Parking in Tbilisi: a full driver's guide
Tbilisi is a big city with a dense centre, and parking here works differently from resort towns like Batumi or Kutaisi. Let's break it down: where you can leave the car, what it costs, and how to avoid the tow truck.
How parking works in the centre
Central Tbilisi is split into parking zones. On-street parking there is paid — but not by the hour. It runs on an annual parking permit tied to your car's plate, usually bought by residents and car owners for their zone. On top of that, there are some hourly paid stretches near major attractions.
For a visitor this is the key thing to understand: on most central streets you can't just feed a meter — the system is built around locals with a permit.
Where to park with a rental car
The calmest option is not to hunt for a street spot in the centre, but to use car parks:
- Underground and surface paid lots near Freedom Square, Rustaveli Avenue and the railway station.
- Mall parking: East Point, Tbilisi Mall, City Mall, Galleria. The first hours are often free or credited against a purchase.
- Hotel parking — when booking, ask whether a space is included.
If you rent with us, ask about parking at pickup: we'll tell you whether the car has a parking permit and where it's easiest to leave it in your area.
The Old Town: better on foot
Old Tbilisi (Kala, Abanotubani, Betlemi) is narrow lanes, steep climbs and almost no spaces. Don't try to drive into the very heart — leave the car in a paid lot near Freedom Square or Meidan and walk. It's faster and far less stressful.
Tow trucks and fines
Tow trucks are busy in the centre. Your car will be taken for parking in a no-parking spot, on the pavement, on a crossing, under a sign, or blocking a courtyard passage. Getting it back from the impound means a fine, the towing fee and lost time. Follow the road markings and signs — not the "everyone parks here" logic.
Where to park for free
You can park freely and stress-free in residential districts away from the centre (Saburtalo, the back streets of Vake, Didube, Gldani), and at most supermarkets and malls on the outskirts. If you're staying outside the very centre, parking near your place is probably free.
Quick tips
- Never block courtyard entrances or exits — that's the number-one reason cars get towed.
- In the evening and at night the centre is packed; if you're heading to a restaurant or a walk, allow time to find a spot.
- Keep cash and a payment app for the hourly zones.
- In the rain the old-town streets are narrow and slippery — don't risk parking on a slope without the handbrake and a gear engaged.
Tbilisi is best explored by car if you know in advance where to leave it. Plan your route around parking, and the city opens up without the stress.
We help with parking payment
When you rent a car with Cartome, we help you pay for parking: we'll show you how to pay for a paid zone and set up the app, help with the car's parking permit, and point out where you can park for free. You don't have to figure out the local system on your own — just ask us and we'll sort it out.