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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Plovdiv
Plovdiv
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Plovdiv
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Plovdiv
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Plovdiv
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 Hire a Car in Plovdiv?
Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city, is a captivating blend of ancient history and modern culture. While public transport is available, hiring a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the city and its stunning surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Ancient History. Plovdiv boasts a remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre, ancient stadium, and numerous archaeological sites. A rental car lets you effortlessly visit these historical gems, often located in different parts of the city and its surroundings.
Discover the Rhodope Mountains. Just a short drive from Plovdiv, the Rhodope Mountains offer breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, and charming villages. A car gives you the flexibility to explore these natural wonders at your leisure.
Visit Nearby Towns and Monasteries. Venture beyond Plovdiv to discover picturesque towns like Koprivshtitsa and stunning monasteries such as Bachkovo Monastery, easily accessible by car.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. With your own vehicle, you can easily adapt your itinerary, stop at scenic viewpoints, and explore hidden gems that are often missed by public transport or organised tours.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Plovdiv
Before hiring a car in Plovdiv, it's essential to understand the local rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
Approximately 101 square kilometres
Population
Around 345,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern European Time (EET), GMT+2
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Plovdiv require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some companies may have a minimum age of 23 or 25, particularly for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. EU citizens can use their national driver's license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license if it is not in Latin characters. Always check specific requirements with your rental company.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic rental agreements typically include mandatory third-party liability insurance. Additional coverage options, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection, are often available. A security deposit is usually required, held on a credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyRental agreements may offer unlimited mileage or have a limited mileage allowance. Fuel policies vary; full-to-full is common, requiring you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up. Failing to do so may result in refuelling charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals (returning the car to a different location), late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Car Hire Prices in Plovdiv – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Demand surges, leading to price increases of 20-30%
Low season (November to March): Often sees discounts and better deals
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Plovdiv?
Booking a car in Plovdiv is straightforward. By following these steps, you can secure the best deal and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies. Consider factors like price, included insurance, and mileage limits.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for exploring the mountains.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, fuel policies, and any potential extra fees.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental counter when collecting your vehicle.
General Information About Plovdiv
Plovdiv is a city where ancient history meets modern life, making it a fascinating destination to explore. Familiarising yourself with traffic conditions, parking, and fuel access will make your visit more enjoyable, especially if you plan to hire a car.
As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, Plovdiv offers a unique blend of historical sites, cultural attractions, and vibrant city life. While the city centre is walkable, a rental car provides flexibility for exploring the surrounding areas and natural landscapes. Understanding local driving conditions and regulations is crucial for a seamless experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
A remarkably well-preserved Roman theatre offering stunning views and historical significance.
Plovdiv Old Town
A charming district with cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and artisan shops.
Regional Archaeological Museum
Showcasing a rich collection of artefacts from the region's ancient past.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available throughout the city centre, providing secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Designated parking areas are available on many streets, but they can be limited and require payment via parking meters or mobile apps.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city to avoid inner-city traffic and parking challenges.
Gas Stations in Plovdiv
Major Brands Available
You can find major fuel brands like Lukoil, Shell, and OMV throughout Plovdiv and the surrounding areas.
Fuel Availability
Gas stations are generally readily available, but it's wise to fill up before embarking on longer journeys into the mountains or rural areas.
Payment Options
Most gas stations accept both cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Plovdiv
Watch for Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in the narrow streets of the Old Town.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic congestion can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your routes accordingly.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps like Google Maps to help you find the best routes and avoid traffic.
Respect Local Driving Customs
Familiarise yourself with local driving customs and regulations to ensure a safe and respectful driving experience.
Key Transportation Hubs in Plovdiv
Major Bus Stations
South Bus Station
Serves domestic and international destinations.
Rodopi Bus Station
Primarily serves regional routes within the Rhodope Mountains.
Railway Stations
Plovdiv Central Railway Station
The main railway station connecting Plovdiv to major cities in Bulgaria and beyond.
Airports
Plovdiv Airport (PDV)
Located approximately 15 kilometres south-east of the city centre, offering flights to various European destinations.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Plovdiv?
Hiring a car in Bulgaria is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
If you're from an EU country, your standard license is sufficient. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required 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 Plovdiv 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.
Loved Plovdiv! So much history and beauty, easily explored by car. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 22.03.2025
Meh. Kinda dusty.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 30.04.2025
Absolutely fell in love with Plovdiv! Having a car was perfect for discovering hidden gems and enjoying the stunning countryside nearby. Unforgettable trip!
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 12.07.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 15.07.2025
Plovdiv's Old Town was magical; the food was a bit underwhelming, though. Afterwards, the coast was incredibly relaxing.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 25.03.2025
Plovdiv was even more charming than I'd heard! Exploring with a rental car made it easy to discover hidden gems. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 10.09.2024