Rent a Car in Sofia

When planning a trip to the capital of Bulgaria, you’re probably dreaming not only of exploring its historic center but also of visiting interesting places outside the city. Car rental in Sofia gives you the opportunity to see the snow-covered peaks of Vitosha, the quiet streets of the Boyana district, or the picturesque shores of Pancharevo Lake — all these locations are within 30–40 minutes by car.

You choose your own route and stop at the places you like. You also don’t depend on public transportation schedules and avoid overpaying for taxis.

Where to Rent a Car in Sofia: Why Choose Localrent

It’s easy to find rental companies in Sofia, but comparing their conditions and prices takes time. Localrent is a platform that works with verified local rental companies and helps you find the best price-quality ratio. Here are the main advantages of the service:

1. Fixed price — you pay exactly the amount shown on the voucher. No hidden fees or unexpected charges when picking up the car.
2. Low deposit — in most cases, the deposit does not exceed €300, and some cars are available without a deposit at all.
3. Prepayment of only 15–20% — the rest is paid on-site when picking up the car.
4. Convenient filters — choose parameters like transmission type, deposit amount, or included insurance to see only suitable options.
5. Online support — the Localrent team will assist with any car rental-related issues.

You can make a reservation in just a few minutes, and Localrent will handle the formalities — all that’s left is to enjoy the road and the views of Sofia from behind the wheel.

Rental Conditions in Sofia

What you need to rent a car in the Bulgarian capital:

1. Passport;
2. Driver’s license — national license with Latin characters. If your license is valid only in the country of issue, include an international driving permit;
3. Bank card — for online booking.

Driver requirements:

• 20 years of age and 2 years of experience — minimum rental requirements, but car choices will be limited;
• 24 years of age and 3 years of experience — almost all models are available.

Even within the same car class, conditions may vary: for example, two identical hatchbacks from different rental companies may have different age or experience requirements. Always check the car card — exact requirements are specified there. You can also enter your age and experience in the filters to see only suitable vehicles.

Car hire prices in Sofia

The average cost of a one-day car rental. The number is calculated based on the bookings of the previous three years. It takes into account the rental of cars across all classes.

Driving Tips and Traffic Rules in Sofia

Driving in Sofia is quite easy: European rules apply. Here are some tips to help you feel confident behind the wheel:

• Speed limit in the city is 50 km/h, outside Sofia — 90 km/h, and on highways — 140 km/h, unless otherwise indicated.
• Headlights must be on even during the day — this rule applies year-round.
• There are no toll roads in Bulgaria, but a vignette is required for travel outside the city. Rental cars usually come with a vignette, but confirm this with the manager when picking up the car. Sometimes electronic vignettes are used.
• Don't try to keep up with locals — Bulgarians often drive fast on highways, but that’s no reason to break speed limits. Speed cameras can be found even in small towns.
• Right turns on red are prohibited unless there is a special sign allowing it.
• Road signs are mostly in Bulgarian, but major highways often have English translations.
• At roundabouts, yield to cars already on the circle.

If you plan to drive to countryside locations, stick to main roads — they are generally in good condition. Short detours might be narrow or damaged.

Fuel Stations in Sofia

There are plenty of gas stations in Bulgaria’s capital, most of which operate 24/7. Along main roads, stations can be found every 40–70 km.

Most stations accept both cash and card payments. However, if you're heading to remote areas, bring some cash just in case your card doesn't work — it's rare, but better safe than sorry.

Parking in Sofia

In Sofia, you’ll find both paid and free parking zones. Paid zones come in two types:

1. Blue zone — parking limited to 2 or 3 hours, as indicated on the sign.
2. Green zone — less strict time limits, but still paid.

Free parking is available on the outskirts of Sofia, near shopping centers, in residential areas, or near some attractions. If there’s no paid parking sign and parking is not prohibited — you can park for free.

How to pay for parking in Sofia:

1. Parking meter. Minimum time is 30 minutes. Insert coins, press the green button, and place the ticket under your windshield.
2. Paper ticket. Indicate the date/time parking starts and the zone type, then leave it visible inside the car.
3. Parking attendant. Pay the staff, take a receipt, and place it on your dashboard.
4. SMS. This option is only available with a Bulgarian phone number.

In downtown Sofia, look for a blue sign with the letter “P” and the word “ticket” — it points to the nearest meter.

How to Book a Car in Sofia

Steps to rent a car in the Bulgarian capital:

1. Select rental dates and set filters. Mark what matters to you: transmission type, deposit amount, or car brand.
2. Open the card of a car you like. Pay attention to technical specifications, driver requirements, mileage limits, insurance conditions, and available payment methods. If you like everything, click “Continue.”
3. Enter the pickup/return time and location, fill in the main driver’s details, and provide your contact information.
4. Pay the advance online. After payment, a voucher will be sent to your email — save it to your phone or print it out.

Upon pickup, inspect the car, make sure all damages are noted in the report. Sign the contract, pay the remaining amount, and take the keys.

The demand for car rental services in Sofia

The occupancy rate of the car rental fleets by month. For example, most cars are being rented in August, which means that this month has the smallest amount of available vehicles. The higher the percentage of the car fleet workload, the earlier it is worth booking a car to choosing the best option at the best price.

Where to Go by Rental Car

Sofia is the perfect starting point for short but eventful trips. With a rental car, you can reach mountain peaks, ancient monasteries, and scenic natural spots in just a couple of hours. Here are some recommended destinations:

1. Boyana Waterfall — one of the most accessible, 30 minutes from Sofia. A light hike along a forest trail leads to a 15-meter cascade surrounded by beech trees.
2. Samokov. This small town features historic stone houses and the 17th-century Church of St. Nicholas. On the way, stop at Tsarkva Lake — perfect for a picnic with mountain views.
3. Urvich Fortress. The ruins of a medieval fortress sit on a rocky cliff above the Iskar River. Climb the trail to see the remaining towers and a panoramic view of the Iskar Gorge.
4. Dragalevtsi Monastery. One of Bulgaria’s oldest monasteries, dating to the 14th century, at the foot of Mount Vitosha. It features unique frescoes and a medieval atmosphere. The trip from Sofia’s center takes no more than 20 minutes.
5. Pernik Underground Museum. A museum in former coal mines, where you’ll learn about the history of mining. Descend 55 meters underground to see tunnels and equipment. Afterward, stroll around the town itself.

All locations are accessible by asphalt roads without tricky mountain passes. You can easily plan several stops in a day — distances are short.

Where to Rent a Car in Sofia

You can rent a car in Sofia at three main locations, but availability depends on the car model:

• Sofia Airport;
• City office;
• Delivery to a specific address.

Not all cars are available at all three locations. Some models can be picked up only at the airport or city center. Check the car card for available options.

What to Know Before Renting a Car in Sofia

Here are key tips to avoid common car rental issues in Sofia:

1. Check for a vignette. Ask if the car has a regular or electronic vignette if you plan to leave the city. If not, buy one yourself — they’re available at gas stations.
2. Pay attention to parking zones. Blue and green zones are paid, and free parking is hard to find. Note that parking in the blue zone is time-limited and cannot be extended, even for an extra fee.
3. Inspect the car for minor damages. Narrow streets and heavy traffic in Sofia’s center increase the risk of scratches. Photograph all defects before starting the rental and make sure they’re included in the pickup report.

These tips will help you avoid surprises and save time. Most importantly — you’ll be able to focus on the experience, not the paperwork

FAQ About Car Rental in Sofia