How is the toll collected in Bulgaria?
The toll in Bulgaria is collected in three ways: through the vignette requirement (e-vignette) for cars, motorhomes and vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW, through the distance-based toll for trucks and buses over 3.5 t GVW and through the special toll for the two Danube bridges to Romania. Sales and enforcement are handled via the BGTOLL portal of the Bulgarian Road Infrastructure Agency.
Since 1 January 2026, all Bulgaria toll rates have been set in euros, and on 1 August 2026 vignettes became around 30 percent more expensive. The following table shows which toll charges apply to your vehicle.
| Vehicle | Vignette | Distance-based toll | Special toll |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | Not required | Not required | May apply |
| Car (up to 3.5 t GVW) | Required | Not required | May apply |
| Car with trailer | Required | Not required | May apply |
| Motorhome (class M1) | Required | Not required | May apply |
| Truck (up to 3.5 t) | Required | Not required | May apply |
| Truck (over 3.5 t) | Not required | Required | May apply |
| Bus (over 3.5 t) | Not required | Required | May apply |
Motorcycles do not need a vignette; the requirement applies to vehicles with at least four wheels. If a vehicle combination of towing vehicle and trailer weighs more than 3.5 t GVW in total, you need a second vignette for the trailer. Motorhomes with vehicle class M1 in the vehicle registration certificate need the vignette regardless of their weight. The special toll only applies if you use one of the two Danube bridges.
On which roads does the toll apply in Bulgaria?
The vignette applies on the motorways A1 (Trakia), A2 (Hemus), A3 (Struma), A4 (Maritsa), A5 (Cherno More) and A6 (Europa) as well as on a network of class I, II and III roads defined by government decision, even if you are only passing through. Municipal roads are not part of the toll network. The safest way to check which roads are affected is the list of roads on bgtoll.bg, and you can find tips on alternative routes under Avoiding tolls in Bulgaria.
There are no toll stations or barriers for the vignette: enforcement is carried out via cameras and the license plate, and the police also carry out checks. You do not have to show anything or put a sticker in your car. Before your trip, check at check.bgtoll.bg whether your vignette is stored for your license plate. The traffic rules in Bulgaria, which differ from those in Germany in some respects, are also important.
Our free route planner shows you whether and where tolls apply on your route. If you are arriving from Romania, the guide to the border crossing between Bulgaria and Romania will help, and the guide Border crossings in Bulgaria gives you an overview of all crossings.
Who needs a digital vignette in Bulgaria?
In Bulgaria, all vehicles with at least four wheels up to 3.5 t GVW, i.e. cars, vans and car and caravan combinations, as well as motorhomes of vehicle class M1 regardless of their weight need a vignette. Under the vignette requirement, toll charges are not calculated according to the kilometers driven but as a flat fee that varies depending on the validity period. The vignette is an electronic record linked to your vehicle's license plate; there is no sticker.
With the Vignette Flat Rate, you receive your digital vignette for Bulgaria and can use all roads subject to the vignette requirement. Officially, the vignette is available for one day, the weekend, 7 days, one month, three months and one year. You can buy it up to 30 days before the start of its validity.
Do I need a separate vignette for a motorhome and trailer?
The same price list applies to cars, vans, motorhomes and trailers up to 3.5 t. Motorhomes of class M1 need a vignette regardless of their weight. The class of your motorhome is stated in the vehicle registration certificate. According to the wording of the law, motorhomes over 3.5 t without an M1 entry fall under the distance-based toll.
If a vehicle combination of towing vehicle and trailer weighs more than 3.5 t GVW in total, you need a second vignette for the trailer in addition to the vignette for the towing vehicle, and it costs exactly the same. If the combination stays at 3.5 t GVW or less, one vignette is enough. Find out more in our guides Vehicle classes in Bulgaria and Motorhome in Bulgaria.
Which vehicles are exempt from the vignette?
Motorcycles do not need a vignette, because the requirement only applies to vehicles with at least four wheels. Agricultural tractors and emergency vehicles of the police and rescue services are also exempt. Bulgarian law only provides a free annual vignette for people with disabilities for their own car with limited engine capacity; it is applied for in a Bulgarian procedure and is therefore usually not an option for holidaymakers.
Where do I buy the vignette and what do I need to bear in mind?
Officially, BGTOLL sells the vignette via bgtoll.bg and the BGTOLL app, at self-service terminals, at the tills of the main border crossings and through partners such as petrol stations and the post office, always at the same price. You can check it at any time at check.bgtoll.bg.
Enter the license plate exactly, using only letters and digits without hyphens, dots or spaces, and select the correct country of registration. If the details are wrong, the fee is considered unpaid; a correction is only possible on application and only if no more than three characters are wrong.
europamaut.com is not a government website but a private service provider that handles the registration of the digital vignette for you. Our guide Beware of scammers warns you about fraudsters.
What happens without a vignette in Bulgaria?
Anyone who drives on a toll road without a valid vignette faces a fine of around 153 € (300 leva by law; Bulgaria has used the euro since 1 January 2026). Instead, the offence can be settled with the compensation fee of 46.50 €, which has applied since 1 August 2026. If you pay it within 14 days of the electronic notice, the fine no longer applies.
Checks are carried out with permanently installed cameras and cameras in vehicles, which automatically match the license plate against the database, as well as by the police. Vehicles with foreign license plates are also recorded. One offence is counted per calendar day.
The penalties for the distance-based toll are considerably higher; find out more in the section on the truck toll further below and under Penalties and consequences in Bulgaria.
How much is the Bulgaria toll for cars?
The car toll in Bulgaria is a vignette requirement: motorway charges in Bulgaria are not calculated per kilometer driven but as a flat fee for a fixed period. Since 1 August 2026, the weekly vignette has cost 10.00 €, the monthly vignette 19.90 € and the annual vignette 64.50 €. That is around 30 percent more than until the end of July 2026.
The following table shows all official prices of the car toll in Bulgaria in euros, with the prices that applied until 31 July 2026 next to them for comparison. You can read how the price increase came about in the article Bulgaria: motorway vignette 30 percent more expensive since 1 August 2026.
| Validity | Since 1 August 2026 | Until 31 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | 5.30 € | 4.09 € |
| Weekend | 6.60 € | 5.11 € |
| 7 days | 10.00 € | 7.67 € |
| 1 month | 19.90 € | 15.34 € |
| 3 months | 35.90 € | 27.61 € |
| 1 year | 64.50 € | 49.60 € |
Source of the prices: Decree No. 95 of the Council of Ministers of 29 July 2026 (State Gazette No. 69/2026) and BGTOLL announcement, as of 9 October 2026. The prices apply to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW and to motorhomes of class M1; for a vehicle combination over 3.5 t GVW, the vignette for the trailer costs exactly the same. The daily vignette is valid for 24 hours from the selected time and has been available since 3 February 2026. The weekend vignette is valid from Friday at 12 noon to Sunday at 23:59, the weekly vignette for 7 calendar days.
If you travel to different countries several times a year, you pay these amounts again every time. With the Vignette Flat Rate, that is no longer necessary: we cover the toll for your trips.
Our Vignette Flat Rate: here's how you save!
With our Vignette Flat Rate, you no longer need to buy a separate vignette for every trip: for just 12.80 € per month, it covers the included vignettes in 8 European countries. For each trip, you simply select the appropriate vignette. The toll fee is then already covered by your flat rate. You are not tied to a single country and can cancel the flat rate at any time via your management page.
* Official Bulgarian vignette fee (7-day vignette, car, since 01.08.2026): 10.00 €, full coverage of the vignette fee by DMC, flat price (per calendar month): 12.80 €, notice period 0 days
- One flat rate, 8 countries
- Travel flexibly
- Termination directly in the administration
Truck toll in Bulgaria: is there a distance-based toll?
Yes, for vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (truck toll in Bulgaria). Trucks and buses over 3.5 t pay a toll according to the kilometers driven instead of the vignette. Unlike the vignette, this is not a flat fee: the charge depends on the road class, the weight, the number of axles and the Euro emission standard and, since 1 June 2026, also on the vehicle's CO2 class. There is no distance-based toll for cars and motorhomes of class M1 in Bulgaria.
The rates in the table apply to CO2 class 1, the highest rate. Vehicles for which no CO2 data has been reported are placed in this class. With better CO2 classes the rate can fall; for zero-emission trucks it is roughly half to two thirds. On class 1 roads, the rates are usually somewhat lower than on motorways, and on class 2 roads, where the distance-based toll also applies, somewhat lower still. Buses pay less than trucks: a Euro class 6 bus, for example, costs 0.06 € per kilometer on the motorway up to 12 t and 0.08 € per kilometer over 12 t.
| Vehicle and road (price per km) | Euro 6 | Euro 5 | Euro 3 and 4 | Euro 0 to 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truck 3.5 to 12 t (Motorway) | 0.08 € | 0.10 € | 0.11 € | 0.12 € |
| Truck 3.5 to 12 t (Class 1 road) | 0.07 € | 0.08 € | 0.08 € | 0.10 € |
| Truck over 12 t, 2 to 3 axles (Motorway) | 0.14 € | 0.18 € | 0.22 € | 0.23 € |
| Truck over 12 t, 2 to 3 axles (Class 1 road) | 0.13 € | 0.16 € | 0.20 € | 0.20 € |
| Truck over 12 t, 4 axles or more (Motorway) | 0.21 € | 0.26 € | 0.29 € | 0.34 € |
| Truck over 12 t, 4 axles or more (Class 1 road) | 0.19 € | 0.24 € | 0.28 € | 0.31 € |
Source of the rates: BGTOLL toll tariff, valid from 1 June 2026 (Decree No. 64 of the Council of Ministers of 26 May 2026), CO2 class 1, as of 9 October 2026. Euro 6 includes the EEV class. Before your trip, please always check the current rates again with BGTOLL (bgtoll.bg), as rates may change.
Payment is made via an on-board unit (OBU) with a contract with a toll service provider, via a GPS tracker from a listed provider or in advance with a route pass, the ticket for the truck toll at BG TOLL. The route pass is valid for 24 hours from activation; you enter the start, the destination and up to four intermediate points. Once activated, it is not refunded.
Enforcement is carried out by camera and license plate recognition. Anyone driving without a valid distance-based toll risks heavy penalties: the law provides for 1,800 leva (around 920 €) for the driver and 2,500 leva (around 1,278 €) for the vehicle owner. You can read more about the vehicle types in the guide Vehicle classes in Bulgaria.
Please note: Romania also has a distance-based toll (TollRo) for goods vehicles over 3.5 t; find out more in our guide Tolls in Romania. The distance-based toll is not part of the Vignette Flat Rate offered here.
Is there a special toll in Bulgaria?
Yes, at the two Danube bridges to Romania. The charge is payable in addition to the vignette, and trucks and buses pay it too. Higher amounts graded by weight apply to larger vehicles. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other tunnels, passes or bridges with a special toll in Bulgaria.
| Danube bridge | Charge in direction of travel | Car (up to 8+1 seats) |
|---|---|---|
| Ruse-Giurgiu | only towards Romania | 2.00 € |
| Vidin-Calafat | both directions | 6.00 € |
At the Ruse-Giurgiu Friendship Bridge, Bulgaria only collects the charge in the direction of Romania. The Romanian charge in the direction of Bulgaria has been abolished since 1 October 2026. The Vidin-Calafat bridge is managed by its own operator, which collects the charge in both directions. For ferries, you pay the usual ferry fare, which is not a toll.
If you are continuing to Romania, you can find all the rules in the guide Tolls in Romania. You can read everything about the special toll in Bulgaria in the guide Special toll in Bulgaria.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a safe trip to Bulgaria and lots of fun exploring the country. With our free route planner, you can quickly and reliably find out which toll products you need for your journey through Bulgaria. If you have any questions about the toll regulations, we will be happy to help. You can contact us at any time by email.
Related articles
Frequently asked questions about tolls in Bulgaria
All the important answers about toll charges, the vignette, the truck toll and bridge tolls in Bulgaria.
How does the toll work in Bulgaria?
The Bulgaria toll depends on the vehicle. For cars, motorhomes of class M1 and vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW, the digital vignette applies, a flat fee for a fixed period. Trucks and buses over 3.5 t GVW pay the distance-based toll according to the kilometers driven. In addition, a special toll is charged at the two Danube bridges to Romania.
Do you need a vignette in Bulgaria?
Yes, on motorways and the listed class I, II and III roads. Anyone travelling by car, van or motorhome needs the vignette, even if only passing through. Motorcycles are exempt. The vignette is linked to the license plate; there is no sticker.
How much is the Bulgaria toll for cars?
Since 1 August 2026, the vignette for cars has cost 5.30 € for one day, 6.60 € for the weekend, 10.00 € for 7 days, 19.90 € for one month, 35.90 € for three months and 64.50 € for one year. With the Vignette Flat Rate, you only pay the monthly flat rate price instead; we cover the toll for your booked vignettes.
How do you pay the toll in Bulgaria?
You pay the Bulgaria toll electronically: you buy the vignette online at bgtoll.bg or in the BGTOLL app, at terminals, at the tills of the main border crossings or through partners such as petrol stations. Payment only covers one license plate. With our Vignette Flat Rate, we handle the registration for you. Trucks pay the distance-based toll via an on-board unit, a GPS tracker or a route pass.
Do motorcycles need a vignette in Bulgaria?
No. Motorcycles in Bulgaria do not pay a toll on motorways and toll roads, because the vignette requirement only applies to vehicles with at least four wheels. A bridge toll may still apply for the Danube bridges to Romania.
Do I need a second vignette for a trailer?
Only if the towing vehicle and trailer together weigh more than 3.5 t GVW. In that case, you need a second vignette for the trailer, which costs exactly the same as the one for the towing vehicle. If the combination stays at 3.5 t GVW or less, one vignette is enough. Find out more in the guide Vehicle classes in Bulgaria.
Which toll do motorhomes over 3.5 t pay in Bulgaria?
Motorhomes of vehicle class M1 need the vignette regardless of their weight. The class is stated in the vehicle registration certificate. According to the wording of the law, vehicles over 3.5 t without an M1 entry pay the distance-based toll. You can find the details in the guide Motorhome in Bulgaria.
How does the truck toll work in Bulgaria?
Trucks and buses over 3.5 t GVW pay a distance-based toll per kilometer. The amount depends on the road class, weight, number of axles, Euro class and, since 1 June 2026, the CO2 class. A truck over 12 t with at least four axles in Euro class 6, for example, pays 0.21 € per kilometer on the motorway in the highest CO2 class. Payment is made via an on-board unit, a GPS tracker or a route pass valid for 24 hours.
How much does the Danube bridge between Ruse and Giurgiu cost?
For cars, Bulgaria charges 2.00 € at the Ruse-Giurgiu bridge, and only in the direction of Romania. The Romanian charge in the direction of Bulgaria has been abolished since 1 October 2026. At the Vidin-Calafat bridge, cars pay 6.00 € in each direction. Find out more in the guide Special toll in Bulgaria.
What is the penalty for driving without a vignette in Bulgaria?
You face a fine of 300 leva, which is around 153 €. Instead, you can pay the compensation fee of 46.50 € if you do so within 14 days of the electronic notice. Find out more under Penalties and consequences in Bulgaria.
What should I do if I forgot the vignette?
Buy the vignette before you continue your journey; the fastest way is online or in the BGTOLL app. If an offence has already been recorded for your license plate, you can pay the compensation fee within 14 days of the notice and thus avoid the fine. Check the vignette at check.bgtoll.bg before your trip.
How far in advance can I buy the vignette?
Officially, no more than 30 days before the start of its validity. Enter the license plate and country of registration exactly, because if the details are wrong, the fee is considered unpaid. With our Vignette Flat Rate, you simply select the vignette for each trip.
What is BGTOLL and is it the official website?
BGTOLL (also written BG TOLL, bgtoll.bg) is the official portal of the Bulgarian Road Infrastructure Agency for the vignette, the distance-based toll and enforcement. The website is available in several languages, including German and English. europamaut.com is a private service provider and not a government website; we handle the registration of the digital vignette for you. Our guide Beware of scammers warns you about fraudsters.
How do I find out which toll products I need for my trip?
With our free route planner, you can quickly see in which countries on your route tolls apply and which vignette you need. For Bulgaria, you can get the digital vignette directly from us.
About the author
Michelle Albrecht