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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bulgaria
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bulgaria
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bulgaria
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria, a Balkan nation with diverse landscapes ranging from the Black Sea coastline to mountainous regions, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore Bulgaria at your own pace. Here’s why booking a car is the best way to experience Bulgaria.
Unmatched Flexibility and Freedom. Public transportation in Bulgaria can be limited, especially when visiting remote areas. A rental car allows you to create your itinerary, stop at hidden gems, and explore off-the-beaten-path locations without being tied to bus or train schedules.
Access to Remote Locations. Bulgaria boasts stunning natural attractions, including the Rhodope Mountains, the Seven Rila Lakes, and numerous ancient Thracian sites that are difficult to reach without a car. A rental car enables you to explore these remote areas with ease.
Comfort and Convenience. Traveling with luggage on public transport can be challenging. A rental car offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you're traveling with family or carrying sports equipment.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can often be more economical than purchasing individual bus or train tickets. Splitting the rental and fuel costs makes it a budget-friendly option.
Driving in Bulgaria: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Bulgarian
Average petrol price
€1.40 per litre or €5.30 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
90 km/h or 56 mph
Currency
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
8.5/10
Dialling Code
+359
Driving in Bulgaria can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to familiarise yourself with local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before getting behind the wheel.
1. Trans-Balkan Road This scenic route crosses the Balkan Mountains, offering breathtaking views and access to charming mountain villages. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Bulgaria.
- Distance: Approximately 250 km
- Route: Starts in Sofia – Ends in Burgas
2. The Rose Valley Route Travel through the heart of Bulgaria's Rose Valley, renowned for its rose production. Visit rose distilleries, explore historical towns, and enjoy the fragrant landscapes.
- Distance: Approximately 150 km
- Route: Starts in Kazanlak – Ends in Karlovo
3. Black Sea Coastal Road Drive along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, visiting popular resorts like Varna and Sunny Beach. Enjoy stunning sea views, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
- Distance: Approximately 400 km
- Route: Starts in Durankulak – Ends in Rezovo
4. Rhodope Mountains Loop Explore the mystical Rhodope Mountains, known for their dramatic landscapes, ancient ruins, and unique cultural traditions. Visit the Devil's Throat cave and the Trigrad Gorge.
- Distance: Approximately 300 km
- Route: Starts and ends in Plovdiv (loop)
Top drives in the Bulgaria:
Many tourists and travellers say that cars in Bulgaria is a necessity, not a luxury. And they are absolutely right. All Bulgarians, without exception, use cars.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your vacation is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice. That is why car rental is well developed in Bulgaria, and you can hire any vehicle on the island, from a compact car to a luxury convertible. Since the Republic’s land area is small, one or two weeks of vacation with a car can be enough to explore it all.
Car Rental Prices in Bulgaria – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Bulgaria
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £52 / $65 / €63 per day*
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £32 / $40 / €39 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Bulgaria
Renting a car in Bulgaria offers the freedom to explore its diverse landscapes, but it's essential to manage costs effectively. Here are some practical tips to save money on your car rental while ensuring a memorable experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental prices tend to increase as the pick-up date approaches. Booking your car well in advance guarantees better rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices and Look for Discounts.: Use online comparison sites to find the most competitive car rental deals. Many rental companies offer discounts for early bookings, extended rentals, or memberships with travel reward programs.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Larger vehicles consume more fuel and cost more to rent. If you're travelling solo or with a partner, an economy car is the most budget-friendly option.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Rental companies often offer additional insurance options, but they can be expensive. Check if your existing travel insurance or credit card provides rental car coverage to avoid unnecessary charges.
5. Stick to a Single Driver.: Adding extra drivers usually incurs additional fees. If possible, designate one driver to minimise costs.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Returning the car with an empty fuel tank can lead to hefty refuelling charges. Always refill the tank at a local gas station before returning the vehicle to save money.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Bulgaria?
Renting a car in Bulgaria is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to meet specific requirements before you can hit the road. Here’s what you'll need:
Valid Driver’s Licence – If you're a resident of Bulgaria, your local driver's licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 12 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required for certain countries.
Minimum Age Requirement – Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may impose additional fees for drivers under 25.
Credit or Debit Card – A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit. Some rental companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
Proof of Identity – A passport or other valid form of identification is required, especially for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Bulgaria as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Meh. Food was bland.
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 18.05.2025
Bulgaria was even better than I remembered! Returning after so many years, the stunning scenery and charming towns felt familiar yet fresh. Having a car made exploring so easy and delightful.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
Pleasant surprise, really.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 15.04.2025
Fantastic spontaneous weekend! Having a car made exploring so easy; beautiful countryside.
David Lee
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
So glad I returned to Bulgaria after all these years! Driving around was perfect for seeing everything.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 18.09.2024
Pretty chill, tbh
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 18.06.2025