Kutaisi airport is one of the most convenient entry points into Georgia — and one of the most underrated. Wizz Air, Ryanair, and a growing number of low-cost carriers fly directly into Kutaisi from across Europe, making it a practical alternative to Tbilisi for travellers who want to start their Georgian road trip immediately without the complexity of a large city.
This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car at Kutaisi airport — how pickup works, what to expect, and why direct booking beats the desk queues you find at international airports.
Most travellers default to Tbilisi as their entry point. For car rental, Kutaisi is often the smarter choice — for several reasons.
No queue. Tbilisi airport has multiple rental desks — Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Avis — all processing arrivals at the same time. In peak season, queues at those desks run 30 to 45 minutes. At Kutaisi, StarCar operates a meet-and-greet service. Your operator is waiting at arrivals with a name board. Contract signing takes 10 minutes.
20 minutes from the office. StarCar's main office is 20 minutes from Kutaisi airport. Vehicles are prepared and ready. There is no waiting for a car to be brought from a remote lot.
Lower base price. Operating costs in Kutaisi are lower than Tbilisi. That difference is reflected in the daily rate when you book direct.
Immediate access to western Georgia. From Kutaisi airport, Batumi is 2.5 hours west. Mestia and Svaneti are 3.5 to 4 hours north. Tbilisi is 2.5 hours east on the E60. Kutaisi sits at the centre of Georgia's road network — it is an excellent starting point for any itinerary.
Pickup at Kutaisi airport follows a straightforward process — but it works best when arranged in advance.
Step 1: Book at least 24 hours ahead. Contact StarCar via the website or WhatsApp to confirm your rental. Provide your flight number and estimated arrival time. The operator tracks your flight and adjusts if it is delayed.
Step 2: Clear arrivals. After you collect your bags and clear the arrivals hall, your StarCar operator will be waiting at the exit beyond the neutral zone, holding an A4 board with the StarCar logo. You do not need to search for a desk or a shuttle bus.
Step 3: Sign the contract. The contract is completed on the spot at the arrivals area. The operator explains the terms, notes the fuel level, and hands over the keys. The full process takes around 10 minutes in standard cases.
Step 4: Drive. The car is parked at or near the airport. You leave immediately.
For arrivals without advance booking — if you decide at the airport that you want a car — StarCar can usually deliver to Kutaisi airport within 20 minutes. Contact via WhatsApp on arrival.
Payment: At the airport, payment is in cash — EUR, USD, or GEL. Card payment is available at the office with a 2% processing fee. Decide in advance which currency you are paying in — the operator can calculate the equivalent in other currencies at the current rate.
Security deposit: StarCar does not require a security deposit. Nothing is blocked on your card.
Insurance: Third-party liability insurance is included in the base price. Full coverage (CDW) can be added — confirm when booking via WhatsApp. The terms are explained at contract signing.
Fuel: The fuel level is noted in the contract at pickup. You return the car at the same level.
Child seats: If you need a baby seat or child seat, confirm this when booking with the age and weight of each child. Do not request it at pickup — seat availability needs to be confirmed in advance.
Additional drivers: Unlimited additional drivers are permitted. The person signing the contract is legally responsible for the vehicle.
Kutaisi airport sits at the centre of Georgia's road network. The right car depends entirely on where you are going.
| Destination | Drive Time | Recommended Car |
|---|---|---|
| Batumi / Black Sea coast | 2.5 hours | Sedan, crossover, or minivan |
| Tbilisi / Kakheti | 2.5–3 hours | Sedan or crossover |
| Borjomi / Akhaltsikhe | 2–2.5 hours | Sedan or crossover |
| Mestia / Svaneti | 3.5–4 hours | Crossover (SUV for Ushguli) |
| Kazbegi | 5–6 hours | Crossover or SUV |
| Kutaisi city and surroundings | — | Any category |
For mountain destinations involving unpaved roads — Ushguli, Omalo, Vashlovani — consult the operator when booking. The vehicle recommendation depends on the season and current road conditions.
Browse the full fleet at starcar.ge/cars.
| Kutaisi Airport (StarCar) | Tbilisi Airport (International Brands) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup process | Meet and greet, name board at arrivals | Desk queue, 30–45 min peak season |
| Contract signing | 10 minutes | 20–40 minutes |
| Security deposit | No deposit | €200–500 blocked on card |
| Minimum driver age | 20 years | 23–25 years (surcharge below) |
| Mileage | Unlimited | Often capped |
| Support | WhatsApp, 24/7 | Call centre |
| One-way to Tbilisi / Batumi | No drop-off fee | Fee often applies |
Pick up at Kutaisi airport. Drive to Batumi (2.5 hours) — 2 nights on the Black Sea. North to Mestia via Zugdidi (4 hours from Batumi) — 2 nights in Svaneti. Return to Kutaisi via the same route. Drop off at Kutaisi airport or one-way to Tbilisi.
Pick up at Kutaisi airport. West to Batumi — 2 nights. North to Mestia — 2 nights. East to Tbilisi via Kutaisi — 2 nights. Kakheti day trip or overnight. Kazbegi 1 night. Return to Tbilisi or drop off at Tbilisi airport. One-way rental, no drop-off fee.
Pick up at Kutaisi airport. Day one: Prometheus Cave, Sataplia Nature Reserve, Gelati Monastery. Day two: Imereti wineries or day trip to Borjomi. Day three: Motsameta, Bagrati Cathedral, return. Drop off at Kutaisi airport.
Do I need to book in advance for Kutaisi airport pickup?
Advance booking (at least 24 hours) is recommended to guarantee your vehicle and arrange the meet-and-greet. Walk-in availability exists — StarCar can deliver to the airport within 20 minutes — but vehicle choice may be limited in peak season.
Is there a deposit required at Kutaisi airport?
No. StarCar does not block any amount on your card. Payment is in cash at pickup — EUR, USD, or GEL.
How do I find the StarCar operator at Kutaisi airport?
Your operator will be waiting beyond the neutral zone at the arrivals exit, holding an A4 board with the StarCar logo. Your flight is tracked — if your arrival is delayed, the operator adjusts accordingly.
Can I pick up at Kutaisi and drop off in Tbilisi or Batumi?
Yes — one-way rentals between Kutaisi, Tbilisi, and Batumi are available with no drop-off fee. Confirm the drop-off location when booking.
What is the minimum rental period at StarCar?
Three days. If you need a car for one or two days, the three-day rate applies.
No queue. No deposit. 10-minute contract. Your operator is waiting when you land.
Book direct at starcar.ge or message on WhatsApp 24/7. Full fleet at starcar.ge/cars.
Pickup also available at Tbilisi airport and Batumi.
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