Georgia is an amazingly beautiful country, after visiting which the majestic mountains of the Lesser and Greater Caucasus, beautiful landscapes and local amazing wine remain in memory for many years. However, public transport is not very developed here, a trip by minibuses can discourage any desire to travel in general, and therefore the surest way to see the country is to go by car. But the roads in Georgia are suitable only for experienced drivers.
Main transport routes in Georgia
There are only two major tracks in this small country. One stretches from Tbilisi to Batumi, crossing almost the entire territory of Georgia. Part of it runs in mountainous areas, often along a winding serpentine, and part of it along a huge plateau, enclosed between the Small and Big Caucasus Mountains. Most of the roads departing from the highway pass through flat or foothill areas.
Another significant route is the old Georgian Military Road, the only route connecting Georgia and Russia. It passes through one of the mountain passes, Krestovoy, and there is a constant stream of cars going from one country to another. Taking into account the fact that renting a car in Georgia itself is very expensive, as well as traveling by taxi, the most economical option for traveling by road here is by your own car.
The Georgian Military Road after the pass and a number of serpentines and gorges ends in Tbilisi. In principle, it is usually most convenient to do all routes from the capital. Distances in Georgia are not so great, so the easiest way is not to look for a road that may not be found, but to return to Tbilisi, and from here go to another point.
Quality of roads in Georgia
Local roads are not of high quality coverage. The only really good section of the autobahn is on the part of the main highway from Tbilisi to Gori. But the builders did not get beyond this gap, therefore, immediately after Gori, a rather broken highway begins with numerous bumps and pits.
The situation with the Georgian Military Highway is even worse - there is practically no asphalt pavement here, and together with the mountainous terrain, it requires extreme caution. In addition, snow, water and stones are not uncommon in the mountains, which periodically further destroy the transport route.
But the smaller roads, oddly enough, are in pretty good condition. Perhaps it's all about low traffic and the absence of freight transport here, which quickly breaks the roadway. However, it is not recommended to lose vigilance and accelerate - you can easily stumble upon a hole or pothole.
Features of national driving
Everyone who comes to Georgia on their own vehicles (or planning to rent one) should take into account the peculiarities of local traffic:
- complete chaos on the roads - the rules are not always respected, pedestrians are practically not allowed anywhere, even on a single-lane road, double overtaking is not uncommon;
- there is very busy traffic on the main road, which makes driving not the most pleasant given the local driving style;
- in rural areas, obstacles in the form of domestic animals constantly arise on the way - cows and horses on the roads are not uncommon here;
- even on mountain serpentines, local motorists rush in the same chaotic manner, which makes traffic even more difficult for visitors.
It is also important to remember that in the mountains the weather is very changeable and often difficult conditions in which it can be very dangerous to move. Therefore, if you have a desire to ride a car in Georgia, take care of the presence of an experienced driver who can cope with not the easiest roads in this country.
