Driving Tips in Sofia, Bulgaria

Car Hire Depot information in Sofia

DriveAway Holidays offer unbeatable rates with our reputable suppliers in Sofia. These suppliers are all located at Sofia’s Airport Terminal building and downtown depots located in the city. Sofia International Airport is located just 12 kilometres from the city, approximately 20 minutes drive.

Car Hire Driving Distances in Sofia

• Varna – 445 kms (5 hrs/ 40 mins)
• Plovdiv – 150 kms (1 hr/ 40 mins)
• Burgas – 400 kms (4 hrs/ 45 mins)
• Balchik – 490 kms (6 hrs/ 15 mins)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s license is required for a minimum of 2 years. An International licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules and Regulations

General driving rules and regulations in Sofia, Bulgaria;

• Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Giveway to public transport
• Seat belts are mandatory by passengers and driver.
• A valid drivers licence must be held by the driver at all times.
• Dipped headlights must be turned on at all times from 1 Nov- 1Mar.
• Mobile phones are prohibited while driving, with the exception of a hands free system.

Equipment

The following equipment are required to be kept in your vehicle and to be used at appropriate times;

• Fire Extinguisher; easily accessible from the drivers seat.
• First-Aid kit
• Reflective Vest; to be used when getting out of the car at an event of an accident or breakdown on any road.
• Warning Triangle; to be used at the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic. A reasonable distance between the vehicle must be given on certain roads.

Child Safety Seats

Children under the age of 12 or/and less than 150cm must be seated in the back seat of the vehicle in an appropriate restraint.

Speed Limits

Fines apply for drivers caught speeding on Bulgarian Roads. Below are the speed limits in Bulgaria unless signed otherwise.

• Urban Roads (built up areas): 50km/h
• Rural Roads (outside town): 90km/h
• Motorways: 130km/h

Drink Driving

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Bulgaria is 0.05g/100ml. Police have authority to carry out random alcohol tests on drivers at any time, if caught over the limit fines apply, loss of licence and possible imprisonment.

Tolls

A Vignette sticker is required on all types of roads when driving outside Urban Areas, unless signed otherwise. Stickers must be placed on the windscreen and can be purchased at petrol stations, post offices, and at Bulgarian borders.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Bulgaria adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which is used by many European countries, but with slight variance. Signs in Bulgaria are commonly in the countries local language however English is used on some city roads and state highways. Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background and a symbol in the middle. Prohibitory Signs are signs which motorists must follow. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border. Information Signs are indicated with a blue background and white text providing motorists with information.

Parking

Parking within the city of Sofia is generally on a pay per-hour basis. Parking is restricted to Blue and Green zones, where a parking voucher needs to be purchased from a parking attendant or by mobile SMS. In other cities parking meters are also used to pay for parking.

Visa Information

Visa, Passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Bulgaria;

• Australian passport holders do not require a visa for the purpose of tourism for stays up to 90 days. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria for stays longer than 90 days or for special visa's.
• A valid passport is required.
• A Return/Onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.

*Please note distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.

Last Updated 27 May 2010