Car Rental in Varna

Where to drive

• Drive south to Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient churches and cobblestone streets, approximately 100 km (1.5 hours).
• Head north to Balchik Palace and its botanical gardens, then continue to Cape Kaliakra for dramatic cliff views, about 60-80 km (1-1.5 hours).
• Explore the Aladzha Monastery, a medieval cave monastery just 15 km (25 minutes) from Varna, offering a unique historical insight.
• Visit the Kamchia River resort, famous for its dense longoz forests and boat trips, approximately 25 km (30 minutes) south of Varna.
• Discover the Stone Forest (Pobiti Kamani), a natural phenomenon of stone pillars, located about 20 km (30 minutes) west of Varna.
• Take a scenic route inland to the historical city of Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria, roughly 230 km (3 hours) away.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Bulgaria, you typically need a valid national driving license, your passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, especially if your license is not in Latin script, and is often required by rental companies. The minimum age for rental is usually 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23-25 for certain car classes, and often an additional 'young driver' surcharge applies for those under 25. A minimum of 1-2 years of driving experience is also commonly required.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Varna vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 15-20 EUR per day during the off-peak season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 40-80 EUR or more daily. Summer months (June-August) typically see prices increase by 30-50% due to high demand.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Bulgaria, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 140 km/h on motorways (A-roads), though some sections may be 120 km/h. Headlights must be on at all times, day or night, throughout the year. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 3 years old or under 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat. 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 Varna, parking in the city center is generally paid. The 'Blue Zone' (Синя зона) system is in effect, where you pay by SMS or through parking machines for limited durations. Rates are approximate 1-2 BGN per hour. Free parking can be found further away from the central areas, but spaces are often limited, especially during peak season. Always check signage carefully to avoid fines or towing.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Varna and along major routes in Bulgaria. Both petrol (gasoline) and diesel are readily available. LPG (Autogas) is also common. Prices are comparable to other EU countries, with approximate prices for petrol around 2.50-2.80 BGN per liter and diesel around 2.60-2.90 BGN per liter (as of 2026). Most stations accept credit/debit cards, but it's always good to have some local currency (BGN) for smaller, remote stations.

Which car to choose

For city driving and exploring nearby attractions like Aladzha Monastery or Pobiti Kamani, an economy or compact car with manual transmission is perfectly adequate and easy to park. If you plan longer road trips along the coast to Nessebar or inland to Veliko Tarnovo, a comfortable mid-range sedan or a small SUV might be preferable, especially if you have luggage. Automatic transmission cars offer ease of driving but may be slightly more expensive and less widely available than manuals.

Frequently asked questions