Getting Around Bulgaria

Road Network, Traffic

Car, Camper Van

Having your own vehicle is an excellent way to explore the country, as is often the case in Europe. It’s even the best option thanks to the freedom and time savings it offers compared to public transport, which isn’t always the fastest and doesn’t go everywhere.

Note that to drive on Bulgaria’s roads and motorways (which are toll-free), all vehicles, including foreign ones, must have a vignette. This can be purchased at border crossings and some petrol stations. Rental vehicles already have this vignette.

Rental

Buses

The bus network is relatively dense and covers most of the country, though not everything, and some destinations have limited frequencies. Additionally, after early afternoon, departures on certain routes often decrease. Nevertheless, buses remain the best way to get around for those without a vehicle—certainly better than trains, which are slower and have more limited routes.

There are public buses and private company buses or minibuses. The latter generally offer better service—more comfortable and faster with fewer intermediate stops—without necessarily being much more expensive. In any case, like many things in Bulgaria, buses are quite affordable, typically costing around 4 or 5 € per 100 km. As with trains, it’s best to know the names of places in Cyrillic to avoid missing your stop. It’s also helpful to ask other passengers where you are.

Two Wheels

Motorcycle

Bicycle

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is possible in the country, but given the low cost of public transport, it’s not the most practical option—unless at times or in places where there’s no public transport left. In any case, it’s useful to write your destination in both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets.

Trains

Rail transport in Bulgaria is managed by the national company BDZ. The network is fairly dense (4,000 km of tracks), with connections to all neighbouring countries, and covers all major cities at affordable prices. A secondary network with limited frequencies also exists for less busy areas. The line crossing the Rila Mountains (Sofia-Vidin) is Bulgaria’s most spectacular.

Overall, while some lines are of decent quality (Sofia-Black Sea, international "Express" trains), Bulgarian trains are still far from top-tier—slow (slower than buses), moderately comfortable, but relatively punctual. Nevertheless, they can be a viable option (combined locally with buses) for those without a vehicle. Tickets (including for international routes) can be purchased at train stations, railway offices in cities, and travel agencies. Expect slightly lower fares than buses—roughly 3 or 4 € per 100 km. Bulgaria is also included in the InterRail pass.

A useful tip when travelling by train: know the names of stations in Cyrillic to avoid missing your stop. It’s also a good idea to ask other passengers where you are.

Boats

Aside from traffic along the Danube with its river ports, the Black Sea coast has seasonal ferry connections linking several seaside resort towns. Bulgaria Fast Ferries offers hydrofoil services between Nessebar, Pomorie/Burgas, and Sozopol.

Domestic Flights

Bulgaria’s domestic network is limited to just two routes: Sofia-Burgas and Sofia-Varna on the coast. Both are operated by Bulgaria Air, which regularly offers promotional fares under 50 € for a 50-minute flight—something that can be worthwhile. In peak season, especially on weekends, these routes are in high demand, though there are several flights per day.

In Towns

Taxis

Taxis are generally plentiful in cities and quite affordable, with meters. That said, fares can vary between companies for the same journey.

Other Means

What to Choose for Getting Around?

As is often the case in Europe, having your own vehicle remains the best way to explore the country. Otherwise, buses (supplemented occasionally by trains) can be a good alternative, especially in summer when frequencies are slightly higher.

Distances Between Cities

Distances (km) between the main cities in the country: