Car hire in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is considered to be one of Europe’s most exotic countries, boasting winter sports, beautiful beaches and a rich culture among its many attractions. However, a lot of the most interesting places are spread out, meaning that many visitors hire a car on arrival. This website allows travellers to prepare well in advance and compare car hire from Avis, Alamo and National, among other well-known rental car suppliers.

Car hire driving tips in Bulgaria 

Driving in Bulgaria can be rewarding and avoids the problem of negotiating the excruciatingly slow public transport system which employs many workers that don’t speak English. However, it is not without certain challenges which drivers don’t usually face at home. For example, many local drivers ignore the stated speed limits, while it is common to encounter drivers who fail to signal when making a lane change. Some roads are poorly marked and in bad condition, so visiting drivers should remain vigilant at all times. Yet it is hard to beat the convenience of having your own set of wheels in Bulgaria.

Need to know essentials 

Driving licences: any visiting tourist can drive with a license from their home country.

Which side does Bulgaria drive on: the right.

Speed limits:

Motorways (such as the toll-free A1 and A2): 130kph

Single carriageways: 90kph

Built-up areas: 50kph

Alcohol limits: 0.05 per cent or 50mg/100ml; even first offences can result in imprisonment. It is no longer typical practice to bribe police officers when caught drink driving.

Driving age: 18 years (21 years if drivers wish to hire a car).

Compulsory items: snow chains are mandatory in certain areas between November and March. This rule is indicated by the relevant road signs.

Seatbelts: are compulsory in the front and back, if fitted.

Mobile phones and GPS: the use of mobile phones is permitted providing that a ‘hands-free’ kit is used. GPS is an excellent way to navigate in Bulgaria given that many road signs are in Cyrillic script only.

Cost of fuel in Bulgaria: unleaded fuel (92, 95 and 98 octane) and diesel tend to be slightly more expensive in Bulgaria than in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: car rental agencies accept both cash and credit cards, but credit cards are more convenient for extending a rental contract over the telephone. Petrol stations generally open between 06:00 and 22:00, and accept most major credit cards.

Insurance: fire and third-party insurance is compulsory when driving in Bulgaria. It is usually included in the rental price, but drivers might want to consider optional add-ons if they are not covered elsewhere. These add-ons include cover for collision and theft.

Traffic and parking: most drivers have to pay for parking in the big cities. There are usually ‘Pay and Display’ parking areas, marked as Green and Blue zones. Drivers can pay the correct fee at a nearby meter or to the resident parking warden. In other areas, parking is free unless otherwise indicated. Traffic congestion is typical in Sofia as well as on the E79 towards the Black Sea. This is especially so on Friday nights during the summer as well as on Sunday afternoons.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives 

Woodland wonderland – an easy 90-minute drive between the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, and the country’s second city, Plovdiv. Drive through some of the most scenic Bulgarian forests before stopping for hiking and massages on the way. Asenovgrad’s wineries are an additional treat for wine lovers.

Reach for the Tsars – drive on from Plovdiv through the Valley of the Roses and the Balkan Mountains before taking a break to admire the golden-topped Russian church over the Shipka Pass. Eventually, travellers will reach Tavarno, the former medieval ‘City of the Tsars’ and one of Bulgaria’s top tourist destinations.

Black Sea discovery – the Black Sea coast is best-known for its sunny beaches and relaxing atmosphere. However, a drive along its coastal road offers fascinating insight into Bulgaria’s past. Take the opportunity to visit the ancient city of Nessebar, home to at least 40 churches and recognised by UNESCO. Alternatively, make a detour to Balchik, where the former residence of Queen Maria is set against the backdrop of stunning botanical gardens.

Ski southwest – this 90-minute drive takes travellers from Septemvri to Banksko, through the magnificent Pirin National Park. Travellers can enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas before reaching Banksko, where challenging ski slopes and Belitsa Bear Park entertain visiting tourists.

Bulgaria travel tips

Nearly 300,000 British visitors visit Bulgaria each year, where Black Sea beach resorts offer a much cheaper break than comparable destinations in the Mediterranean. In addition, Bulgaria offers affordable skiing to those who feel excluded by Europe’s more exclusive Alpine villages. However, Bulgaria is not as well known as some other European countries, so reading these handy tips should help guests to enjoy a more comfortable stay in this beautiful country.

Bulgaria weather and tourist seasons

Bulgaria’s climate varies in its two distinct regions, the interior and the coast. The interior’s continental climate leads to heat and humidity during the summer months (June to August), along with typically cold and damp winters (October to February). Winter snow is usual in the mountainous regions. The temperate coastal climate means that the Black Sea is an excellent year-round destination.

Bulgaria contact numbers (+359)

Emergency services – 112

Union of Bulgarian Motorists (in case of breakdown) – 359 2 911 46 or 146 (from a mobile)

British Embassy – 359 2 933 9222

US Embassy – 359 2 937 5100

Irish Embassy – 359 2 985 3425

Canadian Consulate – 359 2 969 9710

Australian Consulate – 359 2 946 1334

Bulgarian Tourism Office – 359 2 987 9778

Holidays and festivals

Bulgarian public holidays fall on all the usual Christian holidays, such as Good Friday, Easter Monday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. In addition, Bulgarians have the privilege of a two-day long New Year’s holiday (1 and 2 January). There are also many other local and national holidays throughout the year. Slavonic Literature Day (24 May) is a particularly beautiful event when Bulgarians celebrate the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet with flowers, music and happiness. Liberation Day (3 March) celebrates Bulgarian freedom from Ottoman rule, while Unification Day (6 September) remembers the day when two formerly independent parts of the country were brought together.

Money matters

Bulgaria is expected to join the Eurozone. The local currency is presently the lev, but visitors will find that many retailers accept euros. Credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and cities, but those travelling off the beaten track should ensure they carry cash. There are plenty of ATMs in coastal resorts as well as in the capital, Sofia. Those who need to exchange cash should do so at a bank in order to avoid any scams on the street.

Health and safety

There are few specific health risks for travellers to Bulgaria, but visitors might want to ensure their hepatitis A and tetanus vaccinations are up to date. The biggest threat to health is rabies, so visitors should to be careful around stray dogs. It might also be worth avoiding fast food from street stalls since cleanliness cannot be guaranteed.

Fitting in…

Bulgarians are typically friendly but don’t really engage in small talk. However, tourists will always come across locals that do want to learn more about foreigners and are keen to chat. They are hospitable too, so it is not unusual to be invited for lunch at someone’s home when visiting small Bulgarian towns. However, Bulgarians can be sensitive about politics, foreign policy and Macedonia, so it is a good idea to avoid giving any strong opinions on these topics. Few speak English, but your Russian might come in handy!

Visas for Bulgaria

Visitors holding a passport or ID card from an EU or EFTA country do not require a visa of any kind. Visitors from Australia, New Zealand and Canada are among those who also don’t require a visa. However, travellers from these countries are restricted to 90 days in Bulgaria from any 180-day period from date of issue.

Electricity

The voltage in Bulgaria is 220-240 Volts, with plug sockets accepting the Schuko-type plugs commonly seen in France and Germany as well as Russian-style Europlugs. Visitors from the British Isles and Australia will need an adaptor in order to access the electricity supply.

Business hours
Bulgarian shops generally open from 10:00 until 20:00 on weekdays as well as until noon on Saturdays. Nearly all retailers close on Sundays, but it is worth asking about local hours on arrival. Banks are generally open from 09:00 until 15:00, closing all weekend.

Helpful phrases

Sdrawei! – Hi!

Sajaliavam – Sorry (for a mistake)

Mnogo blagodaria! – Thank you (very much)!

Da/ne – Yes/no

Nishto ne rasbrah – I don't understand

Govorite li angliiski? - Do you speak English?

Kolko struva tova – How much is this?

Dnes/utre – today/tomorrow

Resources online

www.angloinfo.com

www.wikitravel.org

www.bulgariatravel.org