Bulgaria (BG)
Bulgaria is the oldest state in Europe (founded 681 AD), a member of the European Union since 2007, and one of the most affordable countries for expats in the EU.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Bulgaria.
Public Transport Overview
Sofia has an expanding metro (2 lines, Line 3 partially opening July 2026 — three initial stations, full line expected by end 2027), plus extensive tram, trolleybus, and bus networks. The system is affordable — a single trip is 1.60 BGN (€0.82). Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas have bus networks. Intercity travel is primarily by bus or train. Timetables and real-time info are available in the "Sofia Metro" app and the urban transport app.
🎫 Transit Passes
Unlimited rides on Sofia metro, trams, trolleybuses, and buses within Sofia city limits
10 single trips on Sofia public transport (all modes)
One trip on Sofia public transport (metro, tram, bus, trolleybus)
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis are affordable and widely available in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. Reputable companies: OK Supertrans (02 973 2121), Yellow (02 9119), Taxi-S (02 9191). Always use licensed taxis with visible meters. Starting price ~0.79 BGN/km day rate. STRONGLY avoid unlicensed taxis at airports and tourist areas — they overcharge significantly. Use the OK Supertrans app or Bolt for safe, pre-priced rides.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
Bolt (most popular) and Uber operate in Sofia. Bolt is widely used and generally cheaper than traditional taxis. Both apps show price upfront. BlaBlaCar is popular for intercity travel between Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas.
Cycling
Sofia has a growing cycle lane network (around 200km of lanes as of 2026) but infrastructure is still developing. NextBike operates a bike-sharing scheme in Sofia. Cycling is popular in the Plovdiv riverside area and Black Sea resort towns. Mountain biking is excellent around Vitosha, Rila, and Rhodopes.
Intercity Trains
BDZ (БДЖ) operates the national rail network. Main routes: Sofia–Plovdiv (~2h), Sofia–Varna (~7h), Sofia–Burgas (~6h). Trains are slower than buses but scenic and cheap. InterCity (IC) trains are faster and more comfortable. Book tickets at bdzprevoz.com or at station ticket offices — credit cards accepted online. Tickets cost ~10–30 BGN for most routes.
Driving
Bulgaria drives on the right. Roads in major cities are generally good; rural and mountain roads can be narrow and potholed. Motorway network (А1, А2, А3) connects main cities. Vignette (винетка) required for motorway driving — purchase online at bgtoll.bg or at petrol stations/post offices. Annual vignette: 97 BGN; weekly: 15 BGN. Fuel: petrol ~2.50 BGN/L, diesel ~2.40 BGN/L (2026).
Airports
Sofia Airport (SOF — Летище София) is the main international hub, 10km east of the city centre. Terminal 2 handles most international flights. Metro Line 2 connects the airport to central Sofia in ~20 minutes (from 2012). Bus 84 and 184 also serve the airport. Taxis from airport to centre should cost ~15–20 BGN using a meter (use OK Supertrans app). Plovdiv Airport (PDV), Varna Airport (VAR), and Burgas Airport (BOJ) serve regional destinations and seasonal charters.