Transport
Air, rail, road, and water transport are all well developed in Bulgaria. The country has four international airports – at Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv and Burgas. The airports also serve charter flights, and helicopters. Gliders piloted by amateur pilots need special permission, since air corridors are provided solely for them by Bulgarian aviation dispatchers.
Bulgaria's airports are the following:
- Sofia – www.sofia-airport.bg
- Varna – www.varna-airport.bg
- Burgas – www.bourgas-airport.com
- Plovdiv - www.plovdivairport.com
Rail transport in Bulgaria is readily accessible and generally comfortable, and the rail network serves all the larger populated places in Bulgaria. The railway lines cross all land borders of Bulgaria. The European Orient Express service also crosses the country. Narrow-gauge railways have been constructed to reach the less accessible places in the country and to serve destinations with a smaller number of passengers. Tickets can be purchased at railway stations, at transport offices in towns and cities, and at the tourist agencies. International tickets are issued at the offices, agencies and international desks at the station of embarkation.
Further information concerning the Bulgarian State Railway is available at the following internet address: www.bdz.bg
Bulgaria’s water borders are along the Danube river and along the Black Sea coast. The primary sea ports offering marine transport in Bulgaria are the Varna and Burgas ports. Travelers can enter Romania through the local ports near Durankulak, and can enter Turkey through Rezovo. These points are used for small seagoing vessels in transit rather than those embarking from Bulgaria’s territorial waters. Along the Danube River, there is a border checkpoint near the village of Vrav, as well as at other cities and towns along the river: Vidin, Lom, Oryahovo, Ruse, Tutrakan, and Silistra. Both passenger and freight water transport is available all along the Danube River and the Black Sea coast. Prices and travel schedules depend on the season, the type of vessel, and its category. There are also many private seagoing carriers, both yachts and motorboats, traveling to local landmarks and offering river or sea tours to both individuals and groups.
Bulgaria’s ports are the following:
- Varna - www.port-varna.bg
- Burgas - www.port-burgas.com
- Ruse: www.port-ruse-bg.com
- Lom www.portlom.bg
- Vidin: www.cmamyc.com/port
The road network in the country consists of limited access highways, first-class roads, second-class roads, and third-class roads. Bus transport is well developed. There are express buses serving most of the large towns and cities in the country.
For further information, contact the Sofia Central Bus Station: www.centralnaavtogara.bg
There are international bus lines to most of the European capitals and to other European cities. Through Turkey there is a bus connection to the Middle East and Egypt. Bus tickets can be purchased from designated offices, bus stations, the carriers themselves, and tourist agencies in larger towns and cities. Foreign carriers also operate in Bulgaria.
Contact and of the following bus stations for further information:
Sofia Central Bus Station: www.centralnaavtogara.bg
Varna Bus Station: www.autogaravn.com
Burgas Bus Station Бургас: www.burgasbus.info
Plovdiv Bus Station: www.avtogara-plovdiv.info
Ruse Bus Station: www.avtogararuse.org