Last checked: November 2026
Getting around Bulgaria is straightforward between the main cities, because buses and trains link them and Sofia has its own metro. Journeys take longer than the map suggests, since mountain roads and older rail lines slow things down. A rental car helps most in the mountains and villages.
What is the best way to travel between Bulgarian cities?
For most visitors, buses are the simplest choice between cities, trains suit scenic or overnight journeys, and a rental car suits mountains and villages. Domestic flights are limited to a few routes between Sofia and the Black Sea coast. Inside cities, walking, the Sofia metro, local buses, trams and licensed taxis cover most trips.
How long do journeys between the main cities take?
These are typical times from current timetables and operator listings. They vary by service, date and season, so check the official timetable before you travel.
| Route | Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia to Plovdiv | About 2 to 3 hours | About 2 to 3 hours | None |
| Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo | Slow, usually with a change | About 3 to 4 hours | None |
| Sofia to Varna | About 7.5 to 8 hours | About 6.5 to 7.5 hours | About 1 hour |
| Sofia to Burgas | About 6 to 7 hours | About 5.5 to 6.5 hours | About 1 hour |
| Varna to Burgas | About 4 to 4.5 hours | About 2.5 to 3 hours | None |
| Plovdiv to Burgas | About 5 hours | Check operators | None |
Use these times when you build a plan from our Bulgaria itineraries, and add buffer time on travel days.
Which transport should you choose?
- Choose buses if you want the widest choice of routes and departure times between cities.
- Choose trains if you prefer a seat with space to move, an overnight journey or a break from driving.
- Choose a rental car if you plan to visit mountain areas, villages and monasteries that public transport reaches only slowly.
- Choose a domestic flight if you’re short on time and travelling between Sofia and Varna or Burgas.
- Fastest: a flight for Sofia to the coast, and a car or bus for most other routes.
- Most flexible: a rental car, with more planning for parking and winter roads.
How do trains work in Bulgaria?
Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) runs the main long-distance services, and you can check timetables and live delay notices on the official BDZ website. Some fast trains require a seat reservation, and some routes, such as Sofia to Varna and Burgas, have overnight trains with sleeping cars on certain services. Prices depend on the day, time and distance, so check them on the BDZ site rather than relying on old figures.
Delays happen, often because trains wait for a slot on single-track sections. Leave a buffer if you have a flight or a tight connection.
How do intercity buses work?
Private operators such as Union Ivkoni and Etap Group run intercity routes from bus stations in each city. Tickets are sold at station counters, on operator websites and through booking platforms. Some cities have more than one bus station, so check which one your ticket uses, especially in Burgas.
Can you fly inside Bulgaria?
Bulgaria Air flies between Sofia and Varna and between Sofia and Burgas. Schedules change by season, and some routes run more often in summer, so check the airline website for your dates. The flight is short, but allow time for airport checks and the transfer to the city. For international arrivals, see our guide to flights to Bulgaria.
What should you know about driving in Bulgaria?
- Drive on the right, and carry your licence, passport or ID, vehicle documents and proof of insurance.
- Cars need an electronic vignette linked to the licence plate for the national road network. Buy it only from the official BGTOLL website, its app, border terminals or authorised outlets, and check current prices there.
- The general limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h outside them, and motorway limits are posted on signs.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, so avoid alcohol if you’re driving.
- Snow chains can be required where signs say so, so check winter conditions before mountain drives. See our best time to visit Bulgaria guide for seasonal weather.
- Rental firms set their own minimum age and licence rules. If your licence is from outside the EU or EEA, ask the company whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Road signs are in Cyrillic, and parking is tight in old towns such as Plovdiv, so an offline map helps.
How do taxis and ride apps work?
Use marked, licensed taxis from official ranks, and ask the driver to switch on the meter before you set off. Ride-hailing apps work in the larger cities, and they show the fare in advance. Avoid drivers who approach you at stations and airports.
How does public transport work in Bulgarian cities?
Sofia has a metro, buses, trams and trolleybuses run by the Sofia Urban Mobility Center. You can pay with a contactless bank card or buy tickets and travel cards from machines and ticket offices. Other cities rely mainly on local buses, with ticket rules set by each city, so check at the stop or on the operator’s website.
Common mistakes
- Taking an unofficial taxi without agreeing on the fare.
- Assuming timetables stay the same, when trains and buses change by season and date.
- Missing a required seat reservation on a long-distance train.
- Driving on the national road network without an electronic vignette.
- Going to the wrong bus station in a city with more than one.
- Underestimating winter conditions on mountain roads.
Quick checklist
- Check the BDZ or bus timetable for your exact date.
- Reserve seats where they are required.
- Buy an electronic vignette before driving on national roads.
- Carry your licence, passport and vehicle documents.
- Save an offline map and a translation app for Cyrillic signs.
- Keep euros and a bank card for tickets and taxis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to travel around Bulgaria without a car?
Yes, for the main cities and sights. Buses and trains link Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna and Burgas, and Sofia has a metro. A car becomes useful for mountain areas, villages and remote monasteries, where public transport is limited and services are less frequent.
Do I need a vignette to drive in Bulgaria?
Yes. Passenger cars need an electronic vignette linked to the licence plate to use the national road network. Buy it only from the official BGTOLL website or app, a border terminal or an authorised outlet, and check prices there, because tariffs can change.
Are trains in Bulgaria reliable?
Trains run on most main routes, but they are slower than in much of Western Europe, and delays happen, especially on single-track sections. Check the BDZ live updates on the day, reserve seats where required and leave a buffer before flights or tight connections.
Which taxis are safe in Bulgaria?
Use marked, licensed taxis from official ranks, or order through a ride-hailing app, and ask for the meter before you set off. Avoid drivers who approach you at stations or airports, and confirm the route and fare if there is no meter.
Can I use a foreign driving licence in Bulgaria?
Licence rules depend on where your licence was issued, so check with the Bulgarian authorities and your rental company before you book. Rental firms also set their own minimum age and licence-holding period, and may ask for an International Driving Permit.