Enterprise

Car & Van Hire in Kutaisi

Enterprise car hire locations in Kutaisi

Travellers flying into Kutaisi can use the coach services that connect the airport with Georgia’s capital city, as these buses stop at Kutaisi. Departures are scheduled to meet incoming flights. The route between the airport and downtown Kutaisi is also served by minibuses that leave when full. Public transport can get crowded, so for a more comfortable transfer, you can take a taxi or pre-book your car hire in Kutaisi at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car website and pick it up at the airport branch, which is open around the clock.

What to do and see in Kutaisi

Kutaisi is one of the most visited destinations in Georgia. This large city has a small-town feel and plenty of historical and natural attractions. The majority of landmarks are on the eastern side of town, across Rustaveli Bridge and around the city’s main square and Kutaisi Park.

In this area, you’ll find Colchis Fountain, whose elaborate golden statues are particularly eye-catching in the evenings once the light display is on. Nearby is Meskhishvili Theatre, an opulent neo-classical building worth visiting even if you’re not going to a show.

A few blocks away is the Kutaisi State Historical Museum, which contains a vast collection of artefacts and displays related to Georgian culture. Other museums and cultural venues worth visiting include David Kakabadze Art Gallery and the Wine Museum in Tskaltubo, a 30-minute drive from Kutaisi.

Across the Rioni River is another cluster of tourist attractions, including Bagrati Cathedral, built during the 11th century and the city’s botanical gardens. Travellers with children can join local families on the cable car ride to Besik Gabashvili amusement park, also on the western side of town.

With your own wheels, you can drive to the monasteries in Gelati and Motsameta, located in the lush hills that surround Kutaisi. Gelati is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a definite must-see while in the region.

There are various natural attractions within a short drive of Kutaisi centre. The caves with dinosaur footprints at Sataplia Nature Reserve are a great family-friendly option. In Martvili National Park, a spectacular canyon offers ziplining and boating adventures. The area around the canyon offers other attractions, including Kaghu waterfall, Nogha fortress and several wineries along the way.

Back in Kutaisi, you can reward yourself with a traditional Georgian meal. You’ll find several riverside restaurants near White Bridge, many of which also offer live entertainment. More cafes, fast food venues and tea houses can be found near the main square.

Large shopping centres like Grand Mall and Kutaisi Plaza are located on the outskirts of town, so having a rental car is very convenient. The exception is Karvasla Mall, centrally located only steps away from Colchis Fountain.

If you’re in the city in May, don’t miss one of the biggest annual celebrations in town. Kutaisoba brings music and dance performances to the streets, as well as gastronomic events and markets. Bear in mind that Georgia is an Orthodox country, so Christmas and Easter celebrations are held a week later than in other countries.

Driving in Kutaisi

Road conditions are usually good in central Kutaisi. If you’ve picked up a car or van rental in Kutaisi and intend to enjoy day trips, plan the journey ahead to avoid being on the road after dark since roads are poorly lit, and this can make it difficult to spot hazards like potholes or animals on the road.

Local drivers don’t always follow traffic rules. Expect tailgating, sudden lane changes without using indicators, and failing to give way when required. When driving in the city, it’s common to stop for pedestrians who are crossing outside of designated areas. In the city centre, there are several narrow one-way streets, which are usually signposted.

The weather can present additional hazards. Heavy rain and snow in late winter and early spring can cause roadblocks, landslides and delays, though this is more common in rural areas. Flooding can happen during the summer due to thunderstorms, so always check the forecast and talk to locals before taking your van hire in Kutaisi to mountainous areas in Sataplia and Martvili.

Georgia is strict about driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as the legal limit for blood alcohol content is 0.02%. Higher fines for this type of offence were recently introduced and can reach hundreds of euros.

Coming from the airport, the main road into town is the M15, which eventually becomes Shota Rustaveli Avenue, one of the city’s main thoroughfares that connect the eastern and western sections of Kutaisi. There are no tolls or motorways in the Kutaisi area, so speed limits are 60 km/h in built-up areas and 80–90 km/h on other roads. In practice, the safe speed may be much lower when driving in mountainous areas.

Paid parking and parking restrictions are indicated with blue signs and discontinuous white lines. Free street parking is also possible, but it’s best to avoid leaving your car on narrow streets, where there's a higher chance of your vehicle getting damaged.

Car and van hire in Georgia with Enterprise

Enterprise Georgia offers a range of car and van hire services including one-way, long-term and short-term vehicle hire. Commercial clients can speak to our award-winning business rental team who will tailor a mobility solution for your needs and budget.

We are part of the Enterprise group, the largest transportation solutions provider in the world. Our global network covers more than 90 countries and over 9,500 locations, allowing us to serve your mobility needs, wherever you’re going.

We are committed to providing the best service possible and exceeding our customers’ expectations for quality and value.

Car hire in Kutaisi

If you are travelling with your family or in a big group, you may find a 7-seater or a people carrier will give you more space to travel comfortably with your luggage. For a city trip, a handy hatchback that’s easy to park may suit you better. For business trips or long drives an executive car will combine comfort and performance.

Whether you prefer automatic to manual transmission, no problem. If you want a petrol, diesel or hybrid engine, we’ve got you covered. You may also need GPS, a child seat or want to add another driver to the contract, let us know and we’ll arrange it for you.

Van hire in Kutaisi

Should you need to hire a van while you’re in Kutaisi, all our vans can be driven on a standard licence and are modern, clean and easy to drive. Just ask and one of our branch team will happily show you around your hire van to make sure you are comfortable with it before you head off.