Auto Europe
Car Hire in Bulgaria – Uncover one of the oldest European countries
Consisting of a diverse and rich terrain, Bulgaria is a Balkan country within the European Union. The country has been the melting pot for numerous influences across its history. The Greek, Ottoman and Slavic cultures - to name but a few – have all contributed to this nations rich heritage, costumes, crafts and music. Sofia is its capital city and it is located at the foot of the Vitosha mountain. Dating back to the 5th Century BC, Sofia has many landmarks to explore.
With a car hire in Bulgaria, visitors can also visit some of the other popular cities in the country. Burgas is located on the Black Sea and has many interesting museums and galleries, whilst Varna is a port city again located on the Black Sea coastline that is worth a visit. Opting to hire a cheap car hire in Bulgaria will not only allow visitors to uncover these splendid cities, but the whole country. See for yourself how Bulgaria has developed over time and experience some wonderful moments at a waterfront bar or in the lush countryside.
Auto Europe has more than 70 years of international experience within the car rental industry. Through its trusted partners it offers standard car hire, luxury car hire and motorhome hire. With a large fleet of vehicles and loads of convenient locations to choose from, customers can benefit from great rental rate, regular promotions and an award-winning customer service team. Please contact our reservation agents today for assistance or to find out more. In addition, have a look at our car hire reviews in Bulgaria section.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Bulgaria, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Our Car Hire Suppliers in Bulgaria | Bulgaria Car Hire FAQs | Vehicle Options in Bulgaria |
Where to pick-up a car hire in Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers up loads of convenient locations in which to collect your hire car from. City centres and airports are the most popular options and often the most accessible to visitors. We have partnered with some of the best car rental firms in the business, both locally and internationally. This means that finding the best deal shouldn’t be a challenge, no matter where in the country you are. From Plovdid to Sunny Beach, we’ve got you covered.
Before you arrive at the car rental office, make sure you have your driving licence (including, international driving permit, if required), identification, car rental voucher and a valid credit card for a deposit. The credit card must be under the main driver’s name and contain enough funds. Some suppliers may require more than one credit card. Inspect your vehicle on collection, and make sure someone inspects it again once you return. The deposit will be released back onto your card once the car is confirmed to be in the same condition as during pick-up. Fully read the car hire voucher’s terms and conditions, paying attention to any restrictions and the fuel policy.
Compare Car Hire Rates at the Most Popular Airports in Bulgaria
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Book with the best car hire suppliers in Bulgaria
Our car hire suppliers have been selected for the great rates they provide, the top level of service and convenience. With competitive rental rates, regular promotions and great complementary deals, customer will surely save money and time when booking through us. Furthermore, customers can easily cancel a booking free-of-charge up to 48 hours before the start of your reservation. From Alamo to Europcar and Top Rent – we have partnered with the very best in the business. We are present across Bulgaria, from Sunny Beach to Banksko, and in many countries across the world. Look into booking today and feel secure in the knowledge that all bookings come with a free-of-charge cancellation period of up to 48-hours before rental commencement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Renting a Car in Bulgaria
To help customers on their way to a successful and stress-free rental in Bulgaria, we have answered the following popular questions for the country. All this information, including any road rules and regulations apply to Bulgaria as a whole, from Sunny Beach to Sofia. If we haven’t answered your questions here, give one of our reservation agents a call and they’ll be happy to answer any car hire related questions.
How old do I have to be to rent a car in Bulgaria?
This depends per supplier. For Green Rent and Car Rent in Bulgaria you need to be a minimum of 18 years old and have held your driving licence for at least a year. For all other suppliers you will have to be a minimum of 21 years old to rent a car in Bulgaria. Any driver with less than 26 years of age may incur a young driver surcharge fee. This fee is paid locally to the supplier. If this is your first car hire, we recommend reading our age requirements section to gain a deeper in-depth into the subject.
Can I pick up my car rental in Bulgaria in one place and drop it off in another?
Yes – in general one-way car hire is permitted, however this depends on the supplier and destination. For Green Rent, Car Rent, Enterprise and Top Rent, international one-way car hire is not permitted. Other suppliers may have restrictions regarding international travel to specific countries. Generally, neighbouring countries are permitted. All destinations must be noted during booking, this includes any travel around eastern Europe. Failure to do so will render your insurance cover void. An extra fee will be imposed for this service, which is paid directly to the supplier at location.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Bulgaria?
Yes – you will need one or more credit cards in order to collect your car rental in Bulgaria from the supplier. The credit card will have to be under the main driver’s name and contain enough funds for a deposit. The deposit will be released back onto the card once the car is returned, and its condition is confirmed to be the same as when it left. All major credit cards are accepted – Mastercard, Visa, etc. For more information on credit cards and deposits you can click on the info button during your booking.
What are the most important driving rules in Bulgaria?
Bulgarian roads are generally not in a very good state of repair. Thus, care should be taken when driving throughout the country and especially in rural areas. Along with potholes, the lack of road markings can be problematic. It is also important to be aware that certain parts of Bulgaria can experience harsh winter conditions, and you should make sure your vehicle is prepared for it. Generally, road rules and regulations are the same as in all other European countries. In urban areas the speed limit varies between 30km to 50km per hour. In rural areas 90km per hour except at junctions where it reduces to 60km per hour. On motorways you can expect speed limits up to 140km per hour.
There is zero tolerance for drink driving, and either on the spot fines will be issued or a hefty prison sentence. Also, it is important to be aware of fake police officers and carjacking. This is particularly apparent along the Black Sea, near Dupnitsa and Kyustendil. If you happen to breakdown do not panic, simply put on your Hi-Vez and set out the triangle. Inform both Auto Europe and the car rental supplier of the situation. Always only do things if safe to do so.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Bulgaria?
Maybe – in general road tolls are very unlikely. Although two bridge tolls exist and are located on New Europe Bridge and Danube Bridge. Both bridges are located at the border crossing to Romania. In Bulgaria a car vignette is required, but this should be in place once you collect your car from the supplier. Please confirm this with the supplier before setting off. If your car does not have a vignette, you may purchase one at any border crossing, petrol station, post office of at DZI bank branches. Vignette can be valid for the day, the week, a weekend, month, 6-months or a whole year. Municipal roads are free-of-charge.
What kind of insurance do I need for my car hire in Bulgaria?
The rental rate you are shown includes all the minimum legally required car hire coverage and insurances for Bulgaria. The minimum requirement is that of Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP) and Liability Insurance – with or without excess. This cover is the absolute minimum and does not cover damage and loss to everything. That is why we recommend taking out our Full Damage & Theft Protection Cover during your booking. For a minimal cost, this coverage will provide protection against loss or damage to keys, undercarriage, mirrors and much more during your rental. The cost will depend on the car category and the rental duration. Use the info button to find out more or refer to your bookings rental voucher terms and conditions.
Local suppliers may also offer additional insurances. These insurances are optional, and you do not need to have them. For the most part, if you have already opted for the Full Damage & Theft Protection Cover – then you should be covered. Local insurances include bur are not limited to; breakdown cover, travel insurance, super CDW, personal effects coverage and more. Auto Europe does not recommend of profit from said insurances. We do not refund insurances paid directly to the supplier even if deemed to have been unnecessary afterwards. Refer to the vehicle hire coverage section to find out more.
Can I use my UK licence to drive my rental in Bulgaria?
Yes – although as a non-EU licence an International Driving Permit is required. Depending on the supplier, drivers must have held their licence for at least 1 to 3 years. Military driving licences are not accepted, and a licence must be in the Roman alphabet. The International Driving Permit is only valid if accompanied by a valid UK driving licence. A record of any endorsements must be presented during pick-up. This can be a print-out dated within the last 21-days, or a code which will give the supplier access to your endorsement record online. Refer to the DVLA changes section for more information.
Can I add an additional driver to my rental car in Bulgaria?
Yes – an additional driver can be added to your car hire in Bulgaria. This should be done during your initial reservation. Often there is a small fee for this service, however we do provide regular free additional driver offers at specific locations worldwide. All the names of additional drivers must be noted on the booking paperwork. All drivers must present during pick-up the same information, this includes a driving licence and identification. Failure to mention an additional driver may make the main driver liable for any damage or loss incurred, and the insurance cover void.
Additional Vehicle Rental Options in Bulgaria
Through us you’re sure to find the perfect car type for your trip. Each category comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Our mini car category is ideal for narrow roads and city driving, whilst our compact and economy cars balance fuel-efficiency with performance. If you’re planning on driving longer distances, than check out the large car category – ideal for a comfortable motorway drive. Have a look at the Bulgaria fleet guide section for more details.
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Luxury Car Hire Bulgaria - A popular choice amongst our business users, the luxury car category provides high-end vehicles at a competitive rate. Glamorous inside and out, in this category you can expect to find Mercedes, BMW, Porsche and many more top brands. Make a great first impression with a superb high-end vehicle. Packed with all the latest equipment, these cars have powerful engines and are exceptionally comfortable.
Van Hire Bulgaria - If you are travelling with lots of people or are simply looking to move house – by hiring a van through us, you’ll not only benefit by saving money on one hire as opposed to hiring multiple vehicles, you’ll also have loads of extra room for moving equipment. Vans can take up to eight passengers and provide good legroom and comfort for longer journeys. Many customers who opt for a van do so when planning a trip to events with large groups or for conferences.
SUV Hire Bulgaria - If you’re planning on exploring a lot more of what Bulgaria has to offer, and going further into the countryside, we would recommend an SUV. Mostly a 4x4 vehicle, these cars are sturdy and powerful – making it ideal for the varying Bulgarian terrain. Although off-roading is generally not allowed, Bulgarian roads at times can be challenging, so a strong SUV is ideal for getting you out of tricky situations. These cars can seat up to five people, with enough legroom to match. Plenty of storage for luggage is also provided.
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