Rent a car in Bulgaria easily 
We compare the best car rental deals – no fine print, with real Hebrew support. Choose your car, book in a few clicks, and travel with peace of mind.
Pick-up locations
Auto Europe Israel collaborates in Bulgaria with leading rental companies THRIFTY, HERTZ, and EUROPCAR, offering Israelis a variety of vehicles and competitive terms. These suppliers have branches at the country's main airports as well as in city branches, for flexible pickup and return convenience. Through us, you can compare offers, choose the category that suits you, and receive professional support throughout the entire booking process, easily and quickly.
Car rental companies in Bulgaria
At Auto Europe Israel, we collaborate with a wide range of car rental companies across Bulgaria to allow you to choose a convenient pickup and return point according to your route. The main pickup points are located at Sofia Airport (Terminals 1 and 2) and in the city center, as well as at the airports of Varna, Burgas, and Plovdiv, and in popular city locations along the Black Sea coast. This way, you can start your trip immediately upon landing or pick up the car in the heart of the city and plan a return at a location that suits you. In many cases, it is possible to book one-way rentals within Bulgaria, subject to the availability and conditions of the supplier, and travel to neighboring countries is sometimes possible with prior approval and additional costs.
Operating hours vary between companies and branches, and sometimes even between seasons. At airport locations, extended hours are maintained according to flight schedules, and in some places, pickup/return can be arranged outside regular hours for an additional fee—it's advisable to check this when booking. To ensure a smooth experience, make sure the operating hours of your chosen branch match your arrival time, especially during peak seasons from June to September. If you are traveling on highways, note that in Bulgaria, a vignette (electronic road toll) is required for most vehicles; in most cases, it is already included in the rental car, but it’s worth confirming at the branch. Finally, choose the vehicle category that suits the nature of your trip—compact urban for city center alleys, SUV for trips in mountainous areas like the Rila and Rhodope Mountains, or spacious family for travel with equipment—and book in advance to enjoy optimal prices and conditions.
For the rental, you will usually be required to have a valid Israeli driver's license, a passport, and an international credit card in the name of the main driver for the deposit; some suppliers may also require an international driving permit, so it is recommended to prepare in advance. It's important to check in advance the minimum driver's age, young driver surcharge, and fuel and insurance conditions, as they vary between suppliers. If you plan to add an additional driver or equip with a safety seat/winter equipment—it's worth booking in advance as part of the reservation and ensuring availability.
FAQ – Car rental in Bulgaria
What is the minimum age for renting a car in Bulgaria through Auto Europe Israel, and is there an additional charge for young drivers?
When renting a car in Bulgaria through Auto Europe Israel, the minimum age is at least 21. In most groups, a young driver fee will be charged up to age 25, and higher age or seniority may be required for certain groups. At least one year of driving experience is required, and an international credit card in the main driver's name for security. Rates and age conditions vary between Hertz, Thrifty, and Europcar and between car categories.
Is an Israeli driver's license sufficient in Bulgaria, or is an international license required?
When renting a car in Bulgaria through Auto Europe Israel, a passport, a valid Israeli driver's license of at least one year, and in most cases, an international driving permit IDP is required in addition to the Israeli license, according to the supplier's requirement and local law. In some branches, the international license is a condition for handover, and the local traffic police may require it, so it's recommended to arrive with an IDP. A physical credit card in the main driver's name must also be presented.
What does the basic insurance package in Bulgaria through Auto Europe Israel include, and which additional insurances are recommended?
In Bulgaria, the basic insurance usually includes Collision Damage Waiver CDW and Theft Protection TP with a deductible, as well as Third Party Liability insurance according to local law. It's recommended to consider extensions such as deductible reduction Super CDW, coverage for windows, tires, and mirrors, extended roadside assistance, and towing and keys coverage. Damages due to breach of rental conditions, off-road driving, or wrong fuel are not covered. The deductible and deposit vary between Hertz, Thrifty, and Europcar and should be confirmed when booking.
Can an additional driver be added in Bulgaria, and what is the associated cost?
Yes. When renting a car in Bulgaria through Auto Europe Israel, an additional driver can be added at the counter or in advance, subject to presenting a passport, license, and IDP if required, and a daily fee as set by the supplier and sometimes with a rental charge ceiling. The additional driver must meet the same age and seniority conditions as the main driver.
What is the fuel policy in Bulgaria through Auto Europe Israel - do you need to return the car with a full tank?
The policy is usually full-to-full: receive a full tank and return full. Returning without a full refuel will incur fuel and service charges. Some suppliers offer alternative policies such as prepayment for fuel or full-to-empty, so it's important to check the rental conditions and keep a receipt from a nearby refuel upon return.
Tips for car rental in Bulgaria
Before you book a car abroad through Auto Europe Israel, it’s worth knowing a few important points that will help you save time and money and avoid surprises at the counter. Here are four useful tips, including required documents, fuel policy, insurance, and travel between countries.
Documents and Payment Methods at the Counter
Ensure a valid Israeli driver's license, an international license if required by the country, a passport, and a physical credit card in the main driver's name for security. Debit/prepaid cards are often not accepted for deposit.
Understanding the Fuel Policy
Check if the rental is "full-to-full" or pre-purchase. "Full-to-full" is usually more transparent and economical. Returning with a different fuel level may incur a local charge.
Insurance and Deductibles
Even when CDW/TP are included, there is usually a deductible and a card block. Extensions to reduce participation and coverage for windows, tires, roof, and undercarriage can sometimes be purchased at the counter.
Crossing Borders and Ferries
Traveling to a neighboring country or boarding a ferry often requires prior approval from the supplier and sometimes additional charges or restrictions on vehicle types. Request written approval in the rental conditions.
Pick-up map around Bulgaria
Click any location on the map to view the rental page for that destination via Auto Europe.
Everything you need to know about car rental in Bulgaria
Speed limit in city
50
kph
Speed limit on highways
140
kph
Toll roads
Fast roads require electronic vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 tons, purchase online/points/gas stations, linked to plate.
Road conditions in winter
15.11–01.03: Tires with tread ≥4 mm, chains mandatory by sign in mountainous areas.
Why rent a car in Bulgaria with Auto Europe?
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Professional Hebrew-speaking service
Israeli representatives who understand your needs, speak your language, and assist you throughout the entire process – from booking to vehicle return.
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Full flexibility and personal customization
A wide range of cars, easy modification and cancellation terms, and flexible pick-up and drop-off locations across Germany.
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Transparent pricing with no surprises
All costs are displayed upfront, including local taxes, unlimited mileage, insurance, and extras – with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
Car rental destinations in Bulgaria
Auto Europe wishes you a pleasant and safe journey.
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