Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Bulgaria.

National Trains (Влакове)

BDZ operator — Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) runs almost all intercity trains. Routes are slow but scenic and very cheap by European standards; the Sofia–Varna and Sofia–Plovdiv lines are the busiest.
Book online — Buy tickets via the official BDZ website or the BDZ mobile app, or at station counters. Fast trains (Бърз влак) and express services often require a seat reservation.
Trains are frequently delayed and some rural lines have very few daily departures. Always check return times in advance, as evening connections can be sparse.
Classes — First class costs only a little more than second and is worth it for longer journeys. Night trains between Sofia and the coast offer sleeper and couchette options.
Validate & keep ticket — Keep your printed or mobile ticket ready for the conductor throughout the trip. Riding without a valid ticket results in an on-board surcharge or fine.

Sofia network — Sofia has an extensive network of buses, trolleybuses and trams run by the municipal operator (CGM). It is dense and cheap, though vehicles can be old and crowded at peak hours.
Ticketing app — Use contactless bank cards directly on validators, or buy tickets through official apps. In Sofia a single ride is inexpensive and day passes are available.
Validate immediately — You must validate a paper ticket or tap your card as soon as you board. Inspectors do random checks and fines for fare evasion are steep relative to ticket prices.
Carrying large luggage often requires an extra ticket on buses and trams. Inspectors can fine you if the bag is unpaid for.
Plovdiv & Varna — Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas rely mainly on buses and marshrutka-style minibuses. Pay the driver in cash or tap where card readers exist.

Sofia only — Sofia is the only Bulgarian city with a metro, currently three lines connecting the airport, the centre and residential districts. It is clean, modern and reliable.
Airport link — Line 4 (M4) connects Sofia Airport Terminal 2 directly to the city centre. It is the cheapest and often fastest way to reach downtown, avoiding taxi queues.
Tap or ticket — Buy a single-ride ticket or tap a contactless card at the gates. The same fare structure integrates with surface transport passes.
Hours — The metro runs roughly from 05:00 to midnight. Trains are frequent during the day but gaps grow late in the evening.

Use apps — Yandex Go and TaxiMe are the most widely used apps and show the fare in advance. Booking through an app avoids most street-hailing scams.
Watch for taxis with inflated rates printed on the windshield, especially near the airport and stations. Legitimate rates in Sofia are low; anything far above the normal price sticker is a scam.
Reputable firms — OK Supertrans and Yellow Taxi are established Sofia companies with fair meters. Confirm the meter is running before departing.
Cash still common — Many drivers prefer cash in leva, though app payments are increasingly accepted. Keep small notes to avoid 'no change' excuses.

Vignette required — All highways and main roads require an electronic vignette (e-vignette). Buy it online at bgtoll.bg or at petrol stations before entering the road network; police read plates automatically.
Road quality varies sharply and rural roads can be poorly lit with unexpected potholes. Aggressive overtaking and stray animals are common hazards outside cities.
Strict limits — Blood alcohol limit is 0.5, and seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Headlights must be on during daytime in winter months.
Fuel & parking — Petrol stations are plentiful on main routes; Lukoil, OMV and Shell are widespread. In Sofia, use the blue and green paid-parking zones and pay via SMS or the app.
Car theft and break-ins occur in some areas, so never leave valuables visible. Use guarded parking where possible.

Sofia (SOF) — Sofia Airport is the main international gateway with two terminals. Terminal 2 connects to the metro; a free shuttle links the terminals.
Coastal airports — Varna (VAR) and Burgas (BOJ) serve the Black Sea coast and are busy with seasonal charter flights in summer. Off-season, flight options shrink dramatically.
Avoid unofficial taxi touts inside the terminal at Sofia. Use the metro or the official OK Supertrans taxi desk to get a fair fare.
Low-cost carriers — Wizz Air and Ryanair operate many routes to and from Bulgaria. Booking early gives far better prices, especially for summer coastal flights.

Contactless is easiest — Tapping a contactless bank card on transit validators in Sofia is the simplest option for visitors. It applies the correct single-ride fare automatically.
Day passes — Sofia offers 1-day and multi-day passes covering metro, buses, trams and trolleybuses. These pay off quickly if you make several trips a day.
Keep proof — Always retain your validated ticket or card until you exit, as inspectors can check at any point. A validated ticket is your only defence against a fine.
Intercity bus and train tickets are separate systems with no combined pass. Plan and buy each leg individually.

Main operators — A1, Yettel and Vivacom are the three major mobile networks with strong urban coverage. Prepaid tourist SIMs with generous data are cheap and easy to buy.
Where to buy — Buy SIMs at operator stores, the airport or many kiosks. Bring your passport, as registration is required for activation.
eSIM option — EU roaming applies for EU visitors at home rates, so many travellers skip a local SIM. eSIM providers like Airalo are a convenient alternative for others.
Rural and mountain coverage can be patchy despite good city networks. Download offline maps before heading into remote areas.