What is the Bulgaria vignette?
The Bulgarian vignette (Bulgarian: винетка) is an electronic road toll, in force since 2019. Bulgaria has completely abandoned physical stickers in favour of the TollPass/bgtoll.bg digital system.
The system is simple: the vignette is linked directly to your vehicle number plate. Enforcement is automated via ANPR cameras on roads and motorways.
The Bulgarian vignette obligation applies to every vehicle with a GVW up to 3.5 tonnes. Bulgaria is a popular transit country — routes to Türkiye, Greece and the wider Balkans pass through it.
If you're wondering when to buy a vignette before your trip, check our guide — the Bulgarian vignette is valid from the start date you choose in the form.
🇪🇺 Bulgaria in the eurozone from 1 January 2026
From 1 January 2026 the official and sole currency in Bulgaria is euro. The Bulgarian lev (BGN) ceased to be legal tender on 1 February 2026. The fixed exchange rate is 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN.
📅 Weekend vignette: Friday 12:00 → Sunday 23:59
Bulgaria has a dedicated weekend vignette: €14.95, valid from Friday 12:00 to Sunday 23:59 — the whole weekend with one purchase. The 1-day vignette (€11.50) is valid only until 23:59 on the chosen day, so if you drive on more than one day of the weekend, the weekend vignette costs less than two 1-day vignettes.
⚠️ Vignette also required on national roads
Unlike most European countries, the Bulgarian vignette is required not only on motorways, but also on most Class I and II national roads. Only local Class III roads are free.
Motorways and roads requiring a vignette
In Bulgaria the vignette applies not only to motorways but also to most Class I and II national roads — virtually every longer route. Enforcement uses 295 fixed cameras + 105 mobile patrol vehicles operating 24/7.
- A1 "Trakija" – Sofia → Plovdiv → Burgas (360 km): Bulgaria's most important motorway. Route to Sunny Beach.
- A2 "Hemus" – Sofia → Varna (440 km, partial): Route to Golden Sands. Under construction — some sections are still national roads.
- A3 "Struma" – Sofia → Greek border (170 km): Route to Thessaloniki.
- A4 "Maritsa" – Plovdiv → Turkish border (115 km): Route to Istanbul.
- A5 "Cherno More" – Burgas → Varna (135 km): Black Sea coast, links both resorts.
- A6 "Lyulin" – Sofia bypass (19 km).
- Class I national roads (I-1, I-2, I-3 etc.): Main inter-city roads — MOST require a vignette!
- Class II roads (II-1, II-2 etc.): Regional roads — also often require a vignette.
Danube Bridge with Romania — SEPARATE charge!
The Danube Bridge (Friendship Bridge) connecting Ruse (BG) and Giurgiu (RO) requires a separate charge: around €6 one way for a passenger car. Paid at the barrier. The bridge is NOT covered by the vignette.
The second Danube bridge: Vidin-Calafat (New Europe Bridge) — also a separate fee of around €6.
Check current prices at bgtoll.bg.
Bulgarian vignette prices
Bulgaria offers 6 validity periods. The price includes the road toll – BGTOLL and order handling. Bulgaria has been in the eurozone since 1 January 2026 — all prices in EUR. GBP conversions are approximate based on live exchange rates.
| Vignette type | Validity | Price (EUR) | Price (EUR ~) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day | 1 day (until 23:59) | €11.50 | — |
| Weekend DEAL | Friday 12:00 → Sunday 23:59 | €14.95 | — |
| 7-day | 7 consecutive days | €18.50 | — |
| 30-day | 30 consecutive days | €28.50 | — |
| 3-month | 90 consecutive days | €44.95 | — |
| Annual | 365 days from the start date | €78.95 | — |
* The price includes the road toll – BGTOLL and order handling. Exchange rate is indicative. With a trailer over 3.5t GCWR? A separate trailer vignette is required (same price as vehicle) — see full European vignette pricing 2026. Current road toll rates are published by the operator at bgtoll.bg.
Not sure which validity period to choose? Read our comparison with concrete examples.
Most popular cities for UK travellers
See which Bulgarian cities and resorts UK travellers visit most.
Sofia
Bulgaria's capital (1.3 million inhabitants). Business, culture and political centre. The most important transport hub — junction of A1, A2, A3, A6.
Motorways: A1, A2, A3, A6
Varna
Main Black Sea city (350k). Gateway to the Bulgarian coast, major sea port. International airport.
Motorways: A2, A5
Burgas
Second seaside city (220k). Tourism destination + transit to Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Sozopol. International airport.
Motorways: A1, A5
Plovdiv
Bulgaria's second-largest city (350k). Historic centre (oldest city in Europe), transit route to Türkiye.
Motorways: A1
Sunny Beach
Most popular UK resort. Centre of summer tourism, all-inclusive, 8 km sandy beach.
Motorways: A1 (via Burgas)
Golden Sands
Famous resort near Varna (Golden Sands). Best-developed all-inclusive tourism, clubs, 4-5* hotels.
Motorways: A2 (via Varna)
Ruse
Most important border city with Romania (155k). Danube Bridge — separate €6 fee.
Motorways: A2
Veliko Tarnovo
Bulgaria's medieval capital (70k). Cultural tourism destination, historical festivals.
Motorways: A2 (connection)
Routes from the UK to Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a long way from the UK — transit means a multi-day drive. The most common route runs through 5–6 transit countries. We recommend our multi-country bundle for the whole journey + planned overnight stops.
| Route | Distance | Time | Via |
|---|---|---|---|
| London → Sofia | ~2,400 km | ~30 hrs | Channel Tunnel → FR → BE → DE → AT → HU → RO (rovinieta) → BG |
| Manchester → Sofia | ~2,600 km | ~32 hrs | Dover → FR → BE → DE → AT → HU → RO → BG |
| Birmingham → Sofia | ~2,500 km | ~31 hrs | Channel Tunnel → FR → BE → DE → AT → HU → RO → BG |
| London → Varna | ~2,800 km | ~34 hrs | Multi-day trip with overnight in Vienna or Budapest |
| London → Burgas | ~2,750 km | ~33 hrs | Via Danube Bridge — €6 separate fee |
| London → Sunny Beach | ~2,800 km | ~34 hrs | Through 5+ transit countries |
Tips for UK drivers heading to Bulgaria
- There is no direct land connection from the UK — long transit through multiple countries.
- Romania has its own vignette, the rovinieta (a separate system) — buy it separately before entry!
- Most common route: UK → France → Germany → Austria → Hungary → Romania → Bulgaria (6+ countries, multiple vignettes).
- Danube Bridge (Ruse-Giurgiu) — separate fee of around €6.
- Transit takes 30+ hours — OVERNIGHT STAYS RECOMMENDED (e.g. Vienna, Budapest, or Bucharest).
- Driving on the right side requires adjustment — take regular breaks.
- Heading to Sunny Beach — buy a 7-day or 30-day vignette.
- Transit to Türkiye/Greece — vignette always required.
More in our article on multi-country vignette bundles and savings.
Bulgaria Vignette vs Romania – 2026
Heading to the Black Sea, you'll usually drive through both Bulgaria and Romania. Check the differences in their vignette systems:
| Feature | Bulgaria | Romania |
|---|---|---|
| System name | e-vignette (BGTOLL) | rovinieta (CNAIR) |
| Number of periods | 6 (incl. weekend) | 5 (1, 10, 30, 60 days, 12 months) |
| Price 1 day | €11.50 | 20–29 RON (by Euro emission class) |
| Price 7 days | €18.50 | No 7-day option (10 days: 27–39 RON) |
| Annual price | €78.95 | 228–330 RON (12 months, by Euro emission class) |
| Currency | EUR (from 1.1.2026) | RON (Romanian leu) |
| Weekend vignette | Yes (€14.95) ✨ | None |
| Fine for no vignette | €153.39 | 2–4× the annual price (approx. 500–1,300 RON) |
| Motorcycle | Exempt | Exempt |
| National roads | Yes (also required!) | Yes (DN1, DN2, etc.) |
| Danube Bridge | Separate fee ~€6 | Separate fee ~€6 |
Conclusions — how to plan your route
- Transit to Bulgaria via Romania: on this route you need both vignettes.
- Romania has no 7-day or weekend vignette — periods of 1, 10, 30, 60 days and 12 months; since 1 October 2026 the price depends on the vehicle's Euro emission class.
- Bulgaria offers weekend — great option for short trips.
- Danube Bridge: separate fee in both countries ~€6.
- Fine: BG €153.39 vs RO 2–4× the annual rovinieta price (approx. 500–1,300 RON).
- Currency: BG uses euro since 2026, RO still RON.
See also: full pricing of all vignettes. NOTE: Romania is not covered by europe-vignettes.com — the rovinieta is sold in the official CNAIR system at erovinieta.ro.
What to see in Bulgaria – top attractions
Bulgaria isn't just the Black Sea. See the most popular destinations among UK travellers:
Sunny Beach
Beach / All inclusiveBulgaria's biggest resort, 8 km sandy beach, 3-5* hotels. The most popular UK summer destination.
Golden Sands
Beach / SpaSecond-biggest resort, famous for its fine golden sand. Many all-inclusive hotels.
Sozopol
Old town / BeachBulgaria's oldest town, narrow streets, wooden houses, beaches less crowded than Sunny Beach.
Nessebar
UNESCO / HistoryUNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient ruins and Byzantine churches on a peninsula. Right next to Sunny Beach.
Rila Monastery
Monastery / UNESCOBulgaria's largest monastery (UNESCO). Wonderful frescoes, icons. 120 km south of Sofia.
Veliko Tarnovo
Medieval capitalBulgaria's medieval capital. Tsarevets Fortress, historical festivals, Balkan atmosphere.
Bansko
Winter skiingBulgaria's most popular ski resort. Season December-March. Cheap ski pass and hotels.
Plovdiv – Old Town
UNESCO / HistoryEurope's oldest continuously inhabited city. Roman ruins, colourful Renaissance houses.
UK visitors to Bulgaria — interesting facts
- Bulgaria is a popular UK summer destination. Sunny Beach and Golden Sands receive hundreds of thousands of UK tourists yearly.
- Cheap all-inclusive: weekly stays from around €470 per person.
- Bulgarian language: written in Cyrillic, but many words have international cognates.
- Bulgaria in the eurozone since 1.1.2026 — no need to exchange currencies if you have EUR.
- Bansko in winter: affordable ski resort, ski pass roughly half the price of Austria.
- Plovdiv is Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city — 6,000 years of history.
Vehicle categories in Bulgaria
Bulgaria uses a simple classification:
Vehicles subject to the obligation:
- Passenger cars up to 3.5t GVW
- SUVs, crossovers, vans, buses up to 3.5t
- 4-wheel vehicles (quad-bikes and 4-wheel motorcycles)
- Trailers (when combined rig weight >3.5t) — same price as the vehicle vignette
- Foreign-registered vehicles (including UK)
Vehicles exempt:
- Two-wheel motorcycles and mopeds — unconditionally exempt (system covers only 4-wheel vehicles)
- Vehicles over 3.5t GVW (BG Toll per-km system)
- Emergency services, police and military vehicles
- Disabled persons' vehicles (on application)
How to buy a Bulgarian vignette online
On europe-vignettes.com you buy the vignette in 3 simple steps:
- Choose validity period — 6 options available.
- Enter your number plate — exactly as it appears.
- Pay securely online — card, Apple Pay, Google Pay. Instant order confirmation; the vignette is registered and confirmed by email within 2–3 minutes of payment.
Penalties for no vignette in Bulgaria
From 1 January 2026 fines in Bulgaria are expressed in EURO (following the country's adoption of the euro). Previously amounts were given in Bulgarian lev (BGN).
| Type | Amount (Native) | ~ EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation fee (instead of a fine) | €46.50 | — |
| Standard fine (car ≤3.5t) | €153 | — |
| Covered/unreadable plate | ~€256 | — |
- Compensation fee: since 1 August 2026 you can pay a compensation fee of €46.50 instead of the fine (the cheapest option!)
- Enforcement system: 295 fixed cameras + 105 mobile patrol vehicles — 24/7
- Border check: Customs Agency verifies vignettes when leaving Bulgaria
- After your trip: the fine is usually paid on the spot at a check; unpaid charges can also be pursued after you return home
- Enforcement window: fines may arrive up to 6 months later
💡 Compensation fee instead of a fine
If BG TOLL catches you without a vignette, you can pay the compensation fee of €46.50 (since 1 August 2026) instead of the fine of about €153. Pay it and buy a vignette straight away before driving on.
More in our article on vignette fines across Europe 2026.
Safety on Bulgarian roads
Bulgarian roads have a reputation for being more challenging than Western European ones. See safety tips:
Road conditions
- A1, A2, A3 motorways: good condition, similar to UK motorways
- Class I national roads: average condition, ruts and potholes in places
- Class II mountain roads: narrow, winding, with steep descents in places
- Class III roads (local): often in poor condition — avoid where possible
Traffic rules in Bulgaria
- Speed limits: Motorways 140 km/h, national roads 90 km/h, urban 50 km/h.
- Headlights: Mandatory from 1 November to 1 March.
- Alcohol: Limit 0.5 promille (professional drivers: 0.0).
- Required equipment: First-aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest, fire extinguisher.
- Snow chains: Mandatory 15.11–1.03 in mountains (Rila, Pirin, Rhodopes).
- Winter tyres: Recommended November to March — especially in mountains.
- Children: Children under 150 cm must use child seats.
- Phone: Only with hands-free. Strict fines.
- Driving on the right: Bulgaria drives on the right (unlike UK) — be especially careful at junctions and roundabouts.
Practical tips
- Vehicle condition: check before departure — services in the country's interior may be hard to find
- Fuel: cheaper in Bulgaria than in the UK — fuel up there
- Parking payment: in central Sofia, Varna — card or app
- Language: signs often in Cyrillic + Latin — prepare yourself!
- Emergency number: 112 (same as UK)
- Road assistance: 146
- Speed cameras: common on motorways — observe limits!
- UK driving licence: fully accepted in Bulgaria. International Driving Permit not required for short stays.
Official sources
FAQ – most common questions about the Bulgaria vignette
Is a Bulgarian vignette mandatory for UK drivers?
Yes. The obligation applies to all vehicles up to 3.5t GVW, regardless of country of registration. Bulgaria has used the e-vignette system since 2019 — no physical stickers.
How much does the 2026 Bulgaria vignette cost?
Bulgaria offers 6 periods. 2026 prices: 1 day €11.50, weekend €14.95 (Friday 12:00 → Sunday 23:59), 7 days €18.50, 30 days €28.50, 3 months €44.95, annual €78.95. The price includes the road toll – BGTOLL and order handling.
Is Bulgaria in the eurozone?
YES! From 1 January 2026, Bulgaria officially adopted the euro as its sole currency. The fixed exchange rate is 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN (Bulgarian lev). The lev ceased to be legal tender on 1 February 2026. All vignette, fine and toll prices are now in EUR.
Is the weekend vignette worth it?
The weekend vignette (€14.95) is valid from Friday 12:00 to Sunday 23:59. The 1-day vignette (€11.50) is valid only until 23:59 on the chosen day. If you drive on more than one day of the weekend, the weekend vignette costs less than two 1-day vignettes. Entering Bulgaria on a Friday afternoon and leaving on Sunday — buy the weekend one!
When is the weekend vignette valid?
The weekend vignette is valid from Friday 12:00 (noon) to Sunday 23:59. That's longer than the 1-day vignette (until 23:59 the same day). Ideal for a short trip to the Black Sea or the mountains.
Does a motorcycle need a vignette in Bulgaria?
No! Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette obligation in Bulgaria — just like in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. You can freely use all motorways and national roads without charge. This is because the Bulgarian system covers 4-wheel vehicles.
Do I need a separate vignette for a trailer?
Yes, but only when the combined weight of the rig (vehicle + trailer) exceeds 3.5 tonnes. Then a separate vignette is required for the trailer — same price as the vehicle: €11.50 for 1 day, €28.50 for 30 days. Below 3.5 tonnes, one vignette is enough.
Does the Bulgarian vignette apply on national roads?
YES! Unlike most European countries, the Bulgarian vignette is required not only on motorways, but also on most Class I and II national roads. As in Romania, the vignette covers virtually the entire national road network. Only Class III local roads are free.
What fine for no vignette in Bulgaria?
The standard fine for a car up to 3.5t is about €153. Instead of the fine you can pay a compensation fee of €46.50 (since 1 August 2026) — the cheapest option. UK plates are routinely recognised by the ANPR camera system. The fine is usually paid on the spot at a check; unpaid charges can also be pursued after you return home.
How does e-vignette enforcement work in Bulgaria?
TollPass system: 295 fixed cameras + 105 mobile patrol vehicles operating 24/7. Enforcement is via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). Also conducted by the Ministry of Interior and Customs Agency at country exit.
Do I need an extra vignette in Sofia?
No, the vignette also covers Sofia's ring roads. In the city centre there are paid parking zones (zona platnitsi), but no separate vignette charge. Some districts may also have low-emission zones.
Does the Bulgarian vignette cover the Danube bridge?
NO. The Friendship Bridge on the Bulgaria-Romania border at Ruse requires a separate fee: around €6 one way for a passenger car. Paid at the barrier. The bridge is NOT covered by the vignette! The second Danube bridge (Vidin-Calafat) — also a separate fee.
Can I return an unused vignette?
You can cancel your order free of charge until the vignette is registered. If your start date is far enough ahead that the vignette will be registered later than 14 days after purchase, you keep the full 14-day right of withdrawal and get a full refund if you cancel before registration. If the vignette is registered within 14 days of purchase (you request immediate performance at checkout), the right of withdrawal ends once it is registered. Details: our Terms, section 7.
How can I check the validity of a Bulgarian vignette?
Visit the official bgtoll.bg website, enter your vehicle number plate and select your country of registration. The system will show active vignettes and validity dates. Verification is free.
Are there vignette-free zones in Bulgaria?
Yes, small sections of local roads are exempt (local access, Class III roads). But in practice: every longer route requires a vignette. Heading to Sofia, Varna or Burgas — you'll certainly hit a tolled section.
Are electric vehicles exempt from the vignette?
Check the current rules for electric vehicles with the operator (bgtoll.bg) before you travel. Until an exemption is confirmed for your vehicle, treat it like any other car — it needs a valid vignette.
Transit to Türkiye/Greece — do I need a Bulgarian vignette?
YES. Bulgaria lies on the main route to Türkiye (Istanbul) and Greece (Thessaloniki). Transit always requires a vignette. Most popular route: UK → Western Europe → Hungary → Romania → Bulgaria → Türkiye/Greece. You'll need 5+ vignettes/fees in total!
How long is transit from the UK to Bulgaria?
Transit from the UK to Sofia is around 30 hours / 2,400 km, typically via the Channel Tunnel, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Romania. We recommend splitting it into 2-3 days with overnight stops in Vienna or Budapest.
What is the best time of year to visit Bulgaria?
July-August: peak Black Sea season (Sunny Beach, Golden Sands) — expensive and crowded. May-June and September: ideal weather, less crowded, cheaper. December-March: ski season at Borovets, Bansko. Remember winter tyres in mountains!
Is a UK driving licence accepted in Bulgaria?
Yes, a UK driving licence is fully recognised in Bulgaria. An International Driving Permit is not required for short tourist stays. Remember your vehicle registration document, insurance valid in the EU/EEA, and a Green Card if your insurance doesn't cover the EU automatically.
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Buy your Bulgarian vignette now – stress-free, no queues
6 periods to choose from, including a weekend vignette. Order your Bulgaria vignette online in 2 minutes and enjoy your trip to the Black Sea or transit beyond. Don't risk a fine of €153.39!
- Order in 2 minutes
- 6 periods to choose from
- Weekend vignette: Friday 12:00 → Sunday 23:59
- Bulgaria in the eurozone from 2026
- Instant order confirmation — vignette by email within 2–3 min
- Secure online payment
- Vignette registered in the official BGTOLL system
- Order handling and customer support 24/7
