Sofia car hire
Search hundreds of hire car sites at once for hire car deals in Sofia
Save up to 36%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.
Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees
Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.
Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.
Cheap car hire in Sofia
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
Top tips for hiring a car in Sofia
- Bulgaria’s capital has a lot to offer including the National Museum of History, the Park-Museum Vrana, and the Russian Monument Square. Since these attractions and more are spread out all over the city, the best way to see everything and make the most out of your trip is to rent a car. The scenic and beautiful surrounding Bulgarian landscape is also worth exploring, which is done much more easily with a car.
- Sofia Airport is located in the east of the city and about 20 minutes by car from the city center of Sofia. There are various car hire agencies at the airport, mostly located in Terminal 2, but some also have desks in Terminal 1. They are located in the arrivals hall and include renowned agencies like Sixt, Enterprise, and Avis.
- Sofia is a very old city and the streets were not designed for cars. Therefore, be prepared for narrow streets, some of which are not in the best conditions. Bulgarian drivers have a reputation of not always adhering to all street regulations (as it is often the case with locals who know the streets very well in any city) but, by driving defensively, there should be no issues. Remember to always drive on the right lane on highways, as the left is for overtaking only.
- With the narrow lanes and many car owners in Sofia, congestion can occur regularly, specifically during peak times between 7:30 and 9:30 am and 4:30 to 6:30 pm. If possible, try to avoid driving during these times and explore the city when everyone else is at work after enjoying a lengthy breakfast or sleeping in.
- 25% of our users found a car hire in Sofia for R650 or less
- Book your car hire in Sofia at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy car hire in Sofia are around 50% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Sofia
What type of car is recommended for driving in Sofia?
For driving mainly inside the city, we would recommend a compact car, which can be maneuvered through the streets more easily and will squeeze into most parking spots. When exploring the countryside, especially in the winter, opt for a car with 4-wheel drive, as snow and ice are not uncommon here during the cold months.
What’s the speed limit in Sofia?
As in all continental European countries, speed limits are given in kilometers per hour, so familiarize yourself with the conversion. Inside the city, 50 km/h (31 mph) is permitted and 90 km/h (56 mph) is the limit outside the city. On expressways, drivers can speed up to 120 km/h (75 mph) and on highways they can even drive up to 140 km/h (87 mph).
Where are the best places to park in Sofia?
On-street parking in Sofia has two zones, a blue and a green one, that are metered. The blue one allows cars to be parked for up to 2 hours, while the green one goes up to 4 hours. The time restrictions -- between 8 am and 7 pm -- apply on working days, but bear in mind that some Saturdays are also declared working days and the meter must be fed. Alternatively, there are parking garages and lots dotted around the city, but they can be very pricey. A P+R is another option and is located at the metro to easily access the city center.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Sofia?
On average a car hire in Sofia costs R650 per day.
How much is the price of fuel in Sofia?
The average price of fuel in Sofia is R106,32 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R1 276 and R1 701, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Sofia?
Economy (Volkswagen Polo or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Sofia.
Which car hire agencies are at Sofia airport (SOF)?
The only car hire company onsite at Sofia airport is Lion Rent A Car.
How can I find car hires near me in Sofia?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Sofia?
An Economy car hire in Sofia costs R239 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Sofia?
A Mini car hire in Sofia costs R363 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Sofia?
A Compact car hire in Sofia costs R699 per day, on average.
What is the most popular car hire location in Sofia?
In Sofia, cars are most frequently hired at Low Cost Cars 140 "Mimi Balkanska" str., Sofia (6 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Sofia?
On average a car hire in Sofia costs R4 548 per week (R650 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Sofia?
On average a car hire in Sofia costs R19 492 per month (R650 per day).
Sofia car rental reviews and directory
Europcar
10,0
Wonderful
2 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
3 locations in Sofia
Thrifty
10,0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
3 locations in Sofia
Easyrent
10,0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
2 locations in Sofia
Alamo
10,0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Sofia
Dollar
9,2
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
2 locations in Sofia
Top Rent-A-Car
8,8
Very Good
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
12 locations in Sofia
GREEN MOTION
8,7
Very Good
5 reviewsCleanliness
9.6
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.4
Value for money
8.4
4 locations in Sofia
Autojet
8,0
Very Good
2 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
9.0
One location in Sofia
Sixt
7,4
Good
21 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
6.9
8 locations in Sofia
Filters
Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Jul 2022
8,0 Very Good
Sep 2019
Pros:
Friendly staff.Cons:
They charged additional money after drop off and I haven’t received an email explaining why.6,0 Okay
Jul 2019
Pros:
pick up/drop offCons:
the staff asked for extra fees9,6 Wonderful
Aug 2017
Pros:
Service !Cons:
Price for this class car !10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2017
Pros:
The car drove really well. The gas tank was full and the car was clean. Zdravko helped us with our pickup and was also there for our drop off. He was really nice and made the whole experience a gods one. Mihail helped us with our drop off and was also really nice. He made the the drop off smooth and fun. We will definitely be renting from sixt again.10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2017
Pros:
Highly professional and friendly staff that made renting the car I needed easy and hassle free.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
5,2
Fair
1 reviewCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
4.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
4.0
2 locations in Sofia
Economy Rent a Car
4,6
Mediocre
3 reviewsCleanliness
4.6
Comfort
4.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.6
Value for money
4.6
One location in Sofia
MEXRENTACAR
3,5
Poor
15 reviewsCleanliness
5.2
Comfort
4.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.7
Value for money
3.7
One location in Sofia
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
This is scam I did not even pick up the car. It was advertise it work 24 hours. Actually the hours of operations were 9am 5 pm. Outside these hours you are charged 70 euros for paperwork and shuttle to the airport which is 1 mile away. The parking lot with cars is absolutely dark, at the same moment the “owner” of this fine establishment start picturing the car with his cell phone with explanation that he wants to document the current condition of the car and to find out what are the new damages of the car after return. I could not see the car at that time how can I see the condition. After I told them that this does not make lots of sense (extra charges and the pictures on dark parking lot) I was called ridiculous, and middle class overworked American who is overworked and has no time to call the rental car company directly to find out how this “fine establishment” works. Why I should call if I can book online? Why middle class overwork American should be an insult? O and last but not least he comment on my dress code. This 25 y/o fine gentlemen who represented himself as an owner told me that I am very low class citizen and he does not want me as customer anyways, he figured out that by the way I was dressed ( I was pullover sweat pants and running shoes- 90% of people travel like that long flights as far as I can see). So far I end up paying this scammer 35 euros (I hope this is al I paid, I have to check my cards) plus what I paid for the rent car previously online and left the parking lot without picking up the car. Thanks god my brother came to pick me up from there.Cons:
Never offer this scammer anymore to anyone!!!! I personally learn my lesson, never rent from shady sites. Go directly to establish rental car company.2,0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
There was no office at the pick up location so I had to be driven to the office where I was told I needed to give a deposit which was 50 times (not exaggerating here) my rental amount or pay for insurance which was approx 3 times my rental amount. My credit card limit couldn't take a 50x so I couldn't actually get the car I rented. None of this was stated prior to me agreeing to rent the vehicle. On top of all this on our way back from the remote office we were in a car accident so I had to make my way back on my own. This whole business is a scam.Cons:
Stating the policy that you had to pay triple the rental amount as insurance to avoid giving a deposit equal to 50 times your rental amount or in other words not scam people2,0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
a lot of additional expenses, so the car rental was cancelled; I expect my payment to be refundedCons:
transparency on what is included in the offered price as well as what is NOT included. Further, agent is remote from airport, so difficult to return the car early morning (no one present; no shuttle service).6,8 Okay
Feb 2020
Pros:
Car worked with a full tank of gas, and friendly staff.Cons:
Wasn't the car we ordered, and there were extra "fees" once we got there.7,2 Good
Dec 2020
Pros:
Drop-off easy, clean and nice carCons:
They didn’t warn us about a very high security deposit and we had to buy an extra insurance to make it cheaper2,0 Poor
Feb 2023
3 locations in Sofia
Locations in Sofia
53 Nikola Vaptsarov Blvd
+359 2 439 1222
Sofia Airport - Terminal 2
+359 2 945 9217
Filters
No reviews available
6 locations in Sofia
Locations in Sofia
Bulgaria Boulevard 1
+359 2945 9399
Slivnica 444 Bulgaria
+359 2984 2242
1 Gurko street
+359 2945 9399
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Sofia
Locations in Sofia
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Sofia
Locations in Sofia
Terminal 2 Arrivals Hall
+359 2 937 3594
Filters
No reviews available
6 locations in Sofia
Locations in Sofia
111 Bulgaria Boulevard
+359 2818 1968