BULGARIA | Travel | General information
Bulgaria is a country in Southeastern Europe, located in the eastern part of Balkan Peninsula and occupying 22 % of its territory (110, 099 square kilometres). 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. For Bulgarian Maps Collection see
Travelling to Bulgaria
You can travel to Bulgaria by plane, bus, train, or car. Bulgaria has 3 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.
Travelling within Bulgaria
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 (they are good for 30 days after purchase and have an open date return) are a better deal. For more information on timetables, destinations and rates see BDZ EAD website:
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 the website of Central Bus Station Sofia:
- http://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/cbs/home.nsf/vPagesLookup/home~en?OpenDocument
City Transport
- Subway: It’s only available in Sofia. For more information, map and stations see the official site of the Sofia Subway: http://www.metropolitan.bg/
- Tram: Available only in Sofia.
- Bus: It’s the most common means of urban transportation in Bulgarian cities.
- 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.
Public Transport
Although more and more people in Bulgaria buy cars, thus contributing to the traffic jams in big cities, still a considerable amount of people use public transportation.
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.
Taxi
You do not have to tip a taxi driver!
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.
Entering Bulgaria
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.