Travelling to Plovdiv

Travelling to Plovdiv by car: If you’re planning to travel to Plovdiv by car, there are several routes you can take depending on your starting location and preferred route. Here are some general tips and information to keep in mind when travelling to Plovdiv by car:

Border crossing

If you’re travelling from outside Bulgaria, you will need to cross the border into Bulgaria. The most common border crossing points are Kulata/Promahon (from Greece) and Kalotina (from Serbia).

Road conditions

Most major roads in Bulgaria are in good condition, but some smaller roads and rural areas may have potholes or other hazards. It’s important to drive with caution and obey all traffic laws.

Toll roads: There are several toll roads in Bulgaria, including the Trakia Motorway which connects Sofia to Plovdiv. Make sure to have Bulgarian lev on hand to pay the toll fees.

Speed limits

The speed limit on highways in Bulgaria is 140 km/h (87 mph), while the limit on other roads ranges from 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas to 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads.

Parking

There are several parking options available in Plovdiv, including street parking, paid parking lots, and parking garages.

Navigation

It’s a good idea to have a GPS navigation system or a map on hand to help navigate to your destination. Google Maps is a popular app that can be used for navigation in Bulgaria.

Тravelling to Plovdiv by car can be a convenient and cost-effective option, especially if you’re travelling with a group or have a lot of luggage. Just be sure to plan ahead, follow all traffic laws, and stay alert while driving.

Travelling to plovdiv by car cost

The cost of travelling to Plovdiv by car can vary depending on several factors, including the distance travelled, the type of vehicle you’re driving, and the cost of fuel. Here are some general cost estimates to keep in mind when planning a trip to Plovdiv by car:

Fuel costs

The cost of fuel can vary depending on the price of petrol/diesel at the time of your trip and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. As of May 2023, the average price of petrol in Bulgaria is around 2.40 BGN per liter, while diesel is around 2.45 BGN per liter.

Toll fees

If you’re travelling on a toll road, such as the Trakia Motorway, you will need to pay toll fees. The toll fees for the Trakia Motorway range from 6 BGN to 19 BGN depending on the distance travelled.

Parking costs

If you plan to park your car in Plovdiv, there may be additional costs for street parking, paid parking lots, or parking garages. The cost of parking can vary depending on the location and duration of your stay.

Vehicle maintenance

Depending on the age and condition of your vehicle, you may need to factor in additional costs for maintenance or repairs.

Overall, the cost of travelling to Plovdiv by car can be relatively low compared to other forms of transportation, especially if you’re travelling with a group. However, it’s important to factor in all potential costs when planning your trip and to budget accordingly to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Getting to Plovdiv from Sofia

Plovdiv is located approximately 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. There are several transportation options available for getting to Plovdiv from Sofia, including:

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate regular bus routes between Sofia and Plovdiv, including Union Ivkoni and Biomet. Buses depart from the Sofia Central Bus Station and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. Ticket prices range from 10 BGN to 20 BGN depending on the bus company and the type of ticket.

Train

There are several trains that operate daily between Sofia and Plovdiv, with a journey time of approximately 2-3 hours. The train station in Sofia is located in the city center near the Central Bus Station. Ticket prices range from 6 BGN to 12 BGN depending on the type of ticket and the train class.

Car

You can also rent a car or drive your own car from Sofia to Plovdiv. The journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic conditions, and the route includes the Trakia Motorway which is a toll road. Make sure to have Bulgarian lev on hand to pay the toll fees.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Sofia and can be a convenient option for getting to Plovdiv. The journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours and the cost can range from 150 BGN to 200 BGN depending on the taxi company and the time of day.

There are several transportation options available for getting to Plovdiv from Sofia, each with their own advantages and disadvantages depending on your travel needs and budget. Whether you choose to take the bus, train, car, or taxi, you’re sure to enjoy the scenic journey through the beautiful Bulgarian countryside.

Sofia to Plovdiv bus

If you’re looking to travel from Sofia to Plovdiv by bus, you have several options to choose from. There are several bus companies that operate regular bus routes between the two cities, including:

Union Ivkoni: This is one of the most popular bus companies in Bulgaria, offering several daily bus routes between Sofia and Plovdiv. Buses depart from the Sofia Central Bus Station and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. Ticket prices range from 10 BGN to 20 BGN depending on the type of ticket.

Biomet: This is another popular bus company that offers regular bus routes between Sofia and Plovdiv. Buses depart from the Sofia Central Bus Station and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. Ticket prices range from 10 BGN to 15 BGN depending on the type of ticket.

Karat-S: This bus company also operates regular bus routes between Sofia and Plovdiv, with several departures per day. Buses depart from the Sofia Central Bus Station and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. Ticket prices range from 10 BGN to 15 BGN depending on the type of ticket.

Eurobus: This is a newer bus company that offers several daily bus routes between Sofia and Plovdiv. Buses depart from the Sofia Central Bus Station and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. Ticket prices range from 10 BGN to 15 BGN depending on the type of ticket.

Taking the bus from Sofia to Plovdiv is a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two cities. Just make sure to check the bus schedules and ticket prices in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure that you have a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

Travelling to Plovdiv with train

Travelling to Plovdiv by train is another convenient option, especially if you want to enjoy scenic views of the Bulgarian countryside. The journey from Sofia to Plovdiv by train takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the type of train you choose. Here are some of the train options you can consider:

Express trains: These are the fastest and most comfortable trains, with air-conditioned carriages and reserved seating. There are several express trains that operate daily between Sofia and Plovdiv, with ticket prices ranging from 10 BGN to 25 BGN depending on the class and type of ticket.

InterCity trains: These are also fast and comfortable trains, with air-conditioned carriages and reserved seating. InterCity trains operate several times a day between Sofia and Plovdiv, with ticket prices ranging from 10 BGN to 20 BGN depending on the class and type of ticket.

Regular trains: These are slower and less comfortable trains, with no air-conditioning and no reserved seating. However, they are usually cheaper than the express and InterCity trains, with ticket prices ranging from 6 BGN to 15 BGN depending on the class and type of ticket.

It’s worth noting that train schedules and ticket prices may vary depending on the season and the day of the week, so it’s always a good idea to check in advance. You can book train tickets online or at the train station, and it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel times. Overall, travelling to Plovdiv by train is a comfortable and scenic way to reach the city.