Border crossings between Romania and Bulgaria

The border is primarily formed by the Danube and stretches for a length of 605 kilometres. Therefore, there is a large number of different bridges and ferry connections that serve as border crossings. These crossings play an important role in trade, tourism, and overall mobility between Romania and Bulgaria. Despite EU membership, border controls still take place, often leading to long waiting times.

Border controls

Although both countries are EU members, checks still take place at their borders. This is because both countries are not yet fully integrated into the Schengen Area. These checks often lead to long waiting times, especially for heavy goods traffic within the EU. At the most important border crossings, such as the Giurgiu–Ruse Friendship Bridge, truck drivers may have to wait up to ten hours to cross the border. These waiting times not only affect the flow of goods, but also increase costs for companies that rely on smooth logistics.

However, something will change regarding border controls. According to a decision, from 01/01/2025 onwards there should be no personal checks at the border crossings between Romania and Bulgaria. Both countries will thus become full Schengen members.

Entry requirements

To enter Romania or Bulgaria, EU citizens only need a valid identity card or passport. There is no visa requirement for EU citizens, which makes entry easier. Nevertheless, travellers should inform themselves about the current entry requirements, as short-notice changes may occur depending on the situation—especially with regard to health regulations or security-related measures for the respective country.

Border crossings between Romania and Bulgaria

Below you will find the most important border crossings between Romania and Bulgaria. It is important to note that additional fees apply for any Danube crossings (in the form of bridge crossings) between Romania and Bulgaria.

• Ruse - Giurgiu: This border crossing is known as the busiest road border crossing between Bulgaria and Romania. The E85 (one of the European Union’s main transport routes) crosses the Danube and connects the city of Ruse (Bulgaria) with Giurgiu (Romania). This border crossing therefore plays a crucial role for international trade and transit in the region. A special toll applies at this crossing, as the bridge serves as a Danube crossing. Please note that you therefore need to plan for additional costs (in addition to the vignette or distance-based toll).
• Vidin - Calafat: In the west, crossing the Danube, this border crossing connects Vidin (Bulgaria) with Calafat (Romania). The road starts in Bulgaria as Route 11 and is called DN56 on the Romanian side. This connection is also important for European transport traffic. A special toll is also charged for this crossing, as the bridge serves as a Danube crossing. Please note that you need to plan for additional costs (in addition to the vignette or distance-based toll).
• Silistra - Călărași: In the northeast, the Silistra (Bulgaria) and Călărași (Romania) border crossing is crucial for cross-border trade and, more generally, for economic cooperation. The road starts in Bulgaria as Route 7 and is called DN21 in Romania.
• Kardam - Negru Vodă: Also in the northeast is the Kardam (village in Bulgaria) and Negru Vodă (Romania) border crossing. This border crossing is comparatively small, but crucial for regional connections and exchange between communities. The road is called Municipal Road III-209 in Bulgaria and Municipal Road DJ225D in Romania.

In addition to the crossings mentioned, there are further options for crossing the border. However, these connections are the most frequently used border crossings. You are welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip and, therefore, the use of the border crossings as well.

Romania

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

Romania: vignette requirement (or not?)

In Romania, there is an electronic vignette called “Rovinieta”, which you need for the Romanian national road network. It is important to know that trailers (vehicle combinations) do not require a separate vignette and that motorhomes, regardless of their weight, must have a passenger-car vignette. It is common for the electronic vignette to record vehicle data and the vignette’s validity period in a database, so that the customer only receives a receipt for the paid amount, which should be kept. Depending on the vehicle class, you need to choose a different vignette and prices vary. You can find more information about the digital vignette here. Order your digital vignette easily and conveniently from home with us.

Distance-based toll

In Romania, there is no distance-based toll, but you need a digital vignette and must take additional fees into account when crossing the Danube.

Danube crossing: bridge toll (special toll)

Please note that additional fees apply when crossing the Danube. The river flows within Romania and separates the two countries (Romania and Bulgaria) from each other. If you want to use one of the many bridges or the ferry to cross, additional fees apply.

Bulgaria

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

Bulgaria: vignette requirement (or not?)

A vignette is required on Bulgarian national roads. This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight as well as motorhomes (regardless of their weight). In addition, vehicles with trailers (e.g. car + trailer) that exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.5 t require an additional vignette for the trailer.

Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. In addition, vehicles weighing over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight must pay a distance-based toll; therefore, the vignette requirement does not apply to these vehicles.

Distance-based toll

(Commercial) vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 t must pay a distance-based toll, i.e. the distance travelled is calculated based on the route used by the vehicles. The amount of the toll also depends on the Euro emissions class (pollutant output), the number of axles, and the type of road. The toll is paid via a pre-purchased route card (route pass), where the travel route must be specified. Alternatively, instead of a route pass, a contract can be made with a national toll service provider, whereby the toll is recorded using an electronic on-board unit (OBU) or a GPS tracker.

Danube crossing: bridge toll (special toll)

Please note that additional fees apply when crossing the Danube. The river flows within Romania and separates the two countries (Romania and Bulgaria) from each other. If you want to use one of the many bridges or the ferry to cross, additional fees apply.

The DMC team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip and lots of joy on your journey. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us at any time via email.