Getting Around Bulgaria
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient metro and buses for Sofia and Plovdiv. Rural: Rent a car for countryside and mountain exploration. Coast: Buses and trains along Black Sea. For convenience, book airport transfers from Sofia to your destination.
Train Travel
BDZ National Rail
Reliable train network connecting major cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna with scenic routes.
Cost: Sofia to Plovdiv 10-15 BGN, journeys 2-7 hours depending on distance.
Tickets: Buy via BDZ app, website, or station kiosks. E-tickets widely accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for cheaper fares and more availability.
Rail Passes
Weekend ticket for unlimited travel in Bulgaria 20 BGN (Fri-Sun) or multi-journey cards from 50 BGN.
Best For: Multiple stops over weekends, great savings for 3+ trips in a region.
Where to Buy: Train stations, BDZ website, or app with digital activation options.
High-Speed Options
Express trains link Sofia to Varna and Burgas; international connections to Romania and Turkey.
Booking: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for express services, discounts up to 30% online.
Sofia Stations: Central Station (Sofia Tsentralna) handles most domestic and international routes.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for rural Bulgaria and Black Sea coast. Compare rental prices from 40-70 BGN/day at Sofia Airport and cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised, verify inclusions like collision damage waiver.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 140 km/h highways.
Tolls: Highways require electronic vignettes (10-30 BGN for 7-30 days for cars).
Priority: Yield to right at intersections unless signed, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, paid zones in Sofia 2-4 BGN/hour, use apps for meters.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel available nationwide at 2.50-2.80 BGN/liter for petrol, 2.40-2.70 for diesel.
Apps: Google Maps or Waze recommended, download offline maps for remote areas.
Traffic: Congestion in Sofia during rush hours and summer Black Sea routes.
Urban Transport
Sofia Metro & Trams
Modern metro lines and trams cover Sofia, single ticket 1.60 BGN, day pass 4 BGN, 10-ride card 12 BGN.
Validation: Tap cards or tickets at gates, fines for non-validation are strict.
Apps: Sofia Transport app for schedules, live tracking, and digital ticket purchase.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Sofia and Plovdiv, 5-15 BGN/day with stations in city centers.
Routes: Growing network of bike lanes, especially along Danube and in parks.
Tours: E-bike tours offered in historic areas, blending culture with easy cycling.
Buses & Local Services
Regional bus companies like Etap and local operators provide extensive urban and intercity networks.
Tickets: 1-2 BGN per ride, purchase from kiosks or use contactless cards.
Coastal Buses: Frequent services along Black Sea resorts, 5-10 BGN for short hops.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near metro or bus stops in cities for easy access, central Sofia or Plovdiv Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and events like Sofia Music Weeks.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for coastal or mountain travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 5G in cities like Sofia, 4G covers most of Bulgaria including rural and coastal areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 5 BGN for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Vivacom, A1, and Telenor offer prepaid SIMs from 10-20 BGN with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport for registration.
Data Plans: 5GB for 15 BGN, 10GB for 25 BGN, unlimited for 30 BGN/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, and tourist spots across Bulgaria.
Public Hotspots: Train stations and city centers offer free access points.
Speed: Reliable (20-80 Mbps) in urban areas, suitable for streaming and navigation.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, daylight saving March-October (EEST, UTC+3).
- Airport Transfers: Sofia Airport 10km from city center, metro to center 1.60 BGN (20 min), taxi 10-20 BGN, or book private transfer for 30-50 BGN.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (5-10 BGN/day) and services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Newer trains and metro ramps available, some historic sites limited by cobblestone streets.
- Pet Travel: Small pets allowed on trains free, larger for 4 BGN, confirm with accommodations.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on trains off-peak for 2 BGN, folding bikes free in most cases.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Bulgaria
Sofia Airport (SOF) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Sofia Airport (SOF): Primary international gateway, 10km east of city with metro links.
Varna Airport (VAR): Black Sea hub 8km from city, bus to center 3 BGN (20 min).
Burgas Airport (BOJ): Southern coast airport 13km from Burgas, taxi 20 BGN (15 min).
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Istanbul or Bucharest and taking bus/train to Bulgaria for savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet serve Sofia and coastal airports with European routes.
Important: Include baggage fees and ground transport in total cost calculations.
Check-in: Online check-in required 24 hours prior, on-site fees are higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, fees 2-5 BGN, prefer bank machines over tourist spots.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard common, American Express rarer in small towns.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay popular, Apple Pay and Google Pay work in cities.
- Cash: Essential for markets and rural spots, carry 50-100 BGN in small notes.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants if not included, round up for taxis and services.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, skip airport exchanges with high fees.