Border Crossing Bulgaria Greece

The border crossing between Bulgaria and Greece plays an important role for road traffic in Southeastern Europe. Both countries share a border that is not only geographically but also historically and economically significant. For travelers moving between the two countries, it is important to be informed about border formalities, entry requirements, and traffic regulations in order to ensure a smooth journey.

The length of the border and special features of its course

The border between these two countries stretches for about 494 kilometers. This relatively long border runs through a varied landscape shaped by mountains, valleys, and rivers. One geographical feature is the Rhodope Mountains, which extend along part of the border and form a natural barrier between the two countries. This region is less densely populated, so some border crossings are located in remote and scenically impressive areas. Similar to Germany, where the Alps form a natural barrier, the Rhodope Mountains offer an impressive backdrop and a natural border.

Border controls at the crossing

Bulgaria and Greece both fully belong to the Schengen Area, with Bulgaria also joining at its land borders as of January 1, 2025. There are no longer regular border controls between the two countries, but random police checks in the border area are still possible. Therefore, always carry your ID card or passport with you. During holiday periods and on weekends, traffic jams can still occur at the crossings due to high traffic volume.

Entry requirements

To enter, travelers from the European Union, including Bulgaria, need a valid ID card or passport. Both countries belong to the Schengen Area and are EU member states. As an EU member, crossing the border is therefore particularly easy. For citizens of non-EU countries, different entry requirements may apply, including a visa requirement depending on nationality. It is advisable to check the current regulations before traveling.

The currency of the Greeks

In Greece, the Euro (€) is the official currency, and it will also be in Bulgaria as of January 1, 2026. Therefore, you no longer need to exchange money when crossing the border between the two countries.

In addition, many hotels, restaurants, and shops in Greece accept common credit and debit cards, so cash payment is not always required.

The most important border crossings

• Kulata - Promachonas: One of the main access points between Bulgaria and Greece, connecting the A3/E79 in Bulgaria with the E25 in Greece, near the city of Serres with attractions such as a Byzantine castle and an archaeological museum.

• Ilinden - Exochi: Another important border crossing that plays a significant role in cross-border traffic.

• Kapitan Petko Voyvoda - Ormenio: An important crossing for regional traffic, often less frequented.

• Ivaylovgrad - Kyprinos: A crossing mainly used for local traffic.

• Makaza - Nymfaia: Offers additional options for travelers, especially in remote areas.

Bulgaria

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are toll-liable road sections.

Bulgaria: Vignette requirement (or not?)

A vignette requirement applies on Bulgarian national roads. This vignette requirement affects all vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW as well as motorhomes registered as class M1 (regardless of their weight). In addition, vehicles with trailers (e.g., car + trailer) that exceed the permitted total weight of 3.5 t GVW require an additional vignette for their trailer.

Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. In addition, vehicles with a weight over 3.5 t GVW must pay a distance-based toll and do not need to purchase a vignette (except for cars with trailers that exceed a weight of 3.5 t GVW).

Distance-based toll

(Commercial) vehicles with a total weight over 3.5 t GVW must pay a distance-based toll, meaning the length of the route used by the vehicle is calculated. The amount of the toll also depends on the Euro emission class (pollutant level), the number of axles, and the type of road. Payment of the toll is made through a pre-purchased route card (route pass), for which the route traveled must be specified. As an alternative to the route pass, a contract can be concluded with a national toll service provider, allowing the toll to be recorded via an electronic on-board unit or a GPS tracker.

Danube crossing: bridge toll as a special toll

The special toll routes include the Vidin-Calafat bridge over the Danube as well as the Ruse-Giurgiu bridge in the direction of Romania. This means that, regardless of whether you have already purchased a vignette or paid a distance-based toll, you must pay additional fees to use these bridges. The Romanian bridge toll in the direction of Bulgaria will be discontinued as of October 1, 2026. For ferries, you pay the usual ferry fare. This is not a toll.

Greece

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are toll-liable road sections.

Vignette requirement (or not?)

In Greece, there is no vignette requirement, but most highways are subject to tolls.

Distance-based toll

There is no distance-based toll (toll amount depending on the distance driven) in Greece. However, most highways are subject to tolls, so a flat fee (regardless of the distance driven) is charged for using these routes. To pay this flat fee, toll stations (payment stations) are located mainly within the toll road sections, and in some cases at the beginning of the sections. Payment of the toll due can be made by cash, credit card, or an electronic transponder.

The electronic transponder enables cashless payment and the use of an additional lane for payment. In addition, toll fees paid via the transponder are usually lower. You can obtain the transponder free of charge at the service stations of the highway operators and then top it up with credit. All transponders in Greece operate via the GRITS system (Greek Interoperable Tolling System) and can be used on all Greek highways.

The amount of toll payable differs depending on the vehicle class:

• Class I: Motorcycles and trikes (motorcycles with three wheels)

• Class II: Vehicles with up to 3 axles and a height of up to 2.2 m

• Class III: Vehicles with up to 3 axles and a height of over 2.2 m

• Class IV: Vehicles with 4 or more axles

In addition to using sections of various highways (A1, A2, A3, A5, A6, A7, A8a), fees also apply for the use of certain bridges and tunnels:

• Bridge: Rio - Antirrio

• Preveza-Aktio Undersea Tunnel

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

This overview of the border crossing between Bulgaria and Greece provides all the important information you need for a smooth and well-prepared trip. Whether it's border controls, entry requirements, or toll fees: being well informed makes the journey much easier. For more information on tolls in Bulgaria, see our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to better plan your trip and see which toll products are suitable for you. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.