Getting Around Bulgaria

Air

Bulgaria Air (www.air.bg) operates some domestic services, connecting Sofia with the Black Sea coast. The journeys from Sofia to Bourgas (aka Bourgas) and Varna take one hour.

Road

Highways connect various towns and cities across Bulgaria. A1 takes you from Sofia to Burgas on the Black Sea Coast, E772 connects Sofia and Varna on the Black Sea Coast, while E79 takes you from Sofia to Struma.

Side of the road

Road Quality

Highways and main roads are good, but smaller country lanes may have potholes.

Car Hire

Car hire is available at Sofia Airport, various hotels and online in advance. Most of the major international car hire agencies are represented here.

Taxi

Available in all towns and also for intercity journeys. Vehicles are usually in good condition. Taxis are metered unless they are privately owned. A small tip is appreciated.

Coach

Central Bus Station Sofia is the main bus station of Sofia, Bulgaria. From there, you can get a bus to other major cities and towns.

Regulations

A vignette is required for driving on all main roads in Bulgaria. You can purchase an e-vignette online on www.bgtoll.bg/en, via a mobile app, from self-service terminals in retail outlets, in the offices of the Road Infrastructure Agency.

For cars, the speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (56mph) outside built-up areas, and 140kph (87mph) on highways.

You should also have with you:
• Headlamp beam deflectors
• Warning triangle
• Fire extinguisher
• Reflective jacket

Breakdown services

Call your insurance company or 112 if it is an emergency.

Documentation

You must have a valid driving license or an International Driving Permit, proof of insurance or an insurance green card produced by your insurer, passport or ID, and proof of ownership.

Urban travel

Bus, tramway and trolleybus services operate in Sofia, along with a metro system. You can buy tickets from kiosks at major bus stops and newsagents; you must validate these upon boarding.

Buses and taxis operate in all the main towns. 

Rail

The Bulgarian State Railway, Balgarski Darzhavni Zheleznitsi (tel: +359 2 932 4190; www.bdz.bg), connects Sofia with main towns. Reservations are essential during peak seasons. A first-class sleeper is a wonderful way to travel long distances, especially at night.

Rail Passes

InterRail offers Interrail Bulgaria Pass for three, four, five, six or eight travel days within a month. You can take as many trains as you want on each travel day.

Water

Private boats and yachts ply the Black Sea coast and the Danube.