Hiring a car in Burgas is the easiest way to explore Bulgaria's southern Black Sea coast – from Nessebar and Sozopol to Sunny Beach and the quieter southern bays – with economy cars from around €15–25/day ($16–$27) in low season. Two practical points for 2026: Bulgaria adopted the euro in January 2026, so prices are now in euros, and motorways use an electronic vignette (usually included with rentals). This guide covers car hire in Burgas, the real prices, the companies to use, and the tips for driving the coast.
A hire car opens up the whole southern Black Sea coast from Burgas.
Burgas Airport (BOJ) is the gateway to the southern coast and is busiest in summer, when the resorts fill up. Prices are very reasonable outside the July–August peak. Expect roughly the following in 2026:
Average Daily Rates in Burgas by Season
Booked 3–5 weeks in advance, prices in EUR
| Season | Manual Economy | Manual Compact | Automatic Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Oct–Apr) | €15–25 | €20–30 | €30–44 |
| Shoulder (May–Jun, Sep) | €22–34 | €28–42 | €40–56 |
| Peak (Jul–Aug) | €34–52 | €42–62 | €56–82 |
The southern coast is busiest in July–August – book ahead, automatics first.
Burgas Rental Budget Calculator
Estimate only. The daily rate is prefilled with a low-season economy starting price; raise it for the July–August peak.
Burgas has both international brands and strong Bulgarian operators, mostly at the airport (BOJ) and in the city. Local operators are often excellent value and flexible, but quality varies, so choose ones with strong recent reviews.
Most pickups are at Burgas Airport or via shuttle to a nearby depot; confirm the arrangement, deposit and card requirement when booking. Check whether the motorway e-vignette is included (it usually is). Read the fuel and insurance terms and document the car at pickup.
Established local companies often beat the chains on price and are flexible on delivery to coast hotels. Choose ones with strong recent reviews and a clear written rate, and check the deposit terms.
A dependable international major with an airport presence and good automatic availability – a safe choice if you want a known name.
The pick for a newer fleet at Burgas. Pricier; decline the counter extras you don't need.
Reliable majors with a Burgas presence. Compare their all-in price against the Bulgarian operators, which often undercut them.
The very cheapest listings can carry strict fuel rules, large deposit holds and excess disputes at return. Read the fine print, or stick with an established operator or major.
Avoid any rental with no written agreement or unclear insurance. Always reserve ahead in summer, when the coast fleet sells out.
Basic CDW with an excess of €700–€1,400, blocked on your card. Tyres, glass and underbody usually excluded.
Super CDW to zero the excess is €10–18/day – €70–126 a week.
Standalone excess insurance (€4–6/day) bought before you travel covers the excluded items and refunds any excess charged. Buy it and decline the counter upsell.
Insurance Cost Comparison: 7-Day Burgas Rental
2026 pricing
| Option | Daily Cost | 7-Day Total | Covers Tyres/Glass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW (included) | €0 | €0 | No |
| Counter Super CDW | €10–18 | €70–126 | Sometimes |
| Third-party excess cover | €4–6 | €28–42 | Yes |
Bulgaria doesn't use toll booths; instead, motorways require an electronic vignette (e-vignette), which is almost always included with a rental car. Fuel is among the cheapest in the EU, so running costs are low.
| Cost item | Bulgaria (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway vignette | e-vignette | Usually included with rentals – confirm |
| Petrol (95) | ~€1.53/L | Among the cheapest in the EU |
| Diesel | ~€1.71/L | Widely available |
| Coast parking | Paid zones / lots | Busy in resort towns in summer |
Cheap fuel and an included e-vignette keep running costs low on the Bulgarian coast.
The coast fleet sells out in July–August; automatics first.
Bulgarian operators often undercut the chains.
So you don't risk a motorway fine.
Buy third-party excess cover beforehand.
Bring enough credit-card limit.
Refuel before drop-off.
A UNESCO-listed ancient town on a tiny peninsula, packed with medieval churches.
Bulgaria's biggest beach resort, with a long sandy strand and lively nightlife.
A charming old fishing town south of Burgas, quieter than the northern resorts.
Wild cliffs and bays where the Balkan range meets the Black Sea.
Remote nature park, empty beaches and traditional villages towards the Turkish border.
Yes, for motorways – but Bulgaria uses an electronic vignette (e-vignette) that's almost always included with rental cars. Confirm in writing that yours is covered, as driving without one risks a fine.
Bulgaria adopted the euro in January 2026, so prices, fuel and rentals are now quoted in euros rather than the former lev.
Most pickups are at Burgas Airport (BOJ) or via a short shuttle to a nearby depot, with some city branches. Confirm the exact arrangement and deposit when booking.
Low-season manual economy cars start at €15–25/day ($16–$27). Shoulder season is €22–34/day and peak summer €34–52/day, with automatics more. Cheap fuel keeps running costs low.
Yes – the main coast roads and the A1 motorway are good, and distances between the southern resorts are short. Rural back roads can be rough, so take care after dark.
It's cheaper to buy standalone excess insurance (€4–6/day) before you travel than the counter Super CDW (€10–18/day). Third-party cover also includes tyres, glass and underbody.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim participates in the DiscoverCars affiliate program. Our reviews are based on operator information, traveler feedback and direct experience. We only recommend companies we would use ourselves.
Last updated: June 2026. Prices and policies change – always verify directly with the rental company.
