Refueling and Charging Bulgaria
Whether you drive a regular car or an electric vehicle: Bulgaria is a great travel destination with good infrastructure. Still, it is advisable to find out in advance about refueling in Bulgaria and charging your car in Bulgaria. That’s why we have put together the most important information and tips for you here—so you are well prepared when heading to Bulgaria by car.
Charging and Refueling in Bulgaria: The Key Information
Refueling in Bulgaria is easy: the country has a well-developed network of petrol stations covering both cities and rural areas.
Electric car Bulgaria: the charging network is not yet as dense as in other European countries, but it is steadily expanding.
Fuel prices Bulgaria: fuel prices are relatively low 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 also need a vignette for the country’s motorways.
The Fuel and Charging Network
Refueling in Bulgaria is ensured by a well-developed network of petrol stations—both in urban and rural areas. In addition, there are now around 500 charging stations in the country. Thanks to these, charging your car in Bulgaria is especially feasible in major cities, along main routes, and in tourist areas.
Refueling in Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers a wide range of petrol stations where you can refuel as usual. Some of the best-known and largest providers include OMV, Avanti, Shell, Lukoil, Eko and Petrol. These stations offer all common fuels and often additional services such as car washes, snack bars, and small shops.
The fuel labels used in Bulgaria are as follows:
Super: 95 octane
Super Plus: 98 octane
Diesel: diesel
Petrol Station Network
The petrol station network in Bulgaria is comprehensive. You will find especially many stations in cities and along motorways. In rural regions, the density may be lower. Even so, there are still enough stations to keep you supplied throughout your Bulgaria road trip.
Fuel Prices in Bulgaria
Fuel prices in Bulgaria are relatively low compared to other European countries. However, prices may vary by region and provider. You can often refuel cheaply in Bulgaria at discount stations or in rural areas. In tourist regions and along motorways, prices tend to be higher. It’s worth comparing prices online and paying attention to the time of day: refueling is often cheaper early in the morning or late in the evening.
Payment Methods at Petrol Stations
At most petrol stations in Bulgaria, you can pay both in cash and by credit card. The official currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN). In tourist areas, some stations also accept euros, but often at an unfavorable exchange rate. Therefore, it is recommended to pay in lev or use a credit card. Other possible payment methods include Google Wallet or Apple Pay.
Charging an EV in Bulgaria
Are you planning to travel to Bulgaria with an electric car? That is now quite possible: there are currently around 500 charging stations in the country, and the network is continuously expanding. In the following section, you’ll find the most important information!
Availability and Network Coverage
Charging points in Bulgaria are mainly found in major cities. In addition, you’ll find numerous charging options along the A1 and A2 motorways. In rural areas, the network is still thinner, which makes careful planning important.
Most charging stations in Bulgaria are located in:
Sofia
Stara Zagora
Varna
Burgas
Ruse
Providers and Charging Cards
Some of the largest providers of charging stations in Bulgaria include EVN, Eldrive, and Fines Charging. These operators cover most public charging points in Bulgaria and offer reliable infrastructure. You can also find charging stations at some supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers. Access is often via dedicated charging cards or apps. In Bulgaria, the apps EVN Bulgaria and Eldrive are commonly used. We recommend downloading them before your Bulgaria road trip.
Costs and Payment When Charging
The costs of charging your car in Bulgaria vary depending on the provider and charging speed. As a rule, fast chargers are more expensive than standard charging points. Payment is usually made by credit card, via an app, or with charging cards.
Tips and Advice
Apps such as PlugShare, Electromaps, or Chargemap make it easy to find charging stations and, if you like, plan your route in advance. The apps also show availability and charging costs. One more tip: it is always advisable to bring your own charging cable, as not all stations may be equipped accordingly.
Additional Notes on Refueling & Charging
Both refueling in Bulgaria and charging your car in Bulgaria are generally straightforward. Nevertheless, there are a few special points you should keep in mind.
Refueling and Charging in Rural Areas
In remote regions such as the Rhodopes or the Balkan Mountains, the density of petrol stations and charging points is lower. Plan your refueling and charging stops in these areas especially carefully.
Refueling and Charging in Cities and Tourist Areas
In large cities and tourist regions—for example, along the Black Sea coast or in national parks—there are comparatively many petrol stations and charging points. During peak season, however, these can be very busy. Prices are also often higher there.
Using Apps for Planning and Price Comparisons
Apps such as Electromaps or PlugShare help you quickly find the next charging point. If you’re looking for regular petrol stations, Google Maps is usually the best choice. With price comparison apps such as ADAC Spritpreise, you can also check and compare prices for refueling in Bulgaria at different stations.
Don’t Forget the Toll Fee!
In Bulgaria, there is a toll requirement for motorways and express roads. This fee is paid by purchasing a digital vignette. It is required for all vehicles, including electric cars. Also be sure to follow the relevant regulations in transit and neighboring countries when traveling to Bulgaria by car.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!
Bulgaria has a well-developed network of petrol stations that makes a Bulgaria road trip easy 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 wonderful trip to Bulgaria and lots of enjoyment while exploring this diverse country. You can find more information about tolls in Bulgaria in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, you can reach us anytime via email.
FAQs for Your Trip
Can you refuel in Bulgaria with euros?
Some petrol stations accept euros, but usually at a less favorable exchange rate. We therefore recommend paying in Bulgarian lev (BGN) or using a credit card.
Is refueling in Bulgaria cheaper?
Yes, refueling in Bulgaria is generally cheaper than in many other European countries. To find the most affordable option, you can use price comparison apps.
How many charging stations are there in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has around 500 charging stations with about 750 connectors, mainly in major cities and along the motorways.
