There is something magical about driving from Bulgaria to Turkey. It is the border crossing that marks the end of Europe and the beginning of a new chapter in your overlanding adventure.
Plus, you get to see signposts marking the exit of “Bulgaristan”, the Turkish name for Bulgaria, and that always makes me laugh.
Since moving to Bansko in Bulgaria, I have taken the road border from Bulgaria to Turkey, and vice-versa, half a dozen times. Here is everything you need to know about it, so that everything goes smoothly, and you don’t end up throwing your passport at the ground and bursting into tears in a bureaucratic meltdown.
Where Can You Cross from Bulgaria to Turkey by Car?
The Bulgaria–Turkey border stretches around 259 km, from close to Edirne on the Greek side, to the Black Sea coast in Resovo. There are currently three border crossings open between Bulgaria and Turkey.
1. Kapitan Andreevo – Kapıkule
This is the busiest land border in Europe, open 24/7 and lively day and night. I don’t know if charming is the correct way to describe it, but it certainly has plenty of border vibes: lots of people going lots of places, people doing business, people going home, people doing shady stuff, and people trying to cross the border into Europe for a better life.
It connects Bulgaria’s A4/E80 and Turkey’s D100/E80, near Svilengrad and Edirne. Waits can be long, especially during peak travel seasons. It has taken me an average of 1-2 hours to cross the border here. The longest I had to wait was during the evening.
2. Lesovo – Hamzabeyli
North-east of Kapitan Andreevo lies the Lesovo–Hamzabeyli border crossing. It is a smaller crossing, but that doesn’t necessarily make it less busy, as there are also less counters and fewer staff. I have only been there by bus, and we made it through within an hour. However, some overlanders report waiting times of four to five hours. It is open 24/7, but try to arrive early in the morning to have the easiest time.
To reach Lesovo from Bulgaria, follow Route I-7 (E85) from Sofia through Yambol and Elhovo to Lesovo. On the Turkish side, take the D535 south from Edirne, passing through Uzunköprü to reach Hamzabeyli.
3. Malko Tarnovo – Dereköy
By far the most scenic border crossing of the three, the Malko Tarnovo – Dereköy border is located in the Strandzha Mountains, with its forest-covered peaks and gushing waterfalls. It’s a great pick if you are coming from the Black Sea coast, or want to spend a few days in this little known, and very beautiful, part of Bulgaria.
The border is open 24/7, and queues are often shorter than at the two other border points. There are also less trucks and freight traffic. The road is winding and narrow in places, so take care when driving—especially in winter or after heavy rain.
To get there from Burgas, take Route 99 south along the coast and then head inland toward Malko Tarnovo. On the Turkish side, follow signs toward Dereköy and continue to Kırklareli via D555. This
Entry Requirements for Traveling from Turkey to Bulgaria by Road
You can expect thorough border checks on both the Turkish and the Bulgarian side of the border. Police will check your passports, vehicle documents, and insurance. You may undergo vehicle inspections. Here are a few things to bear in mind.
Passports and Visas
To enter Turkey, many nationalities need to apply for an e-Visa, which is available online. It’s best to apply at least 48 hours before travel. Citizens of the EU, UK, and US can stay in Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Some European nationals, including Bulgarians, can enter using just a national ID card—though a passport is generally safer when crossing borders.
When entering Bulgaria, visa requirements depend on your nationality:
- EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens don’t need a visa and can enter with a valid passport or ID card.
- UK, US, Canadian, and Australian travelers can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Non-EU/Schengen nationals will need either a multiple-entry Schengen visa or a Bulgarian national visa to enter. If you already have a valid Schengen visa, you likely won’t need a separate Bulgarian one.
Check the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your local embassy for the latest entry rules.
Driving in Turkey and Bulgaria
To take your car across the border, you need several documents:
- Valid car insurance – both Turkey and Bulgaria are covered by most European car insurances, but double check yours just in case.
- Vehicle’s registration document
- If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you may need a notarized permission letter, in Turkish, to take it in or out of the country.
- Driver’s license
To use Turkey’s toll roads, you’ll need an HGS (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi) electronic toll pass. Toll roads include most highways and bridges and must be loaded with credit before entering toll roads. You can purchase an HGS sticker at several kiosks on the border, as well as in PTT (post office) branches, some petrol stations, or bank branches. Once you have it, you can top it up online via PTT’s HGS portal (in Turkish).
In Bulgaria, you’ll need a vignette (road tax sticker) to use the national road network. Physical vignettes have been replaced by electronic vignettes (e-Vignette), which must be purchased before entering any toll roads. You can buy one online at the official Bulgarian toll portal: https://www.bgtoll.bg. There are a lot of cameras controlling for vignettes, and I have been caught out before, so don’t forget this step!
FAQ: Bulgaria–Turkey Border Crossing by Car
Is the border between Bulgaria and Turkey open?
Yes, all three major crossings—Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule, Lesovo–Hamzabeyli, and Malko Tarnovo–Dereköy—are currently open 24/7 for passenger vehicles. However, delays can occur due to traffic, inspections, or seasonal surges, so it’s always best to check live updates via local authorities or Google Maps.
Can I buy car insurance at the border?
Yes, Turkish car insurance (for foreign vehicles not covered by their EU Green Card) is available for purchase at the border, typically from kiosks near customs. Prices vary by vehicle and duration, and the process is usually quick.
For Bulgarian insurance, it’s best to sort this in advance, but in emergencies, you may find providers near the Kapitan Andreevo crossing.
How long does it take to cross the border?
It varies greatly. At busy times, especially at Kapitan Andreevo, expect 1–3 hours or more. Early mornings or weekdays often have shorter queues. Malko Tarnovo usually sees the shortest wait times, though it’s not ideal for large vehicles or bad weather conditions.
Can I take a rental car across the border?
Yes, but only if your rental company permits international travel. You’ll need a cross-border letter of authorization, and some companies may charge an extra fee. Always double-check this before booking. Local Rent is a good option, with competitive prices and filters that let you choose vehicles allowed for border crossings.
Do I need to declare anything at the border?
Yes. Border officers may ask about alcohol, tobacco, electronics, or cash. Be honest—undeclared goods can result in delays or fines. And if you are carrying over 10,000 EUR, that also needs declaring.
Border Crossing Checklist: Bulgaria to Turkey by Car
Make sure you have all of the following ready:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Visa or e-Visa, if required (for Turkey)
- Vehicle registration documents
Driver’s license - International driving permit (recommended if your license is not in Latin script)
Valid car insurance (check your green card covers both countries) - Notarized permission letter if the vehicle isn’t registered in your name
- Turkish HGS toll pass (can be bought at the border or in Turkey)
- Bulgarian e-Vignette (buy online at bgtoll.bg)
- Snacks and water for long waits
- Cash or card for tolls or emergency expenses
- Turn off roaming on your Sim Card, as you may be charged if your phone connects to an international network, even before you have crossed the physical border
Where to Stay Close to the Turkey-Bulgaria Border?
Getting to the border early in the morning can mean shorter queues. Or, if your time at the border ends up lasting far longer than you expected, you may want somewhere to sleep nearby. Here are some good options close to each of the borders.
Where to Stay Close to Kapitan Andreevo – Kapıkule Border?
Where to Stay Close to Kapitan Andreevo (Bulgarian side)
Just 1.3 kilometres from the border, GoldenEye Hotel & Casino is a big, showy building with clean rooms, affordable prices (from 50 euros a night) and a buffet breakfast.
Where to Stay Close to Kapıkule (Turkish side)
On the Turkish side of the border, there are no hotels until you reach the pretty town of Edirne, which is 20 kilometers away. If you want to stop there for a night, Hotel Edirne Palace is a comfy choice. Located right in the city centre, and with good parking nearby.
Where to Stay Close to Lesovo – Hamzabeyli Border?
Where to Stay Close to Lesovo (Bulgarian side)
There are no hotels in the immediate vicinity of Lesovo. 25 kilometers away in Elhovo, there are some apartments for rent.
Where to Stay Close to Hamzabeyli (Turkish side)
There are also no convenient options on the Turkish side of the border. Your best bet would be to drive to Edirne, 50 kilometers away, and stay at Hotel Edirne Palace.
Where to Stay Close to Malko Tarnovo – Dereköy Border?
Where to Stay Close to Malko Tarnovo (Bulgarian side) ?
Bulgarian Guesthouse (Къща за гости Билдникс) is a pleasant option in Malko Tarnovo village, a couple of kilometers from the border. It has a delicious restaurant, and a swimming pool in summer.
Where to Stay Close to Dereköy (Turkish side) ?
Butterfly Butik Hotel is 12 kilometres from the border, and completely surrounded by forest. It is a great place to recuperate after the border crossing, with great views, a pool and a restaurant.
If you’re planning a roadtrip from Bulgaria to Turkey, check out my itinerary!
Other articles you might enjoy:
A Roadtrip From Bulgaria to Turkey
Shortcuts and Side Quests 
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