Last checked: October 2026
Most international flights to Bulgaria land at Sofia Airport (SOF), with Varna (VAR), Burgas (BOJ) and Plovdiv (PDV) serving seasonal and regional routes. Choose the airport closest to your first stop, because road and rail journeys between regions are long. Visa-exempt visitors must also follow Schengen entry rules.
Which airports serve Bulgaria?
| Airport | Code | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia Airport | SOF | Main gateway, Sofia, Rila Monastery, the mountains |
| Varna Airport | VAR | Varna and the northern Black Sea coast |
| Burgas Airport | BOJ | Nessebar, Sozopol, Sunny Beach and the southern coast |
| Plovdiv Airport | PDV | Plovdiv, limited routes |
Coastal airports have many more flights in summer than in winter. Check the airline route map for your dates, and see the Sofia Airport website for current information.
How do you reach the city from the airport?
Sofia Airport is linked to the city centre by metro, and taxis, buses and ride apps also run. Use licensed taxis or ride apps, and agree on the fare or use the meter. At Varna and Burgas, buses and taxis connect the airports with the city and nearby resorts, and package holidays often include transfers. Check your hotel’s options before you land.
How do you travel inside Bulgaria?
- Buses: reach most towns and often take less time than trains between cities.
- Trains: link Sofia with Plovdiv, Varna and other cities. They’re cheap but can be slow.
- Rental cars: best for mountain roads and villages. Drive on the right.
- Domestic flights: limited. Most visitors choose to fly into the airport nearest their first region.
Sofia to Varna is roughly 450 to 500 km, so choose your arrival and departure airports to avoid backtracking. An open-jaw ticket, arriving at Sofia and leaving from Varna or Burgas, saves time on a longer trip.
What time zone is Bulgaria in?
Bulgaria uses Eastern European Time, with daylight saving time in summer. It’s usually one hour ahead of Central European countries such as Germany and Italy, so check the time difference with your home when you plan connections.
Do you need to check entry rules before you fly?
Yes. Bulgaria is in the Schengen Area, so visa-exempt visitors can stay 90 days in any 180-day period, and others need a Schengen visa. The Entry/Exit System records non-EU visitors at the border, and ETIAS is planned for visa-exempt visitors, so check the start date before you book. Read our Bulgaria visa guide for tourists.
Booking tips
- Book early for July and August, and for Christmas to February if you’re skiing.
- Compare flights into Sofia with flights into Varna or Burgas if the coast is your main aim.
- Check baggage rules, since many low-cost airlines charge for hold luggage.
- Allow extra time for border checks if you travel by road or train.
- Pay attention to airport codes when you book, especially for open-jaw tickets.
Before You Fly: checklist
- Passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure, as the US State Department advises.
- Schengen visa, if your nationality needs one.
- ETIAS approval, once it applies to your passport.
- Accommodation address and return or onward travel details.
- Travel insurance, including cover for skiing if you plan it.
- Euros in cash for small payments, plus a bank card.
- Phone, charger and a plug adapter for European sockets.
3 Quick Answers
Which airport should I fly into?
Choose Sofia (SOF) for the capital and mountains, and Varna (VAR) or Burgas (BOJ) if you’re heading to the Black Sea coast.
Can I travel by train from other countries?
Yes, there are international rail links with neighbours, but they can be slow and routes change. Check current timetables before you plan.
Do I need a visa to fly to Bulgaria?
It depends on your passport. Check our visa guide and the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs page before you book.
Flight Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight from my country?
It depends on your departure airport and the season. Many routes are seasonal, so check airline timetables for your dates.
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or the coast?
Prices vary by season and route. Compare both for your dates, and include the cost and time of getting to your final stop.
Can I fly into a neighbouring country and drive?
Yes, some visitors use Bucharest, Thessaloniki or Istanbul. Check border times, car rental cross-border rules and your Schengen days first.
What if my flight is cancelled?
Contact the airline first, then your insurer. Keep receipts for extra costs and check the rebooking terms.
