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4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Sofia
Sofia
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Sofia
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Sofia
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Sofia
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Sofia?
Sofia is a vibrant city with a rich history and diverse attractions. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore Sofia and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Center. A rental car allows you to easily visit attractions outside of Sofia, such as Vitosha Mountain, Rila Monastery, and Plovdiv.
Flexibility and Convenience. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and travel according to your schedule, without being restricted by public transport timetables.
Comfortable Travel. A rental car offers a comfortable and private travel experience, especially if you're traveling with family or carrying luggage.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Sofia
Before renting a car in Sofia, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driver's license, and understand the rental agreement's terms and conditions.
Area
492 square kilometers (190 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.3 million residents
Time Zone
Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2
Ideal for
Day trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Sofia is typically 21 years old. Some rental companies may have higher age requirements or charge additional fees for young drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. Foreign drivers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in Latin characters.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance. Additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are available. A security deposit is required and is typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies also vary, with most requiring you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional extras like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Sofia – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £30 / $37.50 / €36
Electric:
from £14 / $17.50 / €17
Classic:
from £6 / $7.50 / €7
Executive:
from £22 / $27.50 / €26
7 Seater:
from £25 / $31.25 / €30
Automatic:
from £14 / $17.50 / €17
SUV:
from £7 / $8.75 / €8
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*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 Sofia?
To book a car in Sofia, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online car rental comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - At the rental desk, present your driver's license, passport, and credit card. Inspect the car for any existing damage before driving off.
General Information About Sofia
Sofia is a historical city with a mix of modern and traditional elements. When driving, be aware of traffic conditions, parking regulations, and fuel availability.
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, offers a unique blend of history and modern life. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas. However, be mindful of traffic regulations, parking restrictions, and the availability of gas stations, particularly in the city center.
Top Attractions to Discover
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
A magnificent Orthodox cathedral and one of Sofia's most iconic landmarks.
Vitosha Mountain
Offers hiking trails and stunning views of the city.
Ancient Serdica
Explore the ruins of the ancient Roman city beneath modern Sofia.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize public parking garages for secure parking options, especially in the city center.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits when using on-street parking bays.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the city's outskirts to avoid traffic congestion in the center.
Gas Stations in Sofia
Major Brands Available
Find major fuel chains like Lukoil, Shell, and OMV throughout the city and on major roads.
Refueling Tips
Ensure you refuel before returning the car to avoid extra charges. Fuel stations are less common in the city center.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Sofia
Use Public Transport
Utilize Sofia's efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro, to navigate the city center.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in busy areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) to minimize traffic delays.
Carry Small Change
Carry small change for parking meters and some public transportation options.
Key Transportation Hubs in Sofia
Major Bus Stations
Central Bus Station Sofia
The main bus station for both domestic and international routes.
Railway Stations
Central Railway Station Sofia
The primary railway station, connecting Sofia to other cities in Bulgaria and international destinations.
Airports
Sofia Airport (SOF)
Located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the city center, serving both domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Sofia?
To rent a car in Sofia, you will need to present certain documents and meet specific requirements.
You will need a valid driver's license from your country of residence. If your license is not in Latin characters, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification is required for international renters.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Sofia as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
First time in Sofia; loved exploring the city at my own pace.
David Lee
Reviewed: 11.05.2025
Amazing spontaneous weekend in Sofia! Having a car made sightseeing so easy and fun.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 22.06.2025
Sofia charmed me! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, letting me discover hidden gems beyond the main sights. Such a beautiful city.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 07.06.2025
Loved my quick trip to Sofia! Renting a car made seeing my friends and getting around so easy. The Vitosha Boulevard was stunning, although the food at that one restaurant near the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was a bit underwhelming.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Sofia exceeded expectations! Having a car for my road trip made exploring so effortless and enjoyable.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Sofia surprised me! Driving around was so easy.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Maya Wilson
Reviewed: 03.04.2025
Relaxing, good drive.
Mia Johnson
Reviewed: 24.05.2025
Meh. Food was bland.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 04.02.2025
Pretty decent, easy drive.
Ethan Hunter
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Sofia was even better than I remembered! Exploring the city by car was so convenient, rediscovering old favorites and finding new gems.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 18.02.2025