Georgia and Armenia make natural travel companions. The two countries share a border, a shared history of Christianity in the Caucasus, and landscapes that shift from Georgia's green valleys to Armenia's volcanic highlands within a few hours of driving. Combining both in a single road trip is one of the more rewarding itineraries available in the region — and with the right preparation, doing it in one rental car is straightforward.
This guide covers everything you need to know about crossing from Georgia into Armenia by rental car: the permit process, the border crossings, the route, and what to expect on the other side.
Yes — with a cross-border permit (letter of authorisation) issued by StarCar.
Georgian insurance does not apply outside Georgia, and most rental companies either prohibit cross-border driving entirely or charge significant fees for it. StarCar issues a cross-border permit for Armenia and Azerbaijan that legally authorises you to drive the rental vehicle across the border.
The permit is not insurance — Georgian coverage ends at the Georgian border. You should factor this into your planning and consider appropriate travel insurance that covers vehicle-related incidents in Armenia.
Cross-border permits are not available for Russia or Turkey.
The process is straightforward but requires advance notice.
Request the permit at least one week before your rental pickup date. Contact the StarCar operator via WhatsApp with your travel dates, intended border crossing, and how long you plan to spend in Armenia. The operator prepares the letter of authorisation and has it ready at contract signing.
In some cases the permit can be arranged in less than seven days — contact the operator to confirm what is possible for your specific dates. Do not leave this until the day before your departure.
The permit is included in your rental contract and costs no additional daily fee — confirm the exact terms when booking.
There are two main border crossings between Georgia and Armenia used by travellers in rental cars.
The most commonly used crossing for travellers coming from Tbilisi. Located in the Kvemo Kartli region of Georgia, roughly 80 km south of Tbilisi. The Georgian side is called Sadakhlo; the Armenian side is Bagratashen.
The crossing is open 24 hours. Wait times vary — weekday mornings are generally faster than weekend afternoons. The crossing is straightforward for EU, UK, US, and most other Western passport holders.
From Tbilisi to the crossing: approximately 1 hour on the main road south via Marneuli.
From the crossing to Yerevan: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic in and around the Armenian capital.
A secondary crossing in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of southern Georgia, less frequently used by tourists but worth knowing about if your itinerary includes the Akhalkalaki area or you are approaching from Akhaltsikhe.
The road on the Georgian side to this crossing passes through the Javakheti plateau — a high, open landscape at around 2,000 metres altitude. The road is paved but the plateau can be cold and exposed in spring and autumn, and difficult in winter.
This crossing is also open but processes fewer vehicles. It is the logical choice if you are combining an Armenia trip with Akhaltsikhe, Borjomi, or the Goderdzi route.
The standard route from Tbilisi to Yerevan runs south from Tbilisi on the main road toward Marneuli and the Sadakhlo border crossing, then continues into Armenia through Vanadzor and down to the capital. Total distance is around 280 km. Allow 4 to 5 hours including the border crossing, which typically adds 30 to 60 minutes depending on queues.
Mtskheta — if you have not already visited Georgia's ancient capital, it is 20 minutes from Tbilisi on the route south. Worth an hour before continuing.
Bolnisi — a small town in Kvemo Kartli with a 5th-century basilica, one of the oldest churches in Georgia. The Bolnisi Sioni is 10 km off the main road and takes around 45 minutes to visit. Worth it if you have time.
Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries (Armenia) — shortly after crossing the border, the road passes through the Debed Canyon in northern Armenia. Haghpat and Sanahin are UNESCO World Heritage monasteries set in the canyon walls. Both are within 10 km of the town of Alaverdi (different from Georgia's Alaverdi). Allow 2 hours for both — they are genuinely exceptional and worth the stop before continuing to Yerevan.
Yerevan is a compact, walkable city — you do not need the car within the city itself. Park at your accommodation and explore on foot.
Where the car becomes essential in Armenia is beyond the city.
Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery — 30 km east of Yerevan, both reachable on the same road. Garni is a 1st-century Hellenistic temple — the only pre-Christian building to survive in Armenia. Geghard is a UNESCO-listed monastery carved partially into the cliff face above the Azat River gorge. Allow a half-day for both.
Lake Sevan — Armenia's largest lake, 60 km northeast of Yerevan at 1,900 metres altitude. The Sevanavank monastery peninsula is the main attraction. A pleasant half-day or full-day excursion with good views in clear weather.
Khor Virap — a monastery on the plain south of Yerevan with Mount Ararat directly behind it on a clear day. One of the most photographed images in Armenia. 50 km from Yerevan, easy half-day trip.
Tatev Monastery — further south in the Syunik region, around 3 hours from Yerevan. One of the great medieval monasteries of the Caucasus, accessed by the world's longest reversible aerial tramway. Worth a full day if your itinerary allows.
For the standard Tbilisi–Yerevan route and the main sights around Yerevan, a sedan or crossover is perfectly adequate. The roads between Tbilisi and Yerevan are paved and in reasonable condition, and the main tourist sites in Armenia are all accessible on paved roads.
If you are extending into southern Armenia toward Tatev or Goris, a crossover gives more comfort on the varied road surfaces in that region. A full SUV is not necessary for standard itineraries.
Browse the full fleet at starcar.ge/cars and confirm the cross-border permit when booking.
Documents required at the crossing:
Insurance: Georgian insurance does not cover Armenia. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers incidents involving a rental vehicle outside Georgia. Some policies include this as standard — check before travel.
Currency: Armenia uses the Armenian dram (AMD). Exchange is available in Yerevan and at the border. Georgian lari and USD are sometimes accepted at tourist sites but not reliably.
Fuel in Armenia: Petrol stations are available throughout the main routes in Armenia. Prices are comparable to Georgia.
Mobile coverage: Georgian SIM cards (Magti, Geocell) do not work in Armenia without roaming enabled. Check with your provider before crossing, or buy an Armenian SIM in Yerevan.
Speed limits in Armenia: 60 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads. Speed cameras operate on main roads.
The cross-border permit StarCar issues also covers Azerbaijan. If your itinerary includes both Armenia and Azerbaijan alongside Georgia, this can be arranged — confirm with the operator at the time of booking as the permit terms may differ.
Note that Armenia and Azerbaijan do not have diplomatic relations and the land border between them is closed. You cannot cross between Armenia and Azerbaijan by car — you must return to Georgia between visits.
Days 1–2: Tbilisi and Mtskheta. Day 3: Tbilisi to Yerevan via Sadakhlo — stop at Haghpat and Sanahin. Day 4: Yerevan — Garni, Geghard. Day 5: Lake Sevan and Khor Virap. Day 6: Return to Tbilisi via Sadakhlo. Kakheti afternoon or overnight. Day 7: Kakheti or return to Tbilisi airport.
Days 1–3: Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kakheti. Day 4: Kazbegi. Day 5: Return to Tbilisi, drive to Yerevan. Days 6–7: Yerevan and surroundings — Garni, Geghard, Khor Virap, Sevan. Day 8: Tatev Monastery (long day, worth it). Day 9: Return to Georgia via Sadakhlo. Drive to Kutaisi or Batumi. Day 10: Batumi or return to Tbilisi. Drop off at preferred airport.
Can I take a StarCar rental into Armenia?
Yes — with a cross-border permit (letter of authorisation) arranged in advance. Request at least one week before your rental pickup. Contact the operator via WhatsApp.
Does Georgian car insurance cover Armenia?
No. Georgian insurance applies only within Georgia. Ensure your travel insurance covers vehicle-related incidents in Armenia before crossing the border.
Which border crossing should I use from Tbilisi to Armenia?
The Sadakhlo / Bagratashen crossing is the standard choice from Tbilisi — around 80 km south of the city, open 24 hours, straightforward for most passport holders.
How long does the border crossing take?
Typically 30 to 60 minutes. Weekday mornings are faster than weekend afternoons. Have all documents — passport, rental contract, cross-border permit, driving licence — ready at the crossing.
Can I cross from Armenia to Azerbaijan in the same rental car?
No. The land border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed. You must return to Georgia between visits to each country.
Request the Armenia permit when booking — not as an afterthought. It needs at least one week to arrange.
Book direct at starcar.ge — no deposit, unlimited mileage, age 20 and over accepted. Full fleet at starcar.ge/cars. Pickup at Tbilisi airport, Kutaisi airport, or Batumi. WhatsApp available 24/7.
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