Sofia Car Rental Guide: Airport pickup, driving tips and day

Hiring a car in Sofia puts all of Bulgaria within easy reach—Vitosha Mountain for a half‑day escape, Plovdiv for culture, and the Rila Monastery for a scenic road trip. This guide explains how airport pickup works, essential driving rules, parking in the city, vignettes (tolls), winter equipment, and cross‑border travel so you can plan with confidence.

Sofia Airport (SOF) pickup and returns

Terminals: Sofia Airport has Terminal 2 (main) and Terminal 1 (used by some low‑cost carriers). Check your booking to confirm your meeting point.
Meeting your car: Most rentals meet customers in the arrivals hall or at a nearby car park. After‑hours handovers are usually possible with prior notice.
Returns: Follow airport signage to the rental car parking. Allow extra time during peak hours and before early morning flights.

If you prefer a budget‑focused option in town, see our page on cheap car hire in Sofia. For direct airport collections, go to Sofia Airport car hire.

Driving rules in Bulgaria (quick checklist)

Headlights: Use dipped headlights day and night all year.
Speed limits (unless signed otherwise): 50 km/h cities, 90 km/h rural roads, up to 140 km/h on motorways.
Alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC. Penalties are strict—do not drink and drive.
Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants; children must use appropriate seats.
Phones: Hands‑free only—no handheld use while driving.

Vignettes and tolls

Bulgaria uses an electronic vignette system for national roads and motorways. There are no physical toll booths for cars. Many rentals already include a valid e‑vignette; confirm this in your contract. If not included, you can purchase one online before you travel or at fuel stations near the airport.

Parking in Sofia

City center uses paid Blue and Green zones on weekdays and part of Saturday. Look for street signs indicating hours and methods of payment (SMS, app, or kiosks).
Private lots and mall car parks are common and simpler for longer stops.
At Sofia Airport, short‑term and multi‑storey parking are signposted at each terminal.

Winter driving and mountain trips

From mid‑November to early March, conditions can be wintry in Sofia and especially in nearby mountains (Vitosha, Rila, Pirin). Winter tires are widely used during the season, and snow chains may be required on certain roads when signposted. Ask your rental provider about seasonal equipment before you travel.

Popular routes from Sofia

Vitosha Mountain and Boyana Church: Short city escape with panoramic views; combine with the UNESCO‑listed Boyana Church.
Rila Monastery: Head south via A3/E79 and follow the signs to Rila; allow a full day.
Plovdiv: Take A1 (Trakia motorway). Ideal as a day trip or overnight.
Veliko Tarnovo: Drive northeast via Hemus motorway and E772; scenic and historic.

Planning a one‑way itinerary across Bulgaria? Review our one‑way car rental options before you book.

Cross‑border travel from Sofia

Travel to neighboring countries (Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, Turkey) is possible only with prior authorization noted in your rental agreement. Additional insurance (Green Card) and fees may apply, and border rules differ by country. Request approval well in advance and carry passports and car documents at all times.

Fuel: Unleaded petrol (95/98), diesel, and LPG are widely available. Keep receipts if your contract requires a full‑to‑full return.
Payments: Cards are accepted at most stations and toll/vignette points; keep some cash for small towns.
Navigation: Combine an offline map app with road signs. Bulgarian and English signage appears on main routes.

Car rental essentials with Avacar

What’s included varies by vehicle and supplier. Review insurance, mileage, fuel policy, and deposits in advance.
Bring a valid driving license (and International Driving Permit if required for your country), passport, and payment card in the main driver’s name.
Check for existing damage during pickup and photograph the car upon return.

For the full breakdown of coverage, deposits and driver requirements, read our car rental terms and conditions and the FAQ section.

Beyond Sofia: coastal and regional hubs

Many travelers pair Sofia with the Black Sea coast or other cities. If your plans include a flight into or out of another airport, compare availability at:

Varna Airport car hire (VAR) for the northern coast and Sea Garden.
Burgas Airport car hire (BOJ) for Sunny Beach, Sozopol and the south coast.

Trip timing and local etiquette

Traffic: Expect weekday congestion 8–10 a.m. and 5–7 p.m., plus busy routes to the mountains on winter weekends.
Police checks: Routine roadside checks are common. Carry license, passport, rental agreement, and vignette proof.
Emergency numbers: 112 for all emergencies nationwide.

Modify or manage your booking

Need to adjust pickup time or driver details? You can manage your reservation online. See My bookings or learn more about the booking process.

Sofia Car Rental Guide: pick up at SOF, drive with confidence in Bulgaria