Transport in Bulgaria

Posted on February 13, 2008
Filed Under Bulgaria |

Bulgaria is situated at a crossroads between Europe and Asia and is easily accessible by road, river and sea transport from a large group of countries. There are 4 International Airports at Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Bourgas with regular flights from many local UK, European and worldwide airports.

Transport types available in Bulgaria:

• Air transport - Two-way daily flights link Sofia to Varna and Bourgas. During the summer season there are more daily flights in both directions.

• Train - The rail network is extensive and connects most cities and villages. Traveling by train in Bulgaria is quite cheap.

• Bus - Private bus services cover most directions, with the exception of some high mountain villages.

• Car - The big international rent-a-car companies have agents in most of the towns, resorts and airports. Information about the rates is available at the hotels and travel agencies. Cars may be reserved online or hired from the airports upon arrival as well as in the major cities. Average cost is between 180 and 300 Euros per week, including unlimited mileage, tax and insurance.

Roads

Road conditions for drivers in Bulgaria are very different from those in Western Europe. However, by comparison, the safety of public transport is relatively good. Road travel has been greatly modernized in anticipation of EU membership in 2007 and in line with development of the country’s infrastructure.

Roads are fair in the cities, but can be poor in rural areas. The road signs are basically identical to those in the other European countries but commonly absent or only in Cyrillic. Petrol (benzin) in Bulgaria is slightly cheaper than in Western Europe. The most reliable tanking places (benzinostantsiya) are the 24-hour stations of Shell, OMV and BP.

If you intend to travel by car around Bulgaria keep in mind the vignette system, valid since this year for the national road network, except for the roads within populated areas. You can buy a vignette from all border-crossing points, all post offices and most gas stations. The prices of vignettes are in EUR and USD. They are different depending on the type of the vehicle and the time period.

Driving

Driving in Bulgaria is an experience you will not forget. Below is some advice and information that will help you, should you decide to take to the road in Bulgaria.

There is always dangerous and heavy truck traffic along the two-lane routes from the Greek border at Kulata to Sofia and from the Turkish border at Kapitan Andreevo to Plovdiv. You should expect long delays at border crossings.

To drive in Bulgaria you can use your national license, preferably accompanied by an international one. If you leave your passport with a hotel reception, you would be well advised to ask for a copy (or take the original) if you are renting a car.

The minimum age for driving is 18 years. Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 50 Km/hr in the cities/towns, 90 Km/hr out of town and 120 Km/hr on the motorways. The same speed limits apply for motorcycles. Motorcyclists must drive with helmets and with lights on at all times. You are obliged to use safety seat belts no matter where you sit in the car both inside and outside populated areas. Talking on a cellular telephone while driving is not allowed, unless you use a hands-free device. Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden.

Driving licenses valid in Bulgaria:

• Those issued by the states that have signed the Vienna Convention.
• Certified translation of the driving license.
• International driving license.

Traffic police and fines

The police often stop the motorists to check their documents: registration and ownership documents of the vehicle or a certified letter of attorney by the owner; international motor insurance /Green Card/ and passport. Do not get out of the car and wait for the policeman to approach, remain calm and polite.

Note: in case of breaking of traffic rules you are not obliged pay a fine on spot. The police can only impose a sanction by drawing up a statement. The due amount you have to pay at the customs when leaving the country. All accidents must be reported to the traffic police (KAT) and a report be filed. The process is lengthy but necessary for any insurance claims.

Important phones:

• Police - 166
• Ambulance - 150
• Fire - 160
• Road Assistance Service - 91146 and 146 (inside Bulgarian mobile networks)

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