Looking to Rent a Car in Sofia? Here’s Your Go-To Information Guide
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, located by the popular Vitosha Mountain, popular with skiers from all over the world. Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe, the National Historical Museum of the city is one of the largest Eastern European museums. The city has a huge number of attractions, each of which reflects the complex past of the entire state: ancient powerful churches converted into mosques, monumental architecture and Roman heritage, combined with modern city buildings.
Wide cobbled boulevards, all kinds of shops and boutiques, fun and incendiary nightlife are the highlight of this large city. Now Sofia is a dynamically developing European capital, which is world famous for its beautiful landscapes, unique architectural buildings, as well as many beautiful ritual monuments. Near the ancient large shopping and entertainment centers, modern hotels and all kinds of clubs have grown into buildings. At the same time, the pricing policy has hardly changed - Sofia has been and remains one of the most inexpensive European capitals in the world. Plus, the proximity of a popular modern ski resort, balneological springs and health resorts have helped Sofia become a very popular city, which annually attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world.
Sofia is the largest transport hub Bulgaria. The city has the largest airport in the country, which is connected by regular service to many cities in the world.
An extensive network of public routes transport connects all the districts, the immediate surroundings of Sofia. The city has a developed network of metro, buses, trolleybuses. An excellent solution would be to rent a car on the Bookingautos website in order to independently explore all the sights of the city and its environs.
What to see in Sofia
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the most famous sights of Sofia, which is the second largest and grandest Christian church on the Balkan Peninsula. It allows you to simultaneously accommodate more than 10,000 people. This Orthodox church was built between 1882 and 1912 in the style of neo-Byzantine architecture, in honor of the memory of 200,000 Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish wars for the liberation of the people of Bulgaria from the oppression of the Ottoman Empire. Inside the cathedral is decorated with interesting mosaics, murals and images of saints.
Travelers are attracted by the only functioning mosque in Sofia, built at the end of the 16th century - this is the Banya-Bashi Mosque. An interesting fact is that in the back of the building, a section of an ancient bath was found, which was once an annex to the mosque, as well as a fountain with hot drinking water. Tourists can visit the mosque only when the faithful are not praying.
St. George's Church > - a small religious building made of red brick, built in the 4th century in the very center of ancient Serdika (the city that was on the site of modern Sofia). This is the oldest building in Sofia, which has miraculously been preserved in its original form for more than 1500 years. Inside, you can observe elements of medieval frescoes that were depicted by the Ottomans after the church was rebuilt into a mosque.
Vitosha Boulevard - the main street of the city, which is presented in an elegant Art Nouveau style, as a reminder of the early years Bulgarian revival. It is famous for fashion boutiques, outlets, cafes and small restaurants, as well as breathtaking views of the mountain range of the same name. Street artists and musicians perform here, mass cultural events, rallies are held.
Holy Week Cathedral is a neo-Byzantine-style cathedral built in the middle of the 19th century.
St. Cyril and Methodius National Librarywww.nationallibrary.bg is located in the heart of the city. The building in which it is located has an elegant appearance. Behind the beautiful walls there are truly priceless historical treasures - several thousand ancient, precious, printed and handwritten books in Slavic and foreign languages, a music collection, an archive of Bulgarian literature and many other priceless exhibits.
What to visit around Sofia
The Bulgarian capital with its many attractions in the city center can be explored on the boat itself, on foot or by sightseeing bus. But to go to the monasteries surrounding Sofia, picturesque mountains and resorts, ancient cities, you need to think about renting a car.
Vitosha is a picturesque mountain range, on the outskirts of which Sofia is located. The highest point is Cherni-Vryh (2290 m). Vitosha includes a ski resort and a national park. The national park includes the most famous, most frequently visited parts of the array. In summer it is recommended to visit the national park, there are 50 hiking trails in total, 10 of them pass at an altitude of over 2,000 meters.
Foreign tourists are attracted to these parts not only by beautiful views, fresh air, but by the most popular ski resort in Bulgaria. Vitosha Mountain is best visited from December to April. Snow cover lies on the slopes for 150 days a year, which makes it possible to organize a long ski season in these surroundings. The ski resort on Mount Vitosha is experiencing unprecedented growth - athletes from USA, Australia and other countries.
Food and the best restaurants in Sofia
The national cuisine of Sofia is Bulgarian cuisine, which is similar to Turkish and Greek, includes stewed and stuffed vegetables, fruits, freshwater and sea fish, grilled meat and cheese in various forms. Especially popular is the cold soup "tarator" made from sour milk, walnuts and cucumbers. It is impossible to stay hungry in the capital of Bulgaria. Restaurants and cafes in Sofia offer cuisines from all over the world: from national Bulgarian and Mediterranean to Indian.
Arriving in Sofia, the first thing you should look at is Mehana Sofia is a restaurant serving national Bulgarian cuisine. There you can find not only Bulgarian dishes, but also a bright national flavor - the walls are decorated with wooden wheels, pottery and other items of peasant life, and tables are covered with tablecloths with Bulgarian embroidery. The extensive menu combines Eastern and Western culinary traditions. Phone +359878105627.
Izbata Tavern — a quiet cozy cafe with an oriental European cuisine. The interior of the cafe is made in the Bulgarian folk style, traditional Bulgarian cuisine. Here you can have a great time with friends with a glass of young Bulgarian wine or sit with the whole family in a separate cozy room in a secluded setting. Phone +35929895533.
Divakaview on mapis a chain of inexpensive restaurants in the center of Sofia, which are loved by both tourists and locals. The menu consists of exclusively Bulgarian dishes - you can try the famous tarator and kyufte. Phone +359888219087.
Where to park a car in Sofia
In Sofia, most parking lots are paid, they are o are marked with blue or green markings on the road, as well as a road sign "P" with a sign that shows prices, payment options and schedule when payment is due.
Toll car parks with barriers look like large open areas. The cost of parking from 1 euro per hour, they are located close to the attractions of the city. There are two short-term paid parking zones in Sofia:
The blue zone, where you can park your car for no more than 2 hours. Cost - 1 euro per hour, payment is charged on weekdays from 08:30 to 19:30, on Saturday - from 08:30 to 18:00.
The green zone within which you can leave your car for a maximum of 4 hours, the cost is 0.5 euros per hour, payment only on weekdays from 08:30 to 19:30.
Parking can be paid using a parking ticket or via SMS from a local SIM card. Phone numbers in Sofia: blue zone - 1302, green zone - 1303. You can send two (for the blue zone) or up to four (for the green zone) SMS at the same time.
During the holidays, all municipal parking lots are free. Car parksPark & Ride are large car parks located on the outskirts of Sofia near the metro.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Sixt
Most popular car class
Compact
Average price
33 € / Day
Best price
24 € / Day
Estimated cost for 7 days rental
January
€200
February
€124
March
€131
April
€137
May
€168
June
€238
July
€250
August
€252
September
€168
October
€124
November
€111
December
€156
* The average cost of renting a car in Sofia for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
A percentage showing the monthly occupancy of the fleet of available vehicles. During August, there is a maximum demand for car rental, which entails a decrease in the range of cars available for order. You should take care of booking a car in Sofia in advance, this will allow you to get the preferred option on the most favorable financial terms.
The best time to rent a car in Sofia is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €25 for a Compact car.
In the summer, you should be prepared for an increase in the cost of rent. Price growth can be about 30-50% with a simultaneous reduction in the range of available offers. For example, the average price during July for Audi A4 starts from €33per day.
Average prices for 1 day rental for different car classes:
4x
2x
A/C
3x
Citroen C1
Citroen C1
€14 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
4x
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
€18 / Day
5x
3x
A/C
4x
Audi A4
Audi A4
€32 / Day
5x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Foxus Estate
Ford Foxus Estate
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
5x
BMW X1
BMW X1
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
4x
BMW 5 series
BMW 5 series
€45 / Day
8x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Tourneo
Ford Tourneo
€55 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
2x
BMW 4 Cabrio
BMW 4 Cabrio
€65 / Day
In Sofia you can choose from over 40 models of different car classes and for any budget. We provide only new cars with low mileage. You can easily choose a familiar car, and we guarantee its safety and perfect technical condition.
The cost of car rental per day directly depends on the season, car class and rental period. The more days, the cheaper average daily cost. A modest economy car will cost at least €14 per day. In the middle segment, the offer range is €45-€37 per day. Business class car prices start at €73. In the high season, absolutely all rental cars become more expensive, especially rare models and convertibles. So, in summer in Sofia popular with tourists Mini Couper Cabrio costs at least €66 per day.
The demand for electric cars is growing not only in the segment of their sales. These cars are just as popular when renting, which is often accompanied by the provision of a free parking space and the possibility of free car charging around the city. To rent an electric car you should set the appropriate filter. Moreover, the rental of Hyundai Ioniq when ordering in Sofia will cost quite a modest amount.
List of required documents
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
10 Smart Tips to Make the Most of Your Car Rental
Download desired area of Google maps for offline access
All modern smartphones have a GPS function. You can save on the "Navigator" service and roaming charges for the Internet if you download maps in the Google Maps application in advance. Offline maps also support route building and navigation. To download a map - open the area you need by controlling the scale, and enter "ok maps" in the search.
Early Booking Discount
Sofia is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.
It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.
Which car to choose
Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car VW Up or Opel Corsa. These models are the most popular with our customers in Sofia.
In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. Opel Insignia Estate will cost €33 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.
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 recommendations
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.
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.
Fuel Policy
When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Sofia for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.
Mileage without limits
The rental company may set a daily mileage limit. You will have to pay extra for exceeding the limit. Please check this condition before booking. It is possible that a more expensive rental option will turn out to be more profitable in the end: it will not require any additional expenses. To filter cars with unlimited mileage - use the "Mileage" filter in the search results.
Compare conditions of different rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Sofia, 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.
How to choose a rental company
It is recommended to rent a car in trusted companies, that is, in those whose services you have already used. You can also focus on the rating of our site, which is displayed next to the name of the company in the search results.
Ceteris paribus, preference should be given to larger companies that have a high level of service and a large selection of cars. The best rental companies in Sofia are sixt with an average rating of 9.8 points and budget (rating - 9.7).
Car pick-up procedure
Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.
Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.
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Car rental reviews: Sofia
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
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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