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Explore Georgia by car
Rent a car for Svaneti
Svaneti is Georgia's high mountain region of stone towers, glaciers and some of the Caucasus' highest peaks. Drive up to Mestia from Kutaisi or Batumi and explore it at your own pace.
- Drive time
- 4 h from Kutaisi Airport to Mestia
- Best time to go
- Summer for hiking, winter for skiing
- Road
- Mountain road
The fleet
Cars for the drive to Svaneti
SUVs from Kutaisi, with the clearance for mountain roads and side valleys.
Why go
Why drive to Svaneti
Svaneti is the high valley country of north-west Georgia, below the main ridge of the Caucasus. Its villages are known for their medieval defensive towers, and Upper Svaneti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mestia, the main town, is the base for most visitors. With your own car you can reach the villages, trailheads and viewpoints around it on your own schedule, and in winter the ski slopes of Hatsvali and Tetnuldi.
Summer
- Hikes to glaciers and high pastures
- Svan towers and museums in Mestia
- The road on to Ushguli, one of Europe's highest villages (4x4 recommended)
- Views of Ushba from the road
Winter
- Skiing at Hatsvali and Tetnuldi
- Quiet, snow-covered tower villages
- Svan food by the fire in Mestia
Getting there
Driving to Svaneti
The drive to Mestia runs up the Enguri valley, past the Enguri dam, then climbs into the mountains. It is a long mountain road: start early and plan a stop on the way.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mestia (Svaneti)From Kutaisi Airport | 213 km | 4 h | Mountain road |
| Mestia (Svaneti)From Batumi Airport | 265 km | 5 h 30 min | Mountain road |
Drive times assume normal conditions and no stops. Mountain routes take longer in winter, and some of them close for part of the year — check the road before you set off.
Winter driving
Driving to Svaneti in winter
The road to Mestia stays open in winter, but it is long, steep in places and exposed to snow and the occasional rockfall. Treat it as a full-day mountain drive.
- 01
Choose all-wheel or four-wheel drive, on winter tyres.
- 02
Check the road status before you set off from Kutaisi or Batumi.
- 03
Drive in daylight: the mountain section is slow after dark.
- 04
Beyond Mestia, side roads such as the one to Ushguli can close in winter.
4x4 cars on winter tyres
All-wheel or four-wheel drive, fitted with winter tyres: the cars to take up a mountain road in snow.
Photos
Svaneti in pictures
Questions
Driving to Svaneti: questions
How long is the drive from Kutaisi Airport to Mestia?
About 213 km, around 4 hours in normal conditions. From Batumi Airport it is about 265 km and 5 h 30 min.
Do I need a 4x4 for Svaneti?
The main road to Mestia is paved, but a car with good ground clearance is more comfortable. For side roads such as Ushguli, or for winter driving, we recommend all-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Which airport is closest to Svaneti?
Kutaisi Airport is the usual starting point by road. Batumi Airport also works and suits a trip that combines the coast and the mountains.
Can I drive to Ushguli?
Yes, Ushguli is reached by a mountain road beyond Mestia. Take a 4x4, allow plenty of time and check conditions first; in winter the road may be closed.
Keep exploring
More places worth the drive
Goderdzi
A young ski resort in the Adjara highlands, about three hours from the Black Sea.
3 h 10 min from Batumi AirportCars for Goderdzi
Kakheti
Vineyards, wine cellars and the hilltop towns of Telavi and Sighnaghi.
1 h 35 min from Tbilisi Airport to SighnaghiCars for Kakheti
Bakuriani
A family ski resort in the pine forest above Borjomi.
2 h 30 min from Tbilisi Airport to BorjomiCars for Bakuriani
Gudauri
Georgia's best-known ski resort, with green high pastures in summer.
2 h 30 min from Tbilisi AirportCars for Gudauri
Book your car for Svaneti
Svaneti is a full day's drive, and worth every hour of it. Choose a car that is ready for the mountains.
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