Arrival & Transport
Arrival by Plane
Airports
Bulgaria has four international airports:
- Sofia (SOF): Main airport, year-round direct flights from Germany. Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Bulgaria Air fly from Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, and other German cities. Flight time: 2–2.5 hours. Prices: from 50€ one-way (Ryanair/Wizz Air), 100–250€ return (scheduled flights).
- Burgas (BOJ): Mainly seasonal flights (May–October) for beach holidays on the southern coast. Many charter flights and affordable direct connections from Germany.
- Varna (VAR): Seasonal flights (May–October) for the northern coast. Wizz Air and Ryanair fly year-round from some cities.
- Plovdiv (PDV): Small selection, mainly Ryanair. Occasionally cheap deals.
Transfer: From Sofia Airport to the city center: Metro (1.60 BGN/0.80€, 20 min.), Bus 84/184 (1.60 BGN, 30 min.) or Taxi (15–20 BGN/8–10€, 20 min.). Taxi only with official meter or via app (Yellow Taxi, Maxim).
Local Transport
Long-Distance Buses
Buses are Bulgaria's most important means of transport — reliable, modern, and affordable. The bus stations (Автогара/Avtogara) are centrally located, and the major companies (Union Ivkoni, Biomet, Etap, Karat-S) operate modern coaches with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
| Route | Duration | Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia → Plovdiv | 2h | 6–10 |
| Sofia → Varna | 6–7h | 12–20 |
| Sofia → Burgas | 6h | 12–18 |
| Sofia → Veliko Tarnovo | 3.5h | 8–14 |
| Sofia → Bansko | 2.5–3h | 8–12 |
| Plovdiv → Burgas | 4h | 10–15 |
| Varna → Burgas | 2h | 6–10 |
Tickets: Online via bgrazpisanie.com (schedules) or directly at the bus station. For popular routes (especially on weekends), advance booking is recommended.
Trains (BDZ — Bulgarian State Railways)
Bulgaria's rail network is affordable but slow. The trains are older and less comfortable than buses, but often scenically beautiful — especially the Sofia–Burgas route through the Balkan Mountains and the Valley of Roses is spectacular. Prices are 20–40% below bus prices. For nostalgics and those seeking a slower pace: The narrow-gauge Rhodopes Railway from Septemvri to Dobrinishte winds through the Rhodopes in 5 hours — one of Europe's most beautiful train routes (Ticket: 6 BGN/3€!).
Rental Cars
For the mountains, Rhodopes, and rural areas, a rental car is the best choice. Prices: from 30 BGN/day (15€) for a small car, from 60 BGN (30€) for an SUV. Providers: Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, as well as local providers (Top Rent A Car, Uni Rent). Book online in advance — prices at the counter are significantly higher.
Road Traffic
Bulgarian roads are better than their reputation — the main routes (Trakia, Maritza, Hemus highways) are modern and well-maintained. Side roads in the mountains can be adventurous (potholes, unpaved sections). Important rules:
- Vignette required: For all highways and main roads, you need an E-Vignette (evinietka.bg). 7 days: 15 BGN (8€), 30 days: 30 BGN (15€).
- Speed limits: Urban areas 50 km/h, rural roads 90 km/h, highways 140 km/h.
- Lights: Low beam is mandatory during the day — year-round!
- Alcohol: 0.5 per mille limit, strictly enforced.
- Police checks: Frequent, especially on rural roads. Always carry papers and driver's license.
Achtung
Taxis in Bulgaria can be a trap for tourists: Some drivers do not turn on the meter or take detours. Always use official taxis with visible price signs on the window (Sofia: approx. 0.80 BGN/km), order via app (Yellow Taxi, Taxify/Bolt), or agree on the price BEFORE the ride.
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