Refueling and Charging Bulgaria

Whether normal car or electric car: Bulgaria is a great travel destination with a good infrastructure. Nevertheless, it is advisable to find out in advance about refueling in Bulgaria and charging your car in Bulgaria. That's why we have compiled the most important information and tips on the subject for you here – so you are well prepared when you head to Bulgaria by car.

Charging and refueling in Bulgaria: The most important information

• Refueling in Bulgaria is easy: The country has a well-developed network of gas stations that includes both cities and rural areas.

• Electric car Bulgaria: The network of charging stations is not yet as dense as in other European countries, but it is being steadily expanded.

• Gas prices Bulgaria: Gas prices are relatively cheap by European standards, which makes traveling through Bulgaria particularly attractive.

• In Bulgaria, you pay with the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Alternatively, you can use your credit card.

• You will also need a vignette for the country's motorways.

The gas station and charging network

Refueling in Bulgaria is ensured by a well-developed network of gas stations. This applies to both urban and rural regions. There are now also around 500 charging stations in the country. Thanks to this, charging your car in Bulgaria is well possible, especially in large cities, along main roads, and in tourist areas.

Refueling in Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers a large number of gas stations where you can refuel as usual. The best-known and largest providers include OMV, Avanti, Shell, Lukoil, Eko, and Petrol. These gas stations offer all common fuels and often additional services such as car washes, snack bars, and small shops.
The names for fuel in Bulgaria are as follows:

• Super: 95 octane

• Super Plus: 98 octane

• Diesel: Diesel

Gas station network

The gas station network in Bulgaria is comprehensively developed. In cities and along the motorways, you will find particularly many gas stations. In rural regions, the density may be lower. Nevertheless, you will still find enough gas stations here to keep you supplied with fuel throughout your Bulgaria road trip.

Gas prices Bulgaria

Gas prices in Bulgaria are relatively cheap compared to other European countries. However, prices can vary depending on the region and provider. You can often find cheap fuel in Bulgaria at discount stations or in rural areas. In tourist regions and along the motorways, prices tend to be higher. It's worth comparing prices online and paying attention to the time of day: refueling is usually cheaper in the early morning or late evening.

Payment methods at gas stations

At most gas stations in Bulgaria, you can pay both in cash and by credit card. The official currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). In tourist regions, some gas stations also accept euros, but often at an unfavorable exchange rate. It is therefore recommended to pay in Lev or use a credit card. Other possible payment methods include Google Wallet or Apple Pay.

Charging an e-car in Bulgaria

Would you like to travel to Bulgaria with an electric car? This is now quite possible: there are currently around 500 charging stations in the country, and the network is being continuously expanded. In the following section, you will find the most important information about this!

Availability and network coverage

Charging stations in Bulgaria are mainly found in large cities. You will also find numerous charging options along the A1 and A2 motorways. In rural areas, the network is still sparser, which is why careful planning is important there.

Most charging stations in Bulgaria are located in:

• Sofia

• Stara Zagora

• Varna

• Burgas

• Ruse

Providers and charging cards

The largest providers of charging stations in Bulgaria include EVN, Eldrive, and Fines Charging. These operators cover the majority of public charging stations in Bulgaria and offer reliable infrastructure. You will also find charging stations in some supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers. Access is often via special charging cards or apps. In Bulgaria, the apps EVN Bulgaria and Eldrive are mainly used. We recommend downloading these before your Bulgaria road trip.

Costs and payment when charging

The costs for charging your car in Bulgaria vary depending on the provider and charging speed. The rule is: fast charging stations are more expensive than conventional charging stations. Payment is usually made by credit card, via an app, or with charging cards.

Tips and hints

With apps such as PlugShare, Electromaps, or Chargemap, you can easily find charging stations and, if you wish, plan your route in advance. The apps also show you the availability and costs of the charging stations. One more tip: it is always advisable to bring your own charging cable, as not all stations may be equipped accordingly.

More information on refueling & charging

Both refueling in Bulgaria and charging your car in Bulgaria are generally uncomplicated. Nevertheless, there are a few peculiarities you should be aware of.

Refueling and charging in rural areas

In remote regions such as the Rhodope Mountains or the Balkan Mountains, the density of gas stations and charging stations is lower. Plan your refueling and charging breaks particularly carefully in these areas.

Refueling and charging in cities and tourist areas

In large cities and tourist regions – for example, the Black Sea coast or the national parks – there are comparatively many gas stations and charging stations. In peak season, however, these can be very busy. Prices there are also often higher.

Using apps for planning and price comparison

Apps such as Electromaps or PlugShare always help you quickly find the nearest charging station. If you are looking for regular gas stations, it's best to use Google Maps. With price comparison apps such as ADAC Spritpreise, you can also check and compare prices for refueling in Bulgaria at different gas stations.

Don't forget the toll fee!

In Bulgaria, there is a toll requirement for motorways and expressways. This fee is paid by purchasing a digital vignette. It is required for all vehicles, including electric cars. Also note the relevant regulations in the transit and neighboring countries when you head to Bulgaria by car.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Bulgaria has a well-developed network of gas stations that make a Bulgaria road trip simple and uncomplicated. In addition, there are more and more options for charging your car in Bulgaria. With a bit of planning and a rough route in mind, you can travel through Bulgaria by car without any worries.

We wish you a pleasant trip to Bulgaria and much enjoyment while exploring this diverse country. For more information on the toll in Bulgaria, please see our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to optimally plan your trip and be shown suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are available at any time by email.