Georgia by Car – 10 Essential Tips
Georgia by car? There's no better way to explore this picturesque country! Before you book your rental and plan your road trip, it's essential to know what to expect on Georgian roads. We've prepared 10 key tips to make your journey smoother and ensure that traveling around Georgia by car is both comfortable and safe.
1. Don't Fully Trust Navigation Apps
When planning your trip around Georgia by car, don't rely too much on travel times suggested by navigation apps like Google Maps—especially in the mountains! In reality, drive times can be twice as long due to winding roads, ongoing repairs, and heavy seasonal traffic on popular routes. Always factor in extra time for unexpected delays and scenic stops 😉
2. Choose the Right Car
Georgia is a land of contrasts—especially when it comes to roads. You'll find modern highways as well as unpaved, mountainous trails. If you're staying in cities, a standard sedan will do, but to reach some of Georgia's most stunning locations, you may need a 4×4 vehicle.
We recommend renting from a local car rental service via the LocalRent comparison tool. This platform gathers various Georgian rental companies, allowing you to find the best prices for your selected dates ↓
Notice how low car rental prices can be in Georgia with a local rental company! Especially compared to other, larger, and more well-known firms here. We wrote more about cheap car rentals in Georgia here.
3. Download Offline Maps
When navigating Georgia by car, it's a good idea to download offline maps in advance. Mobile signal can be weak, especially in the mountains. Apps like Google Maps and Maps.me allow you to store maps on your device for offline use, ensuring you never get lost. Make sure to download them before coming.
4. Watch Out for Animals on the Road
Traveling through Georgia by car means breathtaking landscapes—but also unexpected road hazards, like cows, sheep, and even pigs wandering onto the road 😀 Stay alert, especially in rural areas where free-roaming animals are common.
5. Adapt to the Georgian Driving Style
Driving in Georgia can feel like a free-for-all 😀 Traffic rules are often ignored—lanes, right of way, and turn signals are all considered optional. At intersections, the unwritten rule is often "whoever goes first, wins". Many drivers tailgate aggressively and frequently honk. Our advice? Stay calm, keep your distance, and go with the flow. You'll get used to it, it's even quite fun! 😄
6. Don't Worry About Honking
Expect constant honking when driving in Georgia! But don't take it personally—locals use their horns for all sorts of reasons: reminding others about a green light, greeting friends, or just passing time in traffic. In Georgia, the horn is simply part of the driving experience 😉
7. Obey Speed Limits to Avoid Fines
To avoid unexpected fines while exploring Georgia by car, always stick to the speed limits. Speed cameras are widespread, often unmarked.
Also, check whether your rental car's speedometer displays kilometers or miles—many vehicles in Georgia are imported and may have speedometers set to miles, while all local speed limits are in km/h.
8. Get Full Insurance Coverage
Given the unpredictable driving conditions, we strongly recommend renting a car with full insurance. This way, if an accident or minor damage occurs, you won't have to worry about repair costs. Always check the insurance terms carefully, and ideally, opt for zero-deductible coverage.
9. Always Carry Some Cash
Although most places in Georgia accept card payments, it's wise to have cash on hand, especially if you need roadside assistance in remote areas. Small mechanical repairs are often cheap—we once got a tire fixed for just a few lari! We recommend withdrawing Georgian lari (GEL) from an ATM upon arrival. If withdrawing larger sums, consider using a multi-currency card like Revolut for better exchange rates.
10. Enjoy the Freedom!
The best part of traveling around Georgia by car is the absolute freedom. You can stop wherever you want, venture off the beaten path, and explore hidden gems that public transport simply doesn't reach. With stunning landscapes, incredible cultural sites, and warm hospitality, Georgia is best discovered on four wheels.
Georgia by car is an unforgettable experience, offering flexibility, adventure, and access to some of the country's most breathtaking locations. By following these 10 tips, you'll be well-prepared for an amazing road trip through this beautiful country. Happy travels!