Car Hire at Sofia Airport
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Cheapest Car Hire Rates
Most Popular Car Hire Offers
These prices are approximate and depend on the dates of the booking, hire length and type of car. This information was last updated at 02:00 on 2021-03-01.
Travel Information
Language
Bulgarian,
Turkish
Turkish
Currency
BGN
Dialing code
359
Traffic direction
Right-hand
Speed limit out of city centre
90 km/h
56 mi/h
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Airport Car Hire
An underrated destination, Bulgaria hasn’t yet reached the international tourism profile of its neighbours like Greece or Croatia. Even when travellers do visit the country, they usually go to Varna, Burgas, and the rest of the Black Sea coast. But those who give its inland capital, Sofia, a chance, discover an interesting, dynamic city with a fascinating history, an incredible culture, and beautiful nature all around it. Here are our top destinations in and around it:
- History museums. Bordered by Greece and inhabited since prehistoric times, Bulgaria was home to some of the earliest civilizations in Europe. Peoples like the Thracians and Celts have inhabited it over different periods of time, leaving a lot of fascinating relics and artefacts. Later, the country was part of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. A lot of this heritage can be seen and experienced at Sofia’s different museums. The immense National History Museum is a standout, but history lovers will also appreciate the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Institute of Archaeology.
- Art. Birthplace of the Cyrillic script, Bulgaria has been heavily influenced by the Eastern Orthodox church, with most Bulgarians still adhering to this branch of faith to this day. There are many beautiful Orthodox churches in Sofia, the most famous example being the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Located next door to it is the National Art Gallery, home to an impressive collection of Orthodox paintings and icons. Artworks of classical Bulgarian painters and other artists can be seen here as well. On a more recent note, Sofia is also home to the much-visited Museum of Socialist Art.
- Vitosha. A mountain massif located right next to the capital, Vitosha is a favourite weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike. With its highest peak reaching almost 2,300 meters (7,520 feet), Vitosha is a popular place with climbers and hikers and also has opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in winter. The range’s scenic trails take visitors through historic Bulgarian villages, protected nature, and also near Duhlata Cave, the longest in the country. Located less than an hour’s drive south of the city centre, Vitosha is a must-visit destination.
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 hire car
- Station wagons - starting at £ 13 per day
- Large cars - starting at £ 21 per day
- Medium cars - starting at £ 13 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - starting at £ 32 per day
- Premium cars - starting at £ 65 per day
- Small cars - starting at £ 9 per day
- SUVs - starting at £ 45 per day
Car hire 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 petrol station
If one were to look for a petrol 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 hires
- 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 information
Sofia Airport (SOF)
- IATA: SOF
- ICAO: LBSF
- Name: Sofia Airport (SOF)
- Size: Large Airport
- Flights per year: 57,673
- Passengers (per year): 6,490,096
- Distance from the city centre: 6.2 miles / 10 km E of town
- Phone: +359 (0) 29372211
- Email: public@sofia-airport.bg
Top 18 Destinations around Sofia Airport
-
Sofia Delivery within city limits starting at £ 10.94 per day2.2 km / 1.4 miles away
-
Pernik Delivery within city limits starting at £ 7.65 per day25.5 km / 15.9 miles away
-
Botevgrad Delivery within city limits starting at £ 13.50 per day43.9 km / 27.3 miles away
-
Borovets Delivery to Hotel starting at £ 16.77 per day54.8 km / 34.0 miles away
-
Blagoevgrad Delivery within city limits starting at £ 16.77 per day79.1 km / 49.1 miles away
-
Razlog Delivery within city limits starting at £ 18.73 per day92.5 km / 57.5 miles away
-
Bansko Delivery to Hotel starting at £ 18.73 per day98.1 km / 61.0 miles away
-
Dobrinishte Delivery within city limits starting at £ 18.73 per day101.0 km / 62.8 miles away
-
Pazardzhik Delivery within city limits starting at £ 12.94 per day101.1 km / 62.8 miles away
-
Asenovgrad Delivery within city limits starting at £ 11.63 per day127.6 km / 79.3 miles away
-
Pleven Delivery within city limits starting at £ 18.73 per day130.7 km / 81.2 miles away
-
Plovdiv Delivery to Hotel starting at £ 8.96 per day133.0 km / 82.7 miles away
-
Pamporovo Delivery to Hotel starting at £ 15.56 per day163.3 km / 101.4 miles away
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Gabrovo Delivery within city limits starting at £ 18.84 per day163.8 km / 101.8 miles away
-
Smolyan Delivery within city limits starting at £ 17.52 per day169.2 km / 105.2 miles away
-
Kazanluk Delivery within city limits starting at £ 17.52 per day169.5 km / 105.4 miles away
-
Veliko Turnovo Delivery within city limits starting at £ 20.89 per day191.6 km / 119.0 miles away
-
Svishtov Delivery within city limits starting at £ 21.55 per day192.8 km / 119.8 miles away
Map of Car Hire Destinations
During which month is it most affordable to hire a car at Sofia Airport?
Our data show how prices for hiring a car at Sofia Airport fluctuate depending on the time of the year. This graph can assist you in finding the best bargain.
Average Price for Hiring a Car at Sofia Airport
The cheapest month to hire a car at Sofia Airport is October with prices starting at £ 7.73 for an Economy class cars. The most expensive month in which to hire a car is August with prices for for a Compact class) starting at £ 34.97. The average cost over the course of the entire year is £ 19. You can use this to plan your trip at the time of year when it would be most economical to hire a car. Note that these prices are only averages. The amount of time you hire a car for and the time at which you book will influence the prices.
What’s the most popular hire length at Sofia Airport?
Hirers picking up a car at Sofia Airport keep them for an average of 12 days during in December, while those picking up their cars in October keep them for an average of 8.
Average Hire Length at Sofia Airport
Which month sees the highest demand for car hire at Sofia Airport?
Though Sofia Airport is popular for travellers all year long, the month with the highest demand for hire cars is in July. October is the month that sees the lowest demand for hire cars.
Popularity by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Hire Models
| Hire Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surprice | VW Polo | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| GreenMotion | Citroen C3 | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Top Rent A Car | Citroen C3 | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| GreenMotion | Hyundai i10 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Surprice | Fiat Panda | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Autounion | Volkswagen Up | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Surprice | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Top Rent A Car | Renault Clio | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Surprice | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| GreenMotion | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
FAQ
How much will be blocked on my credit card?
The security deposit will be blocked on your credit card when you pick up the vehicle. The amount is different for each vehicle and supplier. You can see how much it will be in the Rental Conditions. Keep in mind that you can usually purchase additional coverage that will reduce or waive the deposit.
How many additional drivers can be added?
Generally, adding up to three additional drivers is possible, but this depends on the supplier. Check the Rental Conditions to make sure.
Can I pick up the car outside of office hours?
Yes, many suppliers at Sofia Airport offer service outside of their office hours for an additional fee. Simply search for a car using the time you would like to pick up the car to see what is available and the total costs including this fee.
Can you guarantee that the vehicle will be a 4x4?
Yes, if the vehicle is listed as a 4x4 you should receive a 4x4 vehicle, though not necessarily the same make and model.
Top 22 Hire Companies at Sofia Airport in 2021
Lion Rent A Car
+35928922222 / +359878408142
1 Christopher Columbus, 1540 Sofia
£ 9 - £ 57
SIXT
+35929459276
T1 - Sofia Airport
£ 7 - £ 86
National
+35929373594
Terminal 2, Hristofor Columb Boulevard, 1, 1000 Sofia
£ 8 - £ 19
Top Rent A Car
+359887205813
Sofia Airport, 1 Hristofor Columb blvd., Sofia 1540
£ 8 - £ 45
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
CarRent
+359888221600
1, Christopher Columbus blvd., 1540 Sofia, Bulgaria
£ 5 - £ 19
Enterprise
+35929373594
Sofia International Airport Terminal 2, Prodan Tarakchiev St, 1528 Sofia
£ 7 - £ 16
Alamo
+35929373594
Terminal 2, 1000 Летище Sofia
£ 7 - £ 17
Dives Rent a car
+359898446083
bul. Christopher Columbus 1, 1540, Sofia
£ 14 - £ 46
Car 1
+359886526666
1528, Nedelcho Bonchev 18, Bulgaria
£ 9 - £ 37
Europcar
+35929459266
SOFIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
£ 9 - £ 31
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
Surprice
+359883966366 / +359882721117
Bul. Christopher Columbus 1, 1592 Sofia
£ 3 - £ 51
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
Avis
+359070091150
bul. "Christopher Columbus" 1, 1540 Sofia, Bulgaria
£ 9 - £ 27
Working hours
Mon:09:00-23:00
Tue:09:00-23:00
Wed:09:00-23:00
Thu:09:00-23:00
Fri:09:00-23:00
Sat:09:00-23:00
Sun:09:00-23:00
Autounion
+359887818191
bul. "Christopher Columbus" 1, 1540 Sofia
£ 6 - £ 47
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
Alamo
+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
Budget
+359899700001
Arrivals Hall Terminal 1
Working hours
Mon:09:00-23:00
Tue:09:00-23:00
Wed:09:00-23:00
Thu:09:00-23:00
Fri:09:00-23:00
Sat:09:00-23:00
Sun:09:00-23:00
Yes Rent A Car
+359887503030
Hristofor Kolumb 1
£ 9 - £ 46
AddCar
+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
GreenMotion
+359876717717
T1 - Sofia Airport, 1000, Sofia
£ 3 - £ 25
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
NUCarrentals
+35970020225
Sofia International Airport, Terminal 1, 1517 Sofia
Ace Rent a car
359884797108 / 3172487251
Sofia Airport Complex
MEX RENT A CAR
+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