Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Etap-Grup
(02-813 3100;
www.etapgroup.com
)
Another extensive intercity network,
with buses between Sofia, Burgas, Varna, Ruse and Veliko Târnovo as well as routes
between Sofia and Sozopol, Primorsko, Tsarevo and Pomorie.
Car & Motorcycle
Probably the best way to travel around Bulgaria - especially when visiting remote vil-
lages, monasteries and national parks - is to hire a car or motorbike.
Union of Bulgarian Motorists
(02-935 7935;
www.uab.org
) The main national organisa-
tion for motorists, though little information is available in English.
Bring Your Own Vehicle
If you do decide to drive your own car into Bulgaria, remember that car theft is very com-
mon and foreign cars especially are an immediate target. You will need all the original re-
gistration and ownership documents, or your vehicle may be impounded by the police.
Before you can drive on motorways, you will need to purchase and display a
vignette
in
your vehicle. For a car, this costs 10/25 lv for one week/one month. Vignettes can be
bought at border crossings when first entering the country or at post offices once inside
Bulgaria.
Note that under Bulgarian law, vehicles registered outside the EU are officially 'tem-
porarily imported' when driven into Bulgaria, and if the vehicle is stolen while in the
country, the owner will be liable for import duty.
Driving Licence
Drivers of private and rented cars (and motorcycles) must carry registration papers. Your
driving licence from home is valid in Bulgaria, so an international driving licence isn't ne-
cessary (but it may be useful if you're driving elsewhere in Eastern Europe).
Car Hire
To rent a car in Bulgaria you must be at least 21 years of age and have had a licence for at
least one year. Rental outlets can be found all over Bulgaria, but are most common in the
bigger cities, at airports and Black Sea resorts. Prices start at around 50 to 60 lv per day.
All major credit cards are normally accepted.
