Cross-border route

Turkey Bulgaria

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Turkey into Bulgaria: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Bulgaria expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The Kapıkule crossing near Edirne is one of the busiest land borders in the region.

Get my permit for Bulgaria Bulgaria requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromTurkey

ToBulgaria

IDP in BulgariaStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in BulgariaBGN

Emergency number112

Top speed limit140 km/h motorways

Turkey → Bulgaria

Crossing the border

The Kapıkule crossing near Edirne is one of the busiest land borders in the region.

Driving rules in Bulgaria

Electronic vignette required on national roads.
Headlights on day and night.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Reflective vest and triangle mandatory.

Once you're driving in Bulgaria

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

EU/EEA licences are valid as-is; non-EU visitors may drive on a valid home licence for short stays but an International Driving Permit is recommended and commonly required by rental companies, and is effectively needed where the licence is not in the Latin alphabet.

Tolls & road charges

Motorways and main roads require an electronic e-vignette tied to the number plate (no sticker); buy it online at bgtoll.bg, via app or at terminals/petrol stations before driving. Cars up to 3.5t pay about 15 leva weekend/weekly, 30 leva monthly or 97 leva annually, and a few bridges/tunnels have separate tolls.

Parking in the cities

Sofia uses Blue Zone (centre, ~2 euros/hr) and Green Zone (~1 euro/hr) paid parking, payable by SMS to 1302 (blue) or 1303 (green) with the plate, or via apps like URBO; overstaying risks a wheel clamp or tow, so confirm coverage of foreign-plated cars.

Fines & camera enforcement

Police impose on-the-spot fines for speeding, phone use and no seatbelt; electronic speed-camera tickets carry a discount if paid within 14 days, and rental firms pass camera fines to the hirer along with an admin fee.

If you have an accident

Call 112. For anything beyond trivial damage Bulgarian police (KAT) should attend and issue a report (protokol), which insurers and rental firms require; do not leave the scene, and use the warning triangle and hazard lights.

Driving in the capital

Sofia's central Blue Zone parking and tram-shared boulevards plus the busy multi-lane Tsarigradsko Shose entering the city demand care; lane discipline is loose and trams have priority.

Sources: bgtoll.bg · sofiatraffic.bg · speedycars.eu · guidebg.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Turkey to Bulgaria?

Yes — Bulgaria commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Bulgaria recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Turkey and Bulgaria?

No. Both Turkey and Bulgaria drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria, dial 112 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 140 km/h motorways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Bulgaria?

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.