Getting There & Away: Plovdiv

Air Travel

Major Airports

Plovdiv is served by two main airports, offering different connectivity levels.

Gateways

Plovdiv Airport (PDV): Smaller, seasonal charter flights, limited Ryanair routes.
Sofia Airport (SOF): Bulgaria's main international gateway, 150 km northwest of Plovdiv.
Most travelers use Sofia Airport due to broader connectivity and flight options.

Flight Options & Prices

Airlines connect Sofia to major global hubs, with price variations by season.

Flight Details

Many major European airlines operate flights to Sofia (e.g., Lufthansa, British Airways, Wizz Air, Ryanair).
Peak season (summer, winter ski) prices are higher. Shoulder seasons offer competitive prices.
Booking flights 3-6 months in advance generally secures better fares.

Sofia Airport Facilities

Terminal 2 handles most international flights. Facilities include duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, car rental desks, and free Wi-Fi.

Plovdiv Airport Facilities

A smaller airport with more basic facilities, including a few cafes and limited shops for traveler needs.

Transfer Tip

If flying into Sofia, consider booking your bus or train ticket to Plovdiv upon arrival at the station, to account for flight delays.

Airport Transfer Options

Sofia Airport SOF to Plovdiv

Bus: Metro to Sofia Central Bus Station, then intercity bus (approx. 2 hours).
Train: Metro to Sofia Central Railway Station, then train (approx. 2.5-3 hours).
Taxi/Ride-sharing: Direct taxi is expensive (150-200 BGN). Use TaxiMe or Yellow! Apps for better pricing.
Private Transfer/Rental Car: Pre-booked transfers or car rental at SOF for convenience.

Plovdiv Airport PDV to City Center

Taxi: Readily available outside the terminal. Fare typically 15-25 BGN to city center.
Public Bus: Infrequent service. Check schedules in advance for availability.
Private Transfer/Rental Car: These options are also available for direct transport.
Consider booking flights via Dollar Flight Club for deals or comparing prices on Skyscanner.

Flight Deals & Compensation

Dollar Flight Club

Find great deals on flights with Dollar Flight Club, saving on airfare.

Skyscanner

Compare flight prices from various airlines and find optimal routes on Skyscanner.

AirHelp

Seek compensation for delayed or canceled flights via AirHelp.com if your journey is disrupted.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) operate passenger train services. Intercity buses are a popular choice for intercity travel.

Travel Details

Sofia-Plovdiv is the most frequent train route, offering comfortable journeys.
Central Bus Station (Avtogara Yug) in Plovdiv is a major hub for intercity buses.
Numerous private bus companies (Karat-S, Union Ivkoni, Biomet) offer reliable services.

Self-Driving & Rental

Driving yourself offers flexibility for exploring the Rodopi Mountains and beyond.

Driving Essentials

Valid national driver's license or International Driving Permit (IDP) (for non-EU/EEA).
A credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit.
Road Conditions: Major roads are good; secondary roads in Rodopi vary. Driving can be challenging due to aggressive drivers.

Driving Considerations

Bulgaria shares land borders with Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey.

Border Crossings

Bulgaria is a partial Schengen member. Land border controls to non-Schengen countries are still in place.
Ensure all vehicle documents (registration, insurance, vignette) are in order.
Expect potential queues at border crossings during peak times or holidays.

Car Rental & Safety

Book your rental car online in advance for the best rates and availability.

Rental & Road Rules

Major companies like Hertz, Avis, and local options via DiscoverCars.com operate here.
Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Headlights on at all times. Zero tolerance for alcohol.
Winter driving in the Rodopi Mountains requires winter tires, possibly Snow chains.

Driving Safety Warnings

Aggressive driving is common; drivers may not always adhere to lane discipline.
Be cautious of speed limits (often enforced by cameras).
Watch for pedestrians and animals, specifically on rural roads.

Drink-driving laws are strict (zero tolerance).
Potholes can be an issue on smaller, less maintained roads.
A GPS device or smartphone with maps highly recommended for navigation.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically charged to departing passengers at Bulgarian airports, as costs are usually included in your airfare.

Timing Your Departure

International Flights (from Sofia Airport SOF): Arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic or Limited International Flights (from Plovdiv Airport PDV): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
Land Departures (Bus/Train from Plovdiv): Arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Facilities vary between major and smaller hubs, catering to departing travelers' needs.

Available Services

Sofia Airport (SOF): Departure lounges, duty-free shops, various restaurants and cafes.
Plovdiv Airport (PDV): More basic facilities, usually including a small cafe and limited seating.
Plovdiv Central Bus/Train Station: Basic waiting areas, small kiosks for snacks and drinks, public restrooms.

Pre-Departure Check

Reconfirm your flight or bus/train details 24 hours before departure. Check for any unexpected delays or changes to your itinerary.

Getting There & Away