AL
Car rental in Albania
Car Rental in Bulgaria
From the Black Sea resorts to the mountain monasteries of Rila, Bulgaria is best explored by car. Compare offers from local rental companies, choose the insurance coverage that suits you, and pick up your vehicle at Sofia, Varna, or Burgas Airport.
Cities
Cities: Bulgaria
All cities with built-in car search. Each page has a ready search, prices by class and rental terms.
Terms
Rental terms in Bulgaria
The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.
- Driver age — from 21-23 years.
- Driving experience — from 2 years.
- Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
- Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
- Cross-border travel to Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania and Turkey — by prior arrangement at booking.
- Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
- A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
- No-deposit rentals are often available.
- National driving licence.
- Driver’s passport.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — if your licence is not in Latin script.
- A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
On the road
Driving rules in Bulgaria
A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.
| Currency | Bulgarian Lev (BGN) |
|---|---|
| Speed limits | 50 city · 90 rural · 140 motorway (km/h) |
| Blood alcohol limit | up to 0.5 ‰ |
| Daytime headlights | required |
| Vignette (toll roads) | required |
| Winter tyres | mandatory from 15.11 to 01.03 |
Traffic rules: Bulgaria
- Right-hand traffic and standard European road rules.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 140 km/h on motorways.
- Low-beam headlights must be switched on at all times throughout the year. The fine for driving without headlights is 20 BGN.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Violations result in substantial fines and possible license suspension.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
- Children under 3 years old must travel in a child restraint system. Transporting a child without one is subject to a fine of 50 BGN.
- An electronic vignette (e-vignette) is mandatory on motorways and most first-class roads. It can be purchased online via bgtoll.bg or the BG TOLL mobile app. Most rental companies include the vignette in the rental price—confirm this during booking. The fine for driving without a vignette is 300 BGN.
- From November 15 to March 1, tires must have a tread depth of at least 4 mm. Studded tires are prohibited, and snow chains must be carried in the vehicle from November 1 to March 31.
- Every vehicle must carry a warning triangle, reflective safety vest, fire extinguisher, and first-aid kit.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about car rental in Bulgaria
License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Bulgaria?
If your driver’s license is issued in the Latin alphabet (including modern plastic licenses or older licenses marked ‘PERMIS DE CONDUIRE’), your national driver’s license is sufficient. If it is issued only in Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
Most rental companies on the platform rent vehicles to drivers aged 21 and older with at least two years of driving experience. Drivers under 25 may be charged a young driver surcharge.
Is a security deposit required?
It depends on the rental company and vehicle category. Many cars are available with no security deposit, and this information is shown when selecting a vehicle.
Where can I pick up and return the car?
Cars are available at Sofia, Varna, and Burgas airports, as well as at resorts such as Sunny Beach and Golden Sands. Hotel delivery is also available from some rental companies.
Can I drive to neighboring countries?
Yes, with prior approval during booking. Travel to Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, and the European part of Turkey is generally allowed. Additional authorization may be required.
Do I need an e-vignette?
Yes. Bulgaria requires an electronic e-vignette for driving on motorways and most first-class roads. Most rental companies include it in the rental price, but you should confirm this during booking.
What is the fuel policy?
The standard policy is ‘full-to-full’: you receive the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank.
When is the best time to book?
Demand is highest along the Black Sea coast (Varna, Burgas, Sunny Beach) during July and August. Book your vehicle at least two to four weeks in advance.
Nearby
Similar destinations
Neighboring and kindred countries of the Balkans and the Caucasus with built-in car search.
Choose a city
Compare prices and book a car
Choose a city in Bulgaria — inside is a preset search with offers from local rental providers.
- Free cancellation
- Secure booking
- 24/7 support