Bulgaria has varying landscapes including mountain ranges, vast forests and its iconic Black Sea coastline. Between all these are small towns and villages and a few larger cities. It’s worth exploring the country but getting around isn’t quite as easy as it is in some other European countries. Here are our top tips for getting around Bulgaria with the various types of transport that are available:

Trains – Train travel in Bulgaria can be a great way to see more of the country and experience some of the rural landscape that Bulgaria has to offer. Trains connect Sofia with major cities such as Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas. However, train travel can be quite slow so it’s worth keeping this in mind if you’re only visiting Bulgaria for a short period. All trains are run by the Bulgarian government and vary in condition and speed. Trains are generally quite comfortable but do not generally have facilities such as food cars, plug sockets or toilet rolls! So, you need to be prepared when taking the train to Bulgaria. Train station amenities vary depending on the station but even at Sofia Central Station, there are only a few places to purchase food and snacks. Book trains online at the Bulgaria trains website or a ticket office. If you opt to book at the ticket office, we’d recommend checking train schedules and prices online beforehand.

Bus – Travelling by bus can be faster than travelling by train in Bulgaria. However, finding which bus runs from one city or destination to another isn’t always as easy as you’d think. If you’re staying at a hotel then they may be able to tell you all the options available and point you in the right direction. You can also use bus companies such as Arda Tur, which runs buses from Burgas to Varna and Bus Express for buses from Sofia and all over Bulgaria. In our experience, buses are not particularly reliable and can depart late and take longer than advertised. The majority of station staff and bus drivers speak a little English which should be enough to get by.

Car – Driving can be a great way to get around Bulgaria and see more of the country. It also offers visitors more freedom and the chance to travel on their own schedule. Roads in Bulgaria are generally of reasonable quality and driving is generally safe but try to stick to main roads where possible, as smaller side roads can often be damaged. Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road and the speed limit is 140 kph on the motorway, 90 kph outside of the city and 50 kph in cities unless otherwise specified. As with much of Europe, cars in Bulgaria are expected to carry a first-aid kit, a reflective/safety jacket, a hazard triangle and a fire extinguisher. If you’re renting a car from a reputable company, they should provide these for you. Drink driving limits are very strict in Bulgaria and it’s best to avoid drinking at all while driving.

Domestic flights – Flying between destinations within Bulgaria is the quickest way to travel the country and also the most expensive. Bulgaria air operate all the domestic flights within the country which are from Sofia to Burgas and Varna. Airports are generally quite small within Bulgaria but are reasonably well-equipped and well-connected to city centres. If you want to explore Bulgaria further and take an internal flight while visiting, we recommend checking Skyscanner to see the various domestic flight options available throughout Bulgaria