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Create Your Own Path in Bulgaria: A Practical Car Rental Guide

Bulgaria is a state located in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula (South-Eastern Europe). Borders Greece, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey ; washed by the waters of the Black Sea.

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Historical background. Bulgaria is a fairly ancient country, the first peoples - the Proto-Bulgarian tribes, appeared on the territory of the modern state in the 5th century BC. In the 7th AD, the Byzantine Empire tried several times to conquer the Bulgarian kingdom, but all attempts were unsuccessful. Later, Byzantium was still able to capture a small part of the Bulgarian kingdom, as a result of which rather protracted conflicts between states took place in the 11th-12th centuries. Bulgaria's independence was declared in 1908.

Interesting facts about Bulgaria:

Business card (a symbol) Bulgaria - rose oil, which is one of the most expensive ingredients in perfumery. The state is the largest supplier of this oil worldwide;
Bulgaria is in third place in terms of the number of objects protected by UNESCO (after Italy and Greece);
Bulgaria is home to one of the oldest trees in the world, the Granite Oak, which is about 1650 years old;
Flag of Bulgaria refers to tricolors (flags that use stripes of three colors).

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Today Bulgaria is a rapidly developing state. The country is popular with tourists all year round (in summer they come to relax on the coast; in winter - to ski resorts; in spring and autumn - for wine tasting (winemaking is one of the key industries in Bulgaria) and sightseeing). The climate in Bulgaria is Mediterranean, temperate continental. The area of the state is about 110,900 km²; The population is about 6.8 million people.

The official website of the country is government.bg

There are five airports on the territory of the state. The largest of them - Vrazhdebna International Airport is the capital's airport, serving about 220 flights per day. Among tourists, car rental for the duration of a tourist trip is in demand. You can rent a car directly from the airport, which can greatly facilitate your trip to the cities of the state.

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, is the largest city of the state and one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city is an industrially developed, cultural and economic center of the country. During its centuries-old history, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times. A large number of sights are concentrated on the territory of Sofia, the age of which is several centuries. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

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Your Guide to Unforgettable Road Trips Across Bulgaria

Bulgaria, a hidden gem in southeastern Europe, offers a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture waiting to be explored by a rented car. From the stunning Black Sea coast to the picturesque Balkan Mountains, embarking on a road trip through this captivating country promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking vistas.

Must-Visit Destinations

Sofia: Begin your journey in the capital city, where ancient ruins blend seamlessly with modern architecture.
Plovdiv: Explore the charming Old Town and Roman amphitheater in Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city.
Veliko Tarnovo: Discover the medieval capital's fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the Yantra River.
Rila Monastery: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the Rila Mountains.
Sunny Beach: Relax on the golden sands of Bulgaria's most popular Black Sea resort.

Planning Your Road Trip

To make the most of your Bulgarian adventure, consider these tips:

Plan your route in advance, but allow for spontaneous detours.
Check your rental car's condition before departing.
Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and road signs.
Pack essentials like a map, first-aid kit, and emergency supplies.
Try local cuisine at roadside taverns and markets along the way.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems

Venture beyond the popular tourist spots to discover hidden treasures:

Belogradchik Rocks: Marvel at the unique rock formations and ancient fortress.
Melnik: Visit Bulgaria's smallest town, famous for its wine and sand pyramids.
Rhodope Mountains: Explore picturesque villages and stunning natural landscapes.

With your rental car, you have the freedom to create a personalized itinerary and uncover Bulgaria's diverse attractions at your own pace. From ancient historical sites to pristine beaches and rugged mountains, this Balkan country offers something for every traveler. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable Bulgarian road trip adventure!

For more information on car rentals in Bulgaria, visit Bookingautos to find the perfect vehicle for your journey.

Peculiarities of driving in Bulgaria.

When arriving in Bulgaria, many tourists rent a car from a rental company. Road transport is one of the most convenient ways to travel around the cities of Bulgaria, it should also be noted that car rental in this state is very budgetary. Bulgaria has a developed road and transport network, therefore, traveling by car, most often, does not cause inconvenience (the total length of roads in Bulgaria is about 44,000 km).

Before driving a car in Bulgaria, It is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the traffic rules and driving habits in the state.

First, you need to clarify whether the driver's license of your country is suitable for driving a car on the territory of Bulgaria. If not, then you need to get an international driver's license.

Speed limits in Bulgaria.

In built-up areas, speed should not exceed 50 km/ h;
Outside built-up areas, driving at speeds up to 90 km/h is allowed;
Also, there are high-speed routes in Bulgaria, the maximum speed on which can be 120-140 km/h.

Toll roads.

Like some other European countries, Bulgaria has a vignette (tolls on some roads). Roads that require its presence are marked with a special sign. Vignette can be purchased using the terminal, in the application or on the official website.

Traffic rules and fines.

One of the most important traffic rules in Bulgaria, as in most other countries, is the ban on driving under the influence of alcohol. intoxication. Penalty for violation of this rule: first violation - 300-600 dollars; subsequent violation - 1200 dollars.

All passengers in the car must be fastened, otherwise, threaten a fine of 30 dollars, the same fine will be if the child in the car is not in a child seat.

There is a $12 fine if low beam headlights are turned off.

Minor parking violations are punishable by a $12 fine, and parking in a handicapped space can be fined up to $120 dollars.

Fine for non-compliance with the speed limit starts at 12 dollars and goes up to several hundred dollars.

Parking.

Regarding parking, then near large cities most of them are paid (from 8 am to 18 pm). In many car parks on weekends and at night, you can leave your car for free. Also, some parking lots have blue markings, in which case you can leave the car for no more than 2-4 hours (depending on the type of parking).

Some features.

Be aware that in some places the roads in Bulgaria are quite narrow, so you should pay attention to the side mirrors of parked cars;

In some areas of the state on the roads you can meet animals harnessed to carts (most often donkeys).

Rent an electric car in Bulgaria.

Electric cars are considered to be more environmentally friendly, cost effective and less noisy than fuel-filled cars.

The topic of electric cars is not very popular in Bulgaria, but it is possible to find such a car for rent. For example, the SPARK rental project is a car sharing of electric vehicles. The company presents several options for cars for rent, the main advantage is that their charging is completely free for the user. This rental company is available in Sofia and Plovdiv. The car mileage limit per day is 150 km, it can be increased for an additional fee. The most popular models in this company are:

BMW i3 - about 50 euros per day;
Hyundai IONIQ 30 - about 45 euros per day;
Nissan Leaf (economy option) - about 25 euros per day.

Good to know

Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental

January

€177

February

€132

March

€126

April

€147

May

€209

June

€255

July

€286

August

€200

September

€107

October

€73

November

€116

December

€509

The most popular cars in Bulgaria

Fiat 500

€13 / Day

Citroen C1

€14 / Day

Ford Fiesta

€18 / Day

Ford Focus

€23 / Day

Opel Astra Estate

€28 / Day

Audi A4

€32 / Day

BMW X1

€33 / Day

Ford Foxus Estate

€33 / Day

Mercedes C Class

€43 / Day

BMW 5 series

€45 / Day

Ford Tourneo

€55 / Day

BMW 4 Cabrio

€65 / Day

Audi A6

€70 / Day

Audi A5 Cabrio

€75 / Day

Mercedes Vito

€80 / Day

Popular rental locations in Bulgaria

Bourgas Airport

Varna Airport

Sofia Airport

Plovdiv Airport

Sunny Beach

Sofia

Burgas

Varna

Plovdiv

Dobrich

Pomorie

Balchik

Kavarna

Bansko

Nessebar

Sozopol

Kiten

Primorsko

Chernomorets

Required documents for rental cars

Driving license

Credit card

Voucher

Passport

A valid international driver's license is required!

10 Essential Tips for Hassle-Free Car Rental

Download Google maps offline

The presence of an offline navigator allows you to save on roaming. It is enough just to download the necessary maps from Google Maps and get directions even without a network connection. To do this, enter the phrase "OK MAPS" in the application, select the desired area and download offline maps to your smartphone.

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Book in advance

Bulgaria is a popular holiday destination and the car rental service is in great demand here. Therefore, it is recommended to book a car in advance. When booking online, you know exactly which car, for what price and under what conditions you will get in Bulgaria. The main advantage of early booking is the cost savings. The less time left before the start of the rental, the higher the cost of the rental becomes. The optimal period for booking in rental companies is 6 weeks before receiving the car. If you book early, two days before receiving the car, you can cancel the order without any penalties.

Which car to choose for rent

Tourists who expect to drive only around the city and its immediate surroundings prefer to rent compact cars, VW Up or Opel Astra. For trips to the mountains, you need a car with increased power. You should go on such a trip with a full tank, as fuel consumption in the mountains increases one and a half to two times. An all-wheel drive crossover would be the ideal car for this. Renting VW Passat Estate in Bulgaria will cost €43 per day.

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance advice

When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.

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What types of insurance are available for car rental?

Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

Check out the fuel policy

When you pick up your car, you may be asked to pay for a full tank of fuel right away. This condition will suit you if you plan to travel long distances. For a couple of trips around the city, you don’t need so much fuel, and therefore it doesn’t make sense to overpay. Pay attention to the fuel policy when booking a car. If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.

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Mileage without limits

According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.

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Compare conditions of different rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Bulgaria, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

Which rental company to choose

When renting a car in Bulgaria, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.

If we talk about the best companies in Bulgaria, then it is worth highlighting EUROPCAR with a rating 9.9 and SIXT, the average rating of which is 9 points.

Getting a car at a rental office

Getting a rented car in Bulgaria is as follows: You show the manager a voucher, as well as the necessary documents - a passport and an international driver's license. The manager draws up a lease agreement, after which the agreed amount of the security deposit will be blocked on your bank card. Before receiving the car, it is necessary to inspect it, fix the existing damage and inform the manager about them.

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Based on 8255 reviews

Tony

4,8

Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!

Michael

4,7

Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!

Luna

4,5

The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.

Jody

4,9

Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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