Cheap Car Rental in Georgia

In this article, I share our method for cheap car rental in Georgia. If you want to experience an incredible adventure in this Caucasian country, you should definitely consider renting a car! It is by far the best form of transportation, allowing you to reach places that are otherwise inaccessible (or difficult to reach) by public transport.

Use a Local Rental Company!

Our research shows that small, local rental companies offer the best prices. The companies most popular among international visitors to Georgia often have much less favorable offers! Meanwhile, large international rental companies frequently require additional paid insurance or a mandatory deposit.

To find a cheap car from a local rental company in Georgia, I recommend using the LocalRent search engine. Thanks to this platform, we have saved a lot of money on every rental! LocalRent aggregates offers from local rental companies, allowing you to choose the one with the best prices for your chosen dates. There's no need to browse dozens of rental websites—everything is in one place! You can check prices and other booking details below:

Rental Conditions in Georgia via LocalRent

As you can see above, the prices are really great, especially compared to other well-known rental companies here. Additionally, the longer you rent a car, the lower the daily rate will be. Booking well in advance can also positively impact the price.

When booking a car through LocalRent, you're actually renting from a local company in a given city. Pay attention to the type and scope of insurance when making a reservation. I also recommend selecting the option to have the car delivered to the airport upon your arrival. Depending on the rental company, this option may be free or come with a small fee (usually $5–15). Alternatively, you can have the car delivered to your chosen address in the city or pick it up at the rental office.

All reservations can be canceled for free up to 7 days before the pickup date (or 30 days for SUV and Luxury categories). Many cars also include a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before pickup—you'll recognize this by the green "free cancellation" label.

Most offers do not require a security deposit. When making a reservation, you only pay a small advance payment (usually about 15–20% of the total amount). If you cancel within the allowed timeframe, the deposit is fully refunded. The remaining amount is paid upon car pickup (in cash, sometimes by card—check the reservation details). Before the pickup date, a local rental company representative will contact you to arrange the details. Make sure to provide your WhatsApp or Telegram number in the reservation form.

As with all services worldwide, I encourage you to read the full rental terms on the LocalRent website.

In 2023 alone, we used their services six times and were always satisfied. In every case (both in and out of season), their prices were unbeatable compared to other rental companies.

Car Rental in Georgia – Useful Tips

Here are some additional tips from our experience:

• Check if a 4×4 vehicle is required for your planned routes. Most roads in Georgia are in good condition, but some destinations require or highly benefit from an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Most rental companies prohibit driving on the most challenging mountain roads (e.g., the road to Omalo). Even if allowed, we recommend hiring a jeep with an experienced driver for such routes.
• Upon receiving the car, take photos or record a video of the entire exterior and interior. This can be helpful in case of disputes over damages. We never had issues, but it's always better to be safe!

Why Rent a Car in Georgia?

Driving a rental car allows you to explore Georgia at your own pace. The independence and flexibility to plan your road trip exactly as you wish are priceless! Many beautiful places in Georgia are difficult, time-consuming, or even impossible to reach using public transport. Having your own vehicle will save you a lot of time.

In many cases, renting a car can also save you money, especially if you're traveling in a group. Additionally, fuel prices are relatively low:

• Diesel: ~1.1 USD/liter
• Gasoline: ~1.2 USD/liter

All roads in Georgia are toll-free.

What's Driving Like in Georgia?

Before you decide to rent a car in Georgia, remember that driving habits here are quite different from what you might be used to in Europe or in the US. This isn't surprising, given that until April 2022, the practical driving exam in Georgia only took place on a closed ground… 🙈 Keep this in mind while navigating Georgian roads 😅

• Georgian drivers don't consider other road users much. Their main goal is to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, with as few stops as possible.
• Honking is common. Drivers honk to remind others about a green light, greet friends, or just out of boredom in traffic. Don't worry—it usually doesn't mean anything negative 😉
• Turn signals are rarely used properly. Many drivers signal only at the very moment they start turning. Always keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

That said, you'll quickly adapt! After a few hours of driving in Georgia, you'll understand the local style and unspoken rules. I actually enjoy driving here—it's dynamic but fun!

Do You Need International Driving License in Georgia?

Formally, you don't need International Driving License (or IDP – International Driving Permit) to legally drive a car in Georgia, as long as your national license in written in Latin characters. However, it's always good to have an IDP as it also serves as an official translation of your national driving license. If you're planning driving in Georgia for longer periods or also visiting other countries around, getting an IDP may be a good idea. However, as mentioned, you should be fine with your valid national driving license.

I hope you found this article useful. If you have any questions and would like to share your experience with car rental in Georgia – let us know in the comments below! 🙂