Bridges and Ferries
Although the Bulgarian vignette is mandatory to use the highways and most of the main roads in the country, there are some exceptions that apply to bridges and ferries connecting Bulgaria to neighboring countries. The use of these specific transport connections is not included in the price of the vignettes and therefore additional charges must be expected.
Bridges
There are two main bridges between Bulgaria and Romania that require a separate toll.
Vidin-Calafat Bridge
Connecting the cities of Vidin in Bulgaria and Calafat in Romania, this bridge is a key link between the two countries. Drivers using this bridge have to pay a toll that is not part of the Bulgarian highway stamp, which is important to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Ruse - Giurgiu Bridge
Another important bridge is the connection between the cities of Ruse in Bulgaria and Giurgiu in Romania. This bridge, often called the “Friendship Bridge”, also requires a special toll. It is a strategically important bridge on the route between Sofia and Bucharest.
Ferries
In addition to the bridges, there are several ferry connections that serve to transport between Bulgaria and Romania across the Danube.
Oreahovo - Bechet Ferry
This ferry connects the Bulgarian town of Oreahovo with the Romanian Bechet. Transport on this route is subject to special charges, which must be paid before boarding.
Nikopol - Turnu Măgurele Ferry
Connects the Bulgarian city of Nicopol with the Romanian Turnu Măgurele. This ferry provides an important transport alternative for drivers wishing to travel between the two countries, subject to additional charges.
Svishtov - Zimnicea Ferry
This route connects Svištov in Bulgaria and Zimnicea in Romania. The use of this ferry service also requires a separate payment outside of the vignette.
Silistra - Calarasi Ferry
This ferry connects the Bulgarian city of Silistra with the Romanian Calarasi and is often used for travel between the two countries. As with other ferry lines, it is necessary to take into account charges that are not covered by the toll.
Drivers should therefore bear in mind these additional costs associated with crossing bridges and ferries when traveling between Bulgaria and Romania, as electronic road signs are not included.