If you're planning to rent a car in Bulgaria to explore the picturesque landscapes and rich history of the country, it's essential to know about the toll roads, car ferries, and vignettes that you might encounter during your journey. 

Quality of Roads in Bulgaria

The quality of roads in Bulgaria varies, with highways and major roads generally being in good condition. However, secondary and rural roads may be less well-maintained and could have potholes or uneven surfaces. To use the highways and some main roads in Bulgaria, you'll need to purchase a vignette, which is a road tax sticker. Vignettes can be bought at gas stations, border crossings, and post offices, and they are available in different time frames (daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly). Prices for vignettes range from 15 BGN for a weekly vignette to 97 BGN for an annual vignette, equivalent to approximately 8 EUR and 50 EUR respectively.

Toll Roads and Fees in Bulgaria

Although most of the roads in Bulgaria are free to use, there are a few key highways that charge a toll. These toll roads provide faster and more convenient routes, which can be especially helpful during peak travel times. Some of the major toll highways in Bulgaria include:

  • A1 Trakia Highway: This road connects Sofia with Burgas and passes through Plovdiv. Tolls for a standard passenger car range from 2 BGN (1 EUR) to 8 BGN (4 EUR) depending on the section of the highway.
  • A2 Hemus Highway: Connecting Sofia with Varna, the A2 runs through central Bulgaria. Tolls for a standard passenger car are between 2 BGN (1 EUR) and 6 BGN (3 EUR) based on the section of the highway.

Toll payments can be made at toll booths located along the highways, using cash in Bulgarian Lev (BGN) or by credit card.

Car Ferries in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a few car ferry routes that operate across the Danube River, connecting the country with neighboring Romania. Some popular car ferry routes include:

  • Vidin (Bulgaria) to Calafat (Romania)
  • Oryahovo (Bulgaria) to Bechet (Romania)

Ferry fees for a standard passenger car range from 20 BGN (10 EUR) to 30 BGN (15 EUR). Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminals, and it's important to note that schedules may vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check the official ferry website.