Bulgaria offers a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning Black Sea beaches, and dramatic mountain landscapes. From the cobblestone streets of Plovdiv to the golden sands of Sunny Beach, this Balkan gem combines rich cultural heritage with modern amenities. Experience world-class skiing, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and warm hospitality at prices that won't break the bank.
- Public
- Sofia has an excellent and expanding metro network (4 lines) complemented by trams, trolleybuses, and buses. Other cities rely primarily on buses. Coverage is good for tourist areas.
- Taxi
- Taxis are affordable but unmarked cabs at Sofia Airport and tourist areas are a persistent scam risk. Always use Bolt app or pre-book official taxis.
- Rental
- Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Bulgaria beyond major cities - monasteries, mountain villages, and coastal areas are best reached independently.
- Walking
- Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna city centers are very walkable with pedestrianized zones. Historic towns like Koprivshtitsa and Melnik are entirely walkable.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- 25-30 BGN ($15-18), 20-30 minutes from Sofia center
- Taxi Info
- Use Yellow Taxi (official airport contractor) or pre-book via OK Supertrans. Avoid unlicensed drivers outside arrivals.
- Shuttle
- Bus 84/184 - 1.60 BGN from machines, 40 minutes to city center
- Shuttle Info
- Runs frequently 5 AM to midnight. Buy ticket from machine at airport or pay 2 BGN to driver.
- Bus
- Metro M4 line - 1.60 BGN, 30 minutes direct to Serdika Metro Station
- Bus Info
- Runs 5:26 AM to 11:49 PM daily. Most convenient option for center-bound travelers.
- Private
- 40-50 BGN ($24-30) pre-booked private transfer
- Private Info
- Book through hotel or online in advance. Fixed price, meets you at arrivals.
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Metro and buses cover Sofia well. Single ticket 1.60 BGN, day pass 4 BGN. Validate on board.
Alternatives
Metro (4 lines in Sofia), trams, trolleybuses, Bolt ride-hailing app, e-scooters (Lime/Bolt)
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Base fare 0.70-1 BGN + 0.70-1 BGN/km. Typical city ride 8-15 BGN.
- Apps
- Bolt, iCab
- App Names
- Bolt, iCab
- Typical Fare
- 8-12 BGN for typical cross-city ride in Sofia
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Union Ivkoni and other operators. Sofia-Plovdiv 12-15 BGN, Sofia-Varna 30-35 BGN. Book at busticket.bg
Shared
Marshrutka shared vans serve mountain routes and ski resorts, departing when full
Flights
Limited domestic service Sofia-Varna and Sofia-Burgas in summer, from 50-100 BGN one-way
Private
Car rental from $25/day. Highway vignette 15 BGN/week required.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Sofia Airport (SOF)
From centre: 10 km
Options: Metro M4 line - 1.60 BGN ($0.96), 30 minutes to Serdika Station, runs 5:26 AM - 11:49 PM; Bus 84/184 - 1.60 BGN ($0.96) from machines, 2 BGN ($1.20) from driver, 30-40 minutes; Night bus N4 - 2 BGN ($1.20), operates when metro closed; Taxi (Yellow Taxi official) - 25-30 BGN ($15-18), 20-30 minutes depending on traffic; Private transfer - 40-50 BGN ($24-30) pre-booked
Varna Airport (VAR)
From centre: 8 km
Options: Bus 409 - 1.60 BGN ($0.96), 30 minutes to city center; Taxi - 15-20 BGN ($9-12), 15 minutes; Private transfer - 30-40 BGN ($18-24); Rental car - available at airport from $25/day
Burgas Airport (BOJ)
From centre: 10 km
Options: Bus 15 - 1.60 BGN ($0.96), 25 minutes; Taxi - 20-25 BGN ($12-15), 15-20 minutes; Shuttle to Sunny Beach/Sozopol - 15-20 BGN ($9-12); Rental car - from $22/day
Plovdiv Airport (PDV)
From centre: 12 km
Options: Bus 60 - 1.60 BGN ($0.96), 30 minutes; Taxi - 20-25 BGN ($12-15), 15 minutes; Private transfer - 30-35 BGN ($18-21); Limited international flights, mainly seasonal charters
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Bolt
Best for taxis in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. More reliable and transparent than street taxis.
Moovit
Best for navigating Sofia's public transport system including metro, bus, tram, and trolleybus routes.
busticket.bg
Book intercity bus tickets online for all major Bulgarian routes. Cheaper than buying at stations.
bdz.bg
Bulgarian State Railways official app and website for train tickets and schedules.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download the Bolt app before arriving - it's the safest and most reliable way to get taxis in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna
Buy a highway vignette (e-vignette at bgtoll.bg) before driving on Bulgarian motorways - fines for non-compliance are 300+ BGN
Intercity buses are generally more reliable and comfortable than trains in Bulgaria - Union Ivkoni has the best reputation
The Sofia Metro day pass (4 BGN) covers unlimited metro, bus, tram, and trolleybus rides - excellent value for a sightseeing day
For Rila Monastery, Bansko, and mountain areas, a rental car gives much more flexibility than relying on bus schedules