy when you go early and you are the only car on route. However, there are very sharp turns and narrow areas that probably make it more difficult if there is traffic.
If you are planning to visit Juta (which is a seriously beautiful mountain range), you will be driving cliffside with no railing. Also, there is a chance of landslides that will block the road. In that case, you can just park and climb over.
Visiting Ushguli and Mestia are not only bucket list experiences, they are also sometimes difficult to travel to. While we were not able to make it there because of the weather conditions, there are a few things locals will tell you. For instance, the roads require a 4×4, and are especially difficult after rainfall. Also, potholes and mountainside streams are a plenty. Last but not least, it is recommended to drive to Mestia first and then to Ushguli and back. For the most part, not many people attempt to drive the Tsageri Pass route.
Before we conclude this ultimate guide for driving in Georgia there are a few other things to be aware of. Including the abundance of cops, dogs, and cows, so follow the rules and watch out for animals – they are not afraid of cars. Also, you might find yourself in a situation where lanes disappear and the cars get disorganized. Or, someone stopping in the middle of the road to speak to another person. Lastly, below are some very important tips to keep in mind:
And there we have it! All the rules, tips & info for driving in Georgia. By the end of your road trip, you will not doubt feel like you can conquer driving anywhere!
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