Burgas Airport (BOJ) is the busiest international gateway on Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast, handling millions of passengers every summer thanks to its proximity to Sunny Beach — one of Europe’s most popular package holiday destinations. But Burgas and its surrounding region offer far more than the resort strip. The ancient town of Nessebar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the wildlife-rich Burgas Lakes, the boutique seaside village of Sozopol, and the thermal spa town of Pomorie are all within easy reach when you have a hire car waiting at arrivals.
365 Car Hire compares prices across all suppliers operating at Burgas Airport, giving you a clear view of what’s available — from budget city cars to spacious family SUVs. With free cancellation on most bookings and no credit card surcharges, you can book with confidence even if your travel plans are still taking shape.
Hire car desks are located in the arrivals hall at Burgas Airport, with some suppliers offering off-airport lots serviced by a free shuttle. The airport is just 12 kilometres from Burgas city centre and around 35 kilometres from Sunny Beach, making a hire car one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to get around the region — especially if you’re travelling as a family or group.
Why Hire a Car at Burgas Airport?
The southern Black Sea coast is one of Bulgaria’s most diverse travel regions, and its highlights are spread out over a wide area. Sunny Beach is 35 km north; Sozopol is 30 km south; Nessebar is just 20 km away; and the Strandja Nature Park — a wilderness of ancient forests and riverside villages — starts less than an hour’s drive south of Burgas.
Public transport links exist but are infrequent and slow, particularly for resort-to-resort travel. Hiring a car at Burgas Airport means you can reach your hotel quickly, make day trips to multiple destinations, and explore at a pace that suits you. For beach-hoppers who want to visit more than one resort, or anyone planning a mix of culture and coast, it’s the most flexible option by far.
Top 5 Things to See and Do Near Burgas Airport
- Nessebar Old Town — A UNESCO World Heritage Site on a narrow peninsula, 20 minutes from the airport. Ancient churches, Byzantine ruins, and a great waterfront.
- Sunny Beach — Bulgaria’s biggest resort, 35 minutes north of the airport. Best for beach days, water parks, and nightlife.
- Sozopol — A charming fishing town with whitewashed wooden houses and great seafood restaurants, 30 minutes south of Burgas.
- Burgas Lakes — Four interconnected lakes on the edge of Burgas city, home to flamingos, pelicans, and dozens of migratory species. Just 15 minutes from the airport.
- Strandja Nature Park — Bulgaria’s largest nature park, with ancient villages, rivers, and dense oak forests. About 1 hour south of Burgas.
Driving in Bulgaria from Burgas
Roads around Burgas are well-maintained, and the coastal routes are scenic and generally easy to navigate. The A1 motorway connects Burgas to Sofia (380 km, around 4 hours). The coast road to Sunny Beach and Nessebar is fast and well-signposted.
- Driving licence: EU licences are accepted. Non-EU drivers should carry an International Driving Permit.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on main roads, 130 km/h on motorways.
- Vignette: Required for motorway use. Your rental may already have one — confirm at pickup. Available online, at petrol stations, and border crossings. Weekly vignettes cost approximately €6.
- Parking: Blue zone pay parking applies in Burgas city centre. Resort areas typically have free or low-cost parking at hotels and beaches.
- Summer traffic: Expect heavier traffic on the coastal road between Burgas, Nessebar, and Sunny Beach during July and August.
Best Car Types for Burgas and the Southern Black Sea Coast
- Compact cars: Ideal for couples or solo travellers staying at a single resort. Cheap to hire, easy to park, good on fuel.
- Family cars / estates: Best for families with luggage. Comfortable on drives to Sozopol, Strandja, or inland Bulgaria.
- SUVs / 4x4s: Worth considering if you’re heading into Strandja Nature Park, where some forest roads are unpaved. Also handy if travelling in a group of 4–5 people.
- 7-seater MPVs: Available from some suppliers — ideal for large groups or families combining airport transfers with day trips.
Cross-Border Driving from Burgas
Burgas is well-positioned for cross-border road trips. Turkey’s border at Kapitan Andreevo is approximately 2 hours south (near Svilengrad), making a drive to Istanbul a realistic multi-day adventure. Greece’s border is around 3 hours via the E80 highway toward Alexandroupolis. Cross-border driving must be approved by your rental supplier in advance — confirm at booking and ensure you have the correct insurance documentation.
If you’re also planning to explore Bulgaria’s capital, our car hire in Sofia, Bulgaria guide has everything you need. For those heading across the Adriatic coast, check our guide to car hire in Budva, Montenegro for Balkans coastal driving ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Hire Burgas Airport
How far is Burgas Airport from Sunny Beach?
Sunny Beach is approximately 35 kilometres north of Burgas Airport, which takes around 30–35 minutes by car depending on summer traffic. In peak season (July–August), allow extra time on the coastal road.
Where are the hire car desks at Burgas Airport?
Rental car counters are located in the arrivals hall at Burgas Airport (BOJ). Several international and local suppliers have on-airport desks. Some companies use nearby off-airport lots with a free shuttle service — check your booking confirmation for pickup details.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Bulgaria?
You’ll need a valid driving licence (EU licences accepted; non-EU drivers should carry an IDP), your passport or ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. Some suppliers also ask for a second form of ID.
Can I pick up a car at Burgas and drop it off at Varna?
One-way rentals between Burgas and Varna are available with many suppliers, though a one-way fee may apply. Compare one-way deals on 365 Car Hire — prices and fee levels vary between suppliers.
Is it safe to drive on Bulgarian roads around Burgas?
Yes — the main roads around Burgas are generally in good condition. The E87 coastal road and A1 motorway toward Sofia are well-maintained. Minor roads in the Strandja Nature Park can be rougher. Drive carefully on mountain roads if venturing inland, and be alert for livestock in rural areas.
Do hire cars in Bulgaria come with a vignette?
Most reputable rental companies include a valid Bulgarian vignette with their vehicles. Always confirm at pickup — driving on a motorway without a valid vignette results in a fine. If the car doesn’t have one, you can purchase a weekly vignette (approximately €6) at the airport, petrol stations, or online.