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Road Trips

Top 3 Road Trips from Tbilisi for the Weekend: Where to Go by Car

TL;DR 2026: Three best weekend road trips from Tbilisi. Kazbegi (150 km): Zhinvali, Ananuri, Gergeti Church. Need SUV for Truso Valley. Kakheti (120-150 km): Gombori Pass, Telavi, Tsinandali, Sighnaghi. Any car works. David Gareja (100 km): cave monastery, lunar landscapes. Last 20-30 km require 4WD. Average fuel cost: 100-150 km ≈ 25-35 GEL. Book your car →

Georgia is a paradise for road trips. In just a few hours of driving from Tbilisi, you can trade the bustling cityscape for snow-capped mountain peaks or endless vineyards. The TripBox team has selected the 3 best weekend road trip itineraries to ensure you get the absolute most out of your journey.

📌 2026 Practical Info: Gasoline in Georgia costs ~2.80-3.20 GEL per liter (as of May 2026). Speed cameras are everywhere — don't exceed limits. Waze works perfectly for police and camera alerts. All three routes are doable in any season, but winter (Dec-Feb) requires winter tires for Kazbegi and David Gareja.

Itinerary 1: The Georgian Military Road and Mighty Kazbegi

This is an absolute classic that everyone visiting Georgia must experience. The road winds through deep canyons, past turquoise reservoirs, and climbs up the Cross Pass (2,395 meters).

What to see: Zhinvali Reservoir, the medieval Ananuri Fortress (14th-17th centuries), the confluence of the Black and White Aragvi rivers, the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument (panoramic views of the Terek Gorge), and the final highlight — Gergeti Trinity Church standing proudly against Mount Kazbek (5,047 m).
One-way distance: approximately 150 km.
Driving time: 2.5-3 hours one way without stops (add 2-3 hours for sightseeing).
Road condition 2026: The main road to Stepantsminda is excellent — fully paved, well-marked. Watch for cattle on the road and occasional rockfalls after rain.
Which car to choose: A sedan works fine to Stepantsminda. However, if you want to drive up to Gergeti Church itself (steep dirt road) or explore the rugged Truso Valley (14 km off-road valley with mineral springs and abandoned villages), we highly recommend renting a reliable crossover or SUV from TripBox.

💡 Pro Tip 2026: Start early (7-8 AM) to avoid traffic at the Cross Pass. In summer, the pass gets crowded by 11 AM. The church parking lot is 200 meters below — you can hike up (20 min) or pay local drivers 20 GEL to take you up.

Itinerary 2: A Wine Journey to Kakheti (via the Gombori Pass)

An itinerary designed for those who love the aesthetics of ancient towns, historic castles, and, of course, the world-famous Georgian hospitality and wine. Kakheti produces 70% of Georgia's wine — this is where the 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition lives.

What to see: The scenic Gombori Pass (360° forest views, photo stops every 5 minutes), the ancient Ikalto Academy (where the 12th-century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied), Telavi (the regional capital, home to a 900-year-old giant plane tree), the iconic Chavchavadze Estate in Tsinandali (wine cellar, English-style garden, museum), and the romantic town of Sighnaghi overlooking the Alazani Valley with its 24-hour wedding registry.
One-way distance: about 120-150 km (depending on your specific route).
Driving time: 2-2.5 hours to Telavi, plus another hour to Sighnaghi.
Road condition 2026: Gombori Pass is fully paved but has many sharp curves. Drive carefully, especially in rain or fog. The road from Telavi to Sighnaghi is also paved and in good condition.
TripBox Tip: This route features long downhill stretches on the mountain pass. Make sure you rent a car with a thoroughly inspected braking system — at TripBox, every vehicle undergoes a strict technical check before being handed over to clients.

🍷 Wine Tasting 2026: Most wineries require advance booking (phone or WhatsApp). Shumi Winery in Telavi (tasting from 15 GEL) and Pheasant's Tears in Sighnaghi (natural wines, 30 GEL tasting) are top picks. Don't drink and drive — use spit buckets or plan an overnight stay.

Itinerary 3: Hidden Georgia — David Gareja Monastery and the Semi-Desert

If you want to experience a completely different, unexpected side of Georgia, this is the trip for you. The route takes you through Martian-like landscapes and hills resembling multi-colored rainbow mountains. This is the only place in Georgia where you'll feel like you're in the American Southwest.

What to see: The active 6th-century cave monastery complex of David Gareja (founded by one of the 13 Assyrian Fathers), the colorful desert village of Udabno (homestays, art studios), fantastic panoramic views right on the border with Azerbaijan, and the "Rainbow Mountains" — colorful mineral hills best seen after rain.
One-way distance: about 100 km from Tbilisi.
Driving time: 1.5-2 hours.
Road condition 2026: The first 70 km are paved highway. The last 20-30 km consist of unpaved roads of varying quality — dry riverbeds, gravel, washboard surfaces.
Which car to choose: Sedans will struggle here (low clearance, risk of bottoming out). We strongly recommend renting a proper 4WD SUV for the journey to David Gareja. After rain, the road becomes slippery — 4x4 is essential.
Border warning: The monastery sits directly on the Azerbaijan border. Do NOT cross any fences or restricted signs. Azerbaijan border guards patrol the area. Hiking to the upper caves requires a guide (available at the visitor center).

🌡️ Seasonal Note 2026: David Gareja is best visited in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). Summer temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F) with no shade. Bring 3-4 liters of water per person, sunscreen, and a hat. Winter is cold but sunny — the road may be muddy after snow.

Road Trip Comparison Table

Route	Distance (one way)	Driving Time	Recommended Car	Best Season
Kazbegi / Stepantsminda	~150 km	2.5-3 hours	Sedan (SUV for Truso Valley)	Year-round (winter tires Dec-Feb)
Kakheti (Telavi + Sighnaghi)	~150 km	2.5-3 hours	Any car (check brakes)	April-October
David Gareja	~100 km	1.5-2 hours	4WD SUV required	Spring / Autumn

General Tips for Georgia Road Trips (2026)

Fuel: Gas stations (Wissol, Gulf, Socar, Premium) are everywhere along these routes. Fill up before leaving Tbilisi — prices are the same everywhere.
Tolls: No toll roads in Georgia. All routes are free.
Speed cameras: Abundant on all highways. Waze app is your best friend — locals actively report camera locations. Speed limit: city 60 km/h, highway 90-110 km/h.
Parking: At major sights (Ananuri, Gergeti, Sighnaghi) parking costs 1-3 GEL. At David Gareja, parking is free but limited.
Food: Each route has excellent local spots. In Kazbegi, try Kazbegi Good Food. In Kakheti — any roadside kebabi joint. Near David Gareja — Udabno village has a great restaurant "Udabno".
Overnight stays: All three routes offer great guesthouses. Book in advance for summer weekends (especially Sighnaghi, which gets packed). Average price: 80-150 GEL per night for a double room.
Insurance: Make sure your rental car includes comprehensive insurance. TripBox offers CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and full coverage options for peace of mind.

Choose your perfect route, book the right car on TripBox, and start exploring the true beauty of Georgia!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do all three routes in a weekend?

One weekend is enough for one route with overnight stay. For two routes, you'd need 3-4 days. Kazbegi + Kakheti combo is possible in 3 days if you drive efficiently.

Do I need a 4x4 for Kazbegi?

No — the main road to Stepantsminda is paved. Only drive to Gergeti Church (steep dirt road) or Truso Valley (off-road) requires an SUV with high clearance.

Is the Gombori Pass safe?

Yes, it's fully paved with guardrails. Drive slowly on curves, use low gear on downhills, avoid night driving. In fog (common in autumn), use fog lights.

Can I visit David Gareja with a sedan?

Not recommended. The last 20-30 km are unpaved with deep ruts. Many sedans get stuck or damaged. Rent a 4×4 — it's worth the extra cost.

How much does gas cost for these trips?

Average consumption: 8-10 L/100 km. Round trip: Kazbegi ≈ 30-35 L (80-100 GEL), Kakheti ≈ 25-30 L (70-85 GEL), David Gareja ≈ 20 L (55-65 GEL).

Car Rental Locations in Georgia

TripBox Team

Car rental platform in Georgia | Updated May 2026

Published 05/07/2026

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