How to get to Georgia overland via Vladikavkaz/Verkhny Lars, and what should drivers expect at the border?

If you have limited driving experience, self-driving in Georgia may be impractical: travelers report that official rental companies often refuse inexperienced drivers. In that case, people usually look for private rentals or use a transfer instead of driving themselves.

One of the most practical overland options is via Vladikavkaz: cars heading toward Georgia often leave from the railway station once they fill up. This is useful if you do not want to drive yourself to the border.

If you fly into Beslan, you may be able to catch a passing airport transfer heading toward Georgia. A more reliable option is to pre-arrange with drivers who regularly shuttle passengers between Georgia and North Ossetia airports.

As an alternative to Vladikavkaz and Beslan, travelers also use Mineralnye Vody. This route is chosen when flights there are more convenient and the rest of the journey can be done by road transfer to Georgia.

If you are not crossing the border in your own car, a common recommendation after arriving in Tbilisi is to book a taxi from the airport, as it is considered relatively inexpensive. Once in the city, you can buy a SIM card and figure out local transport more easily.