Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey Travel Guide provides useful information about travelling from Bulgaria to Türkiye, key destinations, approximate distances, documents and car rental conditions. This page is intended for people planning a route to Istanbul or another Turkish destination who want to check the requirements for a rental car in advance.

The information is general and does not replace the terms of a specific agreement. Before booking, state clearly that you plan to cross the border into Türkiye and request written confirmation of permission, insurance cover, fees and the possibility of returning the car in another country.

Istanbul is the most popular starting point for a short trip from Bulgaria. A longer route can also include Edirne, Çanakkale, Bursa or coastal areas, but the schedule, border crossing and vehicle conditions should be checked in advance.

♦ Istanbul – Airport

The most commonly used overland route from Bulgaria to Istanbul passes through the Kapitan Andreevo area and the Turkish Kapıkule border crossing. During heavy traffic, the crossing time can change significantly, so do not plan a flight, meeting or car return immediately after the border.

• Sofia – Istanbul: approximately 550 km by road, depending on the route and traffic.
• Plovdiv – Istanbul: approximately 430 km by road.
• Burgas – Istanbul: approximately 330 km by road.
• Varna – Istanbul: approximately 480 km by road.
• Kapıkule – Istanbul: approximately 250 km by road.

These distances are indicative. Check the route in your navigation system on the day of travel, plan breaks and leave extra time for the border crossing.

For travel to Türkiye, carry a valid identity document, driving licence and all vehicle documents. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends checking the current requirements before travelling and not using damaged or invalid identity documents.

When renting a car, you must have a rental agreement and separate written permission from the provider to cross into Türkiye. According to the Turkish customs guidance, a registration document, driving licence, identity document, rental agreement or power of attorney where applicable, and insurance valid in Türkiye may be required.

Do not assume that international travel is automatically included in the rental price. Check in advance whether Türkiye and the specific border crossing are permitted, which extra fees apply, whether there are restrictions for certain vehicles and what is required when returning the car in another country.

The official information of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that Bulgarian citizens with an identity card or ordinary passport are exempt from a visa for tourist trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Rules can change and depend on the purpose and length of stay, so check the official page before departure.

Insurance cover must explicitly apply to Türkiye. Ask the provider to confirm which documents are supplied, what to do in an accident, whether an excess applies and which costs or restrictions apply when crossing the border. Do not start the journey if the cover is missing or unsuitable.

Keep the rental agreement, international travel permission, registration and insurance documents with you. During a check or incident, present the originals or the documents accepted by the provider.

Istanbul Airport is an international airport with the IATA code IST and a practical starting point for the city centre, European Türkiye and onward routes. When booking, provide the flight number, arrival time and contact phone so that the pick-up location can be clarified in advance.

If the car is picked up or returned at the airport, request exact instructions for the terminal, meeting area, parking and the procedure for a delayed flight. Airport traffic and the distance to the centre can extend pick-up and return times, so leave enough extra time.

Before travelling, check the current rules and transport information on the official Istanbul Airport website.

1. Provide the dates, time, pick-up location and return location.
2. State in the enquiry that you plan to travel from Bulgaria to Türkiye.
3. Add the flight number, number of passengers, luggage and any need for a child seat or other extra service.
4. Request written confirmation of border permission, insurance, fees and documents.
5. Before pick-up, inspect the car, photograph its condition and make sure all documents are available.

For a booking, use the booking process. For questions about Türkiye, international travel or a specific car, contact Sky Rent A Car. General rules are published in the rental terms, while the specific agreement takes priority over general information.

Phone: +359 894 622 363; email: info@skyrentacar.eu.

Before departure, check the current rules in the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs information about Türkiye, the general advice on travelling by car abroad, the visa information of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the guidance of the Turkish Ministry of Trade on vehicles. Official rules take priority when requirements change or in a specific case.

What should I check before travelling from Bulgaria to Türkiye?

Check the validity of your identity documents, driving licence, rental agreement, border permission, insurance for Türkiye, route and current information from official institutions.

Can I drive a car rented in Bulgaria in Türkiye?

Only if the specific provider has approved it in advance and the agreement, insurance and documents cover travel to Türkiye. The permission must be confirmed in writing.

Which documents are needed for a rental car?

You need a valid identity document, driving licence, rental agreement, registration and insurance documents, and written permission to cross the border when required.

Is the car insurance valid in Türkiye?

This depends on the specific policy and agreement. Before travelling, request written confirmation that the cover is valid in Türkiye and check the excess, exclusions and accident procedure.

Which route is convenient from Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas or Varna to Istanbul?

The route through Kapitan Andreevo and Kapıkule is used most often. The distance is approximately 550 km from Sofia, 430 km from Plovdiv, 330 km from Burgas and 480 km from Varna. Actual travel time depends on traffic and the border.

What is Istanbul Airport and what is its code?

The main airport is Istanbul Airport and its international IATA code is IST. When booking, provide the flight number and request exact instructions for the vehicle pick-up or return area.

How should I provide the airport and time when booking?

State Istanbul Airport, the date, exact time, flight number, contact phone and preferred return location. Inform the provider as soon as possible about any change or flight delay.

Can I return the car at a different location?

This depends on the specific booking and available offices. Request confirmation of a one-way rental, any fee and the possibility of returning the car in another country before payment.

Where can I check the current travel rules?

Check the official pages of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Ministry of Trade, as well as the specific vehicle provider conditions.