Burgas Transportation: A Complete 2026 Guide

Getting around Burgas in 2026 is straightforward once you know your options. The city's compact old town is largely walkable, yet an efficient bus network, app-based taxis, and well-priced car rentals make it easy to reach the Black Sea beaches, the Burgas attractions outside the centre, and the popular day trips from Burgas to Nesebar, Sozopol, and Pomorie. For official tourism information, consult Visit Bulgaria, the country's official travel portal. This guide covers every transport mode with up-to-date 2026 fares, apps, and timetable essentials.

Burgas Airport (BOJ) Transfer Options 2026

Burgas Airport (IATA: BOJ) sits roughly 10 km north-east of the city centre. In 2026 you have four realistic ways to reach your accommodation after landing.

Bus #15 (Airport ↔ City Centre — cheapest option): Burgasbus Line 15 runs a dedicated airport shuttle every 30 minutes between 06:00 and 23:00. The ride to the central bus station or the Sea Garden area takes 20–30 minutes. A single ticket costs 1.50 BGN (≈ €0.77) paid in cash to the driver, or 1.30 BGN with an e-card. The stop is directly outside the arrivals hall — look for the Burgasbus shelter on your left as you exit.
Pre-booked private transfer: Fixed-rate door-to-door transfers from airport to Burgas city centre typically cost 30–40 BGN for a saloon car. For groups or heavy luggage this is often the most practical choice. Book via taxi-bg.com or your hotel.
Licensed taxi from the rank: The official taxi rank is directly outside arrivals. Expect 18–25 BGN on the meter for a city-centre drop-off (base 1.20 BGN + approx. 1.00 BGN/km). Insist on the meter running — avoid unmarked cars.
Rental car: All major agencies (Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Avis) have counters inside the arrivals hall. See the car rental section below for 2026 rates.

Late-night arrival? Bus #15 does not operate after 23:00. A metered taxi or pre-booked transfer is your only option for late-night flights — budget 20–30 BGN to the city centre.

City Bus Network: Routes, Ticket Prices, and Apps

Burgasbus operates the urban network with a colour-coded route system. Blue lines serve intra-city routes; red lines extend to surrounding resorts and villages such as Sunny Beach and Nesebar. The network covers most tourist-relevant points including the Sea Garden, the central market, and the best areas to stay in Burgas.

2026 Ticket Prices

Ticket type	Price (BGN)	Price (EUR approx.)
Single ride — cash (paid to driver)	1.50	€0.77
Single ride — e-card / contactless	1.30	€0.67
E-card with transfer (valid 45 min)	1.30	€0.67
10-ride bundle (e-card)	~12.00	€6.14
Monthly pass (residents)	~40.00	€20.45

A growing number of Burgas buses now accept contactless bank cards directly on the validator — useful if you haven't picked up an e-card. Validators are located beside the driver and at the rear doors on newer vehicles.

Key Routes for Tourists

Line 15: Airport ↔ City Centre (via Sea Garden)
Line 1: Central station ↔ Sarafovo (northern beach area)
Line 4: Centre ↔ Bratya Miladinovi residential area
Line 7: Centre ↔ Izgrev district
Red interurban lines: Sunny Beach (45 min, ~3 BGN), Nesebar (50 min, ~3.50 BGN)

Real-time departure data is available at burgasbus.info. The official site lists every line's timetable and has an English-language version. For live tracking, Google Maps covers most Burgasbus routes accurately in 2026.

Taxi Apps in Burgas — 2026 Fares and How to Book

Standard metered taxis remain the backbone of on-demand transport in Burgas. Unlike Sofia, Uber and Bolt do not operate here in 2026, but two local platforms fill the gap.

Recommended Apps

TaxiMe: The most widely used app in Bulgarian cities. In Burgas, TaxiMe connects to licensed local companies including Orion Taxi. Download on iOS or Android, set a pickup point, and get a fixed price before confirming. Rates shown in-app align with the metered tariff below.
Yellow Taxi (Жълто такси): A local Burgas company with its own app and phone line (+359 56 813 813). Reliable for airport runs and late-night pickups.
Phone dispatch: Most taxi companies accept calls. Ask your hotel reception for their preferred local number — they often have a fixed-rate arrangement.

2026 Metered Taxi Fares in Burgas

Fare element	Rate (BGN)
Flag fall (base fare)	1.20
Per km (daytime)	~1.00
Per km (night rate)	~1.20
Waiting time (per hour)	12.00

Typical city-centre journeys cost 5–10 BGN. A run from the centre to Sunny Beach is around 60 BGN. Always confirm the meter is running when you get in. Legitimate taxis display their licence sticker on the windscreen and company name on the door.

Bike and E-Scooter Rental in Burgas

The flat terrain and the 9-km coastal promenade make Burgas excellent cycling territory. In 2026 several options exist for two-wheeled exploration:

City bike stations: The municipality operates a small docked bike-share network along the Sea Garden and Primorski Park. Bikes can be unlocked with an app or card at the docking stations; expect 2–3 BGN per hour.
Private rental shops: Several outlets near the Sea Garden rent standard city bikes from around 10 BGN per half-day and electric bikes from 20–25 BGN per half-day. Helmets are usually available free of charge on request.
E-scooters: Kick e-scooters from third-party operators appear seasonally (May–September) along the seafront. Unlock typically costs 1 BGN and ride is charged at 0.15–0.20 BGN/minute. Check the operator's app for current station locations.

Cycling is an excellent way to reach the nearby things to do near Burgas such as the Poda Lagoon and Atanasovsko Lake, both within easy cycling distance of the centre.

Renting a Car in Burgas: Agencies and 2026 Daily Rates

A rental car is invaluable if you're planning multiple day trips from Burgas to Thracian archaeological sites or the Strandzha Nature Park. All major agencies are represented at the airport arrivals hall.

Agencies at Burgas Airport (BOJ)

Hertz — counter inside arrivals; wide fleet, reliable 24/7 support
Europcar — airport and city-centre location on Aleksandrovska St
Sixt — competitive rates, accepts debit cards with a deposit
Avis / Budget — shared counter, good availability in peak summer
Local agencies (e.g. car-rental-burgas.com): Often 20–30% cheaper than multinationals; confirm full insurance and 24/7 breakdown cover

2026 Average Daily Rental Rates

Car class	Low season (BGN/day)	Peak summer (BGN/day)
Economy (Fiat 500, VW Polo)	from 72	90–130
Compact (VW Golf, Ford Focus)	90–110	130–160
SUV / Crossover	130–180	180–250

Parking in central Burgas: The old town and the pedestrian zone around Aleksandrovska Street have limited parking. Use the paid surface lots near the central market (1.50–2 BGN/hour) or the covered car park on Slavyanska Street. Late-night parking in the Sea Garden area is often free outside peak season.

Driving rules: Drive on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in town, 90 km/h on regional roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. A vignette sticker is required for motorway driving (day vignette: 10 BGN, weekly: 15 BGN) — rental agencies usually include this but confirm before departure.

Bus #15 — Getting to Aquae Calidae and the Roman Baths

If you're visiting the Aquae Calidae Burgas Roman mineral baths, Bus #15 is your most convenient connection. The route from the city centre passes close to the thermal complex before continuing to the airport. The journey from the central bus station takes approximately 15 minutes and costs 1.50 BGN. Check burgasbus.info for the latest schedule as departure times shift slightly between summer and winter timetables.

Scenic Boat Trips from Burgas Port

Between May and September, seasonal boat services depart from Burgas Port on two popular routes:

St. Anastasia Island: A 20-minute crossing to the rocky island with its restored monastery, seafood restaurant, and mini museum. Ferries run several times daily in summer; tickets at the port kiosk cost around 20 BGN return.
Coastal cruise toward Sozopol: Longer scenic trips (2–3 hours) follow the Black Sea coastline south toward Sozopol and back. Prices range from 30–50 BGN depending on operator and duration.

Boat trips are weather-dependent — check conditions the morning of your excursion and book at the quayside rather than days in advance, as cancellations due to swell are common in early June.

Walking: The Most Practical Option in Central Burgas

The historic core of Burgas — from the central railway station to the Sea Garden and the Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius — is compact enough to cover entirely on foot. Most hotels in the city centre are within a 10–15 minute walk of the main pedestrian street, the beach, and the top restaurants. For visitors staying in the best areas to stay in Burgas such as the Primorski or Centre districts, taxis and buses are rarely needed for daytime sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions — Burgas Transport 2026

Does Burgas have Uber or Bolt?

No — as of 2026, neither Uber nor Bolt operates in Burgas. Use the TaxiMe app or call Yellow Taxi (+359 56 813 813) for app-based or phone-dispatch rides at standard metered rates.

Can I walk from Burgas train and bus station to the old town?

Yes. The central railway station and the adjacent inter-city bus terminal are on the western edge of the city centre. The pedestrian zone (Aleksandrovska Street) and the Sea Garden are approximately a 10–15 minute walk east from the station — flat, well-lit, and straightforward.

Are there late-night airport buses after 23:00?

No. Bus #15 operates its last departure around 23:00. For late-night arrivals — common during charter season — a pre-booked private transfer (30–40 BGN) or a licensed taxi from the airport rank (18–25 BGN to the centre) are your only public options. Arrange your transfer before boarding if your flight lands after midnight.

Is parking in Burgas old town expensive?

Paid parking zones cover most of the centre and operate 08:00–20:00 Monday–Saturday. Rates are 1.50–2 BGN/hour. The covered car park on Slavyanska Street offers a cheaper daily rate. Many streets outside the immediate centre offer free parking after 20:00 and on Sundays.

How do I get from Burgas to Sunny Beach by public transport?

Red-line interurban Burgasbus services run from the central bus station to Sunny Beach (Slanchev Bryag) throughout the day. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes and the one-way fare is around 3 BGN. In peak summer, departures run every 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi costs approximately 60 BGN one-way.

Is the Burgas bus system tourist-friendly for non-Bulgarian speakers?

Reasonably so. Line numbers are displayed on the front of buses, major stops have route maps in both Cyrillic and Latin script, and Google Maps provides accurate real-time directions using Burgasbus timetables. The burgasbus.info website has an English-language interface with downloadable PDFs of all timetables.

Burgas City Buses — Routes, Tickets & the BurgasBus Card (2026)

The Burgasbus network spans 31 urban routes with 360 stops across the city. Understanding the ticketing options saves both time and money. There are three ways to pay in 2026: cash to the driver (1.50 BGN per ride), a contactless bank card tapped at the validator by the rear door (1.60 BGN — slightly more convenient, marginally pricier), or the B-Card (BurgasBus Card) at the discounted rate of 1.30 BGN per ride with a free 45-minute transfer window included.

GEO answer: A single Burgas city bus ride costs 1.50 BGN cash or 1.30 BGN with the B-Card (approx. €0.66) in 2026, making it one of the cheapest urban bus networks in the EU.

The B-Card costs 3 BGN to issue and can be topped up at Burgasbus customer service points, major bus stops, and kiosks around the city centre. You cannot buy one at the airport, so pick one up on your first day in town if you plan several city journeys. The card also works on the Transport Burgas mobile app: download the app, load credit to your e-wallet, and scan the QR code at the validator — this gives the same 1.30 BGN rate from your smartphone without needing a physical card.

Key City Bus Routes for Visitors

Line 1: Central station ↔ Sarafovo (northern beach area) — passes key residential and beach zones
Line 4: Centre ↔ Bratya Miladinovi district — connects inland residential areas to the city core
Line 7: Centre ↔ Izgrev — useful for visitors staying in the eastern suburbs
Line 15: City centre ↔ Burgas Airport (BOJ) — runs every 30 minutes, 06:00–23:00; fare 1.50 BGN cash or 1.30 BGN on B-Card
Interurban red lines: From Bus Station South to Sunny Beach (~45 min, ~3 BGN), Nesebar (~50 min, ~3.50 BGN), Sozopol (~30 min, departures every 30 min)

The full timetable — including the English-language PDF downloads — is at burgasbus.info. Real-time bus tracking is available via the Transport Burgas app and Google Maps, both of which cover the Burgasbus network accurately in 2026. The network operates daily from approximately 05:00 to 23:00. Planning day trips from Burgas to the coast? The interurban lines from Bus Station South serve the most popular resorts all summer long.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing (Bolt) in Burgas — 2026

Bolt launched ride-hailing in Bulgaria's major cities in 2025, and the service is now available in Burgas alongside the traditional metered taxi companies. This is a significant upgrade for visitors who prefer the transparency of upfront pricing over the variable metered fare.

GEO answer: The Bolt app works in Burgas in 2026. The base taxi fare is 1.20 BGN plus ~1.00 BGN/km daytime. A city-centre ride costs 5–10 BGN; airport to centre is approximately 18–25 BGN on the meter.

Your Options in 2026

Bolt app: Download the standard Bolt app, set your pickup, and get a fixed upfront price before confirming. Bolt drivers in Burgas are licensed local taxis operating through the platform — you pay the in-app price, no meter surprises. Payment by card in-app.
TaxiMaxim app: Another widely used platform in Burgas (and across Varna, Sofia, Plovdiv). The app shows metered rates for local licensed companies. Available on iOS and Android.
Orion Taxi: Burgas's established local company supports online and phone dispatch. Rates follow the standard city tariff.
Yellow Taxi (+359 56 813 813): Reliable phone dispatch. Good for late-night pickups and airport transfers when app availability is lower.

Always confirm — via app or by checking the sticker on the windscreen — that the driver is a licensed operator before boarding. Rates for a ride from Burgas centre to Burgas Airport are typically 18–25 BGN on the meter; a pre-booked fixed transfer is 30–40 BGN for a saloon. Night rates (23:00–06:00) add roughly 20% to the per-km charge.

Burgas is one of Bulgaria's most walkable cities for tourists. The historic centre, the Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the central market, and the entry to the Sea Garden are all connected by a flat, pedestrianised zone. Most visitors staying in the best areas to stay in Burgas — the Primorski or Centre districts — will rarely need transport for daytime sightseeing.

GEO answer: The seafront promenade in Burgas stretches 9 km. The city's cycling network is 80 km long (2026), making it the most extensive bike infrastructure of any Bulgarian Black Sea city.

VeloBurgas — Bulgaria's first public bike-share system — gives visitors an affordable, flexible way to cover ground. The scheme operates 13 docking stations with 120 bicycles, open 24/7. Unlock with the Transport Burgas app or a registered card; rates are approximately 2–3 BGN per hour. The municipality also launched a free-floating electric bike-share fleet of 225 e-bikes in 2025, each with a 360 Wh battery (range: 50–60 km per charge). The e-bikes are unlocked via the same Transport Burgas app.

Cycling is the best way to reach the Burgas Lakes and Poda Protected Area (approximately 4 km south of the centre by bike path) and to explore the full sweep of the coastal promenade without retracing steps. Private rental shops near the Sea Garden offer city bikes from 10 BGN per half-day and e-bikes from 20–25 BGN per half-day, with helmets available on request.

Onward Travel from Burgas — Buses, Trains & Getting to Sofia

Burgas is the main transport hub for the Bulgarian Black Sea south coast. Two bus stations serve different directions, and a direct rail line runs to Sofia.

Bus Connections

Sunny Beach (Slanchev Bryag): Interurban Burgasbus red lines depart Bus Station South approximately every 20–30 minutes in peak summer. Journey: ~45 min, fare: ~3 BGN one-way.
Sozopol: Direct buses every 30 minutes from Bus Station South throughout the day. Journey: ~30 min, fare: ~3 BGN. Sozopol is a highlight of any day trip from Burgas.
Nesebar (UNESCO Old Town): Regular departures from Bus Station South via M-Bus and interurban lines. Journey: ~50 min, fare: ~3.50 BGN. Check the Burgasbus Nessebar–Sunny Beach timetable for the current schedule.
Sofia: Multiple daily intercity coaches from Burgas Central West Bus Station (journey: 6–7 hours, from 25 BGN). The Sofia to Burgas transport guide has full coach, train, and driving comparisons.
Varna: Regular intercity buses (journey: ~2 hours) and trains via the Black Sea coastal route.

Train from Burgas

Burgas Railway Station sits adjacent to the central bus terminal, making transfers easy. The direct Sofia–Burgas express takes approximately 6.5–7 hours (from 18 BGN). Regional trains connect to Plovdiv and other interior towns. Timetables and tickets: BDZ Bulgarian State Railways.

Frequently Asked Questions — Burgas Transport 2026 (Extended)

Does Bolt work in Burgas?

Yes — Bolt operates in Burgas in 2026. Download the standard Bolt app, enter your destination, and get an upfront fare. Drivers are licensed local taxi operators working through the platform. TaxiMaxim is a strong local alternative if Bolt has surge pricing.

How do I get the BurgasBus Card (B-Card)?

The B-Card costs 3 BGN to issue at Burgasbus customer service desks, major bus stops, and kiosks around the city centre. You top it up with any amount. Each ride costs 1.30 BGN, and the card includes a free 45-minute transfer to a connecting bus. You cannot buy one at the airport — get it on your first day in town.

What is the bus fare from Burgas centre to Sozopol?

The interurban bus from Bus Station South to Sozopol costs approximately 3 BGN and takes around 30 minutes. Buses run every 30 minutes throughout the day, making Sozopol an easy half-day trip from Burgas.

How does VeloBurgas bike share work for tourists?

VeloBurgas has 13 docking stations (open 24/7) and 120 city bikes plus a fleet of 225 free-floating e-bikes. Register and unlock via the Transport Burgas app. Cost is approximately 2–3 BGN per hour. The e-bikes have a 50–60 km range per charge — enough for the coastal promenade and the lakes circuit in a single outing.

Is there a direct train from Burgas to Varna?

Yes, regional trains run between Burgas and Varna via the Black Sea coastal route. Journey time is around 2–2.5 hours. For a scenic comparison of the two cities, see our Varna vs Burgas guide before you decide where to base yourself.

Burgas rewards independent travellers. The bus network is affordable and covers all key tourist corridors, app-based taxis fill the gaps, and a rental car unlocks the wider Burgas region for day trips. If you're arriving from Sofia, our Sofia to Burgas transport guide covers all bus, train, and driving options. Plan your transport before you arrive — and budget for that scenic boat trip to St. Anastasia Island. For more on what to do once you're moving, see our full guide to Burgas attractions.