Travelling to Kutaisi, Georgia? Renting a car is hands-down the best way to explore this charming and historical city on your own terms. With direct flights arriving daily and access to stunning regions like Svaneti and Batumi, Kutaisi serves as a fantastic hub for road trippers. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car in Kutaisi—from finding the right vehicle to tips for driving in Georgia.
Kutaisi is Georgia’s second-largest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. While public transport exists, it is often unreliable for travelers. Renting a car allows you to:
Discover off-the-beaten-path villages and natural landmarks
Travel at your own pace with flexibility
Visit multiple destinations in a single day
Avoid tour group schedules and delays
Whether you’re here for a few days or a week, having your own vehicle ensures a much richer experience.
Here are the most popular types of cars for different traveler needs:
Compact Cars: Great for city driving and solo travelers
SUVs (e.g. Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Pajero): Ideal for mountainous terrain and winter roads
Minivans (e.g. Nissan Quest): Perfect for families or larger groups
4x4 Vehicles: Necessary for exploring Mestia, Ushguli, or Tusheti
Pro tip: Choose an automatic transmission unless you're very confident with Georgian mountain roads and narrow lanes.
The most convenient pickup points include:
Kutaisi International Airport – Ideal for arrivals and departures
City Center (Colchis Fountain area) – Central for hotel access
Hotel Delivery
Driving in Georgia is generally straightforward, but keep these in mind:
Roads may lack lane markings in rural areas
Watch for sudden road animals (especially cows!)
Speed limits are enforced with cameras
Google Maps and Waze both work well
Parking is free in many places, but check city center zones.
With a rental car, you're perfectly placed to explore:
Prometheus Cave – 20 minutes away
Martvili Canyon – 1 hour
Okatse Canyon – 90 minutes
Batumi – 2.5 hours
Mestia – 5-6 hours (SUV highly recommended)
Renting a car in Kutaisi gives you the freedom to explore Georgia’s breathtaking natural beauty, historical landmarks, and local culture—on your own schedule. With multiple vehicle options, competitive pricing, and flexible pickup points, it’s the smartest way to travel.
