Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Bulgaria! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Bulgaria, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Bulgaria Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Bulgaria currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to Bulgaria need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
Bulgaria Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Bulgaria throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia | -5° / 3° | -4° / 6° | 0° / 11° | 5° / 16° | 9° / 21° | 13° / 25° |
| Varna | -1° / 6° | -1° / 7° | 2° / 11° | 6° / 16° | 11° / 21° | 15° / 25° |
| Plovdiv | -3° / 6° | -1° / 8° | 2° / 13° | 7° / 18° | 11° / 23° | 15° / 28° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia | 14° / 28° | 14° / 28° | 10° / 23° | 5° / 17° | 0° / 10° | -4° / 4° |
| Varna | 17° / 28° | 17° / 28° | 13° / 23° | 9° / 18° | 4° / 12° | 0° / 8° |
| Plovdiv | 17° / 31° | 17° / 30° | 13° / 26° | 8° / 19° | 3° / 12° | -1° / 7° |
When to visit Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a great place to visit during the summer, as the weather is dry and warm but not awfully hot, so it’s perfect for going out and exploring what the country has to offer. Winter is also an ideal time to visit the Rila Mountains for those looking for snow.
Bulgaria is a cheap country to visit all year round, so unusually for Europe, it’s not necessary to wait for the spring and autumn shoulder seasons to get a better deal on accommodation.
Getting around in Bulgaria
Children under 14 travel for free on public transport, children aged 7-14 get 50% off inter-city road transport fees.
In cities like Sofia you can purchase a daily transport pass for 4BGN (€2), or three-day pass for 15BGN (€8), that covers the buses, trams, and metro. Be aware that if you have a large piece of luggage (that takes up the space of another person) you will need to buy a ticket for that as well!
Trains
Trains are cheap in Bulgaria but take a long time to get anywhere. You can plan your route and purchase tickets at bdz.bg.
Buses
Bus travel in Bulgaria is more expensive than train travel, but gets you places a lot quicker. If you don’t have a daily pass, you can buy tickets at kiosks or from the driver, but it’s best to have exact change in that case. Validate your ticket on board once purchased.
If you’re traveling between cities, Sofia to Varna takes about seven hours and costs around 33BGN (€17), and from Varna to Plovdiv takes another seven hours and costs around 27BGN (€14). Plan your route at either Bus Express or Check My Bus.
Trams
The major cities including Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas have tram and trolley systems. If you don’t have a daily pass, you can tap your contactless card against the blue box when boarding. It will cap at 4BGN (€2) if you take multiple journeys in a day.
Metro
Sofia has a subway with a line that helpfully connects the city centre and the airport. You can purchase tickets at the entrance to each station if you don’t have a daily pass.
Taxis
Uber is not available in Bulgaria, but taxis are easily available and quite cheap, with rates starting from 2BGN (€1). Just make sure the driver uses the meter so you’re not ripped off. You can download and use the Yellow Taxi app, or alternatively, OK taxis are pretty reliable.
Luggage storage
At Sofia Train Station, you can store your luggage at the Left Luggage Office downstairs from the main hall. It’s open from 06:00 – 21:30, and costs about 4BGN (€2)
There are other luggage storage solutions in Bulgaria including LuggageHero and Radical Storage, who offer different locations and pricing options.
Further practical information for travelling in Bulgaria
What language is mainly spoken in Bulgaria?
Bulgarian is the official language of Bulgaria, and English is the second most common language spoken.
What is the main currency of Bulgaria?
The currency of Bulgaria is the Lev (BGN).
What is the emergency number in Bulgaria?
If you need emergency services in Bulgaria, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, and the police.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Bulgaria?
You will need a Type C or F 2-pin system adapter for plugs in Bulgaria. Bulgaria operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Bulgaria?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Bulgaria.
Are public toilets free in Bulgaria?
Public toilets in Bulgaria generally charge a small fee. Carry some pocket change around with you to make sure you aren’t caught out.
Is there free public wi-fi in Bulgaria?
There are lots of free Wi-Fi spots in Bulgaria, in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Bulgaria?
When tipping, it’s normal to leave 10% on top of the final bill.
What is the drinking age in Bulgaria?
The official drinking age in Bulgaria is 18 years old.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Bulgaria?
There is some dangerous wildlife in Bulgaria. Brown bears and vipers can be found in the mountains, while ticks are active in the summer. Always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 09/10/2024
Looking to book a hotel in Bulgaria? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in South East Europe!