Rent a car in Batumi

Not in the centre. Old Town, promenade and Piazza are walkable, Bolt and Yandex cost 5–10 GEL per trip. A car is for the day trips: Makhuntseti, Goderdzi, Kvariati, Kobuleti, Ureki. Handy for large supermarkets outside the centre too. If Batumi is only about the beach, take taxis and relax.

Economy from $17–22 in low season, a hybrid like a Prius $22–28, a crossover from $29–35. In peak (June–September) prices rise 40–80% and availability narrows. Premium from $120. January–March is the cheapest period for everything except 4x4s, which become expensive in Goderdzi ski season.

Yes, this is the most common Batumi scenario. The one-way surcharge is $30–80 depending on supplier. Drop-off at the airport, along the promenade or at the hotel. Inspection and deposit return take 15–20 minutes. For many travellers Batumi is the finish line of the trip, and dropping the car here is more convenient than returning to Tbilisi.

Almost no. Most suppliers refuse Turkish border crossings on Georgian hire cars — it's in the contract. Over recent years there have been too many cases of cars not returning. For a Turkey trip, return the car in Batumi and cross on foot or by taxi instead.

Strongly recommended. The final 30–40 km from Khulo to the resort is a steep switchback with serious snow from December to March. Winter tyres are mandatory by law, chains are often needed too. For a stress-free run a Subaru Forester or similar confirmed 4x4 with winter tyres from the supplier is the sensible choice.

Yes, in the central zone, 1–2 GEL per hour via the Batumi Parking app or at kerbside meters. Unpaid parking fine 25 GEL, half the Tbilisi rate. Cameras exist but fewer. Beyond the centre and promenade parking is mostly free. Hotels usually provide parking free or for 5–10 GEL per day.

Inside the centre, the Old Town, the promenade and the Makhinjauri district — usually free. Outlying points (Gonio, Kvariati, Chakvi) run $15–25. The supplier arrives at the agreed time, inspects the car with you and completes the contract on the spot. Convenient after a late flight or when you arrive tired.

The main Batumi beaches (opposite Piazza and the New Boulevard) have paid parking along the promenade at 1–2 GEL per hour. The more distant Makhinjauri and Gonio beaches are free. Sarpi and Kvariati are paid but cheap (3–5 GEL for the day). Don't leave valuables inside in summer — locals and tourists alike have learned not to risk it.

15 km, 20 minutes in normal traffic. In peak season and at weekends up to 40 minutes due to queues at the checkpoint. You can drive any hire car to the barrier, park on the paid lot in front of the border (2 GEL per hour) and cross on foot. Pedestrian crossing is usually faster than by car.

June–September, with a maximum in July and August. In this window cars are scarce and booking 4–8 weeks out is required. European school holidays and early September see secondary waves. November–March is the cheapest window except for the Goderdzi 4x4 segment. March is the ideal balance of weather and price for coastal trips.

Yes, 24 hours. Most flights from Europe arrive late evening or at night, and meeting any time is the norm. Most suppliers don't charge extra for night pickups. The only requirement is an accurate flight time at booking so the driver arrives well before you.

Harder than in winter, easier than Tbilisi. Evening traffic on the promenade, plenty of pedestrians and cyclists, narrow Old Town lanes. Local driving style is calmer than in the capital. New drivers should avoid the centre in the evening and use perimeter parking — from there the sea is a 10-minute walk.