Renting a Car in Kutaisi: Your Essential Georgian Road Trip Planner

Navigating Georgia’s scenic landscapes and vibrant cities is made significantly easier and more enjoyable with a hire car. Kutaisi, a city steeped in history and a gateway to some of Georgia’s most stunning natural wonders, presents an ideal starting point for your adventures. This article provides practical advice for travellers from the United Kingdom looking to rent a vehicle in this captivating region.

Understanding Your Rental Needs in Kutaisi

Kutaisi offers a diverse range of rental options, from compact cars perfect for city exploration to robust SUVs better suited for the country’s more mountainous terrains. When selecting a vehicle, consider your itinerary. If you plan to explore the Prometheus Cave, Martvili Canyon, or venture towards the ski resorts of Gudauri or Bakuriani, a higher clearance vehicle might be beneficial.

Vehicle Recommendations:

City Driving & Short Trips: Compact hatchbacks (e.g., Skoda Fabia, VW Polo) are economical and easy to manoeuvre in urban areas.
Exploring Mountainous Regions: An SUV (e.g., Dacia Duster, Toyota RAV4) provides better handling on unpaved roads and varied terrain.
Family Travel: Saloon cars or estate cars offer more space and comfort for longer journeys.

Driving Licence: A valid United Kingdom driving licence is usually sufficient for short-term rentals. We strongly advise carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your UK licence, as some rental companies or local authorities may request it, particularly outside of major tourist hubs. An IDP translates your licence into multiple languages, which can be helpful.
Passport: Your passport will be required for identification.
Credit Card: Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.

Age Requirements:

Drivers typically need to be at least 21 years old, with many companies imposing a young driver surcharge for those under 25. Always check the specific age policies of your chosen rental provider.

Pricing and Currency in Georgia

While prices can fluctuate based on vehicle type, rental duration, and season, it’s helpful to have an idea of costs. Rental prices in Georgia are typically quoted in Georgian Lari (GEL).

Example Pricing (Daily Rates):
Compact Car: from 80 GEL/day (ca. 25 GBP/day)
Intermediate Car: from 120 GEL/day (ca. 38 GBP/day)
SUV: from 180 GEL/day (ca. 57 GBP/day)

Important Note on Deposits: A security deposit is standard. This is usually blocked on your credit card and released upon safe return of the vehicle. The amount can vary significantly, so factor this into your budget.

Insurance and Coverage

Standard rental agreements often include basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Third-Party Liability insurance. However, it’s wise to clarify what is covered.

What to Check:
Excess/Deductible: Understand the maximum amount you would have to pay in case of damage.
Tyre, Windscreen, and Undercarriage Cover: These are often excluded from standard policies and can be valuable add-ons, especially when driving on less-than-perfect roads.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Consider this for additional cover for yourself and your passengers.

Many UK travellers opt for excess protection insurance, either through their credit card provider or a separate policy, to reduce their out-of-pocket risk.

Driving in Georgia: Rules and Tips

Georgia’s road network is diverse, ranging from modern highways to rural tracks. Familiarising yourself with local driving laws is crucial for a safe journey.

Speed Limits: Generally, in built-up areas, the limit is 50 km/h. Outside built-up areas, it’s typically 90 km/h, and on expressways and motorways, it can be up to 110 km/h. Always adhere to posted signs.
Road Conditions: While major roads are improving, rural and mountain roads can be narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved. Drive defensively and be prepared for unexpected obstacles.
Overtaking: Overtaking is usually done on the left. Be cautious of oncoming traffic.
Headlights: It’s mandatory to keep your headlights on at all times, both day and night.
Tolls: Georgia has some toll roads, particularly on newer motorways. Ensure your rental company accounts for this, or be prepared to pay cash or via specific passes.
Parking: Parking in cities like Kutaisi can be challenging. Look for designated parking areas. Fines for illegal parking can be significant.
Fuel: Petrol stations are readily available along main routes. Unleaded petrol (benzin) and diesel are common. Prices are competitive.

Prometheus Cave & Sataplia Nature Reserve: Just a short drive from Kutaisi, offering spectacular karst cave formations and dinosaur footprints.
Martvili Canyon: Famous for its stunning turquoise waters and boat trips. (Approx. 1-hour drive).
Uplistsikhe Cave Town: An ancient rock-hewn city, a fascinating historical site. (Approx. 2-hour drive).
Batumi: The popular Black Sea coastal city, with its modern architecture and beach resorts. (Approx. 2-hour drive).
Svaneti: For the more adventurous, the dramatic mountain region of Svaneti with its iconic defensive towers, is accessible, though requires careful planning and potentially a 4×4 vehicle for the final stretches. (Approx. 4-5 hours drive to Mestia).

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (April-May) & Autumn (September-October): These are excellent times to visit, with pleasant weather for sightseeing and fewer crowds. Roads are generally clear.
Summer (June-August): Can be warm, ideal for coastal trips to Batumi. Mountain areas offer cooler respite.
Winter (November-March): Snowfall can affect road conditions, especially in mountainous areas. Some regions may become inaccessible. If travelling in winter, ensure your vehicle is equipped for snow, and check road status.

Book in Advance: Especially during peak season, booking your rental car well ahead of your travel dates can secure better rates.
Compare Prices: Use comparison sites to find the best deals across various rental providers.
Check Fuel Policy: Opt for a ‘Full-to-Full’ fuel policy if available; it’s often the most cost-effective way to manage fuel.

• Beware of Extras: Decline unnecessary add-ons at the counter unless you’ve assessed their value for your specific trip.

Renting a car in Kutaisi unlocks a truly immersive experience of Georgia. By being prepared and informed, your journey through this beautiful country promises to be both memorable and stress-free. Enjoy the freedom of the open road whilst respecting local driving customs and regulations.