Minivan Rental in Georgia: Your Complete Guide for an Unforgettable Trip
There is a moment that every traveler to Georgia experiences. You land at Tbilisi International Airport, breeze through passport control, and step outside into the warm Caucasus air. The taxi drivers are already circling. The marshrutka minibus schedule looks confusing. And you realize: you have a group of friends, a stack of Airbnb addresses in different regions, and no good way to connect them all.
That is exactly why minivan rental in Georgia exists. And if you are reading this, you are probably in the same spot — trying to figure out the best way to move a group of people around this incredible country without breaking the bank or losing your mind.
I have been organizing trips across Georgia for years with PVD Club, and I can tell you this: a minivan is the single best investment you can make for a Georgian adventure. Here is everything you need to know about minivan rental in Georgia, from prices and vehicles to routes and paperwork. (Read the Russian version here if you prefer.)
Why Rent a Minivan in Georgia?
Georgia is not a country you want to see through a bus window. The real magic happens when you can pull over at a random viewpoint in the Caucasus mountains, stop for fresh khachapuri at a roadside bakery in Kakheti, or chase a sunset in Svaneti without watching the clock.
A minivan gives you that freedom. Here is when it makes sense:
- Group travel. If you are 5 to 12 people, splitting a minivan costs less per person than a train or bus — and you control the schedule.
- Mountain roads. Standard sedans struggle on Georgian mountain roads, especially in Svaneti, Tusheti, and Racha. A high-clearance minivan with all-wheel drive, like the Mitsubishi Delica L400, handles them with ease.
- Gear and luggage. Ski equipment, camping gear, suitcases for a big group — a minivan swallows it all. PVD Club also offers gear rental in Tbilisi if you are traveling light.
- Airport to mountain. You can go from Tbilisi airport to Gudauri ski resort or Stepantsminda in one shot, no transfers, no waiting. If you arrive in Batumi instead, check car rental in Tbilisi and Batumi for options on both ends.
More than 7 million international visitors came to Georgia in 2024. Most of them visited Tbilisi, but the real growth is in regional travel — exactly what a rental minivan unlocks.
Our Fleet: Two Minivans, Two Purposes
At PVD Club, we keep our fleet focused. We do not offer thirty identical sedans. Instead, we have two minivans, each built for a different kind of trip. Here is the honest comparison.
Mitsubishi Delica L400 — For the Mountains
The Delica L400 is a cult vehicle for a good reason. It is basically a Mitsubishi Pajero SUV with a minivan body. Same chassis, same Super Select 4WD system, same off-road DNA — but room for 8 people inside.
Best for:
- Off-road routes like Tusheti, Svaneti mountain passes, and Racha
- Small to medium groups (up to 8 people)
- Travelers bringing camping or ski gear
- Drivers who want something that handles like an SUV but carries like a van
The Delica runs on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) in addition to gasoline, which cuts fuel costs by about half. Full specs and photos are on the Mitsubishi Delica page.
Hyundai Grand Starex 2017 — For the Highways
The Grand Starex is pure comfort. It seats up to 12 passengers with enough legroom that nobody fights for the front seat. It is the van you want for a wine tour through Kakheti or a smooth ride down to Batumi.
Best for:
- Large groups and families (up to 12 people)
- Paved road trips — Kakheti wine region, Batumi coast, Borjomi
- Airport transfers with a lot of luggage
- Groups that prioritize comfort over off-road capability
See the full Hyundai Grand Starex rental page for pricing and availability.
Minivan Rental Prices in Georgia — What to Expect
Here is a straightforward look at current rates. Prices are in US dollars and include basic insurance.
| Vehicle | Price per Day | Min. Rental | Capacity | Drive | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Delica L400 | $85 | 3 days | 8 seats | 4×4 | $250 |
| Hyundai Grand Starex | $100 | 3 days | 12 seats | Rear | $300 |
Money-saving tip: In a group of 8, the Delica costs about $10-15 per person per day. The Grand Starex with 12 passengers comes to roughly $8-9 per person per day. That beats any tour bus, taxi, or organized transfer — and you get total flexibility.
If you prefer not to drive, PVD Club offers transfers across Georgia with a driver. Perfect for wine tastings where nobody wants to be the designated driver.
Driving in Georgia — What You Need to Know
Driving in Georgia is not hard, but it is different. Here is what matters for your minivan rental.
License Requirements
- International Driving Permit (IDP) is the safest option. It is recognized across Georgia without questions.
- EU, UK, Ukrainian, and Kazakh licenses work fine. No additional paperwork needed.
- Russian licenses are officially not recognized since 2023. Some rental companies still accept them, but having an IDP eliminates the risk.
- Minimum age: 21 years. Minimum driving experience: 1 year.
- For the Delica (self-drive): off-road driving experience is required. These mountain tracks are no joke, and we want you to stay safe.
Road Conditions
Georgia has three types of roads. Highways connecting Tbilisi to Kutaisi, Batumi, and Rustavi are excellent. Regional roads to Kazbegi, Borjomi, and Telavi are good but winding. Mountain roads in Svaneti, Tusheti, and Racha are narrow gravel tracks with switchbacks and occasional river crossings.
Check real-time road conditions, especially useful in winter and spring when mountain passes can close unexpectedly.
Navigation
Do not rely on Google Maps for mountain routes — it loves sending people down unpaved logging tracks. Download 2GIS or Maps.me for offline navigation. They include actual road surface data and work reliably in areas with no cell signal.
Three Best Minivan Road Trip Itineraries in Georgia
Route 1: Tbilisi to Stepantsminda via the Georgian Military Highway (2-3 Days)
This is the most famous drive in Georgia, and for good reason. The Georgian Military Highway cuts through the Greater Caucasus, passing the Jinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri ski resort, and the Cross Pass before descending into Stepantsminda at the foot of Mount Kazbek.
Why take a minivan: The road is paved but steep, with sharp turns above Gudauri. A Delica handles it effortlessly. You can stop at every viewpoint without worrying about parking. If you are heading to climb Mount Kazbek, this is the route your transfer will take.
Don’t miss: Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 meters. The view of Kazbek from here is worth the drive alone. For a deeper dive on this area, see the Kazbegi travel guide.
Route 2: Kakheti Wine Region — Telavi, Sighnaghi, Kvareli (2-3 Days)
Kakheti is the soul of Georgian winemaking. The roads here are well-paved and driveable in any vehicle, but the Grand Starex shines for its comfort. Load up 10-12 people, visit three wineries per day, and nobody has to squeeze.
Why take a minivan: Wine tastings, cheese shops, and impromptu feasts. You will accumulate bottles. You will accumulate people you met at a winery. A minivan handles all of it.
Don’t miss: The monastery complex of Alaverdi, the town of Sighnaghi (the «city of love»), and a family-run marani (wine cellar) in Kvareli or Akhmeta. For big groups, a microbus rental in Tbilisi is another option to consider.
Route 3: Svaneti and Racha — Mountain Adventure (5-7 Days)
This is the big one. Start in Tbilisi, drive to Mestia via the Zugdidi highway, spend 2-3 days exploring Svaneti’s medieval towers and glaciers, then cross over the Zagar Pass into Racha. The entire route is unpaved in parts and demands a 4×4 vehicle.
Why take a minivan: Only the Delica with its 4WD and high ground clearance can handle the Zagar Pass. You will cross river fords, navigate landslide sections, and climb above 2,800 meters. It is an adventure — and you need the right vehicle.
Don’t miss: Ushguli (Europe’s highest continuously inhabited village at 2,200 meters), the Shkhara Glacier, and the thermal springs in Racha. Read PVD Club’s complete guide to Racha for detailed logistics. If you need camping gear for this route, check where to buy gear in Tbilisi before you set out.
Minivan Rental with Driver vs Self-Drive
This is a common question. Here is a direct comparison.
Self-drive is better when: you want total freedom, you are comfortable on mountain roads, and your group is small to medium. The cost is lower, and you answer to nobody.
With a driver is better when: you plan to drink wine in Kakheti, you are visiting in winter (ice and snow add risk), or you simply want to look at the scenery instead of the road. A driver also knows the shortcuts, the best photo stops, and which roadside restaurants are actually good.
PVD Club provides car rental with a driver in Tbilisi at competitive rates. The service includes airport pickup, a stop at a currency exchange with better rates than the airport, and a grocery run at a hypermarket so you arrive at your accommodation with cash and supplies ready.
What to Pack for a Minivan Road Trip in Georgia
- Cash. Georgia runs on cash outside Tbilisi. ATMs exist but fees add up.
- Portable charger. Long drives drain phone batteries, especially when using navigation.
- Water and snacks. Mountain passes often have no shops for hours. The hypermarket stop on your transfer day is your best chance to stock up.
- Layers. Georgia’s temperature drops sharply with altitude. A summer day in Tbilisi at 35 C can turn into a 12 C evening in Gudauri.
- Sunglasses. The Caucasus sun at high altitude is intense year-round.
If you need camping gear or hiking equipment, PVD Club’s gear rental shop near metro Didube has everything from tents to trekking boots, with discounts for multi-day rentals and tour participants.
When to Rent a Minivan in Georgia — Seasonal Guide
May to June: Green season. Gardens are blooming, vineyards are lush, and the mountains are snow-capped but accessible. Best for Kakheti wine tours and hiking in Racha.
July to August: Peak season. Mountain weather is stable, and this is the best window for high-altitude passes like the Zagar and the road to Tusheti. Book your minivan 2-3 weeks in advance. July and August are also the prime months for Kazbek climbing expeditions.
September to October: Golden season. The grape harvest, autumn colors in Svaneti, and the best weather of the year. This is when local guides recommend visiting.
November to March: Winter season. Gudauri and Bakuriani are the main draws. A Grand Starex fits ski groups perfectly. All vehicles should have winter tires — PVD Club equips its fleet with them by default.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minivan Rental in Georgia
How much does minivan rental cost in Tbilisi?
From $85 per day for a Mitsubishi Delica (8 seats) and $100 per day for a Hyundai Grand Starex (12 seats). Minimum rental period is 3 days. Deposits range from $250 to $300. See the full car rental page in Tbilisi for all vehicles.
Which minivan is better for Georgian mountains?
The Mitsubishi Delica L400 with its 4WD system and all-terrain tires. It shares its platform with the Pajero SUV and is purpose-built for off-road conditions. The Grand Starex is better for highways and large groups on paved routes.
Do I need an international driver’s license in Georgia?
Not technically for most nationalities, but having an IDP (International Driving Permit) eliminates any ambiguity. Russian licenses are not officially recognized since 2023. EU, UK, and Ukrainian licenses are accepted without issues.
Can I rent a minivan in Tbilisi and drop it off in Batumi?
Yes, with advance arrangement. Contact PVD Club directly to discuss one-way rentals and cross-region logistics. Standard rentals require returning the vehicle to Tbilisi. If you plan a Batumi-based trip, we also offer car rental in Batumi with similar terms.
Is self-drive safe for first-time visitors?
Yes, on highways and main regional roads. For mountain routes in Svaneti, Tusheti, and Racha, we recommend taking a driver if you lack off-road driving experience. The transfer service with a driver is designed for exactly this scenario.
How many people fit in a rental minivan?
Mitsubishi Delica seats up to 8 people total (7 passengers + driver). Hyundai Grand Starex seats up to 12 people total (11 passengers + driver). Both have foldable rear seats for extra cargo space.
What is the minimum rental period for a minivan in Georgia?
PVD Club requires a minimum of 3 days for minivan rentals. This matches the typical road trip duration for most travelers.
Ready to Book Your Minivan in Georgia?
Here is the honest truth: Georgia is best experienced at your own pace. A minivan gives you that pace. You wake up when you want, drive where the road takes you, and stay as long as a place holds your attention.
PVD Club keeps the process simple. Two vehicles. Clear pricing. No hidden fees. And a team that actually knows the roads, because we drive them ourselves every season.
Check available minivans and current pricing or message us directly on Telegram with your dates. We will tell you which van fits your trip, how much it costs, and whether you need a driver or can handle the mountains yourself.
Safe travels. And do not skip the khachapuri stop in Mtskheta.
