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Flights to Bulgaria

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Buy Flights to Bulgaria and Pay Later

Splitting the cost of your flight to Bulgaria with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) can make your trip more manageable financially. Unlike paying upfront, BNPL allows you to split the cost of your flight tickets into smaller, more budget-friendly instalments.

Many plans offer interest-free payments within a specific timeframe - this can ease budgeting and potentially save your money compared to traditional financing options! Enjoy a stress-free travel experience to Bulgaria with over 40 ways to pay. We work with payment providers such as Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, Clearpay and PayPal.

Popular Airlines Flying to Bulgaria

Here are the three favourite airlines flying to airports in Bulgaria.

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Bulgaria Air

As the flag carrier of Bulgaria, Bulgaria Air operates a significant number of domestic and international flights, with its main hub in Sofia and focus cities in Burgas and Varna. They are a leader in the local market share.

Discover Bulgaria Air✈️

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Ryanair

They are listed as the largest airline by number of departures from Sofia Airport and, along with Wizz Air, operate a significant portion of all scheduled flights to Bulgaria.

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Wizz Air

Similar to Ryanair, Wizz Air is a major low-cost carrier with a strong presence in Bulgaria, offering a wide range of routes and being the second largest operator from Sofia Airport.

Discover Wizz Air✈️

Skytrax ⭐⭐⭐
Bulgaria, Sofia

Book Flights to Bulgaria

If you're seeking a Balkan adventure, head to Bulgaria in southeastern Europe. With history dating back as early as 1200 BC, the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and Soviets have all left their mark on Bulgaria, making it the perfect destination for history enthusiasts and culture chasers!

Bulgaria is home to many ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles and Ottoman mosques, as well as Tsarevets, a medieval fortress originating from the Second Bulgarian Empire. For nature lovers, the Rila Mountains offer plenty of hiking trails with remarkable sceneries, glacial lakes and the highest peak in Bulgaria, Mount Musala. Bulgaria is also famous for its beautiful beaches along the Black Sea coast - popular beaches include Sunny Beach, Nessebar and Sozopol.

Bulgaria's diverse landscapes offer something for every traveller. If you'd like to book flights to Bulgaria, you can do so here at Alternative Airlines. We ticket 600+ global airlines on our platform and offer 40+ ways for you to pay - booking flights online to Bulgaria couldn't be more simple! Book flights to popular cities in Bulgaria today, including flights to Sofia, Burgas and Plovdiv.

Bulgaria, Sofia

Discover Sofia

Ancient history and modern life - you'll find this fusion in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Sofia is tucked away in the Sofia Valley, surrounded by the Vitosha mountain range to the south. It sits at an elevation of almost 2,000 feet above sea level, giving it a cooler climate compared to other cities in Bulgaria.

Sofia's story began in the 7th century BCE when the Thracian tribes first settled in the area. It's seen many invasions over the centuries, mostly by the Romans, Slavs and Bulgars. The Ottoman Empire ruled the city for 500 years until the 19th century when the city finally gained independence in 1878. With so much history, there's lots to learn about Sofia - visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Boyana Church and the National Archaeological Museum to learn more.

For an escape from the city, nearby Mount Vitosha is a very popular spot for hiking, biking and skiing - you can reach the top via cable car, offering jaw-dropping views of the city below. There's also the Borisova Gradina Gardens which are a large public park in the centre of the city - perfect for relaxing, going for a walk or having a picnic!

Things to do in Bulgaria

Thinking of visiting Bulgaria but unsure where to start? Here are some great activities to include in your trip!

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Explore the Rila Monastery

This UNESCO World Heritage site is Bulgaria's most significant historical and cultural landmark. Nestled in the Rila Mountains, the monastery's vibrant frescoes, unique architecture, and serene atmosphere offer an insightful dialogue into Bulgarian Orthodox culture and history. It's a powerful monument of the skill of the artisans and a symbol of Bulgarian identity.

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Wander through Plovdiv's Old Town

As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, Plovdiv is a wonderland of historical and cultural attractions. Its Old Town boasts a delightful blend of Roman ruins (including a remarkably well-preserved amphitheatre), charming 19th-century National Revival houses, art galleries, and museums. The vibrant Kapana district, a creative hub with quirky shops and cafes, adds a modern touch to this ancient city.

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Hike the Seven Rila Lakes

For nature lovers, this cluster of glacial lakes in the Rila Mountains is an absolute must-see. Each lake has a unique name based on its shape or characteristics, such as "The Tear" or "The Kidney." The hike offers breathtaking views of the pristine waters and the surrounding alpine scenery, providing a refreshing escape into Bulgaria's natural beauty. It's particularly popular during the summer months when the trails are in excellent condition.

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Looking to Book Cheap Flights to Bulgaria?

If you are searching for affordable flights to Bulgaria, then Alternative Airlines is the place to be! We offer a variety of methods to make your money go further when you travel:


Payment plans

We are proud to partner with some payment providers which allow you to split the cost of your flights into more manageable payments. Whether you are flying economy on an ultra-low-cost carrier or first class with a premium airline, you can find a plan that suits your needs.


Flying with affordable airlines

Looking to snag a bargain to your favourite destination? The best place to start looking is to identify low-cost airlines that can get you there on the cheap. They will charge extra for baggage and other bonuses you would get for free with a full carrier, but if you are fine travelling light and basic, you'll save yourself a lot of money.


Cheapest day to fly

Knowing when to fly can also contribute to cheaper tickets. We have written a guide for you to be able to identify the right time for you, backed up by real data and expert sources. Read our blog for the trade secrets on the cheapest days to buy flights to find out more.


Best fare finder

Still bargain hunting? Well, we've cooked up a secret weapon. Our best fare-finder tool allows you to easily and quickly compare all of the flight prices for the week surrounding your original search and find the most affordable flight.

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Bulgaria Travel Tips

  • Currency and Payments: Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN); always pay in local currency to avoid bad exchange rates from dynamic conversion. While cards are accepted in cities, carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas, and use ATMs for convenient withdrawals.
  • Safety Precautions: Be vigilant against petty crime like pickpocketing in crowded areas and on public transport. If driving, secure your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight. Exercise caution in nightlife, never leaving drinks unattended, and research venues to avoid potential scams.
  • Public Transportation: For intercity travel, buses are generally the fastest and most convenient, offering an inexpensive way to get around. Trains are a scenic but slower alternative. Within Sofia, the metro, buses, and trams provide an efficient and affordable way to explore the city.
  • Optimal Visiting Times: The best time to visit for warm weather and diverse activities, including beaches and mountain exploration, is during the summer months from June to September. Spring and autumn offer pleasant alternatives for walks and exploring, while winter is ideal for skiing.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What language do they speak in Bulgaria?

The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian. It is a South Slavic language and is written using the Cyrillic alphabet. The vast majority of the population speaks Bulgarian. However, several minority languages are also spoken in the country. The most widespread minority languages are Turkish and Romani, due to significant Turkish and Romani communities in Bulgaria.

Is Bulgaria part of the Schengen alliance?

Bulgaria, while in the EU, is not part of the Schengen Area, meaning you'll go through passport control even if arriving from another EU country. For those outside the EU, visa requirements depend on your nationality.

Is Bulgaria expensive to visit?

Compared to many Western European and North American countries, Bulgaria is generally considered a very affordable travel destination. However, "expensive" is subjective and can depend heavily on your travel style.

Prices for hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs are significantly lower than in many other European nations. You can find hostel dorms for as little as €15-€25 per night, and budget hotels typically range from €50-€100 per night. Even mid-range hotels offer good value.

Eating out in Bulgaria is very budget-friendly, especially if you stick to local cuisine and avoid tourist traps on the main high streets. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around €5-€8, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant might be €20-€40. Groceries are also much cheaper than in Western Europe.

Is Bulgaria Safe?

Bulgaria is generally considered a safe country for tourists, with a low level of serious crime. Most travel advisories recommend exercising normal precautions, similar to what you would in any unfamiliar place or major city.

Like any tourist destination, petty crime such as pickpocketing or car theft is the most common issue. Pickpocketing is especially common in crowded areas, on public transport (buses, trams, metro), and in major tourist hotspots in cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and coastal resorts like Sunny Beach. Keep valuables secure and out of sight.