Bucharest to Varna: by car, summer train or bus (2026 guide)
Bucharest to Varna is about 265 km by car via Giurgiu–Ruse (4–5 h) or 370 km via Vama Veche. Summer direct train from €27; FlixBus runs daily.
The quickest way from Bucharest to Varna is by car over the Danube bridge at Giurgiu–Ruse: about 265 km and 4–5 hours (OSRM). The coastal route via Constanța and Vama Veche – Durankulak is longer (about 370 km) but has no Danube bridge toll and passes Balchik. In summer there is also a direct train (from €27, CFR), and FlixBus runs a daily coach. Checked as of 2026-10.
Which is the best route by car: Ruse or Vama Veche?
| Via Giurgiu–Ruse | Via Constanța – Vama Veche | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | about 265 km | about 370 km |
| Driving time | 4–5 h | about 5–5.5 h |
| Tolls | Danube Bridge fee (paid in euro) | A2 bridge toll at Fetești, no Danube bridge |
| Good for | the fastest trip | a seaside drive, stops in Balchik and the north coast |
Distances are from the OSRM route planner on OpenStreetMap data; real times depend on traffic and summer queues at the bridge. The Ruse route continues through Razgrad and Shumen to Varna. The coastal route crosses at Vama Veche – Durankulak, then follows the coast road south via Shabla, Kavarna and Balchik. The Danube Bridge fee changes from time to time, so check the current amount before you leave.
Do I need a vignette and a passport?
Yes to the vignette: cars need the Bulgarian e-vignette, linked to your number plate and bought at the official site web.bgtoll.bg. From 1 August 2026 it costs €5.30 for a day, €6.60 for a weekend and €10 for a week (BG TOLL). In Romania you also need a valid Romanian rovinietă until the border.
Romania and Bulgaria have been full Schengen members since 1 January 2025. Enhanced controls stayed on this border until 30 June 2025 and were abolished on 1 July 2025, so there are no routine passport checks now. Spot checks can still happen: carry your ID card or passport. More in our driving guide.
Is there a direct train from Bucharest to Varna?
Only in summer. In 2026 CFR Călători ran the direct train:
- 461 Bucharest Nord 10:46 → Varna 19:56 (12 June–11 October)
- 460 Varna 09:30 → Bucharest Nord 16:56 (13 June–12 October)
- 2nd class from €27 each way; tickets up to 90 days ahead at CFR stations or online; Interrail passes accepted (CFR Călători).
2027 dates TBA. As of October 2026 the season has ended and CFR has not announced 2027 dates. In recent years the train has run from June to autumn; watch cfrcalatori.ro in spring.
Is there a bus from Bucharest to Varna?
FlixBus lists one daily departure at 08:40 from Bucharest (Autogara Militari or Filaret) to Varna central bus station (bul. Vladislav Varnenchik 158), taking about 6 hours (FlixBus). Prices vary by date, so check flixbus.com. We list only operators we could confirm on their own websites.
How do I get from Constanța to Varna?
The simplest way is by car: about 150–160 km (OSRM) via Mangalia, the Vama Veche – Durankulak crossing and the Bulgarian coast road, roughly 2.5–3 hours. We could not confirm a scheduled direct bus or train between the two cities as of October 2026, so without a car you would usually go via Bucharest.
How to plan the trip
- Fastest: drive via Ruse, leave early to avoid bridge queues.
- Scenic: take the coast, stop at the Balchik Palace and Botanical Garden or Albena.
- No car, summer: the direct train; no car, rest of the year: FlixBus.
- Entry rules for non-EU citizens: see our visa and Schengen guide.
Sources
- CFR Călători – direct train to Varna, Sofia and Istanbul from June 2026
- Euronews – Direct trains from Bucharest to Istanbul, Sofia and Varna restarted (June 2026)
- Romania Insider – Border checks between Bulgaria and Romania removed as of 1 July 2025
- Sofia Globe – Checks at Bulgarian–Romanian border abolished (1 July 2025)
- BG TOLL – buy a Bulgarian e-vignette (official)
- BG TOLL – e-vignette prices from 1 August 2026
- FlixBus – Bucharest to Varna
- OSRM route planner on OpenStreetMap data (distances)
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Bucharest to Varna?
Only in summer. In 2026 the direct CFR train 461/460 ran from 12 June to 12 October, from €27 in 2nd class. Dates for 2027 had not been announced as of October 2026; outside the season there is no direct train.
How long is the drive from Bucharest to Varna?
About 265 km and 4–5 hours via the Giurgiu–Ruse bridge, or about 370 km and 5–5.5 hours via Constanța and Vama Veche, plus any queue at the bridge in summer.
Are there border checks at Vama Veche – Durankulak?
Not routinely. Romania and Bulgaria joined Schengen fully on 1 January 2025 and the extra checks kept until 30 June 2025 were lifted on 1 July 2025. Spot checks are still possible, so carry your ID card or passport.
Is there a bus from Bucharest to Varna?
Yes. As of October 2026 FlixBus lists one daily connection, leaving Bucharest (Militari or Filaret) at 08:40 and taking about 6 hours to Varna's central bus station.
How do I get from Constanța to Varna?
By car it is about 150–160 km via Mangalia and the Vama Veche – Durankulak crossing, roughly 2.5–3 hours. We could not confirm a scheduled direct bus or train as of October 2026.
