Cars & Transportation Bulgaria

Buses: The bus network is the most common type of public transport in Bulgaria. City buses operate in major cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas, providing access to various districts. Intercity buses connect the main cities and regions of the country, offering regular routes.

Trams: Tram lines operate in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, providing convenient travel across central and adjacent areas. Trams are especially popular among locals due to their reliability and frequent service.

Trolleybuses: Trolleybus routes operate in some cities, including Sofia and Varna. This environmentally friendly mode of transport complements the bus network by providing additional routes.

Metro: The metro in Sofia is the only subway system in Bulgaria, consisting of four lines and 47 stations, covering key areas of the capital, including Sofia Airport. The metro is a fast and convenient way to travel around the city.

Trains: Bulgaria's railway network connects major cities and regions. Although train speeds may be lower compared to buses, they remain a popular choice for long-distance travel. Bulgarian State Railways offer various categories of trains, including express and passenger.

Minibuses: In some cities, especially in Sofia, minibuses operate. They follow fixed routes and are a popular means of transportation among locals.

Public transport in Bulgaria is characterized by accessibility and diversity, allowing for efficient travel planning both within cities and between them.

Air Transportation

International air transportation in Bulgaria is quite well-developed, especially during the tourist season. The country has several international airports located in Sofia, Varna, Burgas, and Plovdiv, serving flights from various European and Middle Eastern countries. The airline "Bulgaria Air" is the national carrier and operates flights to 27 destinations in 19 countries.

Domestic air transportation in Bulgaria is poorly developed. There are flights between Sofia and Varna, as well as between Sofia and Burgas, but their frequency is limited.

In Bulgaria, the ticket purchasing system for public transport varies depending on the city and type of transport.

Sofia

Metro

Paper tickets: Available at machines and cash desks at metro stations. The cost of a single ticket is 1.60 leva.

Contactless bank cards: Passengers can use contactless credit or debit cards to pay for the fare by tapping them on validators at the entry. The "Ticket 30+" tariff applies, allowing transfers within 30 minutes.

Buses, trams, and trolleybuses:

Purchase from the driver: Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver upon boarding. It is recommended to have the exact amount for payment.

Kiosks and machines: Some stops have kiosks and ticket vending machines. After purchase, the ticket must be validated inside the vehicle.

Varna

Mobile application TicketVarna: Passengers can purchase electronic tickets through the TicketVarna app. After payment, a barcode is generated, which is presented to the controller for verification.

Burgas

Purchase from the conductor: In city transport tickets are sold by conductors immediately after passengers board. It's recommended to have small bills or coins for payment.

General recommendations:

Passes: Many cities offer various period passes (day, week, month) that can be purchased at ticket offices or specialized sales points. For example, in Sofia, the "Sofia City Card" and "Ultralight" cards are available, on which various types of tickets and subscriptions can be loaded.

Ticket validation: After purchasing a ticket, it must be validated inside the vehicle or at the metro entrance. This confirms the start of use and prevents fines during inspections.

Control: In Bulgarian public transport, ticket checks are regularly conducted. Passengers are advised to always have a valid and validated ticket to avoid fines.

Taxis

Taxis in Bulgaria are a popular and affordable mode of transportation. Licensed taxis are usually yellow, equipped with meters, and have a "Taxi" sign on the roof.

Recommendations: Before the trip, ensure that the driver turns on the meter. Avoid unlicensed taxis, especially in tourist areas, to prevent overcharging.

Services offered by: Bolt, TaxiMe, Yellow Taxi, Taxi BG, Taxi24Burgas, Step Taxi.

Car-sharing

Availability: Car-sharing services in Bulgaria are developing, especially in major cities. These services allow short-term car rentals through a mobile app.

Features: To use car-sharing services, you need to register in the app, provide a driver's license and a bank card. Rates usually include charges for the usage time and distance traveled.

Services offered by: Carsharing.bg.

Scooter and Bike Rental

Availability: In major cities like Sofia, Varna, and Burgas, there are electric scooter and bike rental services. They provide a convenient way to travel short distances.

Usage: To rent, download the mobile app, register, and attach a payment card. You can then find the nearest scooter or bike, scan the QR code to unlock, and start your trip.

Services offered by: Bolt, Turcentr.by, Travelimperia.com.

Using these types of transportation in Bulgaria provides flexibility and convenience, especially in urban settings.

In Bulgaria, living without a car is possible, especially in major cities where the public transportation system is well-developed. However, in rural and remote areas, public transport might be less accessible, with limited schedules and routes. In such areas, having a personal car significantly increases mobility and convenience.

Obtaining a Bulgarian driver's license for foreigners depends on whether you have a valid driving license issued in another country and your residency status in Bulgaria.

Exchange of foreign driving license for a Bulgarian license

If you have a valid driving license issued in a country that has signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, and you have a residence permit in Bulgaria, you can exchange it for a Bulgarian one at the road police office at your place of residence without the need to take exams. The procedure takes about a month. Note: After obtaining the Bulgarian license, your foreign license will be confiscated and sent to the issuing country.

Required documents:

- A valid foreign driving license.

- Copy of the Bulgarian personal ID card.

- Medical certificate confirming fitness to drive.

- Completed application form (provided at the road police office).

- Receipt of state fee payment.

Obtaining a driver's license

If you do not have a driving license or cannot exchange an existing one, you must follow the standard procedure for obtaining a license in Bulgaria.

Requirements:

Minimum age of 18 years.

Completed secondary education (a translated and legalized certificate must be provided).

Residence permit in Bulgaria.

Procedure

Driving school training: Enroll in a licensed driving school; complete a theoretical course (about 40 hours) and practical driver training (minimum 31 hours).

First aid course: Complete a first aid course at the Bulgarian Red Cross.

Medical examination: Obtain a medical certificate confirming your fitness to drive.

Examinations

Pass the theoretical exam (test on traffic rules).

Pass the practical driving test.

Obtaining the license: After passing the exams, submit documents to the road police office for the issuance of the driver's license.

Note: Training and exams are conducted in Bulgarian, so it is recommended to have a sufficient level of language proficiency or use a translator's services.

Car Registration

Registration procedure: After purchasing a car, it must be registered at the local road police office.

Taxes and fees: Car owners are required to pay an annual vehicle tax, which depends on the engine power and the environmental class of the car.

Insurance

Mandatory insurance: All vehicles must be insured under a "Civil Liability" policy, which covers third-party liability in the event of a traffic accident.

Additional insurance: It is recommended to obtain a "Casco" policy to protect against damage, theft, and other risks.

Technical inspection: Cars are subject to mandatory technical inspection once a year.

Traffic rules:

Speed limits:

- In populated areas: 50 km/h.

- Outside populated areas: 90 km/h.

- On motor roads: 120 km/h.

- On highways: 140 km/h.

Headlight use: Low beam headlights must be on at all times from November 1 to March 1.

Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers, both in the front and rear seats.

Alcohol: The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.5 per mille. Exceeding this level results in serious fines and the revocation of driving licenses.

Toll roads

Vignettes: Traveling on most roads in Bulgaria requires the purchase of an electronic vignette. The cost depends on the vehicle category and the duration (day, week, month, year).

Parking

Paid zones: In major cities, "blue" and "green" paid parking zones exist. Payment is made through parking meters, mobile applications, or SMS.

Fines: Violating parking rules may result in fines and vehicle towing.

Compliance with these rules and recommendations ensures safe and comfortable use of a personal car in Bulgaria.

In Bulgaria, various fines and penalties are imposed for traffic violations, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Let's consider the main ones:

Speeding

In populated areas:

- Exceeding by 11–20 km/h: fine of 50 leva.

- Exceeding by 21–30 km/h: fine of 100 leva.

- Exceeding by 31–40 km/h: fine of 400 leva.

- Exceeding by 41–50 km/h: fine of 600 leva.

- Exceeding by more than 50 km/h: fine of 700 leva and loss of driving license for 3 months.

Outside populated areas:

- Exceeding by 11–20 km/h: fine of 50 leva.

- Exceeding by 21–30 km/h: fine of 100 leva.

- Exceeding by 31–40 km/h: fine of 300 leva.

- Exceeding by 41–50 km/h: fine of 400 leva.

- Exceeding by more than 50 km/h: fine of 600 leva.

For every additional 5 km/h over 50 km/h, the fine increases by 50 leva.

Driving under the influence

- Blood alcohol content from 0.5 to 0.8 per mille: fine of 500 leva and loss of driving license for 6 months.

- From 0.8 to 1.2 per mille: fine of 1000 leva and loss of driving license for 1 year.

- Over 1.2 per mille: criminal liability, potentially including imprisonment.

- Refusal to take an alcohol test: fine of 2000 leva and loss of driving license for 2 years.

Improper parking

- Violation of parking rules: fine of 20 leva.

- Double parking along roads: fine of 50 leva.

- Parking at public transport stops: fine from 20 to 150 leva.

- Parking in parks, pedestrian areas, playgrounds, and sidewalks: fine from 50 to 200 leva.

- Parking in disabled spots without a permit: fine of 200 leva.

Lack of documents

- Absence of driver's license, registration card, insurance, or control card: fine of 10 leva.

- Refusal to provide documents: fine from 50 to 200 leva and loss of driving license for 1 to 6 months.

- Driving without a driver's license: fine from 100 to 300 leva.

Violation of overtaking rules and dangerous maneuvers

- Violation of overtaking rules: fine of 30 leva; if a dangerous situation is created — 150 leva.

- Driving against the flow in a one-way street: fine of 30 leva.

- Driving in the opposite lane on a highway or expressway: fine of 1000 leva and license suspension for 3 months.

- Running a red light: fine of 100 leva; repeat offense — 200 leva and license suspension for 1 month.

- Failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crossing: fine of 100 leva; repeat offense — 200 leva and license suspension for 1 month.

Other common violations

- Ignoring a "STOP" sign: fine of 20 leva.

- Lack of a vignette: fine of 300 leva for passenger vehicles.

- Driving in a dedicated bus lane: fine of 50 leva.

- Excessive tire wear or violation of winter tire rules: fine of 50 leva.

- Illegible or covered license plate: fine of 50 leva.

- Using a mobile phone without a hands-free headset: fine of 50 leva.

Payment of fines

Online payment via the Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria's website:

- Go to the website (https://e-uslugi.mvr.bg/services/obligations).

- Enter the required data: Unified Civil Number / Personal Foreigner Number / Personal Number and driver’s license number or vehicle registration number.

- Review information on liabilities and select the fine for payment.

- Follow instructions to complete the payment.

Note: Paying the fine within 14 days from the issuance date of the document grants a 30% discount (for speeding fines).

Payment through banks or post offices: Provide the employee with information about the fine (document number, amount).

Payment at traffic police offices: Provide fine information and pay the fine at the cashier.

For foreigners:

Foreign nationals can use all the listed payment methods. It is important to ensure that the correct information is provided during payment so that the payment is correctly credited. It is recommended to keep all payment confirmations until the issue is fully resolved.

Important: Never pay fines directly to a police officer at the site of the offense. All payments must be made through official channels.

Vehicle registration

Initial registration of a new vehicle

Documents: It is necessary to provide a sales contract, a certificate of conformity, personal documents of the owner, and payment receipts for the corresponding fees.

Procedure: Visit the traffic police department at your place of residence. After document verification and payment of fees, the vehicle will be registered, and you will be issued license plates and a registration certificate.

Registration of a used vehicle

Documents: Require a sales contract, previous registration documents, proof of tax payments, mandatory insurance policy, and personal documents.

Procedure: The process is similar to the initial registration, with an additional check of the vehicle's technical condition. In some cases, a technical inspection may be required before registration.

Technical inspection

New vehicles undergo their first inspection three years after registration, then every two years, and annually thereafter.

Vehicles older than 10 years are subject to annual inspection.

Procedure

Station choice: Technical inspections are conducted at licensed technical inspection stations located throughout the country.

Check: During the inspection, the braking system, steering, lighting devices, tire condition, exhaust system, and other safety-related elements are checked.

Results: Upon successful completion, a diagnostic card and a windshield sticker confirming the inspection are issued.

Features for foreign nationals

Vehicle registration: Foreign nationals with residency in Bulgaria can register a vehicle in their name by providing the necessary documents and paying the appropriate fees.

Technical inspection for vehicles with foreign registration: According to Bulgarian law, foreign-registered vehicles must have a valid technical inspection conducted in the country of registration. Bulgarian stations generally do not perform inspections on vehicles with foreign numbers.

Fines and responsibilities

Driving a vehicle without a valid technical inspection or without registration results in fines and administrative measures, including temporary confiscation of registration documents.

Temporary Import of a Vehicle

Stay Duration: Foreign citizens can import personal vehicles into Bulgaria for up to 6 months without mandatory registration. After this period, the vehicle must leave the country or be registered in Bulgaria.

Customs Procedures: Upon entering Bulgaria, it is necessary to declare the vehicle at customs. In the case of temporary import for personal use, the procedure is simplified and does not require a customs declaration; a document of entry into the EU territory is sufficient.

Registration of a Foreign Vehicle

Registration Requirement: If it is planned to use the vehicle in Bulgaria for more than 6 months, it must be registered at the local road police department.

Required Documents:

- Purchase agreement or other document proving ownership.

- Previous vehicle registration certificate.

- Technical inspection document.

- Document of paid environmental tax.

- Personal identification (passport, residence permit).

- Customs clearance document (if applicable).

- Registration Procedure:

- Present the vehicle for identification at the road police department.

- Provide all necessary documents.

- Pay the required fees and taxes.

- Obtain Bulgarian license plates and registration certificate.

Customs Duties and Taxes

Import from EU Countries: When importing a vehicle from another EU country, customs duties are not charged. However, VAT (20%) and an environmental tax must be paid.

Import from Non-EU Countries: When importing a vehicle from a non-EU country, customs duties (about 10% of the value) and VAT (20%) are charged. An environmental tax must also be paid.

Specifics for Foreign Citizens

“Blue” Plates: Foreign citizens without EU resident status can register a vehicle in their name and obtain special "blue" license plates. This procedure is only conducted in Sofia, at the local road police department.

Company Registration: Alternatively, a vehicle can be registered to a Bulgarian company owned by a foreigner. In this case, standard white license plates are issued.

Insurance

Mandatory Insurance: All vehicles in Bulgaria must be insured with a "Civil Liability" policy. Without a valid insurance policy, vehicle registration is impossible.

In recent years, Bulgaria has been actively developing infrastructure for electric vehicles, aiming to meet European standards and satisfy the growing demand for environmentally friendly transport.

Charging Stations

Increase in Number of Stations: As of 2022, there were about 700 charging stations in Bulgaria, located at more than 500 sites. In 2024, Eldrive, the largest charging infrastructure operator in the country, announced plans to expand the network to over 2,000 stations, installing an additional 1,530 charging points over three years.

Geographical Coverage: Charging stations are located in major cities, along main highways, and in popular tourist areas, providing convenient access for electric vehicle owners.

Types of Charging Stations: In Bulgaria, there are both standard and fast-charging stations available, allowing users to choose the most appropriate option based on their needs and time.

Service Centers

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: With the increasing number of electric vehicles in the country, the number of service centers specializing in their maintenance is also growing. Many official dealers of global car brands offer repair and maintenance services for electric vehicles.

Training Specialists: The country conducts training programs for mechanics and engineers, aimed at improving their qualifications in the field of electric vehicle maintenance.

Thus, the infrastructure for electric vehicles in Bulgaria is in an active development stage, offering more opportunities for owners of electric vehicles.