Travel to Greece via Bulgaria in 2026. The new bypass around Sofia is completed, with costs reduced by 20% and only one EES control at the border.
In this guide, learn the most important information for your journey to the sea:
- Route: Belgrade - Sofia - Kulata - Kavala - Thassos
- Road: Highway almost throughout the route (except for the Kresna Gorge)
- Costs: Up to 20% lower compared to other routes
- Gas Stations: Locations of gas stations on this route to the sea
- Borders: EES control only at the entrance to Bulgaria
- Rest stops and overnight stays: Sandanski, Bansko, Rila Monastery
2026 Summer Vacation Itinerary
We recommend the route to Greece via Bulgaria primarily for those traveling to Thassos and Kavala (and resorts near Kavala). This route also takes you to Stavros, Asprovalta, and even to Athos (Jerisos, Nea Roda, Uranopolis).
Belgrade (Bubanj Potok) - Dimitrovgrad - Sofia - Kulata (Promahonas) - Serres - Kavala - Keramoti - Limenas
729km Shortest and most affordable route. Traveling through Bulgaria shortens the journey from Belgrade by 85km, and from Niš by 100km. For those traveling from the Negotin region, the journey to Greece will be shortened by an incredible 160km in one direction.
New Feature: Sofia Transit 2026: Two Options for Passage
When coming from Serbia (Kalotina direction), at the entrance to Sofia, you have a choice that can determine the rest of your journey:
Option 1: “Through the City” (Western Loop)
This is the route that navigation often first offers. It takes you through the western suburbs, past Metro and Jumbo stores. Although it may be shorter in kilometers, be prepared for:
- Numerous traffic lights and congestion during peak hours.
- Strict speed limits (often 40 km/h).
- Delays that can last up to 40 minutes longer compared to the bypass.
Option 2: Complete Bypass (North - East - South)
This is a modern, fast route without a single traffic light that is fully completed and connected in 2026. Main junctions and signs to follow: Junction 1: Entrance to the North tangent - immediately after branching off from the “Europe” highway (A7).
- Do not take the first local exits to the city.
- Follow the direction for Varna (green signs).
- This leads you to the North speed tangent with three lanes.
Junction 2: Transition to the East Bypass (Cherno Konche Junction) When the tangent ends, you come to a large fork.
- Here, take a RIGHT turn following the direction to Plovdiv / Svilengrad (A1).
- This is a crucial moment that shifts you towards the south.
Junction 3: Southern Transit (Direction Kulata).
- You are now on a wide road that bypasses the city from the east and south.
- Ignore exits to local places like Kazichene and Lozen.
- Strictly follow the green signs that say Kulata (E79).
Final loop: Entrance to Highway A3 (Struma).
- On the western part of the city, at the Ljulin junction (after Suhodol), the road directly connects you to the beginning of Highway A3.
- On a large sign above the road, you will see confirmation: Blagoevgrad / Kulata.
- From here to the border, you have a clear highway.
Why is this route now a better option?
For years, unfinished sections deterred our tourists from this route, but in 2026, the situation is completely different. Most of the work has been completed, and the journey to Thassos has become faster and more pleasant.
New Sections
Kalotina - Dragoman: From May 2023, a section to Sofia opened. Bypass around Sofia is fully completed. Blagoevgrad - Simitli: About 10 km with two new, modernized tunnels.
2026 - Belgrade → Greece via Bulgaria
Highway from Belgrade/Novi Sad to Dimitrovgrad - full profile\, excellent condition. From the Kalotina border to Sofia - bypass around Sofia\, highway\, high quality and new. From Sofia towards Blagoevgrad - highway. Section Simitli → Kresna (Kresna Gorge) - main road, as the highway is not yet completed. From Kresna to Kulata (former border crossing with Greece) - back to the highway (Struma), full profile.
In other words, the only bottleneck in terms of main road is the Kresna Gorge, while the rest of the route is a highway.
Calculation: 20% lower costs
When all is said and done, traveling through Bulgaria provides significant savings:
- Shorter distance and lower fuel consumption: due to mileage and restrictions, you consume less fuel.
- Cheaper tolls: tolls are favorable, with no toll booths and delays at them (see detailed information about buying vignettes), and no need for a green card.
- Affordable rest stops: accommodation and food in Bulgaria are cheaper if you decide to stay overnight.
Speed and Safety on the Road
Speed limits: the general speed on the highway is 140 km/h, in tunnels 80 km/h. Be very cautious - speed cameras are often placed immediately after exiting tunnels.
Documents
An international driver’s license is not required.
Kalotina Border Crossing - Important Information for 2026
No more Kulata - Promahonas border crossing
This border crossing is no longer in operation since Bulgaria became a member of the Schengen Zone. There are no longer delays at the border from entering Bulgaria to reaching the resorts.
The situation at the Kalotina border crossing is as follows:
As we have written, from 2026, a unified system for passenger registration at EES border crossings comes into force. More details about the EES system. For passenger vehicles, there are three lanes:
- Two lanes are for vehicles outside the EU (All passports) – where the EES system is implemented (passenger scanning and registration).
- One lane is for vehicles with EU plates – without EES scanning and passenger registration
- Departure: after passport check, park on the side and enter the cabin next to the booth. This is followed by facial scanning (look directly at the machine) and taking the fingerprints of four fingers of one hand. The entire process takes about 2 minutes.
- Return: The procedure is faster - only the index finger is scanned, usually without getting out of the car (the police officer passes the device through the window).
Vignettes - Tolls
It is mandatory to purchase a vignette immediately upon entering Bulgaria. There is video surveillance on highways and fines are high.
- Daily vignette - 5.30€
- Weekend vignette - 6.60€
- 7 days - 10.00€
- 1 month - 19.90€
Read more about purchasing vignettes and prices here: Where and how to buy a vignette for road tolls through Bulgaria. For detailed information on tolls, read our article HERE.
Gas Stations in Bulgaria on the Mentioned Route to Greece
From the Kalotina border crossing (with Serbia) to Sofia, there are two gas stations.
- The first one is right at the entrance to Bulgaria and is open 24 hours. Here you can also buy a vignette at the kiosk next to the gas station.
- The second one is before the town of Slivnitsa, and we are not sure if it operates 24 hours.
On the newly built bypass around Sofia, there are no gas stations until the turnoff to Pernik.
- From Pernik to Blagoevgrad, there are definitely two gas stations on the highway.
After Blagoevgrad, entering the gorge between Simitli and Kresna, there are none at the beginning, but later, there are two more.
- In Kresna itself and at the exit from it, there are several gas stations right on the road you pass through.
Also, after rejoining the highway, there are several gas stations before the Greek border. Gas stations around the Greek border operate 24 hours.
- On the way back from Greece, at the border with Bulgaria, you can buy a vignette at the gas station.
Where to Take a Break or Stay Overnight in Bulgaria?
The road to Thassos and Kavala offers fantastic rest options that are often much more affordable than in Greece. Based on our experience, here are the best stopover locations:
1. Sandanski Spa - Ideal for Relaxation
If you want to combine your journey with health, Sandanski is a great choice. Accommodation is very affordable, and the town is known for its healing water and clean air. A perfect suggestion is to stay here, relax in one of the pools, and cross the border just 20 kilometers away in the morning.
2. Bansko - Mountain Serenity Before the Sea
Although known as a ski resort, Bansko is a beautiful place for a break in summer and transitional periods.
- Our recommendation: Book accommodation here, take a walk in the old town in the evening, and continue your journey after a rich mountain breakfast in the morning.
- For more detailed advice on accommodation in this area, read our blog: Accommodation on the way to Greece via Bulgaria.
3. Rila Monastery - Spiritual and Visual Break
If you don’t want to just pass by Sofia, turning towards the Rila Monastery is a must. It is the largest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria, under UNESCO protection.
- Why stop: Besides the breathtaking architecture, the nature around the monastery is surreal.
- Read the full guide here: Rila Monastery - a stopover on the way to Greece via Bulgaria.
4. Lake Kerkini - Upon entering Greece from Bulgaria
- Safari excursion on Lake Kerkini and try unique specialties - buffalo milk ice cream: Lake Kerkini - safari break in Greece on the way to the sea via Bulgaria.
5. Additional Ideas for a Break
20 minutes after entering Greece, you can take a break in a beautiful environment full of greenery and shade at the Oasis restaurant.
- Watch our short video impression: Instagram highlights from the road.
Check out other useful articles for your journey through Bulgaria to Thassos or Kavala:
- Driving to Thassos via Bulgaria
- Traveling through Bulgaria to Thassos
- Travel to Thassos and Kavala via Bansko and Drama
- Journey to Thassos via Bulgaria - border crossings Novo Selo/Zlatarevo and Kulata/Promahonas
- Overnight stay on the way to Greece via Bulgaria
For the largest selection of accommodation on Thassos, check HERE.
Find everything you need to know about Thassos in our guide at the links below:
