Plovdiv car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Plovdiv
The best car rental companies in Plovdiv are Sixt, Hertz, Europcar. Prices start from BGN 41/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 11%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Plovdiv
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from BGN 490Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromBGN 45/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from BGN 490Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromBGN 49/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Avis
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from BGN 490Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromBGN 43/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#4
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from BGN 390Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromBGN 41/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#5
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from BGN 390Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
FromBGN 37/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#6
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from BGN 490Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromBGN 47/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from BGN 390Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
FromBGN 39/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from BGN 490Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromBGN 51/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Thrifty
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from BGN 290Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromBGN 35/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-22 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Plovdiv
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | BGN 41 | Dacia Sandero | 4 |
| Compact | BGN 49 | Škoda Fabia | 4 |
| SUV | BGN 76 | VW Tiguan | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | BGN 102 | VW Touran | 7 |
| Luxury | BGN 147 | Audi A4 | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Plovdiv
Airport — Plovdiv Airport (PDV)
PDV is a small regional airport about 10km southeast of the city center; many travelers instead fly into Sofia (SOF) and drive down, so rental choice is more limited locally.
Downtown — Plovdiv city center (Old Town / Kapana district)
Downtown desks suit travelers arriving from Sofia by car, bus, or train who want to explore the Old Town before heading onward.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgarian e-vignette | From ~16 BGN/week to ~176 BGN/year | Any driving on Bulgarian motorways and expressways |
| Airport surcharge | ~11% of base rate | PDV airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | 16–35 BGN/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | 8–16 BGN/day | Per extra driver |
| Cross-border fee | Often restricted or surcharged for Serbia/North Macedonia/Turkey | Driving outside Bulgaria — confirm before booking |
| Refundable deposit | 290–690 BGN | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Plovdiv
- Bulgaria requires an e-vignette for driving on motorways and expressways, sold in weekly, monthly, and annual passes.
- Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a history stretching back over 6,000 years and a well-preserved Roman theatre still in use today.
- Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, is about 1.5 hours away by car and is where many international flights land before travelers continue on to Plovdiv.
- Plovdiv Airport (PDV) is a small regional airport, so rental car selection and pricing are often better in Sofia if your itinerary allows a short drive.
- The nearby Bachkovo Monastery, one of Bulgaria's largest and oldest, is an easy day trip from Plovdiv by car.
- Car rental prices in Plovdiv and Bulgaria are among the lowest in the EU, making it a budget-friendly base for road trips through the Rhodope Mountains.
- Prices here are shown in euros for easy comparison, though Bulgaria's official currency is the lev.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Plovdiv
Do you need a car in Plovdiv?
Not for the Old Town, which is walkable and largely pedestrianized — but a car is useful for reaching Bachkovo Monastery, Koprivshtitsa, or Sofia.
Do I need a vignette to drive in Bulgaria?
Yes — Bulgaria requires an e-vignette for motorway and expressway driving, available in weekly, monthly, and annual options.
How far is Plovdiv from Sofia?
About 1.5 hours by car, and many travelers fly into Sofia and drive to Plovdiv given the wider airport and rental options there.
Is Plovdiv Airport well served for car rentals?
It's a small regional airport with fewer choices than Sofia; comparing prices at both airports before booking is worthwhile.
What is the cheapest car type in Plovdiv?
Economy cars like a Dacia Sandero start around 41 BGN/day, among the lowest rates in the EU. An SUV starts around 76 BGN/day.
Can I drive from Plovdiv to Bachkovo Monastery?
Yes, it's about a 40-minute drive south of Plovdiv and a popular half-day trip.
Can I take a Bulgarian rental car into Serbia or Turkey?
Not always — many rental companies restrict or surcharge travel outside Bulgaria, so confirm cross-border terms before booking.
Nearby trips
