ON THE GO
[*] From Varna Airport. [**] From Bourgas Airport.
Traveling by plane
The national airline Bulgaria Air (Internet: www.air.bg) connects Sofia with the larger cities of the country and the seaside resorts on the coast.
On the way by car / bus
According to youremailverifier, Bulgaria has a good road network that covers over 18,000 km. Drivers of cars, motorcycles, trailers and mobile homes have to buy a vignette for the motorways and trunk roads. The vignette is available at all border crossings as a 7-day vignette, monthly vignette and annual vignette (January 1 of the year of issue to January 31 of the following year).
At petrol stations you usually have to pay in cash in leva. Only larger chains accept credit cards. All types of fuel are available at gas stations in cities and along the highways.
Long-distance bus: Buses serving national and international routes leave from terminals, which are mostly located at the main train stations in major cities.
Taxis are available in all cities, including for overland trips. They are available in taxi stands in front of hotels and can be ordered by telephone. Government taxis have meters, private taxis do not. All taxis in the country are yellow. The day rate applies between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the night rate between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Rental cars: International and national rental companies are represented in larger cities and holiday resorts.
Documents: National driver’s license sufficient for short visits, but the international driver’s license is recommended. The national driving license is sufficient for EU citizens. For nationals of EU and EFTA countries, the car registration number is used as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to use the International Green Insurance Cardtake with you in order to benefit from full insurance coverage in the event of any damage. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance cover applies. The green card can also make it easier to record accidents.
Traffic regulations:
– alcohol limit: 0.5â?? °.
– It is mandatory for drivers to wear fluorescent safety vests when they leave their vehicle outside of built-up areas and are on the road, e.g. in the event of a breakdown or an accident.
– The international traffic signs apply.
– Telephoning is only permitted via a hands-free system while driving.
– Seat belts must be worn.
– From November 1st to the end of March, drivers must also drive with dipped headlights during the day.
Note: Fines are never payable directly to the policeman in charge. If you are asked to do so, you should write down the police officer’s identification number (on his uniform). Further information is available from the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior on the website www.mvr.bg/en/Guide/traveling.htm.
Speed limits:
in built-up areas: 50 km / h,
outside built-up areas: 90 km / h,
on motorways: 130 km / h.
Traveling in the city
Sofia’s local transport network includes buses, a tram, a metro and trolleybuses; Underground trains run daily between 5.30 a.m. and midnight. Standard tariffs apply, tickets must be purchased before departure.
Buses and taxis are available in all major cities. There are also trolleybuses in Plovdiv and Varna.
On the go by train
The track network of the Bulgarian state railway BDZ (Internet: www.bdz.bg) covers over 4200 km. The transport hub is Sofia. It is advisable to book in advance and buy first class tickets. For more information, contact the Bulgarian Tourist Office (see addresses) and the Bulgarian Railways Information Office (tel: 931 11 11). Fare reductions and rail passes: • When buying a return ticket, a discount of 10% (on some routes up to 20%) on the regular price is granted. • Students and young people receive a 50% discount on train tickets if they have the Student Railpass or Youth Railpass. •
Children between 7 and 10 years of age receive a 50% discount if they have a Children’s Railpass.
• Pensioners (women over 57 years of age, men over 62 years of age) receive a 50% discount on tickets on presentation of their identity card and a pension certificate.
• The Railcard “O” allows you to travel by train with a 50% discount in Bulgaria. It is valid for one year.
• The InterRail one-country pass is available for travel in almost 30 European countries including Macedonia and Turkey and is valid for 3, 4, 6, 8 days within 1 month in one country. Children aged 4-11 travel at half the adult price.
On the way by ship
From May to September, liners and hydrofoils operate on the rivers between Vidin, Lom and Kozloduj; Orjahovo and Nikopol; Svistov, Tutrakan and Silistra and along the Black Sea.
