How to choose the best route to Bulgaria

Options for visiting Bulgaria without direct flights:

In this article, we will look at the issue of necessary visas to visit Bulgaria and suggest different ways to reach this beautiful Balkan country. There have been no direct flights from Russia to Bulgaria for over a year now, but we have several options for visiting this country.

1. Obtaining a Bulgarian type C visa or a Schengen visa

The first option involves obtainingBulgarian visa type Cor have a valid oneSchengen visawith the stamp of the country that issued it, or another country that is part of the Schengen zone. However, it is important to note that since May 2023, entry into Bulgaria with a "blank" Schengen visa is prohibited, so foreigners must visit the country that issued their Schengen visa before heading to Bulgaria. Violating this rule may result in denial of entry. If you have a Schengen visa issued by another country and plan to visit Bulgaria, you need to first visit the country that issued you that visa.

2. A Journey Through Istanbul

The second option is to arrive in Istanbul and then take a bus to Bulgaria. Istanbul is a popular transit hub for Russian tourists, with dozens of flights departing to this Turkish city from various cities in Russia every day. After arriving in Istanbul, you can use bus services to get to Bulgaria.

3. Use of transfer

The third option is to arrive in Istanbul and then use thetransferto reach Bulgaria. A transfer is a convenient way to travel that allows passengers to get to their destination without any hassle.

4. Journey through Istanbul with a layover

The fourth option is to take a connecting flight to Istanbul and then travel to Bulgaria. This option may be convenient for those who plan to visit other countries, such as Yerevan, before traveling to Bulgaria.

5. Road trip

The fifth option is to drive to Bulgaria in your own car. This option will be relevant for those who prefer to travel by car and have the opportunity to take a long trip.

It is also worth noting that some property owners, including retirees, may resolve their visit to Bulgaria by obtaining a residence permit. Additionally, entry into Bulgaria is not restricted for holders of residence permits from Schengen Agreement countries, as well as Cyprus and Romania.

Thus, despite the lack of direct flights, we have several options to visit Bulgaria. Choose the one that is most convenient for you and enjoy this beautiful Balkan country.

Airfare from Istanbul to Moscow

The price of a plane ticket from Istanbul to Moscow in June starts from 13,000 to 20,000 rubles (including luggage) and can be higher. You can choose either a Russian or a Turkish airline and select a convenient time and arrival airport for yourself.

When making your choice, pay attention to which Istanbul airport you will land at – IST (most flights) or SAW (Sabiha Gökçen). The new airport is preferable as it is closer to the border with Bulgaria.

Bus service from the new Istanbul airport

There is a bus service from the new Istanbul airport to the coastal cities of Bulgaria. The transport company "Nishikli" offers regular routes to various destinations. There is also the option to take a bus to the airport from the city.

Travel to Bourgas and Sunny Beach is available from New Airport in high season. Flights depart daily at 6:00 and from June 1 to September 31 also at 16:00. The morning flight is convenient for those arriving in Turkey at night.

Tickets and contacts

The "Nishikli" bus stop is located on the minus second floor of the airport near the exit to City A. Buses from Sunny Beach depart in the opposite direction at 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you need to contact a Russian-speaking representative of the company and book a seat, you can call the phone number.+359 894 559 552.

Prepayment of the ticket is not required, you can pay for it already on the bus. The cost of a trip from Istanbul to Sunny Beach is about 3500 rubles (80 levs or 875 liras). You can pay in both Turkish and Bulgarian currency.

Considering the border crossing, the trip will take about 6 hours. The waiting time at the border usually does not exceed 40-60 minutes, but sometimes there are delays of up to 3-4 hours.

Flight to Esenler Airport

If you arrive at Esenler Airport, it will be more convenient to take the bus right at the airport, but sometimes it's difficult to coordinate your arrival with the bus schedule. Additionally, flight delays are quite common, so you may need to adjust your plans on the fly.

Buses to Bulgaria

If you are planning a trip to Bulgaria and want to consider various transportation options, you should pay attention to buses.

Esenler Bus Station

One option is to head to the "Esenler" bus station (formerly known as "Bayrampaşa") in Istanbul and then travel to Bulgaria from there. The companies "Nishikli," "Metro," and "Arda Tour" offer bus services to Burgas, Varna, and Sunny Beach year-round. The bus schedule changes regularly, but typically includes 2 morning and 2-3 evening departures. The cost of a trip from the Istanbul bus station to Burgas or Sunny Beach is 60 Bulgarian leva or 650 Turkish lira (about 2650 rubles). To purchase tickets, you can go to the bus station ticket office or use convenient Russian-language websites, such asObilet.com(using a foreign bank card) orTu-tu.ru (with payment by a Russian bank card).

Transfer from the airport

If you arrive at the airport, you will need to get to the bus station. From the new airport, you can take the city bus Havaist 5. The journey will take about an hour and twenty minutes. The bus stop is located on the minus second floor near the city exit A. Tickets can be purchased at the yellow Havaist kiosks, paying with a bank card or Turkish lira (currency exchange is available at the airport). The ticket price is 68 lira (275 rubles).

Full cost of travel

If you are considering the total cost of a trip from Moscow to the Sunny Beach resort with a transfer in Istanbul by bus, it ranges from 16,000 to 23,000 rubles per person.

Transfers

Many prefer not to use the bus and instead book a group or individual transfer. During such trips, you can choose to travel in one vehicle or switch vehicles and walk across the border. If you don't have a lot of luggage, the second option may be more convenient, as it usually takes less time.

Hitchhiking to Sunny Beach

Travel time from New Airport to Sunny Beach is about 4.5-5 hours when crossing the border on foot, and from Sabiha Gokcen it is about 5.5-6 hours.

Searching for travel companions through Telegram channels

If you have already bought plane tickets to Istanbul but haven't figured out how to get to the beaches of Bulgaria yet, try looking for travel companions through chats in Telegram channels. This method will not only help reduce transportation costs but also provide you with company on the road. Some Telegram channels have special chats for those looking for travel partners. In these communities, you can ask your questions and quickly get answers from experienced travelers.

Havaist city bus 13

If you managed to find a transfer from the New Airport and you are arriving at Sabiha Gökçen, it is recommended to use the Havaist 13 city bus, which regularly runs between these airports. It departs every hour and a half, and the ticket costs about 440 rubles.

Traveling through Istanbul

Thus, the cost of traveling from Moscow to Burgas via Istanbul, including the plane ticket and transfer from the airport, will be approximately between 21,000 and 26,000 rubles.

Connecting flight

There is another way to reach the Bulgarian beaches, which is not always fast but more expensive – a flight with a layover on another flight. The optimal choice is a connection in Istanbul. For example, on the Turkish Airlines website, you can find a ticket to Varna for June at a price of about 13,500 rubles. It can only be purchased with a foreign bank card. Thus, the total cost of a one-way trip will be approximately 26,500-33,500 rubles per person.

Flight via Yerevan

From the beginning of July to August 31 it will be possible to reach Bulgaria with a connection in Yerevan. Bulgaria Air offers direct flights from Yerevan to Burgas on Mondays and Fridays. Tickets can be purchased on Aviasales.ru at a price of 17,500 rubles for booking a return ticket (if buying only one way, the price will be higher - 32,000 rubles). Payment is possible with a Russian bank card. The cost of a flight from Moscow to Yerevan for June is from 11,000 rubles. As a result, the minimum cost of a one-way trip will be about 28,000 rubles per person.

Possible ways to travel to Bulgaria

Bulgaria is an interesting country that can be visited in several ways. One option is to arrive through Serbia. You may need to first take a flight from Moscow to Belgrade, and then transfer to a bus to Sofia or take another flight to Burgas. However, the cost of flights from Russia to the capital of Serbia is usually much higher than to other countries like Turkey or Armenia.

Alternative travel options

If you have your own car, you can drive to Bulgaria, but under the current conditions, it can be quite challenging. There is another option - you can head west through Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and then reach Serbia or Romania if you have a Bulgarian residence permit and a Schengen visa or a residence permit in Schengen countries.

Some Russians prefer to use the southern route via Georgia and Turkey to reach Bulgarian resorts along the Black Sea coast. A visa to these transit countries is not required, but the road will take quite a while - more than a week to be precise. However, it is worth considering that the Upper Lars crossing will be closed for repairs from May 5 to June 5, 2023.

Opening of ferry services

A big gift for travelers could be the opening of ferry services between Sochi and the Turkish city of Trabzon. Although the launch of the ferry route has been postponed, if it starts operating, it could become the most budget-friendly way for a family of several to get to Bulgaria from Russia.

Increase in travel costs

Overall, Bulgaria is no longer as affordable a country as it used to be. Both travel time and costs have significantly increased. Some Russians are even deciding to sell their resort properties. However, it's worth noting that alternative options in Russia or other countries may be even more expensive.

Ways to achieve the goal

Despite all the difficulties, there are several ways to get to Bulgaria from Russia. Over the past year, alternative routes have been developed that may take considerable time and effort, but will help you reach your destination. At each stage, locals or fellow countrymen can assist you for a reasonable fee.

Planning and preparation

If you are planning a trip to Bulgaria, it's worth thinking through all the details in advance - finding the best prices for flights, convenient transfers to other modes of transport, and actions to take in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as flight delays. It's also a good idea to have contacts for alternative ground transport providers and people who can assist you. If possible, it is recommended to plan for a longer stay in Bulgaria to fully enjoy this amazing country.

Conclusion

Bulgaria is a magnificent country that remains a popular travel destination for Russians. Despite the lack of direct flights from Russia, there are various ways to get to Bulgaria. One popular option is to fly to Istanbul and then take a bus or transfer to Bulgarian cities on the coast. Other route options include layovers in Istanbul or Yerevan, as well as a road trip through neighboring countries. Of course, traveling to Bulgaria currently requires extra effort and expenses, but this stunning country with its beautiful beaches, cultural heritage, and the hospitality of the locals is definitely worth it. I recommend planning your trip in advance, exploring different options, and being prepared for changes in plans if necessary. After all, despite the challenges, visiting Bulgaria will leave you with unforgettable impressions and become an unforgettable adventure. Don't miss the opportunity to discover this amazing country!