Electronic Highway Vignette Bulgaria
E-vignette for Bulgarian highways and first-class roads
Highway vignette for Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, the e-vignette is mandatory for all vehicles on highways and selected first-class roads. The system is electronic and linked to the license plate.
Bulgaria has a highway network connecting Sofia with Burgas (A1) and other cities. Ideal for a holiday by the Black Sea.
The control is carried out automatically using cameras. A physical sticker is not needed.
Do you need a Bulgarian highway vignette?
Purchase e-sticker →Types of validity and prices
The Bulgarian e-vignette offers weekend, weekly, monthly, and annual options. The weekend option is unique.
The validity starts from the chosen date. You will receive confirmation via email.
How online purchase works
Purchasing a Bulgarian e-vignette is simple. Enter the license plate and choose the validity.
The vignette is active from the chosen start date of validity.
Fines for driving without a valid vignette
Driving without an e-vignette in Bulgaria is an offense with a fine.
⚡ Quick purchase - sticker active within minutes
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Bulgaria – Gateway to the Black Sea
Bulgaria is a popular summer destination for travelers from Central and Eastern Europe. With affordable resorts on the Black Sea coast, rich history, and favorable prices, it attracts millions of tourists each year.
The highway network takes you from the capital Sofia directly to the most beautiful beaches of the Black Sea. The journey on the A1 highway takes about 4 hours and passes through the Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains).
Tourist Attractive Regions
- Severní pobřeží – The northern coast with resorts Golden Sands, Albena, and Balchik – modern hotels, water parks, and nightlife.
- Jižní pobřeží – The southern coast with Sunny Beach, Nessebar (UNESCO), and Sozopol – a combination of beaches and history.
- Sofie – The capital city Sofia with Roman monuments, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the nearby Vitosha Mountain.
- Vnitrozemí – Rila Monastery (UNESCO), Plovdiv – the oldest city in Europe, and wine regions in Thrace.
The Bulgarian Black Sea offers a sunny holiday for a fraction of the price of Croatia or Greece.
What is e-vignette and how does it work
The Bulgarian e-vignette is an electronic toll sticker required for all vehicles on highways (automagistrale) and most first-class roads (drum național). The system is fully electronic and linked to the vehicle's registration plate.
Unique Features of the Bulgarian e-vignette
- Weekend option: As the only country in the EU, Bulgaria offers a weekend e-vignette (Friday 12:00 – Sunday 23:59)
- Immediate activation: The e-vignette is valid immediately after purchase or from the chosen date
- Automatic verification: Cameras on highways read license plates and verify validity in the database
The e-vignette is valid on highways, expressways, and most first-class roads. It is not required on local roads and in cities.
Main Highway Routes in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian highway network connects the capitals and tourist areas. Most highways have been modernized in recent years thanks to EU funds.
🛣️ A1 Sofie – Burgas
Main artery – Sofia through Plovdiv to Burgas on the Black Sea. About 360 km, the journey takes approximately 4 hours. The busiest highway in summer.
🛣️ A2 Sofie – Varna
Connection from Sofia to Varna via Stara Zagora. Northern route to the sea, longer but less busy than A1.
🛣️ A3 Sofie – Srbsko
Highway from Sofia westward towards the Serbian border and further into Europe. Main transit route.
🛣️ A4 Plovdiv okruh
Connection between A1 and A2 near Plovdiv – a ring road around the city.
🏖️ The Black Sea awaits you!
Affordable seaside holiday – with a valid e-vignette
Purchase e-sticker →Tourist Attractions Accessible by Car
Bulgaria offers a surprising diversity – from ancient monuments to mountain ranges and sea beaches.
- Nessebar – Ancient city on the peninsula, UNESCO site. A combination of Byzantine churches, Roman ruins, and Black Sea beaches. Access from A1.
- Rilský klášter – The largest monastery in the Balkans, a UNESCO site from the 10th century. Amazing frescoes and mountain scenery. Trip from Sofia (about 2 hours).
- Plovdiv – The oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Roman theater, old town, and modern art scene. Directly on A1.
- Golden Sands – The largest resort on the Bulgarian coast. Modern hotels, water parks, casinos, and nightclubs. 18 km from Varna.
- Sozopol – Picturesque fishing town with an old town on the peninsula. An alternative to the busy Sunny Beach.
Tip: Combine your stay by the sea with a trip to the mountains. Plovdiv and the Rila Monastery are accessible as day trips.
Traveling from neighboring countries
Bulgaria borders five countries. There are two main routes from the Czech Republic – through Romania or Serbia.
🇷🇴 Through Romania (shortest)
The most common route from the Czech Republic. Bridge over the Danube at Ruse/Giurgiu or at Vidin/Calafat. Romania requires a Rovinieta.
Romanian Rovinieta →🇷🇸 Through Serbia (alternative)
Route through Belgrade and Niš. Serbia currently does not have an electronic vignette, tolls are paid at the gates.
🇹🇷 To Turkey
The Kapitan Andreevo border crossing is the main entry into Turkey. Queues can be several hours long during the season.
History of the Bulgarian Highway Network
The Bulgarian highway network is relatively young. The first sections were built in the 1970s and 1980s during socialism, but real development came only after joining the EU in 2007.
Thanks to European funds, it was possible to modernize the main routes and complete the connection from Sofia to the Black Sea. Today, Bulgaria has over 700 km of highways.
Key Milestones
- 1984: Opening of the first section of A1 near Sofia
- 2007: EU accession – the beginning of massive investments
- 2012: Completion of A1 to Burgas
- 2019: Introduction of the electronic e-vignette
- 2023: Modernization of A2 to Varna
Bulgarian highways have changed beyond recognition in the last 15 years thanks to European investments.
The planned expansion includes the completion of the trans-European corridor connecting Serbia, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
Overview of Bulgarian e-vignette prices 2025
The Bulgarian e-vignette offers a unique weekend option that is ideal for short trips:
| Validity | Type of validity | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend ⭐ | Fri 12:00 – Sun 23:59 | Short trip |
| 7 days | 7 consecutive days | Weekly vacation |
| 30 days | 30 consecutive days | Longer stay |
| Annual | 12 months | Frequent travels |
Prices may vary. The weekend option is unique – no other country in the EU offers it!
Controls and fines in Bulgaria
The e-vignette check is conducted automatically using cameras placed on highways. The system reads license plates and checks validity in real-time.
How checks are conducted
- Stationary cameras: On portals above highways, automatic license plate reading
- Mobile units: Police vehicles with portable readers
- Border checks: Upon entering and exiting the country
Fines for driving without an e-vignette
⚠️ Attention! Fines are high:
- Passenger car: Fine of 300 BGN (approximately 150 EUR)
- Foreign vehicles: Fine is paid on the spot or the vehicle is detained
- Repeated offenses: Increased fines
Bulgarian authorities are strict in checks, especially on main routes to the sea during the summer season.
Practical tips for traveling to Bulgaria
Traveling to Bulgaria by car requires good preparation. Here are some tried-and-true tips:
Check the vehicle's condition
The journey is long and goes through various terrains. Check tires, oil, and fluids before departure.
Have cash in BGN
Bulgaria is not in the eurozone. The local currency is the lev (BGN). Exchange offices are everywhere, but avoid exchanging at the borders.
Refuel at branded stations
Shell, OMV, and Petrol are reliable brands. Fuel prices are cheaper than in the Czech Republic.
Plan breaks
The journey takes 14+ hours. Spread it over two days or alternate drivers. Fatigue behind the wheel is dangerous.
Book accommodation in advance
During the summer season, popular resorts (Golden Sands, Sunny Beach) are fully booked. Reserve in advance.
Legal information and traffic regulations
When traveling to Bulgaria, it is important to know local regulations:
Basic rules
- Mandatory equipment: Reflective vest, triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher
- Lights: Mandatory year-round, both day and night
- Alcohol: Maximum 0.5 ‰, but we recommend 0
- Speed limits: Urban 50, outside urban areas 90, highway 140 km/h
Bulgaria is a member of the EU, but not in Schengen. Border checks are in place – have your passport or ID ready.
Best time to visit
Bulgaria is attractive in various periods depending on the type of holiday:
Summer (June-August): Peak season by the sea. Warm weather, but also the most tourists and highest prices.
Spring (April-May): Ideal for cultural travel. Plovdiv, Sofia, and sights without crowds.
Autumn (September-October): Extended season by the sea. Warm sea, fewer people, lower prices.
Winter (December-March): Skiing in Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo. More affordable than the Alps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Bulgaria
What is the Bulgarian e-vignette and where is it valid? ▼
E-vignette is an electronic highway sticker required on highways and most first-class roads in Bulgaria. Without it, you cannot legally drive on these roads.
What types of e-vignettes are available? ▼
Bulgaria offers a unique weekend variant (Friday–Sunday), as well as weekly, monthly, and annual options. The weekend variant is ideal for a short trip.
How long does it take to travel from Prague to Burgas? ▼
The journey from Prague to the Bulgarian coast is approximately 1,500 km and takes 14-16 hours without stops. We recommend splitting it into two days.
Is it cheap in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes, Bulgaria is one of the cheapest destinations in the EU. Accommodation, food, and services are significantly cheaper than in Croatia or Greece.
Do I need a passport or is an ID card sufficient? ▼
Bulgaria is a member of the EU, so a valid ID card is sufficient. It is not in Schengen, so border checks are conducted.
Summary: Everything about traveling to Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a great choice for an affordable beach holiday. A combination of beaches, history, and favorable prices.
- ✓ E-vignette: Required on highways, unique weekend variant
- ✓ Route from the Czech Republic: Shortest through Romania (requires Rovinieta), approx. 1,500 km
- ✓ Main attractions: Nessebar UNESCO, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv
- ✓ Advantage: One of the cheapest destinations in the EU
Buy your e-vignette online and set off for a budget-friendly holiday by the Black Sea!
Buy your Bulgarian highway vignette now!
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