Bulgaria Vignette Guide: Prices, Where to Buy, and Fines (2026)
3 min read
BULGARIA TRAVEL GUIDE
If you are driving into Bulgaria — whether crossing from Turkey on your way into Europe, transiting to Greece, or touring the Balkans — you need an e-vignette from the very first kilometre. It is not just for motorways: most first-class national roads require it too, and enforcement is fully automatic. Here is exactly how the system works in 2026, with current prices in euros.
How the Bulgarian E-Vignette Works
Bulgaria switched to a fully electronic vignette system in 2019, so there is no windscreen sticker. You register your plate number, and roadside cameras (ANPR) automatically check it against the central database at motorway and main-road entry points. Your plate is your proof — there is nothing to display. The vignette applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes; heavier vehicles pay distance-based tolls instead.
Vignette Prices in 2026 (in Euros)
Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, so all vignettes are now priced in euros:
- 1 day: €4.09 (new option, introduced 3 February 2026)
- Weekend: €5.11 (valid Friday 12:00 to Sunday 23:59)
- 7 days: €7.67
- 1 month: €15.34
- 3 months: €27.61
- 1 year: €49.60
Heads up: a roughly 30% price increase has been proposed to take effect from 1 August 2026 (the 7-day vignette would go to about €10). If you are reading this after that date, check the official site for the final figures.
Which One Should You Buy?
For most trips through Bulgaria — including the classic Istanbul-to-Europe transit or a Sofia city break with day trips — the 7-day vignette is the sweet spot. The weekend vignette only makes sense if your whole drive falls between Friday noon and Sunday night; note that it starts at 12:00 on Friday, not midnight. If you cross Bulgaria several times a year, the annual vignette pays for itself after about seven weekly trips.
Where to Buy It
Buy online at the official government portal before you reach the border — it activates immediately, so there is no reason to queue at the crossing. You can also buy at self-service terminals, petrol stations, and border sales points. One warning: many unofficial websites resell vignettes with hefty service fees on top. Always use the official portal:
Official site: https://www.bgtoll.bg/en
Fines and What the Vignette Does Not Cover
Driving without a valid vignette means an automatic camera-issued fine of up to around €150, plus you still have to buy the vignette. Also note that the vignette does not cover the Danube Bridge between Ruse (Bulgaria) and Giurgiu (Romania) — that crossing has its own separate toll of about €6 for cars, paid at the bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Bulgarian vignette in 2026?
For cars up to 3.5 tonnes: €4.09 for 1 day, €5.11 for a weekend, €7.67 for 7 days, €15.34 for a month, and €49.60 for a year. Prices are in euros since Bulgaria joined the eurozone in January 2026.
Do I need a vignette to drive from Turkey to Greece through Bulgaria?
Yes. The route from the Turkish border to the Greek border uses roads that require an e-vignette. The 7-day vignette (€7.67) covers a typical transit comfortably.
Is the Bulgarian vignette a sticker?
No. It has been fully electronic since 2019 — you register your plate number and cameras verify it automatically. There is nothing to display in the car.
Where should I buy the Bulgarian e-vignette?
On the official portal bgtoll.bg, which activates the vignette immediately. Avoid unofficial reseller sites that add service fees.
What happens if I drive without a vignette in Bulgaria?
Enforcement cameras read your plate automatically, and the fine is up to around €150 — on top of still having to buy the vignette.
Does the vignette cover the Danube Bridge to Romania?
No. The Ruse–Giurgiu bridge has a separate toll of about €6 for cars, paid at the crossing.
