Car Rental Burgas

Where to drive

• Sunny Beach & Nessebar: Drive north about 35 km (≈40 minutes) to the lively resort of Sunny Beach and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nessebar, famous for its ancient architecture.
• Sozopol & Ropotamo River: Head south approximately 35 km (≈45 minutes) to the picturesque ancient town of Sozopol, then continue to the Ropotamo River Nature Reserve for a boat trip.
• Varna: A longer journey north, about 130 km (≈2 hours), takes you to Varna, Bulgaria's maritime capital, offering museums, gardens, and another major port city experience.
• Strandzha Nature Park: Explore the mystical Strandzha Mountains, about 60-100 km (≈1-2 hours) inland, known for its unique culture, dense forests, and traditional villages.
• Stara Zagora: Venture inland about 150 km (≈2 hours) to Stara Zagora, one of Europe's oldest cities, offering Roman ruins and a rich cultural heritage.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Bulgaria, you typically need a valid driving license held for at least one year, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. If your license is not in a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended or may be required. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Burgas fluctuate significantly with the seasons. Economy cars typically start from around 15-20 EUR per day in the low season, rising to 35-50 EUR or more during peak summer. SUVs and premium models can range from approximately 40 EUR to over 100 EUR daily, depending on demand and vehicle class. Always book in advance for the best rates, especially for summer travel.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Bulgaria, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 140 km/h on motorways (though some sections may be 120 km/h). Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, throughout the year. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05%. Child seats are required for children under 150 cm tall and under 36 kg. Always carry your driving license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents.

Parking

In Burgas, parking in the city center is mostly paid, often managed by a 'Blue Zone' system. You can pay by SMS (local SIM required), through a mobile app, or at designated parking machines. Rates are typically hourly and enforced during business hours. Free parking areas can be found further from the center or at some larger supermarkets. Parking near popular beaches and attractions outside the city often incurs a small fee, especially during summer.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol/gasoline and diesel) is widely available at numerous petrol stations across Burgas and along major routes. Most stations accept credit/debit cards, but it's always wise to have some local currency (Bulgarian Leva, BGN) for smaller purchases or older pumps. Prices are generally comparable to other EU countries, currently around 2.50-3.00 BGN per liter for both petrol and diesel (approximate). LPG is also available at many stations.

Which car to choose

For city driving and coastal trips around Burgas, an economy or compact car with manual transmission is usually sufficient and easier to park. If you plan to explore the Strandzha Mountains or venture onto less-maintained rural roads, a vehicle with higher ground clearance, like an SUV, might be more comfortable. Automatic transmission cars are available but may be slightly more expensive and less common than manual models.

Frequently asked questions