Driving in & Around Varna
Main roads in Varna are generally in good condition, though smaller streets may have potholes. Drive cautiously, especially at night.
Expect moderate traffic in the city centre, particularly during the summer tourist season. Parking can be limited, so use designated lots m, or blue/green zones when available.
Signage is in both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. GPS navigation works reliably. Be cautious of one-way streets in the old town area.
Recommended Drives Near Varna
(within 2 Hours)
Stone Forest (Pobiti Kamani): Surreal natural rock formations, 20 minutes west of Varna. Cape Kaliakra: Dramatic cliffside route with sea views and historic ruins to the north. Balchik & Botanical Gardens: Coastal town with a royal palace and gardens, about 1 hour away. Aladzha Monastery: Medieval cave monastery in a forest, just 20 minutes from the city. Golden Sands Nature Park: Lush nature park north of Varna, ideal for scenic drives.
Driving Tips
Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Keep headlights on at all times, even during daylight. Purchase a valid highway vignette (road tax) at gas stations or online.
Speed
Cities: 50 km, Rural Roads: 90 km, Highways: 130 km.
About Bulgaria
Occupying a prime location on the western shores of the Black Sea, Bulgaria has been an important gateway between Europe and Asia since ancient times. Magnificent sites that include the 5th century Aladzha Cave Monastery, Belogradchik and Baba Vida fortresses, and Plovdiv Roman Amphi-theatre are a fitting testament to the Balkan nations history.
Travel between Black Sea beaches and resorts such as Balchik, Kavarna and Nessebar. Most international visitors find they pass through the Bulgarian capital of Sofia.
The city is a cultural mecca with varied museums and multiple performing arts venues. Notable draws are Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Boyana Church.

"When can always best to hire your Bulgarian holiday auto early, to ensure you get the vehicle you want, at the price you want to pay"
Take in the Bulgarian scenery
The E87-A9 runs parallel with the Black Sea shoreline all the way down from the Romanian border to Malko Tarnovo and Sredoka Reserve on the Turkish border. En route it passes close to the famed seaside resorts of Varna, Sunny Beach and Nessebar.
Veliko Tamovo is in the middle of Bulgaria and the start point for a picturesque ride with a drive through to the Shipka region. The road traverses Bulgarka Natural Park, where diverse flora and fauna as well as the palatial Dryanovo Monastery are among the delights.
Bansko is in the southwest of the country and the access point for ski trails and adventure activities venues in the Pirin Mountains. The surrounding roads wend their way through pleasant countryside. The Septemvri heritage train service and the thermal springs at Bania are two of the unique attractions in the locality.

Cheaper SUV rental for Varna.

Motoring in Varna made cheaper.

Lower costs for renting a minivan in Varna.

Cheaper holidays auto available here.

Amazing Bulgarian auto rental rates.

SUVs are popular, so book early.
Best time to visit
July and August are the peak holiday months in Bulgaria. Black Sea resorts are extremely busy during these months and it is better to visit in May, June or the autumn. The ski season generally runs between mid-December and early April.
Updated:- 16th June 2025