Rent a Car in Varna

In the seaside city of Varna, a good vacation means not only excellent beaches but also many interesting places in the resort's surroundings. However, exploring remote corners by public transport or taxi is inconvenient and expensive. Car rental in Varna becomes the ideal solution: in one day, you can swim in the sea, walk through the Sea Garden, and then stop by a cozy restaurant in the vineyards outside the city. All this without being tied to public transport schedules and routes.

With a car, you won't miss a single nature reserve or beach, not a single viewpoint overlooking the sea, and you’ll be able to change your plans on the go.

Where to Rent a Car in Varna: Advantages of Booking with Localrent

Dozens of rental companies operate in Varna, but searching among them for the right price and conditions is time-consuming and inconvenient. Save time: book a car through Localrent. Here, you’ll find verified local rental providers. Here’s what makes the service convenient:

1. Small deposit. Most often, the deposit for car rental is under €300, and some cars are available with no deposit at all.
2. Small prepayment. To book a car, you only need to pay a 15–20% advance. The rest is paid on-site when receiving the keys.
3. Smart filters. Immediately choose the type of transmission, car brand, insurance, or deposit amount to eliminate unsuitable options.
4. Transparent pricing. The voucher states the final amount, with no hidden fees upon receipt.
5. Cars for any occasion. From affordable compact cars to minivans and luxury vehicles.

Localrent handles the routine so you can enjoy your vacation in Varna.

Car Rental Requirements in Varna

Here’s what you need to rent a car in Varna:

• Passport
• Valid driver’s license — national license with Latin transliteration
• Bank card for online booking

Driver criteria:

• 21+ years and 2 years of experience — basic condition, but car choices will be limited
• 24+ years and 3 years of experience — gives access to 95% of cars in the catalog

Even identical models may have different requirements: always check the age and experience restrictions in the specific car’s profile.

Car hire prices in Varna

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.

Traffic Rules and Driving Features in Varna

Varna is a city of contrasts. In winter, it's quiet and nearly deserted: the population drops below 400,000. In summer, with the influx of tourists, the streets come alive, and the population grows to one million. In the off-season, you’ll easily find parking and drive on empty roads, but from May to September, expect traffic jams and a lack of parking near beaches.

Important to know when driving in Varna:

1. Speed bumps are wide, low, and smooth — but frequent, especially in the city center.
2. Traffic lights hang over each lane and can be confusing. Don’t rush to move until you confirm the green light is for your lane.
3. Speed limits: 50 km/h in the city, 90 km/h outside the city, 140 km/h on highways unless otherwise indicated.
4. Headlights must be on at all times, year-round.

No toll roads in Bulgaria, but you need a vignette (sticker or electronic) to leave the city. Rental cars usually include this — confirm upon pick-up. For trips outside the city, we recommend main roads — they’re in good condition. Shortcut routes through villages may have potholes and gravel, especially after rain.

Parking in Varna

In central Varna, parking is paid from 9:00 to 20:00 on weekdays. Paid areas are marked as the Blue Zone. Various districts also have municipal parking with lower rates than private lots.

The Blue Zone covers central and so-called extended central Varna — several adjacent blocks. Further out, parking is free. Pay attention to signs to avoid parking in prohibited areas.

How to pay for parking in Varna:

1. Via the Mpark app. Choose time from 30 minutes to 3 hours, or book a full day — only available in the app.
2. Via SMS — for Bulgarian mobile users. The number and message format are listed on parking signs.
3. In stores or kiosks marked with “Parking Service”.

Tips for tourists:

• In tourist season, parking near beaches and in the center fills up by 10 AM — arrive early or choose parking 5–7 minutes' walk from attractions.
• After 20:00 and on weekends, parking is free in the Blue Zone, but municipal parking is paid 24/7.
• Don’t ignore paid parking: even small violations may result in a wheel lock.

Parking rules are strictly enforced in Varna. Improperly parked cars can cause serious traffic, especially in peak season, and may be towed. Always check signs and ensure your car isn’t obstructing traffic.

Fuel Stations in Varna

Fuel stations are easy to find — they’re located along main roads, in residential areas, and even near beaches. Many offer not just fuel but also mini-markets with coffee, snacks, and water.

Cards and cash are accepted at almost all stations. If you’re planning a trip to the mountains or remote sights like Ovech Fortress, refuel before leaving Varna. Outside the city, stations are fewer and slightly more expensive.

How to Book a Car: Step-by-Step Instructions

To make a car rental in Varna:

1. Select the dates and apply filters.
2. Open the card of the model you like: check the information and add the necessary options to your booking.
3. Enter the booking details: pickup/drop-off location and time, driver’s information, and contact details.
4. Pay an online deposit of 15–20% — the remaining balance will be paid when you receive the car.
5. After payment, a voucher will be sent to your email — save it.

At the scheduled time, inspect the car with a staff member: scratches, dents, interior condition — everything should be recorded in the inspection report. Check the documents: rental agreement, insurance, and the presence of a vignette for trips outside the city. Pay the remaining balance and collect the keys.

The demand for car rental services in Varna

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 from Varna by Rental Car

From Varna, within an hour's drive, you can reach places where history, nature, and the atmosphere of Bulgarian charm come together. Here are the locations we recommend visiting by car:

1. Aladzha Monastery. A medieval monastery carved into a sheer cliff. Today, it is part of a nature park, and visitors can explore the monk cells where hermits lived during the Middle Ages.
2. Cape Kaliakra. Here you’ll find picturesque steep cliffs with waves crashing against them and the ruins of an ancient fortress. Be sure to walk to the lighthouse — the sunsets here tint the sea with copper hues. The car parking area is located 1 km from the cape: from there on, the area is a nature reserve and can only be accessed on foot.
3. Ovech Fortress. A medieval fortress perched on a high rocky plateau. You can walk across a bridge over a deep gorge, explore the ruins of walls and water cisterns, and enjoy a panoramic view of the valley from the hilltop. Cars are not allowed up to the fortress: parking is located 1.5 km away, and well-maintained walking trails lead from there to the park.
4. Balchik Botanical Garden. This botanical garden belongs to Sofia University and contains over 2,000 plant species. The staff are especially proud of their cactus collection. The garden also houses the palace of Romanian Queen Marie.
5. The Stone Forest (Pobiti Kamani). A natural phenomenon that looks like a movie set from a sci-fi film: hundreds of stone columns, up to 7 meters tall, appear to be driven into the sand in the middle of a plain. Scientists still debate their origin — some suggest ancient coral reefs, others believe they were formed by gas emissions from the earth's core.

If you’re looking to enjoy a beach holiday, drive to Asparuhovo, north of Varna. This area offers a string of excellent sandy beaches. Tourists give the highest reviews to Asparuhovo Beach — a long and wide recreation zone with fine sand and a gentle entrance into the water. An annual kite festival is held at this beach.

Where and How to Receive a Rental Car in Varna

You can rent a car in Varna in the way that suits you. Each car’s profile lists available options:

• Varna Airport (VAR)
• City office — e.g., downtown or residential area
• Delivery to your address — hotel, villa, train station, or even the beach

Even identical cars may differ in pick-up conditions. Always check the info in the car’s profile before booking.

How handover works:

1. Meet the staff — your car is already prepared.
2. Inspect the car — note scratches, dents, interior condition in the handover form.
3. Documents — show the voucher, passport, and license, sign the agreement.
4. Payment — pay the remaining amount and deposit, if required.
5. Keys — you’ll receive them right after finishing the formalities.

If using delivery, provide the exact address — this helps the provider find you faster.

Tips for Renting a Car in Varna

Keep these local tips in mind to avoid unpleasant surprises:

1. Check for a vignette, even for nearby suburbs. Make sure there’s a sticker or electronic vignette — ask the provider upon pick-up.
2. In residential areas, speed bumps are often hidden around corners. Slow down, even on empty roads.
3. If staying in Varna and nearby areas, choose a compact car. The city center has narrow streets, and parking is limited in high season. A small car will make it easier to park and maneuver.

These hacks will save you nerves and time, so you can focus on what matters — sun, sea, and the spirit of the ancient city!

Questions and Answers About Car Rental in Varna