Parking in Bulgaria

Parking in Bulgaria is generally free outside the larger cities, unless signs say otherwise. A sign “P” indicates a parking area.

Quick practical checklist (worth reading before you park)

• Always look for signs (e.g., “Zone,” “Pay by SMS,” “Private parking,” “Residents only”, “Do Not Park”).
• If it’s a paid zone, pay immediately (SMS/app/machine/ticket) and wait for confirmation.
• SMS short numbers usually work only with Bulgarian mobile operators. If you don’t have a Bulgarian SIM card, use tickets/vouchers, or use guarded/private parking lots.
• If you plan to stay longer than the zone limit, use a garage/paid lot instead of street parking (street zones often have time caps).

Parking on the streets in Sofia

Parking in Sofia can be challenging on workdays and around central landmarks. Sofia has two types of short‑term street paid‑parking zones: Blue zone (city centre) and Green zone (surrounding areas).

Please visit the Urban Mobility Center Sofia website for more information.

How to pay: In Sofia, street parking is commonly paid via SMS (Bulgarian operators only) and via approved parking apps / platforms (depending on availability at the time). Platforms such as the SMS Parking app, Urbo app, and SofiaPlus app only automate SMS sending. Again, this service will only work from a Bulgarian SIM card. Your safest visitor strategy is to use a paid car park/garage or Park & Ride, then use the metro/taxi/walking.

Practical options if your accommodation has no parking:

• Paid parking around major central sights (often via apps/SMS/tickets depending on the exact location)
• Paid parking is available close to the National Palace of Culture
• Shopping malls (paid, usually easy payment onsite)

Heads‑up for 2026: Sofia’s paid-parking rules/prices and zone coverage have had announced changes planned to start 5 January 2026, including longer operating hours and higher hourly prices (and additional changes later in 2026). Because parts of the reform have been publicly challenged, you are encouraged to verify the latest status before traveling here.

In the big cities

Many Bulgarian cities also use paid zones. Here are the most useful, “what you actually need” details for visitors.

Parking in Plovdiv

Plovdiv uses a paid street parking system in the Blue Zone.

Blue Zone – working hours & payment

• Working hours: Monday–Saturday 08:30–18:30 (incl. Saturday). Plovdiv
• Pay by SMS: send your license plate to 1332.
• Price: SMS parking costs 2.00 BGN (incl. VAT) plus your SMS cost (per operator plan).
• Important: Plovdiv introduced a maximum stay of 4 hours in the Blue Zone (you must move the car after that).

Green Zone in Plovdiv (tourist trap to avoid)

Plovdiv also has a “Green Zone” in Kapana that is not a standard paid visitor zone—it’s a restricted area for residents (permanent address registration in the area). If you see “Green Zone” around Kapana, treat it as “don’t park here unless you have the right permit.”

Where to park (practical suggestions):

• For Old Town / Kapana, or the city centre: aim for a municipal paid car park or a private lot, then walk (street spots fill fast).
• If you want minimal stress, park once and explore Plovdiv on foot (the centre is compact).

Parking in Varna

Varna’s centre uses the paid parking system “Blue Zone.”

Blue Zone – key rules (simple version)

Operating days/hours: Monday–Sunday 09:00–20:00 (excluding official holidays and non-working days). Visit Varna

• Pay by SMS: 1352 (Bulgarian mobile operators).
• Price: 1 BGN/hour + SMS cost.
• Time limit: max 3 hours per stay; a new 3‑hour period can start after 30 minutes.

Other payment options (good for visitors without a Bulgarian SIM):

• Mpark app (“virtual parking meter”) lets you pay 30 minutes to 3 hours, and also offers a full‑day parking option (full‑day is app-only).
• Cash payment at marked points of sale (look for the sticker / use the published map).

Where to park (practical suggestions):

• In summer, don’t fight for the closest beach/centre street spot. Park in a larger paid car park and walk a bit.
• If you’re staying overnight, the simplest option is to use accommodation parking (if available) rather than risking street parking time limits.

Parking in Burgas

Burgas uses Blue Zone and Green Zone (with different operating times depending on the season).

Blue Zone (Burgas)

• Work hours: 09:00–19:00 on weekdays Transport Burgas
• Fee: 2.00 BGN/hour (incl. VAT)
• Pay by SMS: 1356 (Bulgarian mobile operators).

Green Zone (Burgas)

• Work hours:
  • 01 May – 30 Sep: 11:00–20:00, Monday–Sunday
  • 01 Oct – 30 Apr: 09:00–19:00, Monday–Friday
• Fee: 2.00 BGN/hour (incl. VAT)
• Pay by SMS: 1357 (Bulgarian mobile operators); 1 SMS = 1 hour
• Apps the operator mentioned as alternatives: Mpark, PayPark, UrboCity

Where to park (practical suggestions):

• In summer, check whether you’re in the Blue vs Green Zone—the Green Zone has weekend paid hours in peak season.
• For longer stays, pick a garage/lot rather than “feeding the meter” on the street.

Parking in resorts (summer & ski) – practical advice

Resorts often look simple until high season hits. Here’s what consistently saves time and money:

Before you arrive

• Ask your accommodation 3 questions:
  1. Do you have parking? 2) Is it included or paid? 3) Do I need to reserve a spot?
• If they don’t have parking, ask which car park they recommend (they usually know the least painful option).

Summer resorts (Black Sea)

• Expect a mix of municipal zones + private barrier car parks. Private lots often have day rates and may be cash-first.
• In peak season, the winning move is: park once (earlier), walk more.
• If you’re visiting an Old Town / pedestrian-heavy area, assume you may need to park outside and walk in (or unload quickly, then move the car).

Ski resorts (winter)

• Arrive early on weekends/after snowfall: the lots near gondolas/lifts fill fast.
• Don’t park where snowplows need access (you risk towing or getting snowed in).
• If your hotel has a lot/garage, use it and move around by foot/shuttle.

If you forget to pay (or exceed the limit)

If you don’t pay, exceed the limit, or park where you shouldn’t, consequences range from a fine to a wheel clamp to towing—especially in busy areas and peak season.

What to do:

1. Look for the notice on your windshield (it typically has a phone number/instructions).
2. Call the number and follow the steps.
3. Keep proof of payment until you’re entirely done.

Important: fees vary by city. For example, Plovdiv lists a 40 BGN clamp-release fee, plus additional hourly fees, in its Blue Zone rules.

If you park in a disabled space

Parking in spaces reserved for people with permanent disabilities can result in a severe fine. Don’t risk it—these rules are enforced most strictly in city centres and resorts.