Planning a road trip to Bulgaria in 2026? Whether you are heading to the sunny Black Sea beaches, exploring ancient Thracian ruins, discovering Sofia vibrant culture, or skiing in the stunning mountain resorts, understanding the Bulgarian highway toll system is essential. Bulgaria operates a fully electronic vignette system (e-vignette) with some unique options including a budget-friendly weekend vignette—perfect for quick getaways. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Bulgarian toll roads, pricing, purchasing options, and how to avoid costly fines.
🇧🇬 What Is the Bulgarian E-Vignette?
Bulgaria transitioned to a fully electronic toll system for passenger vehicles in 2019, eliminating the need for physical sticker vignettes. The Bulgarian e-vignette (Bulgarian: електронна винетка) is a digital authorization that allows your vehicle to use toll roads throughout the country. Your license plate number is registered in a central database and verified automatically by enforcement cameras positioned along all toll roads.
The system is managed by the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) through the official bgtoll.bg portal. The e-vignette system offers several advantages over the old physical sticker system: no need to display anything on your windshield, instant activation, easy online purchase, and no risk of sticker damage or theft.
📋 Bulgarian E-Vignette Pricing 2026
Bulgaria offers some of the most affordable highway tolls in Europe, with several validity options to suit different travel needs. Here is the complete pricing structure for 2026:
| Validity Period | Category 3 (Cars up to 3.5t) | Category 2 (Motorcycles) | Approx. EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 Weekend | BGN 10 | BGN 5 | ~EUR 5 |
| 7 Days | BGN 15 | BGN 8 | ~EUR 7.50 |
| 1 Month | BGN 30 | BGN 15 | ~EUR 15 |
| 3 Months | BGN 54 | BGN 27 | ~EUR 27 |
| Annual | BGN 97 | BGN 50 | ~EUR 50 |
🎉 The Unique Weekend Vignette
Bulgaria is one of the few European countries offering a weekend vignette—a brilliant option for quick getaways! This special vignette is valid from Friday 12:00 noon until Sunday 23:59, perfect for weekend trips to the Black Sea coast or mountain resorts. At just BGN 10 (approximately EUR 5), it offers exceptional value for short trips.
🛣️ Bulgarian Motorway Network
Bulgaria has been rapidly expanding its motorway network in recent years. Here are the main highways where you will need a valid e-vignette:
A1 Trakiya Motorway (Автомагистрала Тракия)
The most important motorway in Bulgaria, connecting Sofia to Burgas on the Black Sea coast via Plovdiv. Total length: approximately 360 km. This is the main route for beach holidaymakers heading to popular resorts like Sunny Beach, Nessebar, and Sozopol. The motorway passes through the beautiful Thracian Valley, offering scenic views of the Balkan and Rhodope mountains.
A2 Hemus Motorway (Автомагистрала Хемус)
Connects Sofia to Varna, Bulgaria second-largest city and a major Black Sea port. Currently under construction in some sections, but when complete will be approximately 430 km. The route passes through the historic city of Veliko Tarnovo. This is the preferred route for travelers heading to Golden Sands, Albena, and other northern Black Sea resorts.
A3 Struma Motorway (Автомагистрала Струма)
Runs from Sofia to the Greek border via Blagoevgrad, following the Struma River valley. Approximately 150 km completed. This motorway is essential for travelers heading to Greece or the southwestern Bulgarian mountains, including the popular ski resort of Bansko.
A4 Maritsa Motorway (Автомагистрала Марица)
Connects Plovdiv to the Turkish border at Kapitan Andreevo. Approximately 117 km. This is the main route for travelers heading to Istanbul and Turkey.
💻 How to Buy Bulgarian E-Vignette
Purchasing a Bulgarian e-vignette is straightforward. Here are your options:
Option 1: Online via VignetteGo (Recommended)
- Visit VignetteGo.com
- Select Bulgaria and your desired validity period
- Enter your vehicle registration (license plate) details
- Complete secure payment
- Receive instant confirmation—your vignette is immediately valid!
Advantages of VignetteGo: Multi-language support, easy interface, ability to purchase vignettes for multiple European countries in one transaction, 24/7 customer support, and instant digital delivery.
Option 2: Official bgtoll.bg Website
The official Bulgarian toll road portal at bgtoll.bg offers direct purchase. Available in Bulgarian and English.
Option 3: Physical Points of Sale
E-vignettes can also be purchased at:
- Border crossing points
- Gas stations throughout Bulgaria
- Post offices
- OMV, Shell, and Lukoil stations
⚠️ Fines for Driving Without a Vignette in Bulgaria
Bulgarian authorities take toll violations seriously. If you are caught driving on toll roads without a valid e-vignette, you face significant penalties:
- First offense: BGN 300 (~EUR 150)
- Repeat offenses: Up to BGN 3,000 (~EUR 1,500)
- Commercial vehicles: Higher fines apply
Important: Enforcement is done automatically via cameras that read license plates. You may not be stopped immediately—fines can be issued days or weeks after the violation and may be sent to your home country. With a weekend vignette costing just EUR 5, there is absolutely no reason to risk a EUR 150+ fine!
🗺️ Popular Bulgarian Road Trip Routes
Sofia to Sunny Beach / Burgas (Black Sea Coast)
Distance: ~400 km | Duration: 4-4.5 hours | Route: A1 Trakiya Motorway
The most popular route for beach holidays. The A1 motorway offers excellent road conditions all the way to the coast. Stop in Plovdiv along the way to explore one of Europe oldest continuously inhabited cities, with its beautiful Old Town and Roman amphitheater.
Sofia to Varna / Golden Sands
Distance: ~450 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Route: A2 Hemus (partially) + E85
Head to Bulgaria northern Black Sea coast and the resort areas around Varna. Consider stopping in Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital with its impressive Tsarevets Fortress.
Sofia to Bansko (Ski Resort)
Distance: ~160 km | Duration: 2-2.5 hours | Route: A3 Struma + local roads
Bulgaria top ski destination offers excellent slopes and significantly lower prices than Western European resorts. The charming old town of Bansko features traditional taverns (mehanas) with live folk music.
Sofia to Plovdiv
Distance: ~150 km | Duration: 1.5-2 hours | Route: A1 Trakiya
A quick trip to Bulgaria second-largest city and 2019 European Capital of Culture. Don not miss the Roman Stadium, Ancient Theatre, and the colorful Old Town.
💡 Bulgaria Driving Tips for 2026
Currency and Payments
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). While Bulgaria is an EU member, it has not yet adopted the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted at gas stations and in cities, but carry some cash for smaller establishments and tolls at physical purchase points. Exchange rate: approximately 1 EUR = 1.95 BGN.
Speed Limits
- Motorways: 140 km/h
- Main roads outside cities: 90 km/h
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
- Residential zones: 20-30 km/h
Note: Speed cameras are common on Bulgarian motorways. Fines for speeding can be significant.
Fuel Prices
Bulgaria has some of the lowest fuel prices in the EU, making it an affordable country for road trips. Major fuel chains include OMV, Shell, Lukoil, and Petrol.
Road Conditions
Motorways are generally in excellent condition. Secondary roads vary in quality—some mountain roads can be challenging, especially in winter. Winter tires are mandatory from November 15 to March 1.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Bulgarian e-vignette valid?
The validity depends on the type you purchase: weekend (Friday noon to Sunday midnight), 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, or annual. The vignette becomes valid immediately upon purchase or from a specified start date.
Can I use the Bulgarian vignette in other countries?
No, the Bulgarian e-vignette is only valid in Bulgaria. For travel through multiple countries, visit VignetteGo to purchase vignettes for all countries on your route.
What if I enter the wrong license plate number?
Double-check your registration details before confirming purchase. If you make an error, you may need to purchase a new vignette—refunds for incorrect data are generally not possible.
Are there any toll-free alternatives in Bulgaria?
Yes, you can use secondary roads (Class II and III) without a vignette, but these are slower and often in poorer condition. For any meaningful distance, the motorways with a vignette are significantly faster and safer.
Do I need anything else to drive in Bulgaria?
Besides the e-vignette, ensure you have: valid driver license, vehicle registration document, proof of insurance (Green Card), warning triangle, first aid kit, and reflective vest. Headlights must be on at all times while driving.
🏖️ Why Visit Bulgaria?
Bulgaria offers incredible value for travelers, with stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality—all at prices significantly lower than Western Europe. Here is what makes Bulgaria special:
- Black Sea Coast: Beautiful beaches, vibrant resorts like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, and historic towns like Nessebar (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Mountain Resorts: Affordable skiing in Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo
- Ancient History: Thracian tombs, Roman ruins, medieval fortresses
- Wine Country: Bulgaria is one of the world oldest wine-producing regions
- Sofia: A dynamic capital with a fascinating mix of ancient, Ottoman, Soviet, and modern architecture
- Affordable Prices: One of the most budget-friendly EU destinations
📍 Conclusion
Bulgaria electronic vignette system is straightforward and affordable. With options ranging from a EUR 5 weekend pass to a EUR 50 annual vignette, you can explore this beautiful country without breaking the bank. The unique weekend vignette option makes Bulgaria perfect for spontaneous getaways to the Black Sea coast.
For the most convenient purchase experience and to get vignettes for multiple European countries in one transaction, use VignetteGo. Purchase takes just minutes, and your vignette is valid immediately.
Enjoy your Bulgarian road trip! 🇧🇬🏖️
Related Guides: Romania Rovinieta | Hungary E-Matrica | All European Vignettes
