Tbilisi is an excellent starting point for day trips because many of Georgia's most interesting attractions are only a few hours away by car. Shorter routes, such as Mtskheta, Kojori, or Manglisi, can easily fit into half a day. For destinations like Kazbegi, Borjomi, and David Gareja, it's better to leave early and allow more time for the journey. Below, you'll find ten day trip ideas, practical advice on road conditions and choosing a rental car, and a checklist of things to consider before setting off.

Alt : View of Mtskheta and the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers from the hill near Jvari Monastery

Why Renting a Car Is Convenient for Day Trips from Tbilisi

Many of Georgia's most interesting places are located away from the main highways, and public transportation to these destinations is often limited or unavailable. With a rental car, you can decide when to leave, where to stop, how long to stay, and when to head back. This flexibility is particularly valuable when visiting places like David Gareja and Dmanisi, which are difficult to reach without a car or an organized tour.

Tbilisi also makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding regions. You don't need to change hotels or pack your luggage every day. If you've arrived without a car, you can arrange to pick one up at the airport or have it delivered to your hotel. We covered where to rent a vehicle and what to check at pickup in our guide to car rental in Tbilisi. If you're still unsure whether you need a car at all, compare the different transportation options in our article about taxis, private transfers, and car rental in Georgia.

Where to Go on a Day Trip from Tbilisi by Car

Travel times depend on traffic, weather conditions, and the number of stops you make, so it's best to check exact distances and estimated driving times in your navigation app on the day of departure. For a comfortable day trip, plan to visit one or two destinations rather than trying to see everything at once.

1. Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery

Georgia's ancient capital is located close to Tbilisi, making it an ideal half-day trip. In the town center, you'll find Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, while Jvari Monastery stands on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. A road leads uphill to the monastery, but parking space is limited, so it's best to arrive in the morning during the tourist season and on weekends. Mtskheta can easily be combined with a visit to Ananuri or Gori. A regular sedan is perfectly suitable for this route. We've also included Mtskheta and other road trip destinations in our selection of the top five places to visit by car in Georgia.

Alt: Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery

2. Ananuri Fortress and Zhinvali Reservoir

This trip follows the Georgian Military Highway. Ananuri Fortress stands on the shore of the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir, and an hour to an hour and a half is usually enough to explore the complex and enjoy the views. It's a great option for a short day trip or as the first stop on the way to Kazbegi. The road is paved, but bad weather can bring fog and traffic restrictions to higher sections of the highway. Check the latest road updates before leaving. General traffic rules and the specific features of Georgian roads are covered in our article about driving in Georgia.

Alt: Ananuri Fortress on the shore of Zhinvali Reservoir

3. Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church

This is one of the most popular and longest day trips from Tbilisi. In Stepantsminda, you'll find Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a hill with spectacular views of Mount Kazbek. The route passes through a mountain pass where fog, wet roads, and snow are possible, depending on the season. The ascent to the church follows an unpaved road, and many visitors choose to walk or hire local drivers with 4x4 vehicles. It's best to leave early in the morning so you can return before dark. We cover the route in more detail, including recommended stops and whether you need an SUV, in our guide to driving from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.

Alt: Gergeti Trinity Church against a backdrop of mountains in autumn fog

4. Kakheti: Sighnaghi and Bodbe

Kakheti is Georgia's main wine-producing region. Sighnaghi sits on a hill overlooking the Alazani Valley, while Bodbe Monastery is located nearby. These two attractions are enough for a full day, especially if you add a visit to a local wine cellar. If you're planning a wine tasting, make sure you have a designated driver who won't be drinking. Most roads along this route are paved. If you'd prefer to travel farther into the region, consider a trip to Lagodekhi, known for its national park and waterfalls.

Alt: Bodbe Monastery

5. Gori and Uplistsikhe

These two destinations work particularly well together on a day trip. Uplistsikhe is an ancient cave city carved into the rock, while Gori is closer to Tbilisi and makes a convenient stop for lunch. Uplistsikhe has many exposed areas and stone steps, so comfortable footwear is essential, especially in hot or rainy weather. Remember to bring water as well. It's also worth checking the site's opening hours in advance during autumn and winter. The road is paved, and a sedan is sufficient for the journey.

Alt: Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave city carved into the rock

6. Borjomi

Its mineral water park, forested hillsides, and colorful autumn scenery make Borjomi one of the most enjoyable destinations for a day trip. Traveling there from Tbilisi means a relatively long day, so leave in the morning and avoid adding more than one additional stop. If you'd also like to visit Akhaltsikhe or Vardzia, it's better to plan an overnight stay. Road conditions are generally good, but traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends.

Alt: Borjomi

7. David Gareja and Udabno

The David Gareja monastery complex is located among semi-desert hills near the border with Azerbaijan. There is no public transportation to the area, and parts of the road can be uneven, so traveling in an SUV is generally more comfortable. Clay-covered sections can become particularly difficult after rainfall. Since the complex is close to an international border, check the current visiting regulations before your trip and bring your identification documents. Don't forget water and a hat, as there is very little shade in the area.

Alt: David Gareja Monastery among semi-desert hills

8. Manglisi and Algeti National Park

Pine forests, fresh mountain air, and walking trails make this area ideal for a relaxing day outdoors. Manglisi is a great destination for anyone looking to escape the summer heat or enjoy colorful landscapes in autumn. Road conditions vary throughout the national park, so it's best to ask locally or check with your accommodation hosts before exploring more remote areas. If you're planning to go hiking, take a look at our selection of hiking routes that are easy to reach by car.

Alt: Algeti National Park

9. Kojori and Betania

This is one of the closest routes to Tbilisi. It combines Kojori Fortress with Betania Monastery, located in a wooded valley. The trip is perfect for a half-day excursion or a relaxing evening outing. Roads in the area are narrow and winding, with uneven surfaces in some sections, so a small, maneuverable compact car can be particularly convenient. Parking is generally easier here than in central Tbilisi.

Alt: Betania Monastery in a wooded valley

10. Dmanisi

Dmanisi is home to an archaeological complex where the remains of early humans were discovered, as well as a medieval town situated on a hill. This is a longer day trip, with the road passing through the Kvemo Kartli region, so it's best to leave early and check the site's opening hours before departure. A sedan or crossover is sufficient for the journey. Dmanisi is an excellent choice for travelers interested in history who prefer exploring less-visited places rather than following the most popular tourist routes.

Alt: Kojori Fortress in the wooded hills near Tbilisi

How to Choose a Day Trip Depending on the Season

Spring and summer are great for visiting Kazbegi, Manglisi, and other mountain destinations. For Kakheti and Uplistsikhe, it's better to leave early in the morning before temperatures rise too much.

Autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit Borjomi, Manglisi, and Georgia's forested areas. If you'd like to see golden autumn foliage without traveling far from Tbilisi, check out our guide on how to get to Sabaduri Forest.

In winter, mountain roads can become dangerous or may be closed due to snow and ice, so destinations such as Mtskheta, Kojori, and Kakheti are generally more practical choices. Whatever the season, always check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off.

What Type of Car Should You Rent for Day Trips from Tbilisi?

For routes that follow paved roads, including Mtskheta, Ananuri, Kakheti, Gori, and Dmanisi, a sedan is usually sufficient. It's more fuel-efficient and convenient for driving around the city.

For Kazbegi in autumn or winter, and for David Gareja, an SUV with higher ground clearance is generally a more comfortable option, particularly when road or weather conditions are challenging.

If you're traveling with a larger group or carrying plenty of luggage, consider renting a minivan with 6–8 seats. Your overall budget will also depend on the rental duration, and we've covered the different options in our guide to car rental prices in Georgia.

What to Check Before Leaving Tbilisi

Driving license and documents. Check driver requirements, including minimum age and driving experience, in the car rental rules for Georgia before your trip.
Vehicle exterior, interior, and tires. Inspect the car carefully at pickup and photograph any existing damage before driving away.
Insurance terms and deductible. Make sure you understand what the insurance covers and how much you may be responsible for in the event of damage.
Fuel. Fill up in advance, especially before long-distance drives or trips into mountainous areas.
Offline maps, phone charger, and water. Keep these essentials with you, particularly when traveling to remote destinations.
Opening hours and weather forecast. Check whether the attractions you plan to visit are open and review the latest weather conditions.

How to Plan a Day Trip from Tbilisi with a Rental Car

Start your journey in the morning and avoid planning more than two major stops. Some convenient combinations include Mtskheta and Ananuri, Gori and Uplistsikhe, or Kojori and Betania.

Kazbegi, Borjomi, David Gareja, and Dmanisi are better treated as full-day destinations, as they require more driving time.

Try to return to Tbilisi before dark. Evening traffic can cause delays on the approaches to the city, and finding parking in the center may take additional time.

If you'd like to explore several destinations over consecutive days, consider renting a car for a few days rather than arranging a separate rental for each trip. This gives you more flexibility and makes the overall experience easier and more relaxed.

Car Rental in Tbilisi for Day Trips Around Georgia

United Cars Rent offers vehicles suitable for a wide range of routes, whether you need a sedan for Mtskheta and Kakheti, an SUV for Kazbegi and David Gareja, or a minivan for a larger group.

Vehicles can be delivered to the airport, your hotel, or another convenient location. The company operates offices in Tbilisi at 1 Rustaveli Avenue and 12 Alexander Kazbegi Avenue, as well as in Batumi at 6 Kobaladze Street.

You can browse available vehicles in the car rental catalog and discuss your travel dates, planned route, and preferred vehicle type with the rental manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Places Can You Visit on a Day Trip from Tbilisi?

Usually one or two. Nearby attractions such as Mtskheta, Ananuri, and Kojori can be combined easily. Destinations like Kazbegi, Borjomi, David Gareja, and Dmanisi are better explored as full-day trips.

Where Can You Go on a Day Trip from Tbilisi in Winter?

Choose destinations closer to the city, such as Mtskheta, Kojori, and Kakheti. Avoid driving into the mountains or across high-altitude passes without checking current road conditions first.

Do You Need an SUV for Day Trips from Tbilisi?

A sedan is sufficient for most routes. An SUV is a better choice when roads are uneven or weather conditions are difficult, particularly when visiting Kazbegi during the colder months or traveling to David Gareja.

Can You Pick Up a Rental Car at the Airport or Your Hotel?

Yes, vehicle delivery to the airport, your hotel, or another location is available. It's best to confirm the delivery terms and any additional charges when making your reservation.

What Should You Bring on a Day Trip from Tbilisi?

Bring your documents, water, offline maps, a phone charger, and warm clothing if you're heading into the mountains. If you're visiting David Gareja, also pack a hat and some snacks.

Book Now