Transport in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's transport network includes:

• Air travel;
• River and Sea Transport;
• rail;
• Road transport;
• Urban public transport.

Below is a brief overview of the main options.

Air Travel

Bulgaria has five civil airports with international facilities:

Bulgaria's international airports serve scheduled and seasonal routes to destinations across the country. Routes, airlines and frequencies change by season, so check the relevant airport and airline websites before booking.

River and Sea Transport

Passenger transport by water is more limited than road or rail. Danube ferries connect Bulgaria with Romania, while river cruises and local tourist services operate on selected routes.

Varna and Burgas are the main Black Sea ports. Passenger and tourist services vary by season and route.

Rail Travel

Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) connects major cities and many regional centres. International services and cross-border connections change over time, so consult the current BDZ timetable before planning a journey.

Major railway stations include:

• Sofia;
• Veliko Tarnovo;
• Plovdiv;
• Burgas;
• Varna.

Journey times vary by route and train type. Sofia and Plovdiv are connected by direct services, and the national network includes routes such as:

• Sofia–Plovdiv–Svilengrad;
• Sofia–Varna;
• Iliantsi–Varna;
• Ruse–Gorna Oryahovitsa–Podkova;
• Sofia–Kulata;
• Voluyak–Gyueshevo;
• Mezdra–Ruse–Byala;
• Plovdiv–Burgas;
• Ruse–Kaspichan.

Buyers considering property in Bulgaria, can use domestic rail services between major cities. Check current routes and timetables on the official BDZ website.

Urban Public Transport

Buses

Buses are the most widely available form of public transport. Operating hours, fares and ticketing methods vary by city, so check the local operator's current information.

Trolleybuses, Trams and Metro

Several cities operate trolleybuses, while Sofia also has trams and a metro. Tickets and transfer rules are set locally rather than through one national fare system.

Taxi

Licensed taxis are widely available in cities and resorts and are usually yellow. Check the displayed tariff before the journey and use an official taxi rank, app or reputable operator. Day and night rates may differ.