It is possible to travel to Bulgaria by road, a distance of well over 2000 km (1200 miles) from London to Sofia. Vienna to Sofia is about 1300 km. A number of countries are crossed and up to Vienna there are no customs and visa formalities other than the usual EU restrictions. Crossing non-EU countries requires extra documentation including an international driving license, proof of vehicle ownership and international insurance (Green Card). Bulgarian motor vehicle insurance and road tax can be bought at the border point of entry.

There are various border crossings through which one can drive, including:
From Romania at Vidin (ferry - north west), Ruse, Silistra and Durankulak (north east).
From Serbia at Bregovo (north west), Kalotina, Vrashkachuka and Strezimirovtsi (west of Sofia).
From the Republic of Macedonia at Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil (south west).
From Greece at Koulata (south west) and Makaza/Kurdjali (south - local road/under construction).
From Greece/Turkey border at Svilengrad.
From Turkey at Malko Turnovo (south east).

The quality of roads in Bulgaria remains variable, although improvements can be seen everywhere.  Driving standards are generally poor, but there are numerous petrol stations and hiring a car is easy.  It would be wise to buy a road map in Cyrillic to use along side another in English, as many road signs are only in Cyrillic and can therefore cause confusion.  As always, care should be taken to safe guard from break-ins and theft.  Your national license should be accompanied by an international driving permit, which will allow you to legally drive in Bulgaria for 12 months from the date of issue, and also a Green Card.  It is compulsory to wear seatbelts in the front of vehicles, and police will stop and fine for non-compliance, as well as for speeding and drink-driving , and they will always check for validity of documents.  If driving at night, be aware that it is not unusual to meet unlit horse-drawn carts and motorcycles.

Payment for car hire in Bulgaria is usually in hard currency, unless booked in advance by credit card.

Eurolines offers a coach service from Victoria Coach Station, London to Sofia. Also bus services travel daily from Istanbul, Athens and Thessaloniki to Sofia. Crossing the Bulgarian border by bus or coach can be subject to long delays, while passports are checked and some inspected.

www.eurolines.com

Buses, both public and private, provide an excellent network throughout the country, being both cheap and convenient.  Minibuses often serve shorter distances between neighbouring towns, and trolleybuses can be found in some larger towns and cities urban use.