Car Rental at Sofia Airport
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 02:11 on 2022-01-17. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
Bulgarian,
Turkish
Turkish
Currency
BGN
Country code
359
Traffic direction
Right-hand
Speed limit out of town
90 km/h
56 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Airport Car Rental
The capital city might not be Bulgaria’s number one travel destination — that title belongs to Varna and the rest of the Black Sea coast -— but it offers plenty of fun if you scratch beneath the surface. Independent, historic, and cultured, it can also be used as a hub from which you can explore the northeast of the country. With that in mind, here are three interesting attractions in and around Sofia:
- National Museum of History. Appropriately monumental, the National History Museum is among both the largest and most interesting in Bulgaria. Occupying what used to be the residence of Bulgaria’s former communist dictator, the museum has more than 600,000 pieces of all things Bulgarian and covers everything from the country’s Hellenic and Roman-influenced past to more recent eras.
- Churches. Bulgarians are overwhelmingly Eastern Orthodox, a fact exemplified by the many beautiful churches that can be found in the capital. The most famous among them is indubitably Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (if you’ve ever seen a tourist video from Sofia, it almost definitely was featured in it), but the UNESCO-recognized Boyana Church and the 1,600-year-old Saint George Rotunda are also not to be missed.
- Rila National Park. The most visited natural landmark near Sofia is definitely Mount Vitosha which is located just a 20-minute drive south of the city center. However, if you’re looking for a wilder, less crowded experience, you can’t do much better than visit Rila National Park. Located a 90-minute drive south of the capital, this beautiful nature preserve is centered around seven highland lakes and is famous for its diverse flora and fauna.
Top international routes
- London
- Milan
- Rome
- Amsterdam
- Brussels
- Madrid
Main airlines
Sofia airport is the main hub for Bulgaria Air, the country's flag carrier. The airline flies to and from destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Russia. The low-cost carriers Wizz Air and Ryanair carry the most passengers at the airport. Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and easyJet are also some of the airport’s main airlines.
Terminals
The two passenger terminals are Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A shuttle bus runs between them every 30 minutes from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location
Sofia airport is 10 km (6.2 miles) east of downtown Sofia. Bulevard Bruksel and Tsarigradsko shose are the main roads connecting the airport and the city.
Most popular types of rental car
Car rental desks
Lion, Easy Rent Bulgaria, Europcar, and Surprice have desks in both terminals.
Budget, Enterprise, Avis, Add Car (serviced by EasyRent Bulgaria), Sixt, and Alamo have desks only in Terminal 2.
All of the rental companies except for Prestige offer a meet a greet service at the airport. That is, a representative of the company will meet you at the airport and take you to their rental office.
Prestige offers a delivery service, that is, they will deliver the car to the airport for you.
Budget, Enterprise, Avis, Add Car (serviced by EasyRent Bulgaria), Sixt, and Alamo have desks only in Terminal 2.
All of the rental companies except for Prestige offer a meet a greet service at the airport. That is, a representative of the company will meet you at the airport and take you to their rental office.
Prestige offers a delivery service, that is, they will deliver the car to the airport for you.
Services and facilities
There are numerous stores and duty-free shops, a sandwich bar, two cafeterias, three lounges, a currency exchange office, an ATM, two lost and found offices, a help desk, and a prayer room. Travelers with reduced mobility can easily access most facilities in Terminal 1 and all facilities in Terminal 2. You can find more information on the airport's official website.
Nearest gas station
If one were to look for a gas station near the airport on Google Maps, they would find a Lukoil right next to the airport. Unfortunately, this station is very inconvenient for those returning a rental car to one of the airport’s terminals due to the fact that it is not possible to turn around after exiting it. It, however, is convenient for those returning a vehicle to rental locations on Nedelcho Bonchev St. and coming from Botevgradsko Shose Boulevard.
Others coming from the south of the city and returning a car to one of the terminals will find an OMV station along Alexander Malinov Blvd just north of the intersection with Andrey Saharov Street the most convenient. After this station, the road becomes highway-like with no further entrances prior to reaching the airport.
Those coming from the south and returning a car to off-airport locations could exit onto Christopher Columbus Blvd. to reach a Shell station and then continue along that road to the off-airport rental locations.
Others coming from the south of the city and returning a car to one of the terminals will find an OMV station along Alexander Malinov Blvd just north of the intersection with Andrey Saharov Street the most convenient. After this station, the road becomes highway-like with no further entrances prior to reaching the airport.
Those coming from the south and returning a car to off-airport locations could exit onto Christopher Columbus Blvd. to reach a Shell station and then continue along that road to the off-airport rental locations.
Popular one-way rentals
- Burgas (381km / 236 miles)
- Varna (440km / 273 miles)
- Plovdiv (144km / 89 miles)
- Bucharest (355km / 220 miles)
- Golden Sands(456km / 283 miles)
- Sunny Beach (406km / 252 miles)
Airport info
Sofia Airport (SOF)
- IATA: SOF
- ICAO: LBSF
- Name: Sofia Airport (SOF)
- Size: Large Airport
- Aircraft movements (per year): 57,673
- Passengers (per year): 6,490,096
- Distance from City: 6.2 miles / 10 km E of town
- Phone: +359 (0) 29372211
- Email: public@sofia-airport.bg
Top 20 Locations near Sofia Airport
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Car Rental in Sofia with delivery within city limits from $34.60 per day
-
Car Rental at Sofia Hotel Balkan from $29.46 per day1.3 km / 0.8 miles away
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Car Rental in Pernik with delivery within city limits from $67.18 per day23.5 km / 14.6 miles away
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Car Rental in Botevgrad with delivery within city limits from $18.09 per day45.9 km / 28.5 miles away
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Car Rental in Borovets with delivery to Hotel from $22.47 per day53.7 km / 33.3 miles away
-
Car Rental in Blagoevgrad with delivery within city limits from $22.47 per day77.0 km / 47.8 miles away
-
Car Rental in Razlog with delivery within city limits from $25.10 per day90.9 km / 56.5 miles away
-
Car Rental in Bansko with delivery to Hotel from $25.10 per day96.5 km / 60.0 miles away
-
Car Rental in Dobrinishte with delivery within city limits from $25.10 per day99.4 km / 61.8 miles away
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Car Rental in Pazardzhik with delivery within city limits from $17.33 per day101.0 km / 62.8 miles away
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Car Rental in Asenovgrad with delivery within city limits from $15.59 per day125.7 km / 78.1 miles away
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Car Rental in Pleven with delivery within city limits from $25.10 per day132.8 km / 82.5 miles away
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Car Rental in Plovdiv with delivery to hotel from $63.29 per day133.3 km / 82.8 miles away
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Car Rental at Plovdiv Airport from $19.39 per day144.8 km / 90.0 miles away
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Car Rental in Pamporovo with delivery to Hotel from $20.85 per day162.8 km / 101.2 miles away
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Car Rental in Gabrovo with delivery within city limits from $25.24 per day165.2 km / 102.7 miles away
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Car Rental in Smolyan with delivery within city limits from $23.48 per day168.7 km / 104.8 miles away
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Car Rental in Kazanluk with delivery within city limits from $23.48 per day170.7 km / 106.1 miles away
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Car Rental in Veliko Turnovo with delivery within city limits from $27.99 per day193.2 km / 120.0 miles away
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Car Rental in Svishtov with delivery within city limits from $28.87 per day194.8 km / 121.0 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
When are car rental prices cheapest at Sofia Airport?
The cost of renting a car at Sofia Airport depends on the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best deal.
Average Rental Price at Sofia Airport
The cheapest time of the year to rent a vehicle at Sofia Airport is October when prices for an Economy class start from $10.36. You can see that this is 59% cheaper than the yearly average and 78% cheaper than renting a car in August (when rental prices start at $46.85 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price. But remember that these are average numbers. The exact cost of your rental will depend on your rental length and on how far in advance you book the car. Enter your travel dates at the top of the page to see exact prices and offers!
What’s the most popular rental length at Sofia Airport?
Travel length differs from one month to another: in December the average rental period is 12 days, while in October, the average rental period is only 8 days.
Average Rental Length
Which is the busiest car rental month at Sofia Airport?
Travelers are most likely to rent a car at Sofia Airport in July, while the fewest number of travelers rent in October.
Popularity by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surprice | VW Polo | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Top Rent A Car | Renault Clio V | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Top Rent A Car | Renault Clio | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Surprice | Fiat Panda | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Top Rent A Car | Peugeot 208 | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Autounion | Volkswagen Up | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Yes Rent A Car | Renault Clio | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Surprice | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| GreenMotion | Citroen C3 | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Top Rent A Car | VW T-Roc | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
FAQ
Can I rent three cars under the same name?
It is possible to reserve three cars. However, to book three cars, you will have to make three different bookings, each under the person who will be driving its name.
Do you accept driver’s licenses issued in Israel or must I have an international driving license as well?
Only driver’s licenses issued by European Union countries are accepted. Customers from other countries need to carry an International Driving Permit along with their original driver’s license.
Can I pay the entire cost of the rental car on your website?
On our website, we have two types of payment available, full prepayment and partial prepayment. If a customer would like to pay the entire cost of the rental upfront, they will need to choose full prepayment rentals. Customers can use the filter available on our website to search for full prepayment offers.
Our Customers Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
RS
United States of America (USA)
Citroen C3
May 17, 2021
First trip to Bulgaria, found it interesting and affordable. Plovdiv old town and pedestrian city center were great. Veliko Tărnovo was beautiful and lively. Varna was ok but not knock your socks off. Sofia was big and vibrant. Overall a great place to go if you have already see lots of other European countries.
VM
Norway
Volkswagen Up
November 9, 2020
It is cool to explore Bulgaria on wheels
AB
United Kingdom
Renault Megane Sedan
November 1, 2020
Bulgaria is a nice place to visit
IS
Bulgaria
Peugeot 2008
August 24, 2020
Lion rent a car have amazing customer service !
AB
Bulgaria
Honda Jazz
March 9, 2020
We rented the car from Sofia and drove to Bansko a few days of skiing it was beautiful.
I like renting a car more than traveling in trains or buses because of the Independence it gives me.
ED
United Kingdom
Citroen C3
March 6, 2020
Beautiful city. Driving and especially finding a parking space can be a challenge. Best to use public transport and taxi (very reasonably priced) in the city and hire a car for longer distances.
GF
Israel
Citroen C3
January 25, 2020
I drove to bansko and had a great time skiing.
OS
Israel
Renault Clio
October 1, 2019
Everything was beyond all expectations!!
Great price, great car, very friendly staff, brand new car. Will definitely rent again.
WM
United Kingdom
Opel Corsa
September 10, 2019
Beware of other drivers 😬
AK
United Kingdom
Fiat Panda
August 16, 2019
The centre of Sofia is not easily signed on the airport route to the city and as a result we kept going to our destination. We loved Bansko and the area around it.
MN
United Kingdom
VW Polo
July 25, 2019
The country is wonderful and there a lot of amazing places to be seen. Seaside and the mountains are beautiful.
IG
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
July 10, 2019
Sofia itself does not need a car, but you really do need one in order to get out of the city to places like the Rila Monastery and Rila 7 lakes, which only have 1 bus a day that goes to them and they are both so beautiful. Driving in Bulgaria was pretty easy because the roads are wide and all of the A roads are in good condition. Renting a car also meant that while driving across the country to the coast you can stop and admire the incredible sunflower and lavender fields.
UA
Israel
Hyundai H1
May 15, 2019
We were in the Borovets area, an amazing place not even in the ski season
IC
France
Peugeot 208
August 1, 2018
If you stay in Sofia, no need to rent a car as parking is difficult to find in the center
Top 18 Suppliers at Sofia Airport in 2022
+35928922222 / +359878408142
1 Christopher Columbus, 1540 Sofia
$20 - $98
+35929459276
T1 - Sofia Airport
$15 - $103
+35929373594
Terminal 2, Hristofor Columb Boulevard, 1, 1000 Sofia
$21 - $67
+359887205813
Sofia Airport, 1 Hristofor Columb blvd., Sofia 1540
$25 - $136
Working hours
Mon:00:01-23:59
Tue:00:01-23:59
Wed:00:01-23:59
Thu:00:01-23:59
Fri:00:01-23:59
Sat:00:01-23:59
Sun:00:01-23:59
+35929373594
Sofia International Airport Terminal 2, Prodan Tarakchiev St, 1528 Sofia
$11 - $46
+35929373594
Terminal 2, 1000 Летище Sofia
$10 - $29
+359898446083
bul. Christopher Columbus 1, 1540, Sofia
$36 - $68
+359886526666
1528, Nedelcho Bonchev 18, Bulgaria
$15 - $49
+35929459266
SOFIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
$33 - $102
Working hours
Mon:09:00-20:59
Tue:09:00-20:59
Wed:09:00-20:59
Thu:09:00-20:59
Fri:09:00-20:59
Sat:09:00-20:59
Sun:09:00-20:59
+359883966366 / +359882721117
Bul. Christopher Columbus 1, 1592 Sofia
$6 - $123
Working hours
Mon:08:30-20:30
Tue:08:30-20:30
Wed:08:30-20:30
Thu:08:30-20:30
Fri:08:30-20:30
Sat:08:30-20:30
Sun:08:30-20:30
+359886526666 / +35970020225
1 Christophor Columb Boulevard, Sofia
Working hours
Mon:09:00-18:00
Tue:09:00-18:00
Wed:09:00-18:00
Thu:09:00-18:00
Fri:09:00-18:00
Sat:09:00-18:00
Sun:09:00-18:00
+359887818191
bul. "Christopher Columbus" 1, 1540 Sofia
$11 - $149
Working hours
Mon:08:30-21:00
Tue:08:30-21:00
Wed:08:30-21:00
Thu:08:30-21:00
Fri:08:30-21:00
Sat:09:00-21:00
Sun:09:00-21:00
+35929373594
Terminal 2 - Arrivals Hall
Working hours
Mon:08:00-22:00
Tue:08:00-22:00
Wed:08:00-22:00
Thu:08:00-22:00
Fri:08:00-22:00
Sat:08:00-22:00
Sun:08:00-22:00
+359893444343
bul. "Christopher Columbus" 1, 1540 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interrent
+359888330470 / +359884816666
1, Hristofor Kolumb blvd.
Working hours
Mon:09:00-21:00
Tue:09:00-21:00
Wed:09:00-21:00
Thu:09:00-21:00
Fri:09:00-21:00
Sat:09:00-21:00
Sun:09:00-21:00
+359876717717
T1 - Sofia Airport, 1000, Sofia
$5 - $129
Working hours
Mon:06:00-23:59
Tue:06:00-23:59
Wed:06:00-23:59
Thu:06:00-23:59
Fri:06:00-23:59
Sat:06:00-23:59
Sun:06:00-23:59
+35970020225
Sofia International Airport, Terminal 1, 1517 Sofia
Ace Rent a car
359884797108 / 3172487251
Sofia Airport Complex