Sober driver price: how much it costs and what it depends on

In the central districts of Tbilisi, a sober driver costs 40-50 GEL. In other districts, the suburbs and out of town, the price depends on distance: where you’re going from and to. The operator tells you the exact amount on the phone, before the driver sets off, so there are no surprises on the way.

Below we explain what changes the price, what doesn’t, and why one call is often cheaper than the alternatives that come to mind.

How much is a sober driver in central Tbilisi?

40-50 GEL, if the trip stays within the central districts of Tbilisi. That’s the most typical case: the restaurant or a friend’s place is in the centre, and so is your home.

Within that range, the amount depends on the exact route. The operator tells you when you call.

And if you’re going outside the centre?

Then the price is based on distance. A single fixed rate wouldn’t work here: from the centre to a nearby district and from the centre to the Tbilisi Sea or Tskneti are completely different trips.

A call takes 30 seconds: say where you’re going from and to, and you’ll know the exact figure straight away.

What changes the price and what doesn’t?

The price goes up with distance, a significantly changed route and a long wait. It doesn’t go up for dropping friends off on the way or stopping at a shop.

Trips out of town or to another city are arranged in advance, and their price is agreed separately. There’s more on our airport and out-of-town page.

Is a sober driver expensive?

Compared with what? Next to a single taxi ride it may seem a bit pricier. But a sober driver doesn’t replace one trip, it replaces two.

Here’s what it actually replaces:

• a taxi home at night and a taxi back in the morning to fetch the car;
• the morning time it takes to fetch the car, often before work;
• a car left overnight on the street or in a paid car park;
• and the most expensive option of all: driving after drinking. That costs you 6 months to 1 year without a licence, and for a repeat offence 2,000 GEL plus detention.

How can you save money?

The simplest way: one driver for several people. If your friends live in the same direction, ride together in one car. The driver drops everyone off on the way, and the price stays the same if they live along the route.

A few more tips:

• Be ready when the driver arrives. Waiting 15-20 minutes doesn’t change the price, but if you spend hours on “one last drink”, the wait has to be agreed separately.
• Give the exact address from the start. The price is based on the route. If you decide halfway that you want to visit a friend on the other side of town, that’s a different route.
• Book ahead for big events. For a wedding or a work party, the price is known in advance and you don’t have to think about it at the last minute.
• If you know you’ll drink and don’t need the car, leave it at home. Then a taxi is enough, and that’s the cheapest option. We’re telling you this honestly, even though it isn’t our service.

How do I find out the exact price?

Call +995 597 333 200 and tell us two things: where you are and where you’re going. If anyone needs dropping off on the way, mention that too. The operator gives you the price right away.

If the price suits you, the operator sends the nearest free driver. If not, you’re under no obligation.

How do I pay?

In cash or by bank transfer. If you’d like to pay by transfer, tell the operator during the call so you know the details in advance.

Anything else worth knowing?

If you know in advance that you’re going to a big event, such as a wedding, book the driver ahead. The time and price are agreed beforehand, and you won’t have to think about calling at the end of the night.

If you need a driver for several days or a month, that’s our personal driver service, and the price works differently: by length and schedule.