Travelling Georgia with children changes the calculation on almost everything — how long you drive each day, where you stop, what you need in the car. The good news is that Georgia is genuinely well-suited to family road trips. Distances are short, the variety is remarkable, and a minivan with eight seats handles a family of any size without compromise.
This guide covers the best family-friendly routes in Georgia, what car to book, and the practical details that make the difference when you are travelling with kids.
Georgia has no functional rail network for tourists and public transport between regions is slow and unpredictable. A rental car is not just more convenient — for a family, it is the only practical way to move around at your own pace.
The country is also compact. Tbilisi to Batumi is around 300 km. Tbilisi to Kazbegi is 150 km. You can cover a lot of ground without subjecting children to full-day drives. Most family-friendly destinations in Georgia are reachable in under three hours from Tbilisi.
A crossover covers most family needs — comfortable for four adults, adequate boot space for pushchairs and luggage, and capable on mountain roads that are paved and maintained. If your group is small and your luggage is manageable, a crossover is the most cost-effective option.
A minivan is the right choice for larger families. StarCar's minivan seats up to 8 people and accommodates 4 large suitcases or 8 smaller bags. It is suitable for city driving, coastal routes, and mountain resorts with paved roads. It is not suited to off-road routes.
StarCar provides baby seats and child seats as an add-on — confirmed when booking via WhatsApp. This is the most important thing to arrange before your rental, not after. Georgian law requires appropriate child restraints, and bringing your own car seat on a flight adds unnecessary complexity.
When booking, tell the operator the age and approximate weight of each child — the right seat type will be confirmed for you.
Browse the full fleet at starcar.ge/cars and confirm child seats when booking.
This is the most accessible family route in Georgia and works well as a first road trip with children. All roads are fully paved. Distances are short. There is genuine variety — ancient capital, Soviet-era history, spa town, national park.
Mtskheta (30 minutes from Tbilisi) is Georgia's ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jvari Monastery sits above the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers — the view is worth the short drive up. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is in the town centre and easy to walk around with small children.
Gori (80 km from Tbilisi) is a straightforward motorway drive. The Stalin Museum is one of the more unusual things you will see in Georgia — genuinely interesting for older children and adults. Gori Fortress above the town is free to visit.
Borjomi (another 60 km south) is a spa town in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, known for its mineral water springs. The central park has a small funicular, open green space, and the springs themselves — children can try the famously sulphuric water for free. It is a good base for a night or two.
From Borjomi, you can continue to Akhaltsikhe and the Rabati Castle, or return to Tbilisi via the same route in around two hours.
The Kazbegi route is one of the most spectacular drives in Georgia and works well with children because the scenery holds attention throughout. The Georgian Military Highway runs north from Tbilisi through the Caucasus foothills, past the Zhinvali Reservoir and the Ananuri Fortress, continuing through Gudauri and up to Kazbegi at 1,750 metres.
The road is fully paved and well-maintained. A crossover or sedan handles it without difficulty in good weather. In winter, winter tyres are necessary and snow chains are advisable — consult the operator.
Ananuri Fortress (75 km from Tbilisi) is a natural stop — a 17th-century fortress complex directly on the reservoir shore with a small beach area in summer. It takes around an hour to explore.
Gudauri is Georgia's main ski resort. In winter it is a destination in itself. In summer the ski lifts run for hikers, and the plateau views are excellent. The resort has good facilities and is easy with children.
Kazbegi town sits below the Gergeti Trinity Church — the image most associated with Georgia internationally. The church is reachable on foot (a steep 3–4 hour return hike) or by 4x4 vehicle via a rough track. With young children, the view from town is perfectly good.
Batumi is the most immediately family-friendly destination in Georgia. The seafront boulevard runs for several kilometres with playgrounds, a small funicular, an amusement park, a botanical garden, and the beach itself. The city is walkable and compact.
From Batumi, the coast road north passes through Kobuleti — a quieter beach town preferred by many families — and continues to Ureki, known for its magnetic black sand. Both are easy half-day drives from Batumi.
The botanical garden above Batumi (Mtsvane Kontskhi) is one of the largest in the Caucasus and a genuine half-day outing for families — cable car access, sea views, and a well-maintained park.
If you are arriving at Batumi airport, StarCar delivers directly to the airport with 24 hours notice. For a Tbilisi arrival with a Batumi focus, a one-way rental from Tbilisi to Batumi is available with no drop-off fee.
Kakheti works well for families because the drives are short, the landscapes are open, and the stops are varied enough to hold children's interest. Sighnaghi is probably the highlight — a walled town on a ridge with views across to the Caucasus, small enough to walk completely in an hour.
Alaverdi Cathedral, the Tsinandali estate and gardens, and the drive through the Alazani Valley are all manageable with children. The region does not require an SUV on standard routes — a sedan or crossover covers everything.
Kutaisi is the natural base for western Georgia and works well as a starting point if you are arriving at Kutaisi airport. The Prometheus Cave — a large active cave system around 20 km from Kutaisi — is consistently one of the most popular attractions in Georgia with children. Boat rides are available inside the cave system.
Sataplia Nature Reserve, also near Kutaisi, has dinosaur footprints preserved in limestone — straightforward to visit with children of any age. The Motsameta and Gelati monasteries are both within 15 minutes of the city centre.
From Kutaisi, the road west leads to the Imereti and Racha regions, or south toward Borjomi and the route described above.
Pick up at Kutaisi airport — 20 minutes from the office, no queues, contract signed in 10 minutes.
What is the best car for a family of 5 or 6 in Georgia?
A crossover with 5 seats is sufficient for a family of 4 with luggage on standard routes. For 6 or more people, or for families with a large amount of luggage, a minivan is the right choice — it seats up to 8 and has significantly more boot space.
Does StarCar provide baby seats and child seats?
Yes — baby seats and child seats are available as an add-on. Confirm when booking via WhatsApp with the age and approximate weight of each child. Do not leave this until pickup.
What is the minimum driving age for a rental in Georgia?
StarCar accepts drivers aged 20 and over — younger than most international companies, which typically require drivers to be 23 or 25. There is no young driver surcharge.
Is Georgia safe for family road trips?
Yes — Georgia is a safe destination for families. Road quality on main routes is good. Traffic outside Tbilisi is manageable. The main considerations are mountain driving conditions in winter and the need for appropriate vehicles on certain off-road routes.
Can I do a one-way rental — pick up in Tbilisi and drop off in Batumi?
Yes. StarCar offers one-way rentals between Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi with no drop-off fee. This is useful for families who want to fly in and out of different airports.
For most family itineraries in Georgia, a crossover covers everything. For groups of 6 or more, book the minivan. Add child seats when booking — not at pickup.
Book direct at starcar.ge — no deposit, unlimited mileage, age 20 and over accepted. Airport pickup at Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi with 24 hours notice.
Free cancellation · 24/7 support · Unlimited mileage
Book your rental car today.
Free cancellation available
