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When I started planning our road trip across Georgia, I was struck by how little I actually knew about the country.
This was technically my second attempt to visit — the first one fell through during COVID — so this time, we went all in. We planned a fully packed week, hitting up as many towns, viewpoints, and quirky little museums as we could along the way.
I also kept detailed records of everything we spent for two people on a one-week road trip, from fuel and food to entry tickets and hotels. If you’re dreaming of visiting Georgia but aren’t sure where to begin, this guide will walk you through everything I learned.
How to Get to Georgia
Considering how remote it feels, Georgia is surprisingly well connected to the rest of Europe, thanks in large part to Wizz Air.
Georgia has become a bit of a rising star, especially for budget travelers. You’ll find plenty of cheap flights from cities like Athens, Sofia, Budapest, and Copenhagen to Kutaisi— often starting at just $30 if you book early enough. If you’re coming from the US or outside Europe, your best bet is to grab a flight to one of these hubs and then connect.
That said, I booked a little late and paid about $250 from Greece (ouch). Lesson learned.
Do You Need a Car in Georgia?
Yes — absolutely. Unless you’re only planning to stay in the capital, Tbilisi, renting a car is a must. Georgia is full of incredible landscapes, hidden villages, and off-the-beaten-track spots that are nearly impossible to reach without your own wheels. Having a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace — and trust me, there’s a lot to see.
We traveled in late February, so we expected mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather. We chose a 4×4 SUV for extra space and peace of mind — especially since we were four people traveling with luggage. It ended up being a great decision for when we went through some mountain roads.
The total cost came to $445 for a week, which worked out to about $100 per person (or around $200 if you’re two people). There are definitely cheaper rental options available, especially if you’re traveling in warmer months or don’t need a 4×4.
🚗 Georgia Road Trip Route Overview (7 Days)
- Day 1: Arrive in Kutaisi (1 night)
- Day 2–3: Drive to Batumi (2 nights)
- Day 4: Drive to Tbilisi, with stops at Gori (Stalin Museum) and Uplistsikhe Cave Town (3 nights total in Tbilisi)
- Day 5–6: Base in Tbilisi with local sightseeing and day trips
- Day 7: Return to Kutaisi for departure
💸 Accommodation Costs (2 People)
Accommodation was definitely one of the most affordable parts of the trip. Here’s what we spent on hotels during our 7-day road trip in Georgia, adjusted to USD and split where applicable:
Kutaisi (1 night)
🏨 Mako’s Guest House – $32 with breakfast
(Booked for 2 people)
Batumi (2 nights)
🏨 Budget hotel – $75 total, split between 4 people
→ $38 for 2 people
Tbilisi (3 nights)
🏨 Central apartment – $270 total, split between 4 people
We really loved this place!
→ $135 for 2 people
Kutaisi (1 night)
🏨 Park Hotel – $28
(Booked for 2 people)
Total accommodation cost for 2 people: $233 USD
(That’s about $114.50 per person for the whole trip)
🚗 Gas
We spent around $120 on gas for the week, plus $5 for parking in Tbilisi. We also got slapped with a 50 GEL fine (about $18 USD) for supposedly not merging with a blinker on — a bit of a questionable call, but it is what it is.
Important note: You can’t leave the country without paying any outstanding fines. Ours showed up at airport check-in, and we had to pay it at a kiosk before boarding — quick and easy, thankfully.
Total transport costs (gas, parking, fine):
$143 USD, split between 2 people → $71.50 per person
Activities & Entrance Fees in Georgia
We kept a good balance between cultural stops, scenic spots, and fun experiences — with most of the activities being super affordable (or free!).
Here’s what we spent for 2 people:
Batumi Gondola Ride: $10 per person
Diamond Bridge at Dashbashi: $18 per person
Stalin Museum Entry (Gori): $3 per person
Tour Guide Tip at Stalin Museum: 100 GEL (~$36)
(We accidentally joined a private group thinking it was included, so we gave her a generous tip after realizing.)
Uplistsikhe Cave Town: $5 per person
Tbilisi Hot Baths (private room): 104 GEL for 2 people (~$38)
Digital Light Museum (Tbilisi): $26 for 2 people
Mtatsminda Park (Tbilisi): Free entry
- $10 for a ride card (2 people) — includes the funicular and 1–2 attractions
Total activity spend for 2 people:
~$153 USD or $76.50 per person)
Things to Do in Batumi
Batumi was our first real stop after Kutaisi and it definitely had a different vibe — buzzy, coastal, and kind of flashy. There is a strong post Soviet character and a lot of real estate developments, which means cheap accommodation.
Despite the weather being a bit unpredictable during our week in Georgia, Batumi was super walkable and still had plenty to offer.
- Take a walk through the Batumi Botanical Gardens: Even in grey weather, the gardens were lush and peaceful, with some gorgeous views over the sea. It’s a long walk but totally worth it if you enjoy greenery and scenic paths.
- Explore the Batumi waterfront: The main promenade is full of quirky statues, fountains, random art installations, and even a musical tower. We spent hours just walking and people-watching, with no real plan.
Check out the statue of Ali and Nino: One of Batumi’s most famous landmarks — a moving sculpture that tells a love story. It’s beautiful and a bit haunting, especially at sunset.
Take the gondola up to Anuria Mountain: The ride gives you sweeping views over Batumi and the coastline. It’s not super cheap, but it’s a fun activity and the views are great, even on a cloudy day.
Do your own street art + architecture walk: Batumi’s mix of old charm and futuristic architecture makes for a cool backdrop. Some buildings look like Vegas, others like they belong in a fairy tale. Just walking around the city feels like sightseeing.
Bonus foodie tip: try Adjarian khachapuri at its source
This region’s famous boat-shaped cheese bread comes from Adjara, and Batumi is appearantly the best place to try it. Even though we did have it in multiple places, just to check!
One of the things we usually do on trips and we didn’t get around to this time was a cooking class. I would definitely book something like this next time. It is both top rated and super affordable.
More Things to See on Your Road Trip Through Georgia
Gori and the Stalin Museum
Gori is the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and while controversial, the Stalin Museum is one of the most visited attractions in the area. Entry is around $3 per person, and you can choose to join a guided tour as well. We thought we were following a guided tour, but we ended up following a private one, so we left a tip after.
It’s a surreal place: there’s his childhood home, his personal train carriage, and lots of Soviet memorabilia.
Uplistsikhe Cave Town
Just a short drive from Gori, Uplistsikhe is an ancient cave city carved directly into rock. Think of it like Georgia’s version of Cappadocia — with winding tunnels, carved-out dwellings, and panoramic views over the countryside. Entry is about $5 per person and definitely worth it, especially if you’re into history or ruins.
These stops can easily be visited on your way from Batumi to Tbilisi (or vice versa), and they break up the drive nicely.
Another option, if you are not renting a car or want to avoid some driving is to book a day trip from Tbilisi to see all these spots.
Things to Do in Tbilisi, the Capital
Our biggest tip for Tbilisi: stay in the Old Town. The energy is completely different, and everything you want to see is within walking distance. Traffic in the city can be intense (especially compared to the quieter places we visited earlier), and the weather during our visit was cold and rainy — but we still made the most of it.
Despite the gloom, Tbilisi is one of those places I could see myself spending a lot more time in, especially on a good weather day. There’s just so much going on — from street corners with history to cozy cafes, rooftop bars, and local markets.
- Narikala Fortress – climb or take the gondola for panoramic views over Tbilisi
- Mother of Georgia statue – iconic silver figure holding a sword and wine, symbolizing Georgian hospitality and defense
- Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) – the largest Orthodox church in Georgia and visible from all across the city
- Orbeliani Baths – beautiful blue-tiled public bathhouse with private rooms; our session cost 104 GEL (~$35 USD for two people)
- Mtatsminda Park – hilltop amusement park with great views, free to enter and ~$10 for a couple of rides
- Gondola ride – short and scenic way to get to the fortress, around $10 per person
- Wandering the Old Town – charming streets, colorful balconies, tucked-away bakeries and wine shops
- Digital Light Museum – modern immersive exhibit space, tickets cost $26 for two
A note on the baths: The bathhouses in Georgia are different than those of Europe like Budapest, in that they are bathhouses, not spas. They have public and private options but the public one’s are divided by gender. So it makes a lot of sense to book an hour in a private space to enjoy on your own. You get a towel and can walk in shower, and then spend time in the sulfur baths. Booking through agents online wasn’t straight forward, so instead I used the online platform. The rooms and architecture are stunning.
Day Trip from Tbilisi: Diamond Bridge at Dashbashi Canyon
If you’re up for an adventure, a day trip from Tbilisi to the Diamond Bridge at Dashbashi Canyon is well worth it — but be warned, the drive can get intense, especially in bad weather.
We took one route there and a different shortcut back, and that shortcut turned into a full off-road experience. At one point we genuinely thought we might get stuck in the mud if we didn’t have a 4×4 SUV. If you’re visiting in winter or after heavy rain, stick to the main roads and avoid the “faster” routes unless you’re in a serious vehicle.
That said, the Diamond Bridge itself is stunning — a glass-bottomed suspension bridge that stretches dramatically over the canyon. It was quiet when we visited, likely due to the freezing cold, which gave it a strangely eerie atmosphere (and great photo ops with no crowds). The wind and the glass made the walk across feel even more dramatic.
If you’re visiting in warmer weather, there are plenty of activities in the area too:
- Ziplines and swings across the canyon
- Short hikes to viewpoints
- A cliffside cafe with panoramic views
- And of course, walking the full length of the bridge itself
Expect to pay around $18 per person for entry. There’s parking on-site and a visitor center at the top.
This is definitely one of those places where the journey is part of the experience, but it’s also a reminder that weather and road conditions in Georgia can change quickly — so plan accordingly.
What We Spent on Food in Georgia
Food in Georgia is generally very affordable, especially if you mix restaurant meals with groceries. Since we stayed in hotels with kitchens, we were able to cook a few meals — especially during our 3-night stay in Tbilisi — which helped keep our costs down.
That said, we still ate out plenty. Between cheesy khachapuri, steaming hot khinkali, quick coffee stops, local beers, and a final night feast in Kutaisi (which was hands down the best meal of the trip), we definitely didn’t feel like we missed out.
In total, we spent about $550 for 4 people, which comes out to just over $110 USD per person for the entire week — including groceries, snacks, coffees, and restaurant meals. Not bad for eating like kings.
A Note on Getting Ripped Off
Of the $550 we spent on food and drinks, a whopping $150 went to one spot — a shisha lounge where we ordered three hot chocolates and one shisha. That’s it. We were shocked when the bill came, but at that point there wasn’t much to do about it. If you want to read the full breakdown of that experience, I’ve written about it here. Just something to keep in mind if you’re heading to touristy bars or lounges — always check the prices before you order.
Total Cost for 7 Day Roadtrip in Georgia (Per Person)
Here’s the full breakdown of what a one-week road trip through Georgia actually cost us — per person, based on a group of 4:
Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
Flights (return from Europe) | $30 |
Accommodation | $116 |
Car rental & fuel | $112.50 (rental) + $71 (fuel & parking) = $183.50 |
Activities & entry fees | $75 |
Food & drinks | $110 |
Total | ** ~$513.50** |
This includes:
- 7 nights across 3 cities
- A 4×4 SUV rental for mountain driving
- All fuel and a bit of parking
- Hot springs, cable cars, cave towns, and the epic Diamond Bridge
- Market snacks, local meals, and coffee stops (plus a scammy hot chocolate story)
So yes — just $500 per person for a full week of exploring Georgia by car.
If you split the car rental between 2 people add another $100 to the total.
