Traveling with a rental car in Bulgaria – costs, documents and rules

Renting a car for a trip abroad at DEX Car costs starting from €36 per day, with no additional costs for international trips, and no mileage limit. Estimated transportation cost for a family of 4 for 7 days: ~400 EUR (rental from 252 EUR + fuel ~95 EUR + e-vignette 14 EUR + parking ~35 EUR). The electronic vignette in Bulgaria is mandatory; fine for his absence: 70-300 euros.

Romania and Bulgaria will be part of the Schengen area from January 2025, which will usually mean quicker border crossings (fewer delays than before).

Travel costs to Bulgaria from Romania – quick calculator (7 days)

If you want to know the real cost «from A to Z», use the example:
Example: 7 days – Bulgarian coast –
DEX car rental: from EUR 36/day × 7 = 252 euros

Fuel: ~1200 km, 6 L/100 km, 1.30 EUR/L = ~95 euros

Electronic vignette (7 days): 14 euros

Parking: 7 × ~5 EUR = ~35 euros

✅ Total shipping: ~400 euros

DEX Car vs other companies – additional costs for international travel, km limit and CASCO

Many car rental agencies charge additional fees for international travel or impose mileage limits.
At DEX Car we offer:

• Supplements of 0 euros for international travel + unlimited kilometres
• New cars (max. 3 years)
• Complete HELMET included in the price

What documents are needed to cross the border with a rental car?

For driver and passengers:

• Identity card or passport (valid)
• Driving license, can be Romanian (valid in Bulgaria)
• It is also advisable to have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

For children:

• Passport/ID card (birth certificate is not sufficient)

Car documents (received from the rental agency):

• The rental contract
• Registration certificate
• RCA valid in Bulgaria
• Confirm CASCO

How much does the electronic vignette cost for Bulgaria?

Approximate price of the e-vignette: ~14 EUR / 7 days or ~22 EUR / 1 month

Where: bgtoll.bg portal or fuel stations at the entrance to the town

The fine for not having an electronic eggplant in Bulgaria is 70-300 euros

Traffic rules in Bulgaria: speed, electronic vignette, radar detector

Speed ​​limits in Bulgaria:

• Urban area: 50 km/h
• National roads: 90 km/h
• Fast roads: 120 km/h
• Highways: 140 km/h

Electronic vignette (mandatory)
Accessing toll roads without an electronic vignette can result in a fine of €70 to €300.

Radar detector: prohibited
In Bulgaria, radar detectors are banned: you risk a fine and confiscation of the equipment.

Do you want to travel and need a car? Discover our short and long term rental offer! We also offer van rental services.

Frequently asked questions – Romania–Bulgaria with rental cars

Can I go to Bulgaria with a rental car from DEX Car?

Yes, no additional costs for international travel and no mileage limits.

What is the real cost for 7 days?

In the model: from 256 EUR rental + ~95 EUR fuel + 14 EUR electronic vignette + ~35 EUR parking = ~400 EUR.

Is the electronic vignette mandatory in Bulgaria? How much does it cost?

Yes, the electronic vignette in Bulgaria is mandatory. The price ranges from 7.12 EUR/day to 21.78 EUR/month.

What is the fine for not having an electronic eggplant in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria, fines for not owning an electronic aubergine vary between 70 and 300 euros.

What documents are needed to go abroad with a rental car?

You will need: ID card/passport + driving license; for the car: contract, registration document.

Is CASCO valid in Bulgaria?

If you rent a car from DEX Car, Full CASCO is included in the price and has international protection.

Are radar detectors allowed in Bulgaria?

No, radar detectors are illegal in Bulgaria.

Tips for traveling with a rental car in Bulgaria

• Buy the electronic vignette before the toll roads: 14 EUR/7 days; otherwise we risk a fine of 70 to 300 euros.
• Parking plan: ~5 EUR/day in beach resorts (approximate).
• Do not use a radar detector: prohibited (fines and confiscation).
• Respect the speed limits 50/90/120/140 km/h.
• Keep the documents: contract + registration certificate + CASCO + electronic vignette confirmation.