Rent a car in Bulgaria

Since 1 January 2025, there have been no routine border checks between Bulgaria, Greece and Romania, so you can usually cross into either country without stopping at the border. Most insurance policies extend across the EU automatically. Trips to Turkey, Serbia or North Macedonia still require written permission from the supplier and usually an extension to the insurance.

Yes. Most local Bulgarian operators, including those listed on TakeCars, accept a debit card, cash in euros or Bulgarian leva, or a bank transfer. Large international chains are more likely to require a credit card in the main driver's name. Use the ‘no credit card’ filter when booking to see suitable cars.

You can use most Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards for the online prepayment. The remaining balance and deposit are usually paid by card or in cash at the rental desk. The Bulgarian lev has a fixed exchange rate against the euro, which makes conversion costs easier to estimate.

Economy cars cost around $17–27 per day in the low season from November to April, rising to $27–50 in July and August. Compact cars generally cost $27–43, crossovers and SUVs $49–87, and premium cars from $87. Bulgaria is one of the more affordable EU countries for car hire, and booking two to three months before a summer trip to the coast can save around 30%.

Local Bulgarian operators usually require a deposit of $200–500, often payable in cash. Large international chains may place a hold of $500–1,500 on a credit card in the main driver's name. The amount and accepted payment method are shown in each TakeCars listing before you book.

Yes. Some cars on TakeCars can be rented without a deposit, usually with full insurance included. Before booking, check whether the policy covers the glass, wheels and underbody. These parts are more vulnerable on mountain routes through Rila and the Rhodopes than on the flatter coastal roads.

Bulgaria uses an electronic vignette for cars weighing less than 3.5 tonnes. It covers motorways and major roads, so there are no distance-based tolls. Prices from May 2025 are approximately $5 for a weekend, $8 for a week, $17 for a month and $53 for a year. The vignette is normally included with our rental cars, but confirm this when you collect the car.

The usual limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside built-up areas and 140 km/h on the A1 and A2 motorways, one of the highest motorway limits in the EU. Average-speed enforcement has operated on more than 22 motorway sections since 7 September 2025. Exceeding the limit by 40 km/h or more may result in a fine of up to $165.

Yes, and there are no internal border checks any more — both countries entered full Schengen in 2025. Most of our insurance policies cover both countries automatically with no extra fee. Some suppliers add a small cross-border fee — it is always shown in the rental conditions before you book.

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory and always included. Basic Collision Damage Waiver usually excludes the glass, wheels, wheel rims, underbody, interior, keys, off-road damage, and accidents involving a driver over the legal alcohol limit of 0.5‰. Travel outside the Schengen Area may require an insurance extension. Super CDW or Full Insurance covers most of these exclusions; the exact terms are shown on each car page.

The requirement depends on road conditions rather than fixed dates. Winter tyres are mandatory when there is snow or ice on the road, and rental suppliers generally fit them from November to March. Studded tyres are prohibited. Snow chains must be carried in the car from 1 November to 1 March.

Sofia Airport (SOF) is best for the capital, the mountains, Rila and Plovdiv, and it has the largest rental fleet. Burgas Airport (BOJ) is convenient for the southern coast, including Nessebar, Sozopol and Sunny Beach. Varna Airport (VAR) is better for Golden Sands, Balchik and Albena. Sofia has two terminals connected by a short shuttle, so check which terminal your supplier will meet you at.

November to April is low season, with prices roughly 30–50% lower than July–August. Peak summer on the coast (Burgas, Varna) is the most expensive, driven by package-tour demand. April–June and September–October offer the best price-to-weather balance, especially for combined trips through Sofia, Plovdiv, Rila and the coast.

You do not need an International Driving Permit if your licence was issued in the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia or another country that uses the Latin alphabet. Your national licence is sufficient. An IDP is recommended if your original licence is written in another script, and it must always be carried together with the original licence.

Call 112 immediately. It is the European emergency number, and operators can speak English. Do not move the car until the police arrive, even if the damage appears minor. Photograph the scene, exchange details with the other driver, and notify the rental supplier within 24 hours. A police report is essential; without it, the insurance will not cover the claim.