Getting around Bulgaria
Domestic air travel is very limited. Scheduled flights operate between Sofia and Varna, with services varying by season. For many journeys between major cities, road or rail is more practical.
Bulgaria has an extensive road network connecting Sofia with the country's principal cities, the Black Sea coast and neighbouring countries. Motorways provide the fastest routes on several major corridors, including Sofia-Plovdiv-Burgas and Sofia-Varna, although some sections of the motorway network remain under development.
Road conditions vary considerably. Motorways and principal roads are generally in good condition, while secondary and rural roads may have uneven surfaces, potholes and less comprehensive signage. Mountain roads can be narrow and winding, and snow and ice may affect higher routes during winter.
Cars and motorcycles using the national road network require an electronic vignette, which is linked to the vehicle's registration number rather than displayed on the windscreen. Separate distance-based tolls apply to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
Motorways and major intercity roads are generally well surfaced, although road quality becomes more variable on secondary and rural routes. Drivers should allow extra time when travelling through mountainous areas, where roads can be steep and winding and winter weather may cause temporary disruption.
Motorways (avtomagistrali) are identified by the letter A followed by a number and have green directional signs. Important routes include the A1 Trakia motorway between Sofia, Plovdiv and Burgas, the A2 Hemus motorway towards Varna, and the A3 Struma motorway running south from Sofia towards the Greek border.
Other national roads are divided into first-, second- and third-class roads. First-class roads carry the prefix I, second-class roads II and third-class roads III, followed by the route number.
Car hire is available at Sofia, Varna and Burgas airports and in major cities and tourist resorts. International and local rental companies operate throughout the country.
A car is particularly useful for reaching monasteries, mountain areas, villages and archaeological sites away from the main public transport routes. Drivers travelling in winter should check road and weather conditions before entering mountain areas and ensure that the vehicle is appropriately equipped.
Taxis are widely available in Sofia and other cities and are generally inexpensive by Western European standards. Licensed taxis are metered and should display their fares, company details and identification clearly on the vehicle. Travellers should use official taxi ranks or reputable taxi companies, particularly at airports, railway stations and bus terminals.
Taxi-hailing apps (TaxiMe, Yellow!Taxi, and Moby) are available in Sofia and some other larger cities, although availability varies by location.
Cycling is possible throughout Bulgaria, particularly along the Black Sea coast, in the Danube region and in rural and mountain areas, but dedicated cycling infrastructure outside the larger cities is uneven. Mountain biking is popular in the Rila, Pirin, Rhodope and Balkan mountains.
Traffic conditions on major roads can make long-distance road cycling challenging, and cyclists planning rural routes should be prepared for variable road surfaces. Bicycles can be carried on some trains, subject to space and the relevant bicycle fare.
Long-distance buses and coaches connect Sofia with cities and towns throughout Bulgaria and often serve destinations not reached directly by rail. Services on the main routes are frequent, while smaller towns and villages may have fewer departures.
Sofia's principal long-distance hub is Central Bus Station, beside the Central Railway Station. Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas and other major cities also have intercity bus stations, although some destinations may be served from more than one terminal. Travellers should check the departure station when purchasing a ticket.
Traffic drives on the right. Unless signs indicate otherwise, the general speed limits for cars are 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas, 90km/h (56mph) outside built-up areas and 140km/h (87mph) on motorways.
Seat belts are compulsory. Children must use an appropriate restraint according to their age and size, and drivers may use a mobile phone only with a hands-free system. Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be used throughout the year.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Vehicles must carry a warning triangle, reflective vest, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher. Winter tyres, or tyres with a tread depth of at least 4mm, are required between 15 November and 1 March.
An electronic vignette is required for cars and motorcycles using most of the national road network.
For emergencies, call 112. Roadside assistance is available through the Union of Bulgarian Motorists (SBA); assistance can also be arranged through insurance companies and private breakdown providers.
Drivers using hire cars should contact the rental company first, as roadside assistance is commonly included in the rental agreement.
Drivers must carry a valid driving licence. Driving licences issued by EU and EEA countries are recognised in Bulgaria. Visitors holding licences issued elsewhere should check whether an International Driving Permit is required in addition to their national licence.
Drivers using their own vehicle should carry the vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance. Rental-car users should keep the rental agreement in the vehicle, particularly when travelling across international borders.
Sofia has Bulgaria's most extensive urban public transport network, combining metro, tram, trolleybus and bus services. The metro is particularly useful for visitors, connecting the city centre with Sofia Airport, Central Railway Station and Central Bus Station.
Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas rely mainly on buses, while trolleybuses also operate in several Bulgarian cities. Public transport is generally inexpensive, although ticketing systems and payment methods vary between cities.
Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) operates passenger trains across much of the country. Principal routes connect Sofia with Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna, Ruse, Vidin and other regional centres, although journey times can be considerably longer than the equivalent distance by road.
Fast and passenger trains operate on the main routes, and overnight trains with sleeping accommodation run between Sofia and the Black Sea cities of Varna and Burgas. Rail travel is useful for travellers who are not in a hurry, as engineering works and infrastructure upgrades can affect journey times and timetables.
Tickets are sold at railway stations and through BDZ's online services. Travellers should check current schedules before departure, particularly while major reconstruction work continues on parts of the network.
Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on participating BDZ services. Reservations or supplements may be required for sleeping cars and couchettes.
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