Sofia

Find rental cars in Sofia from trusted local providers and international brands. Pick up at Sofia Airport or in the city and explore Bulgaria with clear pricing and straightforward rental conditions.
Car Rental in Sofia
Compare Trusted Local Car Rental Providers in Sofia
Looking for car rental in Sofia, Bulgaria? With Get My Rides you can compare rental cars from trusted local providers and well-known international brands in one place.
Whether you're arriving at Sofia Airport (SOF), staying in the city, or planning a road trip across Bulgaria, renting a car gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule.
With Get My Rides you get:
✔ Transparent pricing - no hidden fees at pickup
✔ Trusted local rental providers
✔ Clear rental conditions before booking
✔ Free cancellation on most bookings
From budget-friendly economy cars to SUVs and luxury vehicles, you can easily find the right car for your trip.
Why Rent a Car in Sofia?
Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and largest city, where ancient history, modern culture, and mountain landscapes meet.
While public transport works well within the city, renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the surrounding regions, historic towns, and natural landmarks.
Benefits of renting a car in Sofia
Freedom to explore
Visit nearby mountains, monasteries, and historic cities without relying on bus schedules.
Affordable prices
Bulgaria offers some of the lowest car rental prices in Europe, with economy cars often starting around €25 per day.
Perfect for day trips
Drive to Rila Monastery, Plovdiv, or the Seven Rila Lakes in just a few hours.
Convenient airport pickup
With Sofia Airport car rental, you can collect your car immediately after landing.
Popular Pick-Up Locations in Sofia
Most travellers choose Sofia Airport car rental, the country’s busiest airport and the main gateway to Bulgaria.
Other convenient pickup points include:
Sofia Airport (SOF)
The most popular option for international travelers.
Sofia City Center
Ideal if you're already staying in the capital.
Hotel Delivery
Some providers can deliver your car directly to your accommodation.
💡 Tip: During busy travel periods, booking Sofia Airport car rental in advance ensures better availability and pricing.
Types of Cars Available in Sofia
Whether you're staying in the city or planning to explore Bulgaria, there are vehicles available for every type of trip.
Economy Cars - Best for City Driving
Compact cars are perfect for navigating Sofia’s busy streets and finding parking more easily.
Examples include:
- Toyota Yaris
- Renault Clio
- Hyundai i20
Prices typically start from around €15/day.
SUVs & 4x4s - Ideal for Mountain Trips
Great for travelers planning to visit Bulgaria’s mountains or ski resorts.
Popular models include:
- Dacia Duster
- Toyota RAV4
- Kia Sportage
SUVs are popular for trips to Borovets, Rila Monastery, and Vitosha Mountain.
Luxury Cars
For business travel, special occasions, or premium comfort.
Examples include:
- BMW 5 Series
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Driving in Sofia - What to Know
Driving in Sofia is straightforward, though traffic can be busy during peak hours.
Here are some helpful tips:
Traffic
Rush hour traffic can be heavy on major boulevards, especially near the city center.
Parking
Sofia uses Blue and Green parking zones downtown, which require payment via SMS or parking apps.
Navigation
Road signs are written in both Cyrillic and Latin, and navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze work very well.
Fuel
Gas stations are common and many operate 24/7.
Highways
Bulgaria uses a digital e-vignette system instead of toll booths. Most rental cars already include this.
Best Day Trips from Sofia
With a rental car, Sofia is a great starting point for exploring Bulgaria.
Popular day trips include:
Rila Monastery (1.5 hours)
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Bulgaria’s most famous landmarks.
Vitosha Mountain (30 minutes)
Perfect for hiking in summer or skiing in winter.
Plovdiv (1.5 hours)
One of Europe’s oldest cities with a beautiful old town and Roman theater.
Seven Rila Lakes (2 hours)
A breathtaking mountain area with glacial lakes and scenic hiking trails.
Belogradchik Rocks (3 hours)
A spectacular natural rock formation with a historic fortress.
Things to See in Sofia
While exploring the city, don’t miss these highlights:
- **Alexander Nevsky Cathedral **- Sofia’s most iconic landmark
- Vitosha Boulevard - a lively street full of cafes and shops
- National Palace of Culture (NDK) - a cultural and event center
- Boyana Church - a UNESCO-listed medieval church
- National History Museum - one of the largest museums in the Balkans
Explore Bulgaria from Sofia
Sofia sits at the crossroads of Bulgaria’s most beautiful regions, making it an ideal starting point for road trips across the country.
Whether you’re looking for cheap car rental in Sofia, an SUV for mountain adventures, or a luxury vehicle for business travel, Get My Rides makes booking simple and transparent.
FAQ - Car Rental in Sofia
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
EU licenses are accepted. Drivers from some non-EU countries may need an IDP.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Sofia?
Most providers require drivers to be 21 years or older.
How much is the deposit?
Deposits typically range between €300 and €1,000, depending on the vehicle.
Do rental cars include highway tolls?
Most rental cars include the Bulgarian e-vignette, but confirm with the provider.