Car Rental in Stara Zagora

Where to drive

• Visit the Valley of Roses and Thracian Tombs near Kazanlak, approximately 35 km (around 30-40 minutes drive) north of Stara Zagora, especially beautiful in late May/early June during the rose harvest.
• Explore the ancient Roman Forum of Augusta Traiana right in Stara Zagora, then drive to the nearby Neolithic Dwellings Museum.
• Take a day trip to Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities, about 90 km (around 1 hour 15 minutes drive) west, to see its Roman theater and charming Old Town.
• Discover the scenic Sredna Gora mountains, with destinations like the Buzludzha Monument (around 60 km, 1 hour 15 minutes drive) offering unique historical and panoramic views.
• Journey to the Black Sea coast, with Burgas around 160 km (2 hours drive) east, offering beaches and coastal towns for a change of scenery.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Bulgaria, you typically need a valid driving license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and a major credit card in the main driver's name. If your license is not in a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required. The minimum driving age is generally 21, with at least 1-2 years of driving experience, though some categories may require drivers to be 23 or older.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Stara Zagora typically start from around 10-15 EUR per day for economy models during off-peak seasons. Mid-range sedans might be around 25-40 EUR, while SUVs and premium cars can range from 50 EUR upwards daily. Prices fluctuate significantly, with summer months seeing higher demand and rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Bulgaria, the general speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 140 km/h on motorways (130 km/h for certain vehicles). Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, throughout the year. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 3 years old or under 150 cm tall must use appropriate child seats or restraints. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is very strict, effectively 0.05% BAC, so it's best to avoid alcohol entirely if driving.

Parking

In Stara Zagora, parking is generally paid in the central areas, typically through SMS payment systems or parking meters. Look for signs indicating 'Blue Zone' (Синя Зона) or 'Green Zone' (Зелена Зона) with instructions. Outside the immediate city center, free street parking might be available, but always check local signs. Many hotels offer private parking for guests.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available in Stara Zagora and along major routes throughout Bulgaria. You'll find unleaded petrol (бензин) and diesel (дизел). LPG (газ) is also common. Prices are comparable to other EU countries and are displayed per liter. Most stations accept credit and debit cards, though having some local currency (BGN) for smaller purchases or emergencies is advisable.

Which car to choose

For city driving and day trips around Stara Zagora, an economy or compact car is usually sufficient and easier to navigate and park. If you plan to venture into mountainous regions or wish for more comfort on longer journeys to the Black Sea or other cities, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be more suitable. Manual transmission cars are very common in Bulgaria, but automatics are available, often at a slightly higher price. Roads within the city are generally good, but some rural roads can be less maintained.

Frequently asked questions