So, you’ve made it to Bulgaria, or are planning to do so? 

Bulgarian public transport, especially city public transport, can be somewhat in a state of disrepair and it sometimes takes a wild spirit to enjoy it. Still, if you are planning to travel around a bit, you will be happy to find out that, first, it also often inexpensive; and second, that you can use it to get to most places of interest. For more tips, read on.

Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ): bear in mind that on a passenger train you may come across the following: people snoring in the daytime, smokers in non-smoking lounges, grandmas traversing the country with huge packs of food for their grandchildren, teenagers drinking vodka or beer while dodging the train fare, confused foreigners sleeping in the corridor because they simply haven’t found space in the often crammed compartments. You can get additional information from BDZ, tel: (02) 9311111, (02) 9323333; its English site at http://www.bdz.bg (do not trust all its links to open); the underpass of the National Palace of Culture (NDK), reachable at (02) 658402; or Rila Tours, reachable at  (02) 9870777.  Rila Tours, since it is geared toward foreigners, and apart from selling tickets and making reservations for international and Bulgarian routes, offers special discounts for youths, adults and groups, and provides other services to make your journey easier.

The alternative is to take a bus. It’s more or less the same price, it is usually more comfy and less smelly than the train, and you are guaranteed your spot.

The Central Bus Station in Sofia is where you can get transport to most major Bulgarian cities and European capitals. Its website is www.centralnaavtogara.bg, and it’s telephone number: (02) 90021000, proudly offering 24-hour information. The central bus station I recommend for two reasons: it can make you feel safe and at home: it was built last year to international standards; and, there you can experience something tunique in the Balkan toilet experience: paying, receiving a counter, and introducing it into the slot of a turnstile to gain admittance to the toilet.

There are three private bus companies worth mentioning that offer domestic bus routes: ETAP, reachable at (02) 9311562, GROUP, reachable at (02) 9310679; and BODIVALI, reachable at (02) 9311977.

If you want to get around Sofia by taxi, OK taxi, tel: (02) 9732121;  (02) 912-80 taxis , and  (02) 91119 taxis offer the best fares. As to car rental, most car rental services take credit cards or other major foreign currencies, or its Bulgarian leva equivalent.