Getting Around

Getting around Bulgaria

There is an extensive network of air, road and train services in Bulgaria.

In addition, Bulgaria's accession into the European Union in January 2007 and the new development of the European transport corridors (four of which are set to pass through Bulgaria) should lead to a rapid improvement in communication routes and infrastructure repair.

Getting around Bulgaria on trains

The Bulgarian train system is government owned and that unfortunately translates into deteriorating trains and customer service. The railway network does extend to most major cities, but standards are not as high as you may expect in Western Europe. On the bright side, train fares are incredibly cheap, reasonably quick and fairly punctual, so try not to arrive late at the train station. As a matter of fact arrive half an hour earlier because the train station numbers and destination signs are all in Cyrillic.

Getting around Bulgaria on Buses

Buses link all major towns and villages. Each town has a bus station or in some cases more than one, which results in confusion, especially when buses operated by private companies use the same depot.

The local buses, run by the government, are frequent and inexpensive. Private bus companies run the longer distance routes. These buses are newer and more comfortable than the local government buses, but are still reasonably priced. A three-hour journey from the coast, r instance, would cost just £4.

The drawback with the buses is that information on schedules is hard to obtain as few companies post timetables, so you may have to ask at several kiosks to get the full picture. In some cases the vehicles are minibuses, and leave as soon as they're full.

Getting around Bulgaria in Taxis

Providing you don't get ripped off, taxis are a reasonably priced and useful way of getting around in towns and cities, or reaching places that aren't accessible by public transport.

All taxi-cabs in the country are yellow and each taxi driver has a licence and registration number within the taxi for identification. They operate at daytime and night time rates – from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. (daytime) and from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. (night time). An additional fee is paid when ordering by phone. The average rate is BGN 0.30 – BGN 0.45 per kilometre.

Getting around Bulgaria by Air

Sofia is the country's main international airport operating all year round. Flights from Sofia connect to the Black Sea costal airports of Varna in the North and Burgas in the South.

Getting around Bulgaria by Road

Driving in Bulgaria The Speed limits are:

•  50 km/h in populated areas

•  90 km/h outside populated areas

•  120 km/h on highways.

To drive in Bulgaria you can use your national license accompanied by an international Driving Permit. Road signs follow international standards. On-the-spot fines are in operation for speeding, drink driving and not having the correct documents.

If you leave your passport with a hotel reception ask for a copy (or the original) if intending to drive a rental car.

The permissible blood alcohol content when driving is 0.5 per 1,000. Drivers found to have a blood alcohol level in excess of this can expect a fine and licence suspension. For tested levels in excess of 1.2 per 1,000 there is a maximum prison sentence of one year in addition to a licence suspension for up to four years.

International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Recognized internationally, it normally allows you to drive a private motor vehicle without further formality when accompanied by a valid UK driving licence. People staying for more than one year in Bulgaria should have their driving licenses replaced with Bulgarian national driving licenses. For more information about the international driving licence visit the AA website.