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• Travel tips

Bulgaria Itinerary: 5 and 10-Day Itinerary for Solo Travellers

Before my solo trip to Bulgaria, I knew little about the country. As I researched more about Bulgaria, it wasn’t long until I decided that Bulgaria is a place I want to visit.

And after spending two months in Bulgaria, I can honestly say that Bulgaria is worth visiting even if you travel alone. The country has many ancient cities with a lot of history, quaint seaside towns with awesome beaches, and so much more. It is the perfect destination for any solo travellers who want to go off the beaten path.

If this is your first time in Bulgaria, and you’re wondering what to do and how long you should stay, then keep reading. I’ll show you exactly what to see in Bulgaria through my 5-day and 10-day Bulgaria itinerary.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the disclosure for more info.

What you need to know before starting your Bulgaria itinerary

Before starting your Bulgaria travel itinerary, take a look at some of my travel tips for your first time in this Balkan country:

• You can follow this Bulgaria itinerary throughout the year . However, restaurants, shops and local bed and breakfasts are only open during summer in the small towns along the Black Sea Coast. The best time to follow this Bulgaria itinerary is between June and September .
• This Bulgaria itinerary is relatively fast-paced.  Pack minimally so you can move around easier . Following  my minimalist packing list template  and  pack a carry-on bag weighing less than 7kg .
• Bulgaria is a safe country for solo female travellers . I spent almost two months in Bulgaria in all the cities mentioned in this post and had no issues.
• Bulgarian lev  (plural: leva) is the currency of Bulgarian.  BGN  is the three-letter code. 1 euro = 1.96 lev (fixed rate) . In 2024, Bulgaria will change to the Euro.
• The best prepaid SIM card is A1 . A  15GB SIM card for 30 days   costs 15 lev.  It is available at the Relay convenience store at Sofia airport or any A1 retail store throughout Bulgaria.

5 and 10 days in Bulgaria: How to Get Around

There are two ways to get around Bulgaria: long-distance bus and train . Both options have similar schedules and costs . And both are affordable and “reliable” for solo independent travellers.

No matter which transportation option you choose, I suggest buying your ticket in person for your next leg of the journey once you arrive in a new city. i.e. when you arrive in Plovdiv, buy a bus or train ticket for Burgas.

Long-distance Bus

Many long-distance bus companies have bus routes between Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna and other major cities and small towns across the country.

Bulgarian State Railways has train routes connecting all the cities mentioned above. Check the website for train schedules and costs.

But here is what you need to know about Bulgarian State Railways:

• No significant difference between first-class and second-class seats
• It can be hot in summer (not enough or no air conditioning)
• It can be warm in the winter (too much heat)
• Even though the Bulgarian State Railway can be “reliable,” expect delays

How many days in Bulgaria for first-time visitors

If you have no limit to how long you can stay in Bulgaria, I would suggest as long as you can!

If I did it all over again as a first-time traveller to Bulgaria and had limited time, I would stay five days or ten days .

For a five-day Bulgaria trip, I would include Sofia as the capital city has much to do. Plus, I would include seeing Rila Monastery in the Bulgarian countryside and Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe.

For a ten-day Bulgaria trip, I would include the original 5-day itinerary and add many places along the Black Sea including Burgas , Sozopol , Nessebar and Varna .

5-day and 10-day Bulgaria Itinerary

Here is a quick summary of my 5-day Bulgaria itinerary:

• Day 1-2:  Sofia
• Day 3:  Day trip to Rila Monastery or Seven Rila Lakes
• Day 4-5:  Plovdiv

For 10 days in Bulgaria, follow Day 1 to 5 itinerary and add these destinations:

• Day 6:  Burgas
• Day 7:  Sozopol

Day 8: Nessebar

• Day 9-10:  Varna

Bulgaria Itinerary 5 Days

Bulgaria itinerary day 1-3: sofia and day trip (3 days).

Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, is known for its ancient Roman ruins, mineral springs and the biggest Orthodox Church in the Balkans. The history of the city goes back to the Roman Empire when the city was called Serdica. Moreover, Bulgaria was once a socialist republic from 1944 to 1989.

To kick off your Bulgaria trip, explore the capital city for two days and go on a day trip on the third day to the Bulgarian countryside.

Sofia Accommodation: Sense Hotel Sofia

Book your first three nights in Sofia at Sense Hotel Sofia . This modern contemporary hotel has a nice rooftop bar with a view of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Plus, it is only 4-minute walk from Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski Metro Station.

Day 1-2: Sofia

There are plenty of things to do in Sofia for your two days in the capital city. The majority of the attractions in the city are within walking distance.

I highlight recommend joining a free walking tour and/or a free food tour . They are both excellent introductions to Sofia and all the best Sofia food .

Plus, walk around Sofia and look for these highlights:

• Visit the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Balkans: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Stroll along Vitosha Boulevard , the main pedestrian street in Sofia
• See the Ancient Serdika Complex and other ruins around the city centre of Sofia
• Try traditional food in a mehana , a traditional Bulgarian tavern decorated in folklore decor.
• Visit one of 30 museums in Sofia
• Learn about Sofia’s communist past through museums and tours

Day 3: Day trip from Sofia

On day three, see the Bulgarian countryside by joining one of two tours:

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church

Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is Bulgaria’s largest Eastern Orthodox monastery, and it has some of the best  colourful frescoes, iconic architectural monuments, and natural scenery .

The organized day tour includes a stop at another UNESCO site,  Boyana Church , a  medieval Bulgarian Orthodox Church .

Seven Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery

If you like the outdoors, spend the day hiking in Rila National Park and see the Seven Rila Lakes . You will have 5 hours to hike during the self-guided day hike where you can see glacial lakes in northwestern Rila Mountain between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level.

This tour also includes a 1.5-hour self-tour of Rila Monastery  before returning to Sofia.

Bulgaria itinerary day 4-5: Plovdiv and return to Sofia (2 days)

Depart early from Sofia on day four to maximize your time in Plovdiv.

And depending on when you leave Bulgaria, take an evening bus or train back to Sofia on day five to catch your flight.

Travel from Sofia to Plovdiv

Bus: Many long-distance buses travel from Sofia Central Bus Station to Plovdiv South (Yug) Bus Station , including Karat S , Vitosha Express and Arda Tur . The bus journey takes about 2 hours.

Train: There are 11 direct trains daily from Sofia Central Station to Plovdiv Central Station . Take one of the morning trains (6:20-8:50am).

Plovdiv Accommodation: Hill House Plovdiv

Stay one night at Hill House Plovdiv . The hotel is located in the center of the city and is perfect for walking to all the attractions in the city.

Note: Plovdiv city center is about 3km north of both train and bus stations. When you arrive in Plovdiv, take bus 7, 20 or 26 in front of the Plovdiv train station instead of walking for 28 minutes.

Day 4-5: Plovdiv

As the second largest city in Bulgaria, there are plenty of things to do in Plovdiv. Known for its cultural, historical and natural landmarks, Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe. There are over 6,000 years of history in this small compact city.

Similar to Sofia, there are excellent free walking tours in Plovdiv. Join one so you can get to know the ancient city quickly.

Besides the tour, here are some other interesting highlights to look for:

• Wander around the cobbled streets of Old Town in Plovdiv
• Visit Plovdiv Roman Theatre and the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis
• Hike up one of six hills around Plovdiv, including Rebet Tepe  and Bunardzhik Tepe
• Roam around Knyaz Alexander I , the Main Street in Plovdiv 
• See colourful art murals and enjoy the nightlife in the Kapana District 

Bulgaria Itinerary 10 Days

Bulgaria itinerary day 1-5: sofia, sofia day trip, plovdiv (5 days).

Follow the previous itinerary for Days one to five.

On day five, stay the night in Plovdiv instead of returning to Sofia. Book two nights of hotel in Plovdiv if you are continuing the itinerary.

Bulgaria itinerary day 6-8: Burgas, Sozopol and Nessebar (3 days)

The second half of the Bulgaria itinerary is all about the Black Sea.

It starts with a seaside town called Burgas, an excellent city as a home base for visiting other towns along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. And then, the trip continues up the coast to Varna, the third largest city in Bulgaria.

Travel from Plovdiv to Burgas

Bus: Union Ivkoni travels from Plovdiv South (Yug) Bus Station to Burgas Station South Terminal . The bus journey takes about 4.5 hours.

Train: There are 4 direct trains from Plovdiv Central Station to Burgas Train Station daily . Take the fast train in the morning (9:05am-1:07pm).

Burgas Accommodation: Marina Burgas Hotel

Book three nights at Marina Burgas Hotel , a 3-star hotel that is conveniently located next to Burgas Beach. And the hotel is within walking distance to Burgas Station South Terminal, where you can take suburban buses to Sozopol and Nessebar and continue on the itinerary to Varna.

Day 6: Burgas

Burgas is Bulgaria’s fourth largest city and gateway to the Black Sea. The city is very compact and much smaller than Plovdiv, so you can see most attractions in one day.

Here are some things to do in Burgas on day six:

• Sunbathe at Burgas Beach and swim in the Black Sea
• Wander around the Sea Garden
• Take a dip in the pink salty water at Lake Atanasovsko
• Wander around Burgas Old Town
• Try Bulgarian Black Sea Coast cuisine , which includes Black Sea mussels, grilled and fried fish and calamari

Day 7: Sozopol

Sozopol is a small town 35km south of the port city of Burgas. It has over 7,000 years of history, and it is one of the oldest towns along the Black Sea Coast.

When you take a day trip to Sozopol from Burgas , there are some things you must do:

• See narrow medieval cobblestone streets and Bulgarian Revival houses
• Visit Sozopol Archaeological Museum and Ethnographic Museum
• See churches and monasteries in Old Town Sozopol
• Walk from Southern Fortress Wall and Tower to Cape Skamni
• Relax on Sozopol Central Beach or Harmonite Beach

How to get to Sozopol from Burgas: take the Burgas Bus at Burgas Station South Terminal. Look for bus stop #5 at the back of the terminal and wait for the next bus to Sozopol. The bus ride costs 5 lev.

Nessebar is another seaside town on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. The ancient town is 35km north of Burgas and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here are some suggestions on things to see during your day trip to Nessebar :

• Wander around the Western Fortress Wall
• See frescos, decorative motifs and mosaics at some of the preserved churches and monasteries . 
• See the remaining parts of early Byzantine Baths
• Admire three naves, an atrium and arched windows of the Church of Saint Sophia
• Finish the day in Sunny Beach

How to get to Nessebar from Burgas: take the M-Bus or DS Bus at Burgas Station South Terminal. Look for bus stop #3 at the back of the terminal and wait for the next bus to Nessebar. Alight at the Old Town Nessebar bus stop. At the end of the day, take the M-Bus or DS Bus from Sunny Beach bus station back to Burgas. A single ride costs 8 lev.

Bulgaria itinerary day 9-10: Varna and depart from Varna (2 days)

Varna is the last destination on your Bulgaria 10-day itinerary. I chose this as the last stop of the itinerary because many flights fly in and out of Varna Airport.

So for Day Nine, visit Golden Sands Beach and wander around Varna. And depending on when you depart on Day ten, you might still have some time to see more of Varna.

Travel from Burgas to Varna

Bus: Several buses travel from Burgas Station South Terminal to Central Bus Station Varna , including Deily, M-Bus, Travel Express and Varnabus 2000 .

Note: Central Bus Station Varna is northwest of the city centre. Several local buses, including Bus 409 (which can take you to and from Varna Airport), can take you to the city centre.

Train: There are 4 trains from Burgas Train Station to Varna Central Train Station daily . You’ll have to change trains at Karnobat, and the entire journey takes 3.5 hours. Take the 9:25am-12:51pm if you choose the train option.

Varna Accommodation: mOdus Hotel

Book two nights at mOdus Hotel , a modern boutique hotel next to the Varna Sea Garden and in the city’s centre. Moreover, the hotel is only a few minutes from the bus stop to Golden Sands, Central Bus Station Varna and Varna Airport.

Day 9-10: Varna

Varna is a port city located in the northeast corner of Bulgaria. The seaside resort town is famous for its golden beaches, thermal springs and ancient artifacts discovered in the city.

For your last two days in Bulgaria, here are some Varna attractions to consider seeing:

• Visit the beaches of Varna and Varna Sea Garden
• See ancient ruins at Varna Roman Baths
• Stroll around the main pedestrian street in Varna Old Town
• See the famous “Gold of Varna” in the Archaeological Museum of Varna
• Spend the afternoon suntanning on Golden Sands Beach

Which Bulgaria travel itinerary are you going to follow?

If time isn’t an issue, stay in Bulgaria for as long as possible. It is one of the most underrated countries I’ve ever visited.

But if you have limited time, 5 days in Bulgaria is sufficient to see all the highlights around Sofia and Plovdiv. But if you can spend 10 days in Bulgaria, add all the cities and towns along the Black Sea Coast.

And if you are still wondering if Bulgaria is worth visiting, perhaps take a look at my individual blog posts about all the cities mentioned in this itinerary. I put a lot of information on what to see, how to get around and also included hotel recommendations and food options.

I hope you found this post useful for planning your Bulgaria travel itinerary. Let me know which itinerary you will follow or if you have any questions about travelling solo in Bulgaria.

Thank you for reading my Bulgaria itinerary

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Bulgaria:

Bulgaria posts:

• Sofia Solo Travel: 20 best things to do in Sofia
• Where and what to eat in Sofia: 21 must-try food
• Burgas Travel Guide: Things to do + Getting there + Day trips
• Burgas to Sozopol day trip: 1-day itinerary
• Day trip to Nessebar and Sunny Beach in Bulgaria
• Varna Travel Guide: 9 Things to do

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Best Things to Do in Sozopol Bulgaria in One Day

Best Things to Do in Nessebar Bulgaria in One Day

Sofia Solo Travel: 20 Best Things to Do in Sofia Bulgaria

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Taipei Accommodation: Where to stay in Taipei Taiwan as a Solo Traveller

Osaka 2 day itinerary for first-time solo travellers, ms travel solo.

Bulgaria Tours & Holidays

Bulgaria is one of the Balkans' most exuberant nations in virtually every possible way.

From its mist-shrouded mountains and shimmering coastline, to its lively folk soundtrack and intriguing ancient mythology - there's an unexpected surprise at almost every turn. And, while it has experienced an at-times-too-quick growth spurt in the last decade, visitors will find Bulgaria to be a country of fascinating culture, impressive sights and extremely gracious hospitality.

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Bulgaria at a glance

Capital city.

Sofia (population 1.2 million)

6.8 million

(GMT+02:00) Helsinki, Kyiv, Riga, Sofia, Tallinn, Vilnius

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Bulgaria

Geography and environment.

Sitting almost at the crossroads between   Europe   and   Asia , Bulgaria entertains visitors with a little bit of everything when it comes to landscape.

Dramatic rivers and gorges, dense wooded areas, the lofty peaks of the Balkan Mountains and some of the most beautiful Black Sea coastline the region has to offer.

Best time to visit Bulgaria

Bulgaria follows the classic seasonal pattern that belongs to this corner of Europe.

Expect chilly conditions in winter and a delightfully warm (and very busy) summer.

As with many of its neighbours, spring is a fantastic time to really explore Bulgaria, as the going is relatively easy throughout the whole country.

Top 5 famous Bulgarians

1. vasil levski.

A revolutionary who would be remembered as the Apostle of Liberty, Levski became a national hero after leading the battle for liberation from Ottoman rule in the early 1870s.

2. Georgi Ivanov

The first Bulgarian cosmonaut in 1979, Ivanov was awarded the title 'Hero of the Soviet Union'. However, he had to change his original surname, Kakalov, because it occasionally had negative connotations in Russian.

A famous Bulgarian pop/funk band from the late 70s and early 80s. As with most acts who were prominent during this era, FSB appear to have always worn their pants far too tight, but their songs did become the iconic sounds of a generation.

4. Peyo Yavorov

This romantic poet and revolutionary was viewed by many as the finest poet in Bulgarian history. The majority of his works were about his two great loves: the first of whom died from tuberculosis, the second, took her own life, which ultimately drove Yavorov to do the same.

5. Stanislav Ianevski

Ianevski was catapulted into the international spotlight after playing Viktor Krum in the 2005 instalment of the Harry Potter series, The Goblet of Fire. While he does little talking in the film, Ianevski does some impressive broom-flying and walking around looking gruff.

Further reading

Bulgaria travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Is tipping customary in Bulgaria?

While most larger hotels will include a gratuity, restaurants rarely add a service charge and a 10% tip is the custom.

What is the internet access like in Bulgaria?

Travellers should be able to access the internet at cyber cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots in Bulgaria's major cities and towns. Remote and rural areas will have less internet availability, so be prepared for this when travelling out of the city.

What are the toilets like in Bulgaria?

Western-style, flushable toilets are mostly the standard in Bulgaria, however squat toilets can be found in some public restrooms.

What will it cost for a…?

Cup of coffee in a cafe = 1-2 BGN Beer in a bar or restaurant = 2-3 BGN Basic, takeaway lunch = 6-8 BGN Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant = 10-15 BGN

Can I drink the water in Bulgaria?

Tap water is chlorinated but generally considered safe to drink (unless otherwise marked), however some travellers may not enjoy the taste and should stick to using a water bottle.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Bulgaria?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Bulgaria, but patchy in some remote places. Travellers should activate global roaming before leaving home.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Bulgaria?

Major credit cards are accepted in large cities, mostly in shops and hotels. Smaller vendors may not accept credit cards, so carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in Bulgaria?

ATMs are commonly found in Bulgaria's cities and urban areas, however not all bank machines accept overseas cards. Access may be difficult in some remote areas.

What public holidays are celebrated in Bulgaria?

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 3 Mar Liberation Day
• 14 Apr Orthodox Good Friday
• 15 Apr Orthodox Holy Easter
• 16 Apr Orthodox Easter Sunday
• 17 Apr Orthodox Easter Monday
• 1 May Labour Day
• 6 May Saint George's Day / Army Day
• 24 May Culture & Literacy Day
• 6 Sep Unification Day
• 22 Sep Independence Day
• 24 Dec Christmas Eve
• 25 Dec Christmas Day
• 26 Dec 2nd Day of Christmas

For a current list of public holidays in Bulgaria go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/bulgaria/public-holidays

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Find cheap bus tickets in Bulgaria

Easily compare and book your next trip with Busbud

Popular routes in Bulgaria

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Why choose Busbud?

The best way to book bus and train tickets.

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travelers no matter where they are in the world. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

What are the top visited cities in Bulgaria?

Plan your next bus trip in Bulgaria

• Bus from Varna to Sofia
• Bus Stara Zagora - Sofia
• Sunny Beach - Sofia
• Bus from Sofia to Nesebar
• Bus Sofia - Stara Zagora
• Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia
• Bus from Sofia to Primorsko
• Bus Burgas - Plovdiv
• Nesebar - Sofia
• Bus from Sofia to Kiten
• Bus Plovdiv - Sunny Beach
• Sofia - Ruse
• Bus from Sofia to Lozenets
• Bus Sofia - Tsarevo
• Sliven - Sofia

Most popular airports and destinations

• Sofia to Sofia Airport
• Sofia Airport to Bansko
• Plovdiv to Sofia Airport
• Burgas to Sofia Airport
• Sofia Airport to Blagoevgrad

Consumer Commission Hotline:

Air , rail , road , and water transport are all well developed in Bulgaria. 

Bulgarian Airports

The country has four international airports – 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.

Useful links:

Bulgarian Rail Transport

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 tourist agencies. International tickets are issued at the offices, agencies, and international desks at the station of embarkation.

Useful link:

• Bulgarian State Railways

Bulgarian Ports

Bulgaria’s water borders are along the Danube river and along the Black Sea coast. The primary seaports 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.

Road Network

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.

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
• Varna Bus Station
• Burgas Bus Station
• Plovdiv Bus Station
• Ruse Bus Station

Useful links

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50 Things you should know before traveling to Bulgaria

So, you are thinking about traveling to Bulgaria? Don’t worry we have you covered!! Here you’ll find all the things you should know before traveling to Bulgaria.

This is a 50 Bulgaria travel tips list where we cover all about the Bulgarian people and the most interesting facts about it! You’ll also discover all the top destinations , what to eat in Bulgaria , how to travel around the country, and how much this will cost you!

This is the ultimate Bulgaria travel guide, with 50 things to know before traveling to Bulgaria!

Page Contents

Bulgaria and the Locals

#1 Bulgaria is located in southeastern Europe, in the Balkans Region. It is bathed by the Black Sea, and it is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, and Greece and Turkey to the south.

#2 Bulgaria has been an EU member since 2007, however, it isn’t part of the Schengen treaty. Together with Romania, they are the only EU countries that aren’t part of it yet!

This means that even if you are from the EU, you’ll need your ID to enter Bulgaria. Anyway, the visa requirements for Bulgaria are similar to other EU countries; check here  for further details!

#3 Bulgaria is the poorest country in the EU. Although it has been growing fast in more recent years, it still really shows in some parts and infrastructures. Furthermore, we can see some visible poverty, like beggars and homeless people.

There are some elderly people selling flowers and other things in the streets, which is heartbreaking. It isn’t as bad as in Georgia or Armenia , but still surprising to see it in an EU country.

#4 The climate in Bulgaria is similar to Central European countries, with cold, wet winters and hot and dry summers. The seasons in Bulgaria are very distinct; while in the Winter, there are regular snowfalls, particularly in the mountains, in Summer the temperatures go well beyond 30º making the Black Sea a great beach destination .

#5 Nearly one-third of Bulgaria is covered in forests which isn’t a surprise because the country is very mountainous with over 40 mountains on its territory.

Needless to say, they are great for skiing, mountaineering, and hiking. On the other hand, the rest of the territory is made up of vast plains which are used to produce corn and sunflowers.

#6 Bulgarian is perfectly unintelligible to almost anyone outside the country. However, that’s not the worst… Bulgarians use the Cyrillic alphabet, making everything even more difficult for us Westerners.

We can’t really read or understand anything if it is written only in Bulgarian, not even the name of places or towns.

#7 Even though most Bulgarians speak very little English, particularly the older generations, It is still probably the best language for you to get around. On the other hand, in the more touristy areas, more people speak English, and you’ll communicate better.

#8 Although communication is often difficult you will quickly notice that Bulgarians are usually very nice and attentive to tourists and travelers. They take their time to explain correctly and give good information. They want you to like Bulgaria, which makes us feel very welcome.

#9 While visiting Bulgaria, you will certainly notice one thing very quickly… Bulgarians are good looking! Both men and women are easy on the eyes, and they really know how to present themselves.

#10 Modern-day Bulgaria stands in the region where the ancient Thracian civilization (famed for their gold-making, fierce warriors, and the gladiator Spartacus) lived before the Roman Empire conquered them and later the Ottoman. You can still find over 15 000 Thracian tombs spread through Bulgaria.

#11 Bulgaria is the biggest producer of Rose oil in the World. In fact, it produces more than 80% of the world’s Rose Oil and Rose Water. All the oil is produced in only one region, called Rose Valley, and it is regarded as the best in the world.

The Rose Water also makes an excellent souvenir or gift to someone back home, as it is one of the things Bulgaria is famous for.

#12 Is Bulgaria Safe to Travel? In one word, YES! Bulgaria is a very safe country to travel around. Like in any other touristic country, unfair individuals want to take advantage of distracted tourists, hence the most common crimes are pick-pocketing, bag snatching, and other financially driven offenses…

Violent crime is rare but exists. However, we never experienced this, and furthermore, we always felt perfectly safe in Bulgaria.

#13 One thing Bulgaria needs to improve is littering. We particularly noticed cigarette buts all over the place, particularly on the beaches. I’m not sure if it’s the tourists, the locals, or both, but it really needs to be improved. The country is absolutely gorgeous, and there’s no reason not to take good care of it!

Travel in Bulgaria and top tourist attractions

#14 Bulgaria is home to 10 UNESCO Heritage Sites, 7 of them are cultural, and the other 3 are natural sites. Click here to find out more about them!

#15 Bulgaria has been growing as a tourist destination in the last few years. The coast has always been a hotspot, particularly for Eastern Europe vacationers. However, lately, there are more and more Westerns in Bulgaria.

#16 Along the Bulgarian coast, there are several beaches to choose from, but luckily they aren’t that far away from each other, and you probably can do many of them in the same vacation! There are two major beach destinations, one around Varna and the other around Burgas.

#17 Varna is the 3rd biggest city in Bulgaria, and it has some good urban beaches around it. It is a good place to stop for a day or two on a road trip.

However, if you are looking for beach resort vacations, you’ll want to go to golden sands beach, a few km north. There you have a great beach, full of people and restaurants, bars and everything you’ll need!

#18 On the other hand, Burgas contains a quaint waterfront, nice parks, and a pedestrianized city center. We found the urban beach in Burgas to be superior to the ones in Varna and surprisingly uncrowded. I mean, it has tourists, but we thought it would be much, much more.

Furthermore, Burgas has one big advantage over Varna, it is significantly closer to Nessebar and Sozopol.

#19 Both Nessebar and Sozopol are ancient port towns built in a beautiful setting in rocky peninsulas, with the black sea around.  While Nessebar is right next to the huge beach resort of Sunny Beach and is very, very touristy, Sozopol is a few Km south of Burgas and is a bit quieter. Both are nice!

#20 While the beaches of Bulgaria are pretty amazing and deserve at least a few days of relaxing, swimming, partying, and people-watching, we strongly suggest you also give the interior a shot! It has marvelous old towns, fortresses, monasteries, waterfalls, lakes, and mountains that you won’t forget easily!

#21 Veliko Tarnovo is one of those places… It was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, and it was built in a unique canyon.

The setting of Veliko Tarnovo is incredible, and the cobbled, steep streets give this small town an irresistible charm, but what makes it a must-do destination is the Tsarevets, a medieval fortress & palace built on a hill.

#22 Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning nearly 8 Millenium! The old town of Plovdiv is very pleasant, with narrow streets full of historical buildings.

However, it is a much bigger city (the second in Bulgaria) with many things to do, and it’s the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

#23 Both Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo make an excellent base for a day trip to the Rose Valley and some of Thracians Tombs, which are located in Karlovo or close to it.

The Thracian tomb of Karlovo is a UNESCO site, but there are others close to the Valley. Also, you can’t visit the original tomb, which has been sealed forever! You can only visit the exact replica next to it.

Note that the Rose Valley is only worth it during Rose Season between May and June. During the rest of the year, you won’t see many Roses. Apart from this, Karlovo doesn’t really have anything else interesting.

#24 Sofia is located in the east part of the country, and it’s the capital and biggest city in Bulgaria.

Sofia isn’t the most exciting capital city in Europe, but it has some impressive tourist attractions like the Alexandar Nevski Cathedral, the Synagogue, the Market Hall, and the ancient Boyana Church, only 5km from central Sofia.

#25 Believe it or not, we left our favorite part of Bulgaria to the end… Rila National Park with its two main attractions, the Rila Monastery and the 7 Rila Lakes.

Rila Monastery was our biggest surprise in Bulgaria. We knew it was good; we had high expectations but still managed to surpass them… The 7 Rila lakes and the chairlift to them are just a great way to enjoy the mountains and their beauty. If you have time, this is one of the best hiking areas.

What to eat in Bulgaria

#26 If there’s one thing Bulgaria is above the average, really above the average is its food. The ingredients used are just incredibly good! The tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, yogurt, and fish are some of the best we have ever tried!

#27 Besides being very tasty, Bulgarian food can be healthy! There’s a huge variety of salads!

Our favorite (and almost everyone’s) is the Shopska Salad, made from tomatoes, cucumbers, onion/scallions, raw or roasted peppers, sirene (white brine cheese), and parsley. It’s as simple as it’ great! The Shopska Salad is available in every restaurant you’ll go to.

#28 Besides the Salads, you can also go for a variety of soups! There are many ordinary soups, but among the soups, we need to highlight Tarator and the Shkembe, mainly because they are so different one has to try them!

Tarator is a yogurt and cucumber soup… Yap, you read it right! Think of it as a watered-down version of the Greek sauce tzatziki… It’s very fresh and a Summer favorite among the locals.

Shkembe is a tripe soup with a strong, spicy flavor. It’s usually combined with salt, garlic, and vinegar in a separate cup.

#29 Bulgarian Yogurt is smooth, creamy, and delicious! It’s sometimes said to be the best in the world because it only uses a combination of two strains: Lactobacillus Bulgaricus and Streptococcus Thermophilus.

Yogurt is a staple food in Bulgaria, it’s used everywhere and eaten with almost everything… (even soups…:) ) It’s definitely something you need to try.

#30 I wasn’t expecting to eat much fish in Bulgaria… I love great fresh fish but only if it’s really good, so I don’t really experiment much with fish. However, I gave a try at the trouts in Rila National park, and they were very good!

After that, I discovered that If you like fish, you are in for a treat! The grilled sea bass, sea bream, fried scat and red mullet, the calamares , it only ranged from good to exceptional!

#31 One of the most famous Balkan (and Bulgarian) food is the Kebapche, which is grilled minced meat with spices in a cylindrical form (like a hot dog, I guess).

The meat used is pork or beef, and the preferred spices are black pepper, cumin, and salt! If you like cumin, you’ll love this! Note that Kyufte is very similar to Kebapche but it’s rounded (like meatballs…?) and includes onions and parsley.

#32 Finally, we get to the banitsa… the famous Balkan pastry! We had already tried the Croatian version, and it didn’t disappoint in Bulgaria. You’ll recognize banitsa quickly due to its unique spiral form.

Banitsa is made with eggs, filo pastry, filled with eggs, and baked in the oven. The filling has many variations: salty (spinach, leeks, cabbage) and sweet (apple, pumpkin with sugar, walnuts). 

#33 Bulgarians must love coffee! I mean, they can’t live without it… I don’t think I have ever seen so many coffee vendor machines! They are everywhere, so you won’t have trouble finding coffee in Bulgaria. Furthermore, it was very, very cheap!

#34 One thing I liked about Bulgarian restaurants is that they disclose how much the dish weighs.

This is very useful for tourists, as you can have an idea of how much food you are ordering! Particularly because it’s always so cheap, you may assume that the portions are small… Usually, you would be very wrong 🙂

Money and Costs of Traveling to Bulgaria

#35 The official currency of Bulgaria is the Lev (code BGN). Many businesses have prices in Euro and may even accept Euros at a nice rate, however, ask politely beforehand.

The Lev is pegged to the Euro at a rate of 1.95583 Leva = 1 Euro! You can easily withdraw money from an ATM or change it in any of the hundreds of bureau de change .

#36 Is Bulgaria cheap to travel to? Bulgaria is the cheapest country in the European Union and the cheapest country we have ever traveled to in Europe! A couple can easily spend less than 40 Euros per day!

#37 This is possible because Bulgaria is an all-around inexpensive country . Actually, I can’t think of anything that’s priced above the average.

Food and accommodation are extremely cheap, petrol is less expensive than in any developed country. Even most tourist attractions are free (Rila monastery, for example) or very cheap. 

#38 Usually we advise people to buy some supermarket foods and try to cook, but in Bulgaria, it really isn’t necessary! Restaurants are really cheap, however, if you still want to cook some meals, note that supermarkets are even cheaper. 🙂

#39 Most shops, restaurants, and bars will accept credit and debit cards; however, we strongly suggest you always carry LEV with you! Surprisingly, the exceptions are the tourist attractions, as many wouldn’t accept cards…

Furthermore, there aren’t ATM costs in Bulgaria, but be aware you may have to pay your home bank fees, particularly the foreign currency fee. 

#40 Finally, we found Bulgaria so cheap that we would tip and round up bills regularly, as we thought it was too cheap. Note that we are budget travelers. This doesn’t happen very often! That’s how cheap we found it.

How to travel in Bulgaria

#41 Public transportation is reasonable, particularly if you consider that this is the poorest country in the EU.

The railway network is big and can take you to every major (and smaller) city, and you can even reach the nearby countries through it. However, they are very slow! If you have the time, it’s a cool option, if you don’t, you are better off using your own car and buses.

Important note: Smaller train stations don’t sell international tickets, only national!

#42 Within Sofia you can easily use only public transport, an occasional taxi and walking. However, if you have a car, Sofia is probably one of the easiest big cities we have ever traveled to. Note that Uber and other ride shares don’t work in Bulgaria.

#43 If you don’t have enough time, you want to travel around Bulgaria, particularly to the more remote locations, then a car is the way to go! It’s fairly cheap to rent, and fuel costs are as low as possible in an EU country! You can rent a car for 160 Euros a week, insurance included.

#44 Renting and driving a car in another country can be stressful, but our experience in Bulgaria was very smooth. Drivers in Bulgaria drive reasonably well, very different from Georgia and Armenia for example. They are slightly in a hurry in the bigger towns, but that happens almost everywhere nowadays.

Furthermore, we never had big traffic jams in Bulgaria, not even in Sofia, Plovdiv, or close to the beach. Maybe we are very lucky, but that’s definitely a big plus!

#45 One of the things you need to know before traveling to Bulgaria is that the roads are pretty bad. Not as bad as Armenia, but if that’s the term of comparison, it’s a very bad sign :). But seriously, be careful because you can get into potholes anywhere.

Are you enjoying this guide? Check the 50 things you need to know before going to Armenia!

#46 Nonetheless, while driving in Bulgaria, you should note a few important things:

• Many roads don’t have any markings, which is weirder than anything else.
• Even rare than Road markings are the speed limit signs… you can spend hours driving without seeing one 🙂
• If you travel by your own car, a road vignette is mandatory not at motorways but on all main roads too. It costs €8 for 7 days, and you can purchase it at the border or gas stations. It can’t be purchased online. You’ll see tons of signs advising about this.
• There aren’t highway tolls in Bulgaria, apart from the two bridges − New Europe Bridge and Danube Bridge, both at Danube border crossings to Romania.

#47 Parking is usually a nightmare when traveling by car, particularly in city centers and highly touristy zones. However, in Bulgaria, it was fairly easy and/or inexpensive.

Most places had free parking, and when it wasn’t free it was cheap. Furthermore, finding a parking spot was always very easy.

Other useful information about traveling in Bulgaria

#48 You won’t have any problems getting WIFI in Bulgaria. Most restaurants, bars, and hotels have it for free. Also, if you have an EU sim card, you can use it for free, so you’ll also have a data sim card. 

#49 Which vaccines do I need to go to Bulgaria? There is no mandatory vaccination to enter Bulgaria, but some are recommended. The CDC and WHO recommend vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and influenza.

#50 Our final Bulgaria travel tip is: Buy local! It’s cheap, and you’ll help the locals. One of the best ways to buy locally in Bulgaria is from road vendors in the countryside. You’ll see people selling fruits, veggies, honey, nuts, and so on…

Do you remember what we said about the ingredients? They are crazy good! Believe me, you won’t regret it!

Our Recommended Travel Guide Books For Bulgaria

Our recommended Bulgaria travel Guide is the Bulgaria and Romania guide from Lonely Planet , which is particularly useful if you are visiting both Bulgaria and Romania.

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Istanbul to Sofia: a journey by sleeper train

Nov 15, 2022 • 10 min read

The overnight train takes you from Istanbul, Turkey to Sofia, Bulgaria.

The recently restored overnight service between Sofia and Istanbul will whirl two adventures into one, leaving the place where east meets west in Istanbul and depositing you in Bulgaria’s laid-back capital city 11 hours later.

Lonely Planet's resident train expert Tom Hall took the journey and tells you what to expect hour by hour.

From my home in London, England, I write and speak for Lonely Planet about news, travel and trains across Europe. This journey combines my favorite things: railways through surprising parts of Europe , new adventures and a return to the chaotic excitement of Istanbul.

Why you should take the night train

Night trains are booming in popularity across climate-conscious Europe . And for those prepared to seek it out, the restored Istanbul-Sofia Express (İstanbul-Sofya Ekspresi in Turkish) offers unforgettable cross-border adventure – think an interrupted night’s sleep, late-hour passport checks and stops at remote-feeling towns. This train departs from one of the world’s great cities into European Turkey , threading across fortress-like frontiers into Bulgaria and crossing mountain passes before arriving in underrated and very affordable Sofia. A night in the Yatakli Vagon (sleeping car) delivers as a stand-alone journey, an add-on to a city break or a celebratory post-pandemic ramble across continents.

Why train lovers appreciate the Istanbul-to-Sofia overnight route

Considering it’s designed as a train to be taken in the dark, while asleep, this route over-delivers on adventure. Leaving Istanbul, you’ll cross ancient landscapes and borders, then take in superb scenery as you chug through Bulgaria’s mountains. From Sofia, pathways open up to further epic journeys across Europe.

Day one: Take a whirlwind tour of Istanbul

One of the world’s most popular city destinations, Istanbul is a wonderful place to start any trip. If you have just a few hours to spare, head to Hagia Sophia , the Roman emperor Justinian’s great cathedral that’s today designated as a mosque – and which remains as stunningly beautiful and as politically charged a place as ever. If you have a full day, consider one or two of the other key sights of the Sultanahmet neighborhood, including the Basilica Cistern , the Blue Mosque and the National Archaeological Museum . Have more time? The city is yours to explore, from the cultural big hitters of Karakoy like SALT Beyoğlu to the youthful Asian-side neighborhood of Kadıköy . Consider a boat ride up the Bosphorus Strait to the edges of the Black Sea or to the Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara to take the weight off your feet. 

Day two: It’s train time 

Unless you’ve arranged a ticket in advance, a visit to the Turkish Railways (TCDD) sales counter at Sirkeci station is the starting point for most Istanbul-to-Sofia travelers. Beyond the ticket office, Sirkeci is worth a nose around. The atmospheric and historic start and finish point of the Orient Express and other Europe-bound international services, it today remains a hugely busy place, where it feels like half the city is in transit on and off the subway and heading for ferries at nearby Eminönü. With a nostalgic sense of faded glamor, the silent ground-level platforms of the main station – where the tracks have been removed as part of a slow renovation – offer a stark contrast to the thronged tunnels serving the suburban lines beneath. These lines are a necessary part of the journey today: the Istanbul-Sofia Express leaves from Halkali station on the western (European) outskirts of the city.

Halkali is at the end of the Marmaray railway that runs underneath Istanbul, connecting the European and Asian sides of the city in the process. So wherever your starting point, you must first travel on one of these frequent commuter services. If you’re starting around Sirkeci, this journey takes 45 minutes. The Marmaray line is a pleasant if crowded service that emerges above ground just outside the ancient Theodosian Walls that once repelled would-be invaders from the city (then called Constantinople). From there, it runs along the shores of the Sea of Marmara, more than likely bathed in the golden evening light for which Istanbul is renowned.

Boarding for the night train begins at Halkali an hour or so before departure, and while you can arrive up to just a few minutes before, it’s more relaxing to get there with time to spare. 

8:45pm: Pull out of Istanbul, and get comfortable on board

A shout of “Sofia!” directed toward the no-frills waiting room at Halkali is the cue for boarding to commence. After a baggage x-ray and on-platform ticket check by the train manager, passengers are directed to their compartment. The train consists of two Europe-bound night trains hauled as one service: carriages heading for Bucharest , Romania detach once the train is in Bulgaria, and head north from there.

Note that departure times can vary depending on what time of year you travel. The correct departure time of your train will be written clearly on your ticket.

On board, compartments are comfortable, functional and air-conditioned, dating from the 1990s. You’ll make up your own bedding when ready to turn in. There’s no wi-fi on board but there is a power socket. If you need assistance, a train manager moves through regularly. On my journey, train staff didn’t speak much English, but the international language of rail travel was enough to manage any issues.

The train leaves promptly in order to reach the border at the same time as the eastbound service, rumbling through the evocatively named region of Thrace . As on many night trains threading their way by deserted stations, through snoozing cities and past midnight freight movements, stops and starts are a part of the journey. In fact, for large sections of its 355-mile  (570km) route, this train runs on a single track line, with passing loops to allow for two-way running. Ideally, the gentle rocking of the train will lull you to sleep. Earplugs also help.

1:30am(ish): Wake up to pass through border checkpoints

This train does not offer an undisturbed night – which is all part of the fun. Once past Edirne (home to the 16th-century Selimiye Mosque , one of the wonders of Ottoman Islamic architecture) things grind to a halt at the border post of Kapıkule. Together with its Bulgarian counterpart, this forms Europe’s busiest land-border crossing. It’s also close to a shared border with Greece . 

While the vast majority of those passing through these checkpoints do so by car, Kapıkule is notable for a memorably inconvenient immigration process. Here, sleepy passengers must disembark from the train, take a stroll along the platform and queue up to get a stamp in their passports – before waiting for everyone else on board to do the same. Once everyone has their stamps, you can get back on and go back to sleep. The whole thing takes around an hour, followed by a slow crawl out of Turkey and into Bulgaria and the European Union. 

Since Kapıkule is one of the key borders crossed by migrants from Asia and Africa, the purposes of the fences are clear and thought-provoking to those of us enjoying the privilege of moving freely between them. Even at night, this section of the trip has an edgy, fortified feeling to it, with lines of razor wire and armed guards surveying the scene. 

Entering Bulgaria is a different process…and takes just as long. Guards enter the train at Svilengrad, the first stop in Bulgaria, then – slightly terrifyingly – take away passports for inspection and stamping. 

Largely because of these border controls, delays are highly possible. So it is sensible to build some slack into any plans for onward connections from Sofia.

3:30–6:30am: Get a few hours of sleep

Once you’re through Bulgaria, you’ll have the chance to grab a few hours of sleep before an early-morning arrival into Plovdiv . Bulgaria’s cultural capital is a superb place to take a break from the train (there are later services to reach the capital, though you’ll need to buy an additional ticket). Plovdiv (ancient Philippopolis) is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited town, and has a dramatic Roman amphitheater still in use today, a beautifully preserved Old Town filled with cobbled streets and charming 19th-century buildings, and a huge choice of cute cafes and inexpensive bakeries . On its outskirts, small hills offer a variety of panoramic views. 

If staying on board, the Istanbul carriages are hitched to a Bulgarian intercity service for the final few hours to Sofia. The scenery between Plovidv and Sofia is an easy-on-the-eyes mix of hills, woods and water – the perfect way to ease into the morning. The train attendant will wake everyone up, and offer instant coffee and tea in exchange for any leftover Turkish lira. The tracks skirt the Rhodopi and Rila Mountains , distant at first before an ascent through a forested pass and the last downhill leg toward Sofia. 

9:35am: Arrive in Sofia 

After a long and sleep-interrupted night, travelers may wish to remain in one place for a while. Which is fortunate, since there’s plenty to do in the Bulgarian capital . Big hitters – including the soaring neo-Byzantine Aleksander Nevski Cathedral , the National Museum of Natural History and the wildly varied National Gallery Quadrat 500 – will root you in one of Europe’s most underrated capitals. For a deeper dive, explore Bulgaria’s contemporary art scene at Sofia City Art Gallery , head to Fabrika Daga for a tempting brunch and explore the city’s craft beer scene at Kanaal or other cool bars and restaurants .

Where do the tracks lead from here?

Local travelers I spoke to recommended the narrow-gauge journey from Septemvri and Dobrinishte as a very scenic backcountry detour just off the Plovdiv-Sofia line. From Sofia, Bucharest is the most obvious onward destination for travel further into Western Europe. The 10-hour train runs direct in summer but requires a change close to the border at other times of year. Belgrade , Serbia and Thessaloniki , Greece can be reached via more challenging connections.

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Black Sea Express Train – Bulgaria

• Post author By railwaytraveller123
• Post date 26th June 2020
• No Comments on Black Sea Express Train – Bulgaria

Black Sea Express Train, Bulgaria

There are few better ways to evoke nostalgia of than a steam train journey, and Bulgaria’s Black Sea Express could just be Europe’s most spectacular steam adventure. The train hails from the time of King Boris III, known as the ‘Royal Corona Express’ and used by the king as his royal railway carriages. Today the train is operated by Railway Touring, who offers 11-day journeys that combine days on the train with unique excursions and luxurious hotel stays.

Travelling from the Bulgarian capital Sofia, guests are taken on cross-country Balkan adventure to the glittering Black Sea coast past medieval villages and dramatic gauges, all while being pulled in former royal carriages by powerful and ever-changing locomotives (one for train enthusiasts). This is truly one of Europe’s hidden gem railway journeys. 

Prices from: £2,495 Passengers: 332 Carriages: 3 Departing from: Sofia  Journey length: 10 nights

Black Sea Express train route

The Black Sea Express train is a private chartered train, and package trips and itineraries are all organised by the train’s operator, the Railway Touring Company. Riding on the train is part of an 11-day exploration of Bulgaria, beginning in Sofia and travelling all across Bulgaria to the Black Sea, with passengers returning to Sofia at the end of their trip. Nights are spent in local hotels and during the day carriages are pulled by a host of locomotives.

The first three days of the trip are spent exploring Sofia and its surrounding areas, and guests experience a mix of riding on the steam train and a host of off-train excursions. On day three the adventure truly begins, travelling on the Black Sea Express train from Sofia to Pleven Zapad and northern Bulgaira, before journeying onto the old town of Veliko Tarnovo.

Other highlights include steaming across the Balkan Mountains, enjoying Nesebar on the Black Sea coast (known as the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’ and navigating the gorges of the Rhodope Mountains. On day 10 of the trip the train steams back to Sofia where guests spend the night before flying home the next day. 

The Black Sea Express train

It’s clear to see the train’s carriages were once used by royalty, clad in smart olive-green livery and boasting luxurious old-world interiors. Three carriages in total make up the train, not including the ever-changing locomotives that are used to pull the carriages, the king’s coach, a saloon coach and sleeper car. Said to be used by King Boris’ staff, the king’s coach is clad in polished walnut panelling and houses some of the train’s private sitting and sleeper compartments.

The second, the saloon car, is the social hub of the train, essentially a dining and observation car where guests can relax in comfortable seating and admire the view from large windows. The third coach compromises of first-class compartments with plush interiors and seating. Many compartments have en-suite facilities and come with a armchair and settee. 

Cabins on the Black Sea Express Train

The train has many private compartments where passengers can sit, relax and enjoy the journey, and many compartments have private en-suites. Despite having a history as a royal train the Black Sea Express does not host guests overnight anymore, and passengers spend the night in top class hotels in Sofira, Veliko Tarnovo, Velingrad, Bansko and Burgas on the Black Sea Coast. Hotels vary per trip, so it’s worth checking in advance where you will be staying and try your luck with an upgrade. 

Food and drink

As part of the Railway Touring Company’s package 11-day tour most meals are included. Breakfasts and dinners at the hotel restaurant are included with the accommodation and lunches are included when spending the day on the train. The train’s food can be hit or miss and usually includes a selection of sandwiches and snacks, so make sure to pack any other snacks you might want along the way. While dinners are included in your package, there’s nothing stopping you from scrapping the hotel dinner and venturing out to a local restaurant to sample delicious, home-cooked Bulgarian specialities at often very affordable prices. 

The Black Sea Express is first and foremost an excursions tourist train, and the operator offers a host of activities for guests to choose from in each destination visited. Excursions start upon arrival in Sofia and include a private tram of the city and lots of free time to explore. In Veliko Tarnavo guests can choose from a walking tour of the medieval old town or a visit to the the Gorna Orjahovitsa depot and Asenovo Steam Reserve (for train enthusiasts). Other off-train excursions available to passengers include a sightseeing tour of the ancient city of Nesebar and visitng the world-famous UNESCO Rila Monastery. All excursions are included in the fare. 

As no evenings are spent on board the train does not have a dress code, and casual gear is perfectly acceptable for the day. Make sure to pack comfortable footwear and layers, and some smart casual garments for dinners at the hotel/local restaurants. 

What’s included

Tickets for the Black Sea Express tour of Bulgaria are all-inclusive, and include return flights from Heathrow, all hotels and accommodation, plus all breakfasts, eight dinners and six lunches on-board the train. Transfers are also included. Solo supplements cost £295 and it’s also possible to purchase a ticket not including flights.

Pros and cons

Pro: The chance to explore secret Bulgaria on a former royal train and lots of free time during the evening. Cons: accommodation and dinners in hotels can be hit or miss. 

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‘An unforgettable rail journey’: my night on the Istanbul-Sofia Express

The overnight service from Turkey to Bulgaria started running again this year and was voted one of the world’s best journeys for 2023 by Lonely Planet

Last week Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel list included the Istanbul-Sofia Express as an essential journey for 2023.

The overnight service restarted in April this year, after being suspended in early 2020. When introduced in 2017, it was a successor of older night-train services, including several incarnations using variants of the name Orient Express. I boarded one of the speedy suburban trains at Sirkeciin Istanbul’s Eminönü quarter, heading out of the city to Halkalı, an unassuming commuter station that’s now the starting point of this night train.

Leaving Istanbul from here is akin to first travelling from Euston to Watford Junction to board the Caledonian Sleeper: it’s a modern, functional station, though not much to look at. Once at Halkalı, the night’s pre-departure ceremony was getting under way. Shouts of “Sofia!” from station staff summoned passengers from an uncomfortably warm waiting room through a luggage X-ray machine and then on to the platform. I was directed to my 1990s-era sleeper compartment by the train manager. Home for the night came air-conditioned, with a power socket but no wifi and, unusually, a fridge stocked with water and a few snacks.

Leaving on time at 8.45pm, we rattled along the single-track line through the darkness. Somewhere along the way, I dozed off. Close to 1am we approached Edirne, with the Selimiye mosque lighting up the cityscape. Leaving Edirne, the train manager suddenly became unpopular, knocking on doors with a brisk “Control!”. It was the cue to get up and get in a slowly shuffling passport queue at Kapıkule on the Turkish-Bulgarian border. There were a few hundred passengers on the platform, most still half asleep. Waiting for that passport stamp was the perfect chance to meet fellow passengers. We were crossing the EU’s busiest land frontier, and it was becoming apparent to all that taking this sleeper does not guarantee a restful night. Snacks and smokes were offered around, and stories were shared.

It took about an hour to get everyone through the queue and back on board. Leaving Turkey, the train crawled through openings in barbed-wire fences and into Bulgaria, where another set of border guards took away everyone’s passport for an hour or so. I didn’t sleep until mine was returned. The barbed wire and guards in observation towers weren’t for those of us on this train, but they were for someone.

The rest of the journey felt dream-like, partly because of the interrupted night inducing a slightly dozy sense of where we were. At breakfast, we arrived in Plovdiv , famed for its Roman theatre and well-preserved 19th-century wooden buildings. It is an excellent place to stop over. The final haul over the mountains to Sofia was done in daylight, offering views of rocky hills and forested streams.

There was no on-board food service – passengers should buy a packed breakfast on their way out of Istanbul – but our enterprising train manager did pass through selling coffee and tea for small change, endearing himself to those he had had to coax out of bed in the night.

At about 9.30am, the train arrived at Sofia’s communist-era railway station and I hopped on the metro into the city centre for brunch. Though signature banitsa pastries are sold everywhere, the city’s food scene has evolved into a varied cafe culture with fine, strong coffee at its heart. A cup of that was very welcome after an unforgettable rail journey between two different cities that offered pause for thought and adventure on parallel tracks, stretching across south-east Europe and beyond. Tom Hall is vice president at Lonely Planet

The Istanbul-Sofia Express runs daily in each direction. It leaves Istanbul’s Halkalı station, a 45-minute journey from the centre, at 8.45pm , scheduled arrival in Sofia is 9.35am but border procedures can cause delays. In the opposite direction it leaves Sofia at 6.30pm and arrives at Halkali at 05.34am. Tickets cannot be bought online. Purchase in advance from Discoverbyrail.com – Tom Hall paid £105 (including Discover By Rail fee) for single occupancy of a sleeper compartment including ticket delivery to his hotel in Istanbul. For two-person occupancy the cost is £57.50pp via Discover By Rail. Tickets can be bought at the international sales desk at Sirkeci where second-class tickets (no couchette or sleeper) cost £16 plus £9 for a couchette, or a sleeper cabin to yourself £55. While it’s cheaper to buy in Istanbul, this runs the risk of the train being sold out, especially in summer.

• Istanbul holidays
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Fine Hotels + Resorts Program:  Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer, Business, and Corporate Platinum Card® Members, and Centurion® Members. Additional Platinum Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts are also eligible for FHR program benefits. Companion Card Members on Consumer Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts, Additional Business Gold and Additional Business Expense Card Members on Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts, and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members are not eligible for FHR program benefits. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit or additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the experience credit. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.

The Hotel Collection Program:  The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Gold Card, Platinum Card® Members, and Centurion® Members. Additional Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum Card Accounts, and Additional Card Members on Consumer and Business Centurion Accounts are also eligible for THC program benefits. Delta SkyMiles® Gold and Platinum Card Members are not eligible. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Room upgrade is subject to availability and is provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit or additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to $100. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.

$200 Hotel Credit:  Basic Card Members on U.S. Consumer Platinum Card Account are eligible to receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when they or Additional Platinum Card Members use their Cards to pay for eligible prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel (meaning through amextravel.com, the Amex® App, or by calling the phone number on the back of your eligible Card) or when Companion Platinum Card Members on such Platinum Card Accounts pay for eligible prepaid bookings for The Hotel Collection made through American Express Travel (meaning through amextravel.com, the Amex® App, or by calling the phone number on the back of your eligible Card). Please note, access to the benefit may take up to 24 hours to take effect on your Card after Account opening. Purchases by both the Basic Card Member and any Additional Card Members on the Card Account are eligible for statement credits. However, the total amount of statement credits for eligible purchases will not exceed $200 per calendar year, per Card Account. Fine Hotels + Resorts® program bookings may be made only by eligible U.S. Consumer Basic Platinum and Additional Platinum Card Members. The Hotel Collection bookings may be made by eligible U.S. Consumer Basic and Additional Platinum Card Members and Companion Platinum Card Members on the Platinum Card Account. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members are not eligible for the benefit. To receive the statement credits, an eligible Card Member must make a new booking using their eligible Card through American Express Travel on or after July 1st, 2021, that is prepaid (referred to as "Pay Now" on amextravel.com and the Amex App), for a qualifying stay at an available, participating Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection property. Bookings of The Hotel Collection require a minimum stay of two consecutive nights. Eligible bookings must be processed before December 31st, 11:59PM Central Time, each calendar year to be eligible for statement credits within that year. Eligible bookings do not include interest charges, cancellation fees, property fees or other similar fees, or any charges by a property to you (whether for your booking, your stay or otherwise).

Statement credits are typically received within a few days, however it may take 90 days after an eligible prepaid hotel booking is charged to the Card Account. American Express relies on the merchant’s processing of transactions to determine the transaction date. The transaction date may differ from the date you made the purchase if, for example, there is a delay in the merchant submitting the transaction to us or if the merchant uses another date as the transaction date. This means that in some cases your purchase may not earn the statement credit benefit for the benefit period in which you made the purchase. For example, if an eligible purchase is made on December 31st but the merchant processes the transaction such that it is identified to us as occurring on January 1st, then the statement credit available in the next calendar year will be applied. Statement credits may not be received or may be reversed if the booking is cancelled or modified. If the Card Account is canceled or past due, it may not qualify to receive a statement credit. If American Express does not receive information that identifies your transaction as eligible, you will not receive the statement credits. For example, your transaction will not be eligible if it is a booking: (i) made with a property not included in the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection programs, (ii) not made through American Express Travel, or (iii) not made with an eligible Card. Participating properties and their availability are subject to change. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit, American Express will not have an obligation to provide and may reverse any statement credits provided to you. If a charge for an eligible purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Card Account, the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead, the statement credit may be applied to your Pay In Full balance. Please refer to AmericanExpress.com/FHR and AmericanExpress.com/HC for more information about Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, respectively.

5X Membership Rewards® Points Platinum Card:  Basic Card Members will get 1 Membership Rewards® point for each dollar charged for eligible purchases on their Platinum Card® or an Additional Card on their Account and 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar charged for eligible travel purchases on any Card on the Account (“Additional Points”), minus cancellations and credits. Eligible travel purchases are limited to: (i) purchases of air tickets on scheduled flights, of up to $500,000 in charges per calendar year, booked directly with passenger airlines or through American Express Travel (by calling 1-800-525-3355 or through AmexTravel.com); (ii) purchases of prepaid hotel reservations booked through American Express Travel; and (iii) purchases of prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com. Eligible travel purchases do not include: charter flights, private jet flights, flights that are part of tours, cruises, or travel packages (other than prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com), ticketing or similar service fees, ticket cancellation or change fees, property fees or similar fees, hotel group reservations or events, interest charges, or purchases of cash equivalents. Eligible prepaid hotel bookings or prepaid flight+hotel bookings that are modified directly with the hotel will not be eligible for Additional Points.

Bonuses that may be received with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express cannot be combined with this benefit. Any portion of a charge that the Basic Card Member elects to cover through redemption of Membership Rewards points is not eligible to receive points. Additional terms and restrictions apply.

Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for Additional Points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn Additional Points if the merchant’s code is not included in an Additional Points category. Basic Card Members may not receive Additional Points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an Additional Points category. For example, you may not receive Additional Points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services, a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers), or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.

To be eligible for this benefit, the Card Account must not be cancelled. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit in any way American Express may remove access to this benefit from the Account. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card or visit americanexpress.com/rewards-info for more information about rewards.

5X Membership Rewards Points for Business Platinum Card:  You will get one point for each dollar charged for an eligible purchase on your Business Platinum Card® from American Express. You will get 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. Eligible travel purchases include scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Additionally, eligible travel purchases include prepaid hotel purchases made through American Express Travel, over the phone with our Travel Consultants or made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Eligible travel purchases do NOT include non-prepaid hotel bookings, scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages over the phone, vacation packages, car rentals, cruise, hotel group reservations or events, ticketing service, cancellation or other fees, interest charges, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, or purchases of other cash equivalents. To be eligible for the 5x Membership Rewards® points, you must both reserve and charge the travel purchase with the same eligible Business Platinum Card®. To modify a reservation you must cancel and rebook your reservation. You can cancel and rebook your reservation on AmexTravel.com or by calling a representative of AmexTravel.com at 1-800-297-2977. Cancellations are subject to hotel cancellation penalty policies. If hotel reservations are made or modified directly with the hotel provider, the reservation will not be eligible for this 5X Membership Rewards® point benefit. To be eligible to receive extra points, Card account(s) must not be cancelled or past due at the time of extra points fulfillment. If booking is cancelled, the extra points will be deducted from the Membership Rewards account. Extra points will be credited to the Membership Rewards account approximately 6-10 weeks after eligible purchases appear on the billing statement. Bonuses you may receive with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express may not be combined with this benefit. The benefits associated with the Additional Card(s) you choose may be different than the benefits associated with your basic Card. To learn about the benefits associated with Additional Card(s) you choose, please call the number on the back of your Card.

Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for additional points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn additional points if the merchant’s code is not included in an additional points category. You may not receive additional points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an additional points category. For example, you may not receive additional points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services; or a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers); or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.

Please visit  americanexpress.com/rewards-info  for more information about rewards.

Pay with Points:  To use Pay with Points, you must charge your eligible purchase through American Express Travel to a Membership Rewards® program-enrolled American Express® Card. Eligible purchases through American Express Travel exclude non-prepaid car rentals and non-prepaid hotels. Points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account, and credit for corresponding dollar amount will be issued to the American Express Card account used. If points redeemed do not cover entire amount, the balance of purchase price will remain on the American Express Card account. Minimum redemption 5,000 points.

See  membershiprewards.com/terms  for the Membership Rewards program terms and conditions.

If a charge for a purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Linked Account the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead the statement credit may be applied to your Pay in Full balance. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card. Corporate Card Members are not eligible for Pay Over Time.

Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards® program apply. Visit  membershiprewards.com/terms  for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.

The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to  www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo .

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit  americanexpress.com/travelterms

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lukovit, econt cherven bryag obshtinata, econt trastenik, econt razgrad orel, econt razgrad avtogara, econt razgrad beli lom, econt kyrdjali vasil aprilov, econt kardjali, econt kardzhali vazrojdenci, econt kyrdzhali veselchane, econt etropole bul. ruski, econt etropole avtogara, econt pravets, econt svilengrad, econt svilengrad mladost, econt karnobat, econt peshtera izgrev, econt peshtera balgaria, econt ruse vazrajdane, econt ruse solun, econt ruse lokomotiv, econt ruse halite, econt ruse han krum, econt ruse targovska, econt ruse rodina, econt ruse krygovoto, econt ruse slavyanska, econt ruse borisova, econt ruse medica, econt ruse nikolaevska, econt ruse charodeika, econt ruse druzhba, econt ruse bulgaria 123, dhl ruse gotze delchev, econt ruse zapadna zona, econt marten, econt chepelare, econt shumen turbo, econt shumen tzar osvoboditel, econt shumen skobelev, econt shumen osmi mart, econt shoumen ruski pametnik, econt shoumen trakia, econt shumen, econt ardino, econt momchilgrad, econt dzhebel, econt botevgrad, econt botevgrad iztok, econt ihtiman, econt burgas ferdinandova, dhl burgas tzar simeon, econt burgas patriarh evtimii, econt burgas royal, econt burgas bratya miladinovi, econt burgas lazur, dhl burgas odrin, econt burgas zornitsa, econt burgas, econt burgas izgrev, econt burgas slaveykov, econt burgas debelyanov, econt bourgas pz sever, econt burgas meden rudnik, econt burgas vastanicheska, econt burgas sarafovo, econt kostenetz, econt smolian ustovo, econt smolyan raikovo, econt smolyan, econt smolyan voenno okrajie, econt rudozem, econt rakitovo, econt velingrad, econt velingrad saedinenie, econt velingrad rubin, econt kneja obshtinata, econt devin vasil levski, econt sofia borovo, econt sofia bokar manastirski livadi, econt aytos avtogara, econt aytos orela, econt madan, econt sredets, econt slivo pole, econt byala slatina, econt kaspichan, econt novi pazar, econt mezdra, econt elin pelin, econt elin pelin ploshtada, econt gara elin pelin, econt lozen, econt zlatograd, econt isperih, econt kirkovo, econt dospat, econt sarnica, econt samokov ploshtada, econt samokov, econt samokov kv.samokovo, econt sofia chelopechene, econt sofia vas metal, dhl sofia maria atanasova, econt sofia levski, econt kazichene, econt sofia levski g, econt sofia momina klisura, econt sofia gara iskar, econt sofia, econt sofia hristo smirnenski, econt sofia drujba 1, econt sofia borsa kara, econt sofia drujba 2, econt sofia slatina, econt sofia deliiska vodenitsa, econt sofia pliska, econt sofia carigradsko shose, econt sofia carigradski kompleks, econt sofia mladost okrajna bolnica, econt sofia gorublyansko hanche, econt sofia musagenitsa, econt sofia mladost 1a pytekite, econt sofia mladost 1, econt sofia technich. universitet, econt sofia darvenica, econt novi iskar, econt sofia kliment ohridski, econt vraca levski, econt vraca avtogara, econt vraca ploshtad ruski, econt vratsa, econt vraca mehanoto, econt vraca j.k.dabnika, econt provadia, econt glozhene, econt sofia pancharevo, econt german, econt sofia gorublyane, econt bistritsa, econt sofia mladost 4, econt sofia ul. racho kazandjiyata, econt sofia biznes park, econt sofia mladost, econt sofia mladost 2, econt sofia simeonovo, econt sofia studentski grad, econt sofia boris stefanov, econt sofia kv.vitosha, econt sofia dragalevci, econt sofia krastova vada, econt glavinica, econt tutrakan, econt sofia benkovski, econt sofia orlandovci, econt sofia voenna rampa, econt sofia numan, econt sofia ilienci purva baza, econt sofia ilienci - vtora baza, econt sofia svoboda, econt sofia tolstoi, econt sofia lomsko shose, econt sofia trebich latin kolev, econt sofia beli dunav, econt sofia obelia 2, econt sofia obelya 1, econt novi iskar kumarica, econt sofia moderno predgradie, econt sofia lyulin 1 evropa, econt sofia orion, econt sofia silver centar lulin, econt sofia zahari stoyanov, econt sofia lyulin 5, econt pomorie nov grad, econt pomorie, econt aheloi, econt ravda, econt svoge, econt devnya, econt dulovo, econt sofia manastirski livadi, econt sofia pavlovo, econt sofia boyana, econt sofia lubliana, econt sofia karpuzica, econt sofia ovcha kupel, econt sofia knyazhevo, econt sofia gorna bania, econt sofia promishlena, econt sofia ovcha kupel 2, econt slanchevbriag viva, econt slanchevbriag avtogara, econt nesebar sklad, econt nesebar, econt sveti vlas, econt razgrad biznes zona peristar, econt novi han, econt kalofer, econt hisarya, econt belene, econt elhovo, econt varna vinica, econt varna briz, econt varna 8-mi primorski polk, econt varna chaika, econt varna tehnicheski universitet, econt varna levski, econt varna doktor a. zhelezkova, econt varna chataldja, econt varna bitolya, econt varna cveten kvartal, econt varna cherven ploshtad, econt varna 27-mi yuli, econt varna spartak, econt varna vazrazhdane 3, econt varna pobeda, econt varna benkovski, dhl varna vladislav varnenchik, econt varna patriarha, econt varna zhp gara, econt varna kolhozen pazar, econt varna hristo botev, econt varna asparuhovo, econt krumovgrad, econt lom han asparuh, econt lom ploshtada, econt suvorovo, econt apriltsi, econt kozloduy targovska, econt kozloduy georgi dimitrov, econt avel banya, econt galabovo, econt byala, rusensko, econt parvomai, econt parvomay debar, econt ivaylovgrad, econt vetovo, econt kubrat, econt septemvri, econt razlog, econt miziya, econt oriahovo, econt valchedram, econt montana industrialna, econt montana pystrina, dhl montana industrialna, econt montana mladost 2, econt montana teatara, econt montana, econt vurshec, econt berkovitsa, econt goce delchev panairski livadi, econt goce delchev dunav, econt gotse delchev nevrokop, goce delchev, econt gotse delchev, econt bansko gorski tehnikum, econt bansko, econt razlog predela, econt sandanski bazilika, econt sandanski stambolovo, econt sandanski, econt kostinbrod, econt kostinbrod obedinena, econt bojurishte, econt slivnica, econt aksakovo, econt varna vladislavovo, econt varna kaysieva gradina, econt varna zapadna prom. zona, econt varna mladost gjurlata, econt varna, dhl varna usta kolyo ficheto, econt varna mayka tereza, econt varna troshevo, econt varna pazar mladost, econt dobrich dobrotitsa, econt dobrich leten teatar, econt dobrich rusia, econt dobrich dobrichka epopeya, econt dobrich georgi kirkov, econt dobrich rodina, econt dobrich balik, econt dobrich, econt balchik levski, econt tervel, econt kalipetrovo, econt aydemir, econt silistra promishlena zona, econt silistra avrora, econt silistra makedonia, econt general toshevo, econt sozopol republikanska, econt primorsko, econt sofia suhodol, econt blagoevgrad glavna ulica, econt blagoevgrad pazara, econt blagoevgrad stadiona, econt blagoevgrad zapad, econt blagoevgrad koncheto, dhl blagoevgrad vasil levski, econt blagoevgrad elenovo, econt blagoevgrad strumsko, econt blagoevgrad pokrovnishko shose, econt simitli, econt dupnitsa patriarha, econt dupnitsa, econt dupnitsa tihia kat, econt kyustendil avangard, econt kyustendil moric levi, econt kyustendil batemberg, econt radomir, econt pernik daskalovo, econt pernik pazara, econt pernik pashov, econt pernik iztok, econt pernik moshino, econt pernik kv. prouchvane, econt petrich zone industrial, econt petrich monopola, econt petrich alen mak, econt bankya, econt breznik, econt belogradchik, econt vidin rovno, econt vidin avangard kaleto, econt vidin ploshtad tashkupria, econt vidin krum bachvarov, econt carevo, econt kavarna, econt shabla, econt calapica, econt obzor, econt sapareva banya, econt botevgrad promishlena zona, econt selo parvomai, econt sofia lyulin 8 shtastie, econt stara zagora nlts, econt burgas izgrev transportna, econt satovcha, econt smyadovo, econt gulyantsi, econt dimitrovgrad kv. rakovski, econt vidin econt drive, econt draginovo, econt mramor, econt karlovo industrialen, econt blagoevgrad podstancia gramada, econt nikopol, dhl sofia patriarh patriarha, econt elena, econt vidin promishlena zona.

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• Shipments received after 12:00 hour (or on the weekend) will be shipped on the next working day.

Opening hours

Holiday opening hours.

• 05/01/2024 opened from 09:00 to 15:00
• 05/03/2024 opened from 09:00 to 15:00
• 05/06/2024 opened from 09:00 to 15:00
• 05/24/2024 opened from 09:00 to 15:00
• From 05/04/2024 to 05/05/2024 closed

Available services

• Shipment drop off & collection
• International shipping
• Packaging available

Payment options

Contact details.

• 070017700 mobile *3456 outside Bulgaria +35929309400
• Service Point ID: SOF669

Shipment / items limits

• By item: 90 × 90 × 90 cm 30 kg
• By shipment: 5 pc 70 kg

How to send a shipment online

Order shipments online quickly and from the comfort of your home or office! You can easily find the price on our website, print your transport label and wait for a courier to pick up the shipment.

You can pay for your delivery via credit or debit card. You can also insure the shipment or select a more environmentally friendly delivery option.

Pack your shipment at home, print your transport label and wait for our DHL courier.

Then it's all up to us. You can keep track of where your shipment is by checking our website or contacting our call center.

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Watch the video to understand how to send your shipment with DHL Express!

How to send a shipment at a DHL ServicePoint

You can easily find the nearest ServicePoint even from your mobile phone. Just check on our website.

Then simply bring the shipment to one of our ServicePoints, where the staff will be happy to assist you.

We will help you choose a suitable packaging and create the transport label. Then you can pay in cash, debit or credit card.

At the end of the day all shipments are collected by a DHL courier and taken to our logistics center. Then our yellow airplane delivers them to the final destination.

How to send with a DHL courier

DHL Express makes it easy to send packges and documents worldwide. Order your shipments by phone and you will see that they are delivered quickly and reliably.

Just contact our call center at: 0 700 17 700 ; *3456 for mobile operators or + 359 2 930 94 00 - outside Bulgaria. Then tell us the sender and recepient information as well as shipment details.

Our DHL employee will create your pick up request and send you an email containing a link for you to finalize your transport label.

Then simply print out the label. Your DHL courier will come to pick up the package and you can pay for your shipment to them.

How to receive shipment via DHL Locker

Your shipment from abroad is already on its way and you do not want to wait for a courier? If you want to change your delivery option to a DHL Locker, just register at ( www.ondemand.dhl.com ).

Find the nearest DHL Locker in your area.

You can open the DHL Locker using a PIN which you will receive via SMS.

And you are done! DHL Locker is an easy way to pick up your shipment at a time that suits you.

How to organize import

You have forgotten something abroad or simply want to arrange import on behalf of a person who does not have a contract with DHL Express? No problem, it is already possible!

You just need to fill in the shipment details, pick up and recipient address. When organizing this type of import, only a card payment is accepted.

After your payment is confirmed, a shipping label and instructions for the shipper will be generated. For shipper’s convenience, the system allows all instructions to be created in the language of the country from which the shipment will be picked up.

The shipper will receive instructions via email. They need to print the shipping label, confirm pickup address and shipment dimensions, and generate a courier pickup request. And that's all – your shipment is on its way!

Watch the video to understand how to organize import.