Car rental in Zugdidi
Zugdidi is the gateway to Svaneti. The road to Mestia starts here, the Enguri dam is half an hour away, and the Black Sea coast at Anaklia is within an easy drive. Marshrutkas run these routes on their own schedule and stop where it suits them; a car turns the whole of Samegrelo and upper Svaneti into a trip you plan yourself.
Where to pick the car up
We hand cars over in Batumi and at the airports. Zugdidi itself is not one of our delivery points, so choose whichever is closest to your route:
- Batumi, 24 Shavsheti Street, or your hotel in Batumi — free of charge.
- Batumi airport — free and around the clock, we meet you at the car park.
- Kutaisi airport — 50 GEL. This is usually the shortest way to Zugdidi, around an hour and a half by road.
- Tbilisi airport — 50 GEL, if you are starting your trip from the capital.
Handover takes 10 to 15 minutes: we inspect the car together, record its condition on video and sign the agreement.
Rental terms
- Minimum age 21, at least one year of driving experience. A second driver is free if they meet the same requirements.
- You need a passport and a driving licence from any country, originals only. An international permit is not required.
- No deposit. The exception is the premium class: $100, returned when you bring the car back.
- No prepayment to book — you pay when you pick the car up, in lari, roubles, dollars, euros or crypto.
- Unlimited mileage, minimum rental period one day.
- Full insurance, a child seat and seasonal winter tyres are already included in the price.
Driving to Svaneti: what to know first
Mountain roads are allowed on every class except the premium cars and low sedans — for Mestia choose something with decent ground clearance.
The insurance does not cover tyres or the underbody. That holds everywhere, including gravel and mountain roads, so on the way up to Svaneti take it slowly. Everything else is covered: full insurance is in the price, with no excess if you have two or more years of driving experience.
Winter tyres are fitted from November. The Zugdidi to Mestia road is kept open in winter, but the weather in the mountains changes fast — check the forecast before you set off.
Where to drive from Zugdidi
- Mestia and upper Svaneti — the main reason most people come this way, about three hours on a paved mountain road.
- The Enguri dam — one of the tallest arch dams in the world, half an hour from town.
- Anaklia — a quiet stretch of Black Sea coast, around 40 minutes away.
- Martvili canyon — turquoise water and boat rides, roughly an hour to the east.
- Poti and Lake Paliastomi — the port town and the wetlands of Kolkheti national park.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly do I collect the car?
In Batumi — at our office on 24 Shavsheti Street or at your hotel, free of charge; at Batumi airport, also free and around the clock; or at Kutaisi and Tbilisi airports for 50 GEL. Kutaisi airport is normally the closest option to Zugdidi.
Can I drive up to Mestia?
Yes. Mountain roads are allowed on every class except the premium cars and low sedans. Keep in mind that tyres and the underbody are not covered by the insurance anywhere, mountain roads included.
Do I need an international driving permit?
No. A national licence from any country plus your passport is enough, both as originals.
What deposit do you take?
There is no deposit. The exception is the premium class: $100, returned when the car comes back.
Can I return the car in another city?
Yes, between the major cities — Batumi, Tbilisi and Kutaisi. Tbilisi to Batumi is usually free of charge; the opposite direction sometimes carries a fee, confirmed when you book.
How long does booking confirmation take?
Usually 15 to 20 minutes, between 09:00 and midnight, on WhatsApp or Telegram. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before pick-up.
Planning a trip to Zugdidi or Svaneti?
Message us on WhatsApp — we confirm within 15 to 20 minutes and help you pick a car that handles the mountain road.