01 — Overview

What “no deposit” means in Georgia

Most international rental chains block a refundable security deposit on your credit card at pickup. The amount varies by car class — usually $200 to $600 — and stays blocked for 14 to 30 days after you return the vehicle, even if there’s no damage.

Georgian local companies operate differently. A growing number skip the deposit entirely. You pay the daily rate, take the keys, and nothing is held on your card.

Some companies advertise “no deposit” but still place a hold without blocking funds — a distinction that matters when your card has a limited balance. Before confirming any booking, ask one direct question: “Will any amount be held or blocked on my card at pickup?” Get the answer in writing via WhatsApp or email.

Rentrals car rental Georgia — no deposit booking available in Tbilisi
No-deposit car rental in Georgia through Rentrals.com — book online, pick up at Tbilisi airport or city center.
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02 — Eligibility

Who can rent a car in Georgia

Requirements are consistent across most Tbilisi rental companies:

  • 🪪
    Minimum age: 21 years at most companies, 23 at some. Confirm when booking.
  • 🚗
    Driving experience: License held for at least 2 years.
  • 📘
    Passport: Required at all companies, no exceptions.
  • 📋
    Driving licence: Your home country license is valid in Georgia for up to 1 year.
  • 🌍
    International Driving Permit (IDP): Georgian law doesn’t require one, but many rental companies ask for it at pickup, and police checkpoints go smoother when you have it. Get one before you travel — it takes 1–2 days and costs $20 or less.

Young driver surcharges (for ages 21 to 24) apply at some companies. Ask upfront.

03 — Inclusions

What a no-deposit rental includes

💳
No card hold
Zero security blocked on your credit or debit card at pickup.
∞
Unlimited mileage
Confirm this — some budget operators cap at 200–300 km/day.
🛡️
TPL insurance
Basic third-party liability, required by Georgian law, included.
✈️
Airport pickup
Representative meets you in arrivals. City center delivery also available.
🔄
Free cancellation
Up to 24–48 hours before pickup with most operators.
💰
Flexible payment
Credit card, debit card, or cash depending on operator.
⚠ Not automatically included
CDW (collision damage waiver), full coverage, child seat, GPS, or second driver. Each costs extra — ask for the total before you commit.
04 — Payment

Payment options — debit card, cash, credit card

Many visitors to Georgia travel on a debit card only. International chains like Hertz, Sixt, and Avis almost always require a credit card in the primary driver’s name. Local no-deposit companies are far more flexible.

  • 💳
    Credit card — accepted everywhere.
  • 🏦
    Debit card (Visa/Mastercard) — accepted at most no-deposit companies.
  • 💵
    Cash at pickup — available at several local operators, usually with a small online prepayment (15–20%) to confirm the reservation.

If you’re paying cash, confirm the full amount due at pickup before traveling to the meeting point.

05 — Pricing

Prices in 2026

Prices depend on car class, season, and how far in advance you book. These are current market ranges for no-deposit rentals in Tbilisi:

Car Type ❄ Low Season
Nov – Mar		 ☀ High Season
Jun – Sep
🚗 Economy (Suzuki Alto, Ford Fiesta)$15–25/day$28–40/day
🚙 Sedan (Toyota Corolla, Mazda 6)$25–40/day$40–60/day
🚐 Crossover/SUV (Toyota RAV4)$35–55/day$60–90/day
🛻 4×4 (Land Cruiser, Jeep)$55–80/day$90–130/day
🚌 Minivan 7-seat (Toyota Sienna)$30–55/day$55–85/day

SUV and 4×4 availability drops fast in June–August. If you need an off-road vehicle for Kazbegi or Svaneti, book at least 3 weeks ahead. Long-term rentals (10+ days) usually get a 20–30% discount — ask the company directly.

Affordable car rental options in Georgia — economy to 4x4 SUV fleet on Rentrals.com
Economy cars from $15/day to 4×4 Land Cruisers for mountain routes — all available with no deposit on Rentrals.com.
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06 — Airport Pickup

Tbilisi airport car rental — how pickup works

Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), also called Shota Rustaveli International Airport, is 17 km southeast of the city center. In normal traffic, the drive into Tbilisi takes 20–30 minutes.

Local no-deposit companies don’t usually have a counter inside the terminal. A representative meets you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. Provide your flight number and estimated arrival time when booking — the representative tracks your flight and adjusts if it’s delayed.

  1. 1
    Exit baggage claim and enter the arrivals hall.
  2. 2
    Find the representative holding your name sign — usually near the exit doors.
  3. 3
    Walk to the car (in the terminal parking lot or a nearby lot).
  4. 4
    Inspect the exterior and interior thoroughly before signing the handover document.
  5. 5
    Photograph every existing scratch, dent, scuff, and interior damage — send photos to yourself with a timestamp.
  6. 6
    Confirm the fuel level matches what’s written on the contract.
  7. 7
    Sign the handover document only after all pre-existing damage is noted.
  8. 8
    Save the representative’s WhatsApp number — your fastest contact if anything happens on the road.
Car rental pickup at Tbilisi International Airport TBS — Rentrals Georgia representative meets you in arrivals
Your Rentrals representative meets you in the arrivals hall at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) — no counter queues, no waiting rooms.

Airport surcharges: Some companies add a service fee of $10–20. Out-of-hours pickups (roughly midnight to 6 AM) may add another $10–30. Always ask for the all-in total when booking.

07 — Route Planning

Which car to choose for your route

Georgia’s terrain ranges from flat highway driving to steep mountain switchbacks. The right vehicle depends entirely on where you’re going.

🏙️
Tbilisi city & day trips
Any economy car or sedan
Parking in Old Tbilisi is tight on narrow streets — smaller is easier. A Toyota Corolla or Suzuki handles city driving well and costs the least.
⛰️
Tbilisi → Kazbegi (E117)
Sedan works; SUV recommended for comfort • 157 km • 2.5–3 hrs
Road is fully paved. Exception: driving to Juta village above Stepantsminda requires 4WD — the unpaved track is rough and steep.
🌊
Tbilisi → Batumi (E60)
Sedan or crossover • 360 km • 4.5–5 hrs
The new east-west highway (completed December 2024) makes this a smooth, well-signed drive. No off-road capability needed.
🏔️
Svaneti (Mestia → Ushguli)
4WD mandatory • 65 km rough track • 4–5 hrs each way
Standard SUV handles main road to Mestia. Confirm your contract allows this route and that insurance covers it.
🍷
Kakheti wine region (Telavi, Sighnaghi)
Standard sedan • No 4WD required
Main routes are fine with any car. The Tbilisi–Telavi mountain road has tight curves — drive carefully.
Rental car on Georgia mountain road to Kazbegi — Rentrals.com self-drive route guide
Self-drive routes across Georgia — from the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi to the Black Sea coast road toward Batumi.
⚠ Restricted Routes
Tusheti (Omalo) and Upper Khevsureti: Most rental companies prohibit these routes entirely. Driving there voids your insurance coverage. Check the contract before attempting it.
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08 — Insurance

Insurance explained

Georgia requires third-party liability (TPL) insurance on all rental vehicles. This is included in every legal rental contract. Beyond the legal minimum, most companies offer:

CDW
Covers damage to the rental car above a deductible ($300–$1,000). You pay up to that; company covers the rest.
Super CDW
Reduces your deductible to zero. Costs $5–15/day extra. Worth it for mountain driving.
Theft Protection
Covers vehicle theft. Usually included with CDW or available as an add-on.
PAI
Personal accident insurance — covers medical costs. Check if your travel insurance already covers this before paying extra.
⚠ Typically Excluded Regardless of Coverage
Tire damage · Windshield chips from debris · Underbody damage on prohibited tracks · Roof damage · Damage in restricted areas (Tusheti, Abkhazia, South Ossetia) · DUI damage

Cross-border travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan is allowed by some companies with advance notice and a fee. Turkey and other neighbors generally not permitted. Russia is prohibited.

09 — Rules of the Road

Driving rules in Georgia

Georgia drives on the right. Most rules align with European standards.

🏙️
Urban60 km/h
🛣️
Country roads90 km/h
🚀
Highways110 km/h
🍺
Alcohol limit0.03% BAC — zero tolerance in practice
💡
HeadlightsLow beam in poor weather & twilight
🪑
SeatbeltsAll passengers, front and back
📵
Mobile phonesHands-free only while driving
👶
Under 3 yrsChild seat mandatory — $3–8/day
🐄
LivestockCommon on rural roads, especially at night
🅿️
Tbilisi parkingBlue zones 1 GEL/hr via TBC Pay app

Speed cameras operate on several main routes including the Tbilisi ring road and the E60 toward Rustavi. Fines are enforced on the spot.

10 — Fuel

Fuel in Georgia

Georgia has no shortage of fuel stations on main routes. Major chains include Socar, Gulf, Wissol, and Rompetrol. Prices are currently around 3.0–3.5 GEL per liter for regular unleaded.

  • ⛽
    Most rental cars run on petrol (gasoline). Confirm fuel type at pickup — misfuelling is expensive.
  • 🏔️
    Fill up before entering remote mountain areas — stations get sparse past Gudauri and on the road to Mestia.
  • 🚫
    There are no fuel stations in Tusheti at all.
  • 🛣️
    Georgia has no toll roads. All main highways including E60 and E117 are free.
11 — Seasonal Conditions

Seasonal road conditions

☀ Summer (Jun–Sep)
All roads accessible. Peak season — book SUVs and 4×4s at least 3 weeks ahead. Afternoon thunderstorms common in the mountains.
🌱 Spring (Apr–May)
Kazbegi highway reopens in April. Good conditions but some passes may still have snow. Mud season affects unpaved tracks in April.
🍂 Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Excellent road conditions. Crowds thin after mid-September. Kakheti grape harvest through October — one of the best times to visit.
❄ Winter (Dec–Mar)
Kazbegi highway closes periodically. Check police.ge before heading north. E60 to Batumi stays open year-round. City driving in Tbilisi is fine.
12 — Routes Worth Knowing

Scenic routes for rental travelers

Georgia road trip by rental car — Tbilisi to Kazbegi, Batumi, Sighnaghi and Vardzia scenic routes
Georgia’s best self-drive routes — Kazbegi’s Gergeti Trinity Church, Batumi’s Black Sea coast, Kakheti’s wine valleys, and the cave monastery at Vardzia.
🕌
Tbilisi → Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
157 km · 2.5–3 hrs · Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 m
One of Georgia’s most dramatic drives. The road climbs from 600 m to over 2,300 m at Jvari Pass. Leave by 7 AM on weekends to beat the tour bus crowds.
🏖️
Tbilisi → Batumi
360 km · 4.5–5 hrs · Black Sea coast
Batumi is Georgia’s subtropical beach city — worth 2 nights. Smooth drive on the new E60 highway.
🍇
Tbilisi → Sighnaghi (Kakheti)
110 km · 1.5 hrs · Wine country
A walled hilltop town overlooking the Alazani valley. The route passes through dozens of wineries — Rkatsiteli and Saperavi grape varieties dominate.
🏛️
Tbilisi → Mtskheta
20 km · 30 min · UNESCO heritage site
The ancient Georgian capital. Jvari Monastery (6th century) sits on a cliff above the confluence of two rivers. A perfect half-day trip.
🏺
Tbilisi → Vardzia
250 km · 3.5 hrs · 12th-century cave monastery
Carved into volcanic rock. Stop in Borjomi for the mineral springs park. Allow at least 2 hours to walk the site properly.
Kazbegi Cars Batumi Cars Kakheti Cars
13 — Booking

How to book through Rentrals.com

How to book car rental in Georgia on Rentrals.com — step by step no deposit booking process
Book your Georgia car rental on Rentrals.com in minutes — filter by no deposit, choose your car, and confirm with a 15–20% prepayment.
  1. 1
    Go to Rentrals.com and enter Tbilisi as your pickup location.
  2. 2
    Set your dates and apply the “no deposit” filter.
  3. 3
    Compare available vehicles by price, car type, and included insurance.
  4. 4
    Read recent customer reviews — focus on pickup experience and car condition.
  5. 5
    Select your car and add extras (child seat, full insurance, GPS).
  6. 6
    Enter your flight number and arrival time for airport pickup.
  7. 7
    Pay the prepayment online (15–20% of total) to confirm the booking.
  8. 8
    Receive your confirmation voucher with the representative’s WhatsApp number.
  9. 9
    Photograph the car at pickup before signing the handover document.
Book on Rentrals.com
14 — At Pickup

What to check at pickup

Skipping this step is the most common mistake rental travelers make. Take 10 minutes at pickup to:

  • ✓ Walk around the entire car and photograph every panel, wheel, and bumper.
  • ✓ Check the windshield for chips or cracks.
  • ✓ Open the doors and photograph interior — seats, dashboard, carpets.
  • ✓ Check that the spare tire is present and inflated.
  • ✓ Confirm the fuel gauge reading matches the contract.
  • ✓ Test the air conditioning, headlights, and wipers before leaving.
  • ✓ Note the mileage reading on the contract.
  • ✓ Send all photos to yourself via WhatsApp or email immediately with a timestamp.
15 — At Return

At return

Return the car with the same fuel level it had at pickup. Most Georgian rentals use a same-to-same fuel policy — return it below the starting level and you’ll pay a refueling charge of $3–4 per liter above market rate.

  • ✓ Return during daylight when possible — damage is harder to assess in low light.
  • ✓ Get a written confirmation that the car was returned with no damage noted.
  • ✓ Take a photo of this confirmation document.
16 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Several local companies accept Visa and Mastercard debit cards. Some also take cash with a small online prepayment. Rentrals.com listings specify accepted payment methods for each vehicle.
Georgian law doesn’t require one, but many rental companies ask for it, and it makes police stops easier. Get one before you travel — it takes 1–2 days in most countries.
Some companies allow cross-border travel to Armenia with advance notice and a fee. Confirm this when booking and check that your insurance covers Armenia. Azerbaijan is also permitted by some operators. Turkey, Russia, and most other neighboring countries are not.
The daily rate doesn’t change by location. Some companies charge an airport service fee of $10–20. Out-of-hours pickups (midnight to 6 AM) may add another $10–30. Request the all-in price before booking.
For economy cars, a few days’ notice is usually fine outside summer. For SUVs and 4×4s in June–August, book 3 weeks ahead minimum. Georgian public holidays (Orthodox Easter, August 28 for Mariamoba, New Year) increase demand sharply.
Yes. One-way rentals from Tbilisi to Batumi, Tbilisi to Kutaisi, and other routes are available. A one-way drop fee applies — confirm the amount before booking.
Your confirmation voucher includes the company’s emergency contact number. Georgian road police can be reached at 112. Most local companies respond via WhatsApp within minutes. If there’s an accident involving another vehicle, call the police before moving the cars — Georgian law requires a police report for any insurance claim.
For any driving outside Tbilisi city, yes. The $5–15/day extra for Super CDW removes your deductible entirely. Mountain roads have loose rocks, unmarked potholes, and narrow sections where a small contact with a guardrail becomes an expensive repair at your standard deductible.
Most Tbilisi companies have no minimum period — 1 day is fine. A few budget operators require 4 days minimum. Check the listing before booking.
17 — Before You Travel

Documents checklist

  • ✓ Passport (valid for the duration of your trip)
  • ✓ Home country driving licence (original, not a copy)
  • ✓ International Driving Permit (recommended)
  • ✓ Credit or debit card for payment
  • ✓ Booking confirmation with voucher and representative’s contact details
  • ✓ Travel insurance documents (if covering personal accident or medical)
Book Your Car — No Deposit