Explore Plovdiv

How to Get There

By Air

Plovdiv is served by Plovdiv Airport (PDV), about 12 km south-east of the city. Most regular international flights arrive at Sofia Airport (SOF), Bulgaria’s largest hub, from where you can continue to Plovdiv by train, bus or car.

Plovdiv Airport Address: Plovdiv Airport, 4009 Krumovo, Rodopi Municipality, Plovdiv District Information: +359 (0)32 601 127 Email: info@plovdivairport.com Website: www.plovdivairport.com

Sofia Airport Address: bul. "Christopher Columbus" №1, 1540 Sofia Flight information (24/7): +359 (0)2 937 22 11 / 22 12 / 22 13 Website: sofia-airport.eu

By Train

Central Railway Station Plovdiv has direct trains from Sofia, Burgas, Varna and other cities. It is located close to South Bus Station, which makes transfers between bus and rail convenient.

Central Railway Station Plovdiv Address: 46 Hristo Botev Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv Information: +359 (0)882 988 460 Online tickets: bileti.bdz.bg Train timetables: razpisanie.bdz.bg/en

Bus Stations & Regional Travel

South Bus Station (Yug)

South Bus Station is next to the central railway station and is the main hub for buses to Sofia, the Rhodope Mountains and many cities across Bulgaria.

Bus Station "South" Address: 47 Hristo Botev Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv Phone (information): +359 (0)32 65 78 11 Operator website: www.hebrosbus.com

North Bus Station

North Bus Station serves destinations to the north of Plovdiv and some international routes. It is located near Filipovo railway station in the north part of the city.

Bus Station "North" Address: 2 Dimitar Stambolov Street, Plovdiv Phone (information): +359 (0)32 65 78 11 Operator website: North Bus Station info

Checking Bus Schedules

For regional buses around Plovdiv, timetables and routes are often listed on the operators’ websites. One useful site is the local operator Hebros Bus: www.hebrosbus.com.

Getting Around Plovdiv

On Foot

The Old Town, Kapana Creative District and the main shopping street are all within easy walking distance. Expect cobblestones and hills in the Old Town, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Public Buses

City buses are inexpensive and connect most neighbourhoods. Tickets are usually bought on board from the driver.

Useful apps for bus routes Moovit – shows real-time routes and stops in Plovdiv. EasyWay / Eway – public transport routes for several Bulgarian cities including Plovdiv. Official map: Public Transport Map – visitplovdiv.com

Taxis

Taxis are relatively cheap. Use clearly marked, licensed taxis and check that the meter is switched on. You can usually book by phone or via local taxi apps.

Bikes & E-Scooters

Plovdiv has a growing network of cycle paths along the river and across the city. Several companies and shops offer bike rentals; e-scooter sharing services may also operate seasonally.

Examples Plovdiv Bike Rent – local bike rental (search "Plovdiv Bike Rent" or check tourism websites for current contacts). Motoroads / other rental platforms – offer bicycles and sometimes scooters or motorbikes. Shared e-scooters (such as Lime or local providers) – availability changes, so always check the apps for current operations in Plovdiv.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) brings mild temperatures, flowering trees and fewer crowds. Summer (June–August) is hot but lively, with many open-air events at the Ancient Theatre and in Kapana.

Autumn (September–October) offers pleasant weather, wine festivals and colourful hills. Winter (November–February) is quieter and cooler, but still suitable for city breaks.

Budget & Typical Prices

Plovdiv is generally affordable compared to many EU cities. Approximate examples:

• Coffee in a café: about 2–4 BGN (1–2 EUR)
• Simple meal in a local restaurant: 12–25 BGN (6–13 EUR)
• Bottle of water: around 1 BGN (<1 EUR)
• Museum / site ticket: usually 6–12 BGN (3–6 EUR)
• Single city bus ticket: about 1.20 BGN (~0.60 EUR)

Prices can vary depending on location and season, but these figures are a useful guide for planning.

Safety & Local Etiquette

Plovdiv is considered a safe city. As in any tourist destination, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid unlicensed taxis or very aggressive touts.

In religious sites such as Dzhumaya Mosque, wear respectful clothing and follow any instructions from staff. In restaurants it is polite to leave a small tip (around 5–10% of the bill) if you are happy with the service.

Useful Bulgarian Phrases

• Hello – Zdravey (to one person) / Zdraveyte (formal / plural)
• Thank you – Blagodarya
• Please – Molya
• Excuse me / I’m sorry – Izvinete
• How much does it cost? – Kolko struva?
• Where is the Old Town? – Kəde e Starijat grad?

Accessibility

Many central streets are flat and suitable for walking, but the Old Town has cobblestones and slopes. The Roman Stadium model at street level and some parts of the city centre are accessible for wheelchair users.

When in doubt, contact the Tourist Information Centres listed on the Contact page for up-to-date advice.

Day Trips from Plovdiv

Plovdiv is a good base for exploring the Rhodope Mountains and surrounding towns:

• Bachkovo Monastery – famous Orthodox monastery in a scenic valley.
• Asen’s Fortress – medieval fortress with panoramic views above Asenovgrad.
• Hisarya – SPA town with mineral springs and Roman walls.
• Koprivshtitsa – museum-town of colourful Revival-era houses.