BULGARIA | Travel | Transport
Bulgaria is a country in Southeastern Europe, located in the eastern part of Balkan Peninsula and occupying 22% of its territory. Bulgaria borders five other countries: Romania to the north (mostly along the Danube), Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east.
Travelling to Bulgaria
You can travel to Bulgaria by plane, bus, train, or car. Bulgaria has three international airports, as well as one (Plovdiv Airport), which is specialized in servicing charter passenger flights for Bulgarian mountain ski resorts during the winter period from December to April.
Citizens of European countries that are members of the European Union may enter Bulgaria with a National Identity Card proving that they are residents of one of those countries.
Travelling within Bulgaria
Although more and more people in Bulgaria buy cars and therefore contributing to the traffic jams in big cities, still a considerable amount of people use public transportation.
Train: The Bulgarian railway network is run by the public company BDZ EAD. You can choose between Intercity Express trains (they are new and comfortable to travel in, but more expensive), direct trains, and regional passenger trains. You are required to purchase a ticket before you get on the train. You can do that at the ticket register in the main lobby of any train station. It’s possible to get tickets in advance. Round-trip tickets (good for 30 days after purchase and have an open return date) are a better deal. For more information on timetables, destinations and rates see: BDZ website.
Bus: Buses are another popular means to travel around Bulgaria. Buses are operated by local bus companies. Bus transportation is usually faster than train transportation and buses can take you also to places where there is no railway, but they are more expensive and offer no student discount. You can purchase a ticket at the ticket register in the lobby of the bus station or in the bus. For more information see: Central bus station Sofia
Subway & Tram: It’s only available in Sofia. For more information, map and stations see: Website of Metro Sofia.
Trolley car: Available in some of the biggest cities.
Shuttle service: Available in the big cities.
Taxi: There are taxis in all the big cities; tipping is not necessary.
Renting a Car: To rent a car in Bulgaria, you must have a valid driver's licence and another picture ID.
Cycling: Special cycling paths, such as you find in many European countries, are very limited in Bulgaria. Cycling is not allowed on motorways and can be dangerous on country roads and city streets because of the volume of traffic, so be careful! Wear bright clothes if you are cycling after dark.
Walking: If you are walking after dark on country roads where there are no footpaths, walk in single file, face the oncoming traffic and if you are walking after dark, wear bright clothes. Walking on city or town streets when pubs and clubs close (after midnight) can be dangerous.
Signs
Signs are either in Bulgarian or both in Bulgarian and English (usually on the motorways, as well as road and street signs, signs on stores and restaurants).
Student Discounts
Student discounts (50 % off the price) with a student ID card are available for train tickets, as well as for city bus, tram, and trolley car tickets. You can also get a discount if you purchase a monthly no limit multiple-ride ticket or if you purchase a group train ticket.