How to get to Burgas

When planning a trip to Burgas, you are choosing a journey to an important port and resort hub in Bulgaria, comfortably situated on the picturesque Black Sea coast. This destination attracts travellers with a harmonious blend of developed urban infrastructure, green parks, and excellent opportunities for a seaside holiday.

If you are looking for information on how to reach this hospitable city, you will be pleased to know that transport connections here are excellently developed. You can reach the region in various ways: from a quick flight to an exciting journey by train, international bus, or private car.

For most travellers, the optimal option is a direct flight to Burgas Airport (BOJ). This busy aviation hub receives regular and charter flights from many countries and serves as the main aerial gateway to the southern coast of Bulgaria.

As an alternative route, one might consider arriving in neighbouring Varna, located to the north of the resort. The air terminal in Burgas is located in immediate proximity to the city limits and is excellently connected to the centre by a transport network, making the trip to your hotel quick and comfortable.

Burgas boasts its own railway station, which is located in the very centre of the city, in immediate proximity to the sea port and the "South" bus station. This makes travelling by train a convenient option for those who wish to arrive right in the heart of the resort without spending time on long transfers.

Regular railway connections link the city with the country's capital, Sofia, as well as with Plovdiv and other major settlements in Bulgaria. Although the travel time may be longer than travelling by bus, travellers often choose this mode of transport for the sake of the picturesque scenery outside the window and the opportunity to use comfortable sleeping carriages on night services.

Bus connections make Burgas easily accessible for tourists travelling along the coast and through neighbouring regions. The route from Varna is particularly popular: the journey takes about three hours and allows passengers to enjoy picturesque landscapes along the Black Sea shore.

Furthermore, the city is connected by regular services to key settlements within the country, including the capital Sofia and Plovdiv. For those planning an arrival from abroad, international buses operating from cities in neighbouring Turkey and connecting the countries via a reliable land route can be a convenient option.

A car journey to the Black Sea coast will offer a sense of complete freedom and the opportunity to enjoy changing landscapes. One of the most picturesque and short routes leads from Varna: the distance of 130 km along the sea can be covered in just 2–2.5 hours. If your path lies from the central part of the country, for example, from Gorna Oryahovitsa, the road will take about 3 hours, during which you will drive through colourful districts of Bulgaria.

For travellers heading from the direction of Turkey, transit via Tekirdağ is convenient; this route of about 240 km usually takes just over 3 hours. Those who prefer not to drive can use intercity taxi services: the cost of the trip will depend on the mileage, but such an option guarantees maximum comfort and delivery right to the entrance of your hotel in Burgas.

A trip to Burgas will give you plenty of vivid impressions if you prepare for the peculiarities of local life in advance. We have collected useful recommendations that will help make your holiday in Bulgaria as comfortable and carefree as possible.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. In summer, the city is hot and sunny, so stock up on light items made of natural fabrics, a head covering, and sunscreen. However, evenings by the sea can be breezy, so a light windbreaker or denim jacket will not go amiss. For walks in the famous Sea Garden, be sure to take comfortable shoes.
2. Urban Transport. Public transport is well developed: modern buses and trolleybuses run through the city. Tickets are usually purchased from the conductor on board, but it is better to have small coins with you. The city centre is compact, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
3. Finances and Payment. The national currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Although cards are accepted in many large shops and restaurants, cash is necessary for paying for small services, purchases at markets, and transport fares. It is best to exchange currency at official banks or exchange bureaus with a clearly indicated rate (No Commission), avoiding suspicious kiosks.
4. Health and Safety. Pharmacies (marked as "Apteka" in Bulgarian) are frequently encountered and marked with a green cross, but few are open 24 hours. Tap water meets sanitary standards, however, tourists are recommended to drink bottled water. The city is considered safe, but standard precautionary measures in crowded places will not go amiss.
5. Language Barrier. The official language is Bulgarian, which uses the Cyrillic alphabet. In the tourism sector, many staff members speak English, while the older generation of locals often understands Russian well.
6. Local Etiquette. The main peculiarity that often confuses tourists: in this country, a nod of the head means "no", and shaking the head from side to side means "yes". Be attentive when communicating to avoid misunderstanding. The greeting "Zdraveite" is always perceived positively.
7. What to Avoid. Do not agree to the services of taxi drivers who intrusively offer a ride at the airport or station exit; it is better to order a car via an app or by phone. Also, avoid exchanging money with individuals on the street — this is almost a guaranteed way to become a victim of fraud.
8. Useful Tip. If you plan to buy souvenirs, pay attention to cosmetics based on rose oil and traditional ceramics. It is more profitable to buy them not in the resort zone by the beach, but in ordinary shops on the pedestrian Aleksandrovska Street.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid minor troubles and focus on the main thing — relaxation and discovering the culture of the Black Sea coast. We wish you a pleasant journey and only positive emotions!