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Getting Around & Where to Stay
Updated March 2025Route Planner
Airport Transfers
ℹ️ Prices are approximate and may vary — confirm exact fares when booking.
Public Transport
Tickets
Sofia: single BGN 1.60, day pass BGN 4. Plovdiv: single BGN 1.50. Buy tickets from kiosks or on the bus.
Sofia Urban Mobility Center — tourist transport card for unlimited rides and discounts.
Learn moreTaxis & Rideshare
Yellow Taxi
traditional~BGN 0.79/km daytime
Sofia's main taxi company. Look for yellow cars. Call 91119.
OK Supertrans
traditional~BGN 0.79/km
Reliable Sofia taxi company. Official airport taxi service.
Visit websiteBolt
app~~BGN 4-10 city rides
Available in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas. Best value option.
Visit websiteSpark
app~~BGN 4-10 city rides
Local rideshare app available in Sofia and larger cities.
Intercity Travel
Union Ivkoni buses
Union Ivkoni
Major domestic bus operator. Sofia-Plovdiv 2h, more frequent than trains.
Book ticketsMinibuses
Shared minivans connect smaller towns. Depart when full from central bus stations.
Where to Stay
Links below may be affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices as of 2025 — check current rates before booking.
Hostel Mostel Sofia
budgetSofia
Legendary backpacker hostel with free dinner and breakfast
Book on Booking.comHotel Rosslyn Central Park
mid-rangeSofia
Near NDK, modern rooms with city views
Book on Booking.comHostel Old Plovdiv
budgetPlovdiv
In the atmospheric Old Town, great social atmosphere
Book on Booking.comHotel Imperial Plovdiv
mid-rangePlovdiv
Upscale hotel on the main boulevard, excellent breakfast
Book on Booking.comGraffit Gallery Hotel
mid-rangeVarna
Near the Sea Garden, art-themed boutique hotel
Book on Booking.comUseful Apps
Transport
Maps & Navigation
Translation
Food & Dining
Tips for Getting Around Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations. The metro in Sofia is modern, clean, and the easiest way to navigate the capital. For intercity travel, buses are generally faster and more reliable than trains, with Union Ivkoni and FlixBus offering the best services. The Sofia-Plovdiv route by bus takes about 2 hours compared to 2.5 hours by train.
Taxi Safety
Always use official taxi companies or the Bolt app. Taxi scams targeting tourists are common, especially at Sofia Airport and around major attractions. Legitimate taxis have meters and display their rates on a sticker in the window. Never accept rides from drivers who approach you in the terminal — use the official taxi stand outside arrivals.
Practical Tips
- Bulgaria uses the lev (BGN), pegged to the euro at about 1.96 BGN per EUR
- Card payments are widely accepted in Sofia and Plovdiv, but carry cash for smaller towns and markets
- The Cyrillic alphabet is used everywhere — Google Translate’s camera mode is invaluable for reading signs and menus
- Nodding means “no” and shaking your head means “yes” in Bulgaria, though younger people often use the Western convention