You've booked your flight to Burgas Airport (BOJ) and secured a gorgeous apartment in Sveti Vlas — now you just need to figure out how to get from A to B. The good news? It's straightforward. The distance is only about 35 kilometers, and you have several options to suit every budget and comfort level. In this guide, we break down every way to make the journey, with current prices, journey times, and insider tips.
Distance: Burgas Airport (BOJ) → Sveti Vlas: ~35 km
Driving time: 35–50 minutes (depending on traffic and route)
Route: Airport → E87 north → Sunny Beach bypass → Sveti Vlas
Option 1: Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended)
For most travelers, a pre-booked private transfer is the best balance of convenience, reliability, and value. Here's how it works: you book online before your trip, a driver meets you at the airport with a sign showing your name, and you're driven directly to your accommodation in Sveti Vlas. No searching for taxis, no language barriers, no surprises.
How to Book
Several reputable transfer companies operate from Burgas Airport:
- KiwiTaxi — Popular platform with user reviews, various vehicle classes
- GetTransfer — Auction-style system where drivers bid on your trip
- Bulgarian Transfer — Local company, reliable for the region
- Holiday Transfers Bulgaria — Well-reviewed, door-to-door service
What to Expect
- Price: €25–40 for a standard sedan (1–3 passengers), €35–50 for a minivan (4–6 passengers)
- Journey time: 35–45 minutes
- Included: Meet & greet at arrivals, help with luggage, door-to-door service
- Payment: Most accept both cash and card; some require prepayment online
- Child seats: Available on request (specify when booking)
Pro tip: Book your return transfer at the same time. Many companies offer a discount for round-trip bookings. Also, make sure to provide your flight number — good drivers track flight delays and adjust pickup time accordingly.
Option 2: Regular Taxi from the Airport
Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal at Burgas Airport. There are official taxi stands, and you should always look for licensed taxis with meters.
Important Taxi Tips
- Use official taxis only — They have yellow signs on the roof and a meter inside. Avoid anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering "taxi" services.
- Agree on the price beforehand or insist on the meter. The metered fare to Sveti Vlas should be around €25–35.
- Watch out for scams: Some unlicensed drivers target tourists with inflated prices. A fair price is €25–40 maximum. If someone quotes €80+, walk away.
- Cash is preferred — Most Bulgarian taxis don't accept cards. Have some cash ready.
Taxi Pricing
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Typical fare | €25–35 |
| Night surcharge (22:00–06:00) | +20–30% |
| Journey time | 35–50 minutes |
| Payment | Cash (€ preferred) |
| Availability | 24/7, but limited late at night |
Option 3: Public Bus
The most budget-friendly option, though it requires a bit more effort and time. There's no direct bus from Burgas Airport to Sveti Vlas, so you'll need to make a connection.
Route Option A: Airport → Burgas → Sunny Beach → Sveti Vlas
- Airport to Burgas Bus Station: Take Bus #15 from the airport to Burgas South Bus Station (Avtogara Yug). Runs every 30–40 minutes in summer. Cost: ~€0.75. Journey: ~30 minutes.
- Burgas to Sunny Beach: From Burgas South Bus Station, take a bus to Sunny Beach (Slanchev Bryag). Buses depart frequently in summer. Cost: ~€3.50. Journey: ~40 minutes.
- Sunny Beach to Sveti Vlas: Local minibuses (marshrutkas) run between Sunny Beach and Sveti Vlas every 15–20 minutes in summer. Cost: ~€1. Journey: ~10 minutes.
Total cost: approximately €5
Total time: 1.5–2.5 hours (depending on connections)
Route Option B: Airport → Nessebar → Sveti Vlas
Some buses from Burgas go directly to Nessebar, from where you can catch a local bus or taxi to Sveti Vlas (about 10 km). This can sometimes be faster depending on schedules.
Important: Bus schedules are reduced outside of summer season (October–May). In winter, connections can be infrequent. Check schedules at bgrazpisanie.com or at the bus station information desk. If you're arriving late at night, a bus may not be an option — have a backup plan.
Option 4: Rent a Car
If you plan to explore the Bulgarian coast beyond Sveti Vlas, renting a car gives you maximum flexibility. Burgas Airport has several car rental counters in the arrivals hall.
Car Rental Companies at Burgas Airport
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Top Rent A Car (popular Bulgarian company, good value)
- Hertz
- Budget
Pricing and Tips
- Daily rates: From €15–25/day for an economy car in summer (book in advance for best rates)
- Insurance: Strongly recommended. Basic CDW is usually included; consider upgrading to full coverage (€5–10/day extra)
- Fuel: Gasoline costs approximately ~€1.30–1.45/liter
- Parking in Sveti Vlas: Most apartment complexes offer free parking. Street parking is generally free outside the main marina area.
- Vignette: If you'll be driving on Bulgarian motorways, you need an e-vignette. Buy it online at bgtoll.bg before driving. A weekly vignette costs ~€8.
- Driving: Drive on the right. Roads between Burgas and Sveti Vlas are in good condition. GPS or Google Maps works perfectly.
The Drive from the Airport
The route is simple: exit the airport, head north on the E87 toward Nessebar/Sunny Beach. After about 25 km, you'll see signs for Sunny Beach — continue past it toward Sveti Vlas. The last stretch is a scenic road along the coast with the mountains on your right. Total drive time: 35–40 minutes in normal traffic.
Option 5: Ride-Sharing Apps
Bolt (formerly Taxify) operates in the Burgas region and can be a convenient, affordable option. Download the app before your trip and order a ride at the airport. Pricing is usually slightly less than regular taxis, and you get the security of app-based tracking and cashless payment.
Bolt Pricing
- Estimated fare: €20–30
- Availability: Good during daytime and summer; can be limited late at night or off-season
- Payment: Card through the app or cash
Comparison: All Options at a Glance
| Option | Price | Time | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer | €25–40 | 35–45 min | ★★★★★ |
| Regular Taxi | €25–35 | 35–50 min | ★★★★ |
| Bolt | €20–30 | 35–45 min | ★★★★ |
| Rental Car | €15–25/day | 35–40 min | ★★★★★ |
| Public Bus | ~€5 | 1.5–2.5 hrs | ★★ |
Our Recommendation
For most vacationers staying in Sveti Vlas, we recommend a pre-booked private transfer. It's stress-free, reasonably priced (especially when split between 2–4 people), and you'll be at your apartment in under an hour with zero hassle. If you're planning to explore the coast extensively — visiting Sozopol, Plovdiv, or the countryside — consider renting a car for the duration of your stay.
If you're on a tight budget and traveling light, the bus route works but requires patience and some Bulgarian adventure spirit. Save it for the experience rather than the efficiency.
What About the Return Trip?
Getting back to Burgas Airport from Sveti Vlas follows the same options in reverse. Our top tip: book your return transfer in advance and leave plenty of time. Summer traffic between Sunny Beach and the airport can add 15–20 minutes to your journey, so plan to leave at least 2.5–3 hours before your flight departure time.
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