Bulgaria is a country undergoing massive change and the move towards capitalism has created some unusual contradictions. You can drive down modern motorways in a brand new hire car and pass locals riding a donkey to work seconds after you exit the motorway. Large Mercedes sit alongside 30 year old communist stock vehicles.

Driving in Bulgaria doesn't need to be a challenge so long as you are prepared.

Road Safety Tips

Number one, don't make the most predictable mistake, in Bulgaria you drive on the right.

Roads in Bulgaria vary tremendously from the new “European Union Funded” motorways to cobbled streets and minor roads full of potholes. One moment you could easily think you are driving on the M4 and the next in Bulgaria. A rapidly emerging Bulgarian middle class have upgraded from Ladas and tend to drive rather too quickly for the road conditions so just let them go ahead.

Bulgaria has launched a massive crack-down on drink driving which can now result in a long prison sentence. The once common practice of bribing a Police offer is now rare. If you do drink, the limit is 50mg compared to 80mg in the UK. Our advice is do not drink and drive at all.

Don't be scared of driving in Bulgaria, just respect that conditions are likely to be very different from the UK.

Top Tips

• Take your time and expect your journey to take longer than in the UK. Roads are less direct and often require lower speeds.
• Keep your headlights on at all times.
• Only drive as fast as you can see as road markings may have faded.
• You will have to avoid the odd large pot hole and maybe the occasional horse and cart every 30 to 40 miles.
• Try and plan to make your journey during daylight hours as the roads are rarely illuminated. Navigating your way around Bulgaria can be difficult and you may not see potholes before they result in a puncture or damage to your rental car.
• Prepare to stop when you see road works. They can appear rapidly with limited sign posts and may require you to stop to allow machinery and people to cross.
• Use satellite navigation as it's easier than reading the cryptic road signs and might also save your relationship! They are available with all Budget Bulgaria rental cars if your own satellite navigation does not cover Bulgaria.
• Watch out for speed humps when you enter small towns as they are often poorly marked.

General Advice

• Some Bulgarian roads are in poor condition resulting in rental cars frequently being damaged by tourists who don't drive with this in mind. Take your time and slow down off main roads.
• Speed limits are 130km on motorways, 90km on main roads and 50km in towns.
• Police check-points can be found on the major roads to and from cities so be prepared to stop.
• Police are genuine and trustworthy despite being challenged with fighting corruption. Treat them with respect and you won't have any problems.
• Cars flashing their headlights are probably telling you that the Police are ahead.

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