From Sofia to Varna by car

Northern route: Hemus and Veliko Tarnovo

The Hemus motorway is due to link Sofia and Varna over about 420 km, but it is not yet continuous. In the west, it is open from Sofia to beyond the Boaza junction; the most recent sections, up to the connection with the Lukovit–Ugarchin road, opened in October and December 2025. In the east, it is open from Buhovtsi, near Shumen, to Varna.

In between, national road I-4 runs through Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital, which is worth a stop. The route is about 440 km.

Southern route: Trakia and the coast

The Trakia motorway links Sofia and Burgas via Plovdiv and Stara Zagora. From Burgas, national road I-9 runs up the coast towards Varna, passing near Nessebar and Sunny Beach. The route is over 500 km but, thanks to the motorway, the driving time is comparable with the northern route.

On arrival

Varna Airport, like Burgas Airport, is operated by Fraport Twin Star. North of Varna, the resorts of Golden Sands and Albena are 17 km and 35 km away.

Your car

A week to drive to Varna and back? The daily price goes down with the length of the rental, and each day includes kilometres. Delivery to Varna is on quote: write to us with your dates and address.