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Car Rental - Bulgaria
One of Europe’s best kept secrets, Bulgaria is a beguiling country that has plenty to enchant any visitor. Buzzing cities, expanses of golden beach, dramatic mountains, ancient culture and the beautiful Black Sea resorts combine to offer a sensory experience that you’ll always remember. Cities by the sea offer the full package of urban life and relaxation, while the caves hold their own secrets. Whether you’re here to see the domed churches and mosques of the capital, Sofia, or the Roman wonders of second city Plovdiv, you’re sure to be delighted.
We’ll get you out on the road to explore this gorgeous country at one of our numerous branches throughout Bulgaria, including one at Sofia airport. Take advantage of paying online so you can be in your car and on your way as soon as you touch down.
A Quick Guide to Bulgaria
From the west’s capital Sofia, with its looming mountains, to the sunny resorts and ports of the east, there’s much to discover here. Car rental in Bulgaria will let you get from city to city, coast to coast, and pack in as much or as little as you want on your vacation.
Splendid Sofia
Smaller and prettier than most European capitals, Sofia doesn’t sprawl. In Roman times, it was called Serdica, and a plethora of ruins and remains from that period have been unearthed during the building of Sofia’s metro system. At Serdika station you’ll see houses from the 4th century, as well as several streets.
You can trace more history in the city by visiting the Ottoman mosques, the churches and even the Communist monuments. Many visitors start at the neo-Byzantine Aleksander Nevski cathedral, which started construction in 1882 and was finished in 1912. Below the multiple domes are thrones, chandeliers, murals and you can witness Russian Orthodox worship daily. Head slightly out of town to Iztok to visit the Museum of Socialist Art. Here lie the many statues that were erected during Bulgaria’s past as part of the Iron Curtain.
While you’re here, get a taste of the real Bulgarian cuisine by reserving a table at Manastirska Magernitsa. This popular tavern serves unpretentious fare in large quantities, such as lamb leg, wild boar fillet and a range of vegetarian dishes taken from Bulgarian monasteries.
Sofia is also a popular ski resort, with the huge Vitosha mountain only 10km from the city itself. In summer, when the snow is gone, it’s buzzing with hikers and trekkers.
The Hills of Plovdiv
Sitting on seven hills, Plovdiv might be Bulgaria’s most charming city. Its Roman past can be seen most stunningly in the form of its 2nd-century amphitheater. You might think it has been a fixture of the city for centuries, but in fact it was hidden until a landslide in 1972 revealed it. Following its restoration, you can see live theater and music here at this memorable location.
The old town is an atmospheric hive of cobbled streets, narrow alleys, museums and cultural centers. First settled by the Thracians in 5000BC, Plovdiv is one of the world’s oldest cities. However, the real charm here is more recent, with 19th-century Bulgarian Revival houses around every corner. The blue mansion of the Ethnographical Museum is hard to miss, and this distinctive building offers a great insight into Plovdiv life through the ages.
Beaches of the Black Sea
During summer, tourists and locals alike make for the Black Sea Coast, whether it’s to party on the beaches, find a quiet nook to relax in or to take part in the extensive water sports on offer.
For a slice of city life by the sea, make for Burgas or Varna, with its enviable beach, Roman remains and 19th-century cathedral. The UNESCO World Heritage Site at Nesebar combines deep history with deep relaxation – here you’ll find 5th-century churches, and more ruins but also places to water-ski, dive or soak and sunbathe. Car rental in Bulgaria means you can also get out to areas that are ill-served by public transport, such as the 1161 square kilometers ofStrandzha Nature Park. As well as unique flora and fauna, you’ll also find traces of Neolithic life here. As in Bulgaria as a whole, this is a place whose history delves back well beyond the modern era.
Driving in Bulgaria
The roads of Bulgaria can be a delight to drive on. It’s the diversity of the terrain you’ll pass through that make it a joy rather than a chore to traverse this great Balkan nation. Whether you’re next to the Danube, exploring the coast near the Black sea or making your way through the mountains and hills, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas, tiny villages full of ancient buildings and views that will have you parking up to take photos. Toll roads are usually faster and in better condition than secondary roads.
Speed limits are shown in kph throughout the country, with a limit of 120kph on freeways, 50kph in built-up areas and 90kph on other roads. You drive on the right, overtaking on the left, and seat belts are compulsory. It’s also mandatory to have dipped headlights on during day-time driving. If you’re visiting in winter, conditions on the road can be challenging, so please speak to our branch staff about winter tyres and snow chains.
The main freeway running east to west in Bulgaria is the A1, on which you can drive from Sofia to Plovdiv in around two hours. It then winds on all the way to the Black Sea coast and the city of Burgas, the gateway to numerous resorts. From Burgas you can head north on the E87 to Sunny Beach, onwards to Varna and, eventually, the border with Romania. Driving south from Burgas will lead to Turkey. You can also take route 9 and 99 south-east from Burgas to reach Sozopol, a brilliant resort town with great beaches and cobbled streets.
For a different experience, head south on the A3 from Sofia to the pretty university town of Blagoevgrad, or go east and then north on the E79 and Route 1 to reach Vratsa. At the latter, you’ll find an expansive nature park, cascading waterfalls and a biodiversity reserve.
