General information, not medical or legal advice. Follow your dentist's instructions, especially after sedation or surgery. Rules and services change; everything below was checked on 30 October 2026 against the linked sources. We do not list prices; check them with the provider when you book. Some links may become partner links in future; this does not affect what we list, and no company here has paid to be included.
Many dental patients in Tbilisi manage without a car of their own, using ride-hailing apps or a private driver for the airport, appointments and day trips. A rental car is mainly worth considering if you want to explore Georgia on days when you are not in the dentist's chair.
From the airport to the city
Airport taxi
Tbilisi International Airport says its taxi service waits at the curbside outside the Arrival Hall and runs 24 hours a day; it puts the journey to the city centre at 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic (Tbilisi Airport – Taxi).
Ride-hailing apps
These apps confirm on their own pages that they operate in Tbilisi:
- Bolt has a Tbilisi city page and lists Tbilisi International Airport among the airports it serves (Bolt airports).
- Maxim lists a Tbilisi office and phone line (Maxim contacts); its app page says you can order city and intercity rides, including to an airport, and see the price in advance (Maxim app).
GOV.UK advises not flagging taxis in the street, pre-booking through an app where you can, and checking that the taxi has working seatbelts (GOV.UK). Install an app and add a payment method before you fly.
Private drivers for transfers and day trips
If you would rather not drive at all, a private driver can take you from the airport, to and from appointments, or out of the city on a recovery day. GoTrip.ge describes itself as offering transfers and tours throughout Georgia. For organised day trips, see our guide to tours from Tbilisi.
Renting a car
International and local rental companies
Several international brands have a branch at Tbilisi International Airport, according to their own websites:
- SIXT says its branch is in the arrivals hall and open 24 hours (SIXT).
- Avis lists a Tbilisi Airport (TBS) location open 24 hours (Avis).
- Europcar lists a Tbilisi International Airport location (Europcar) and, on its Georgian site, a second office in the city at 42 K. Abkhazi Street (Europcar Georgia).
We have not listed local rental firms because we could not confirm them against official sources. Whichever company you use, check its insurance terms and the condition of the car before you sign.
Documents and driving licences
- Your licence. GOV.UK says you can drive in Georgia with a UK driving licence for up to one year. If you are hiring a car, check with the rental company before you travel whether it accepts your licence or wants a 1968 international driving permit (IDP); UK drivers cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel (GOV.UK). If your licence was issued elsewhere, check the rules for your country with your own government and the rental company.
- What the counter asks for. SIXT says you need a full, valid driving licence and a passport or identity card, and a minimum age of 21 for most cars (SIXT). Europcar asks for your licence, your passport or national ID and a valid credit card, and says an international driving licence is also mandatory if your licence is in a language or script that cannot be read in the rental country (Europcar).
Insurance
SIXT says protection packages at Tbilisi Airport are optional and reduce your liability (SIXT). Before you sign, read what the rental agreement covers and what excess you would pay, and check whether your travel insurance or credit card already covers rental cars. GOV.UK also reminds travellers to make sure their travel insurance covers their activities (GOV.UK).
Driving conditions
GOV.UK advises taking care when driving, especially at night. It warns that roads outside city centres are often badly lit and in poor condition, that stray livestock can be a hazard, that road markings and right of way can be confusing and driving can be erratic, and that rain, snow and landslides can affect roads, particularly in remote areas. Georgia's blood alcohol limit is lower than the UK's, so avoid alcohol if you are driving (GOV.UK).
Parking in Tbilisi
Paid zonal street parking in Tbilisi is run by the city's Tbilisi Parking service, with zones A, B and C. According to its instructions, you pay through the "Tbilisi Parking" mobile app (in Georgian and English) or the tp.ge web app, and you can use a free 15-minute session up to four times a day on different spots (Tbilisi Parking instructions, PDF in Georgian). Ask your hotel whether it has parking.
Don't drive after sedation or surgery
If you have IV sedation, NHS guidance says you should not drive a vehicle for 24 hours, and you should go back to your accommodation with a responsible adult by car or taxi (Rotherham NHS). Even if you feel fine, the effects can last up to 24 hours and affect judgement and co-ordination (Kent Community Health NHS). Plan a driver or a ride-hailing car for surgery days, and ask your dentist when it is safe for you to drive again, especially if you have been prescribed strong painkillers.
FAQ
Do I need a car for a dental trip to Tbilisi?
Often not. Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and private drivers can cover the airport and clinic visits. A rental car is mainly useful for exploring outside the city.
Can I drive in Georgia with my own licence?
GOV.UK says UK licence holders can drive for up to one year, but rental companies may ask for an IDP (GOV.UK). Holders of other licences should check with their own government and the rental company.
Can I drive myself home after treatment?
Not after sedation: NHS guidance says not to drive for 24 hours (Rotherham NHS). After any surgery, ask your dentist first.
For the rest of your trip, see how a dental trip to Tbilisi works, where to stay, things to do during your recovery and our pharmacy guide.
General information, not medical or legal advice. Follow your dentist's instructions. Checked on 30 October 2026.