Quick answer
Burgas Airport sits about 12 km northeast of Burgas city center and roughly 25 km from Sunny Beach. If you have booked a package holiday, your tour operator likely arranged a coach. If not, you have three realistic options: Bus 15 to Burgas center for 1.50 BGN (~0.75 EUR), a taxi for 15-25 BGN (8-13 EUR) to Burgas, or a private transfer for 25-50 EUR depending on destination. Sunny Beach transfers cost more — expect 40-70 EUR by private car.
The airport is small and seasonal. From May through September it handles a high volume of charter flights from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, and Russia. Outside that window, it is very quiet and some services may not operate.
What actually happens after landing
BOJ has a single terminal. After you clear passport control (quick for EU citizens, slightly longer for others), you collect luggage in a compact hall. There are a few currency exchange booths here — rates are acceptable but not great. ATMs are available just outside arrivals and generally give better rates.
The arrivals hall is small. You walk out through sliding doors into an open area where tour operator reps hold signs, taxi drivers wait, and transfer drivers line up. It can feel a bit chaotic during peak summer arrivals when multiple charter flights land within the same hour, but it sorts itself out quickly.
There is a small duty-free shop, a cafe, and a car rental desk area. Do not expect a large modern terminal — this is a functional seasonal airport.
Transport options explained honestly
| Option | To Burgas Center | To Sunny Beach | Notes | |--------|-----------------|----------------|-------| | Bus 15 | 1.50 BGN (~0.75 EUR), 20-30 min | Not direct | Runs to Burgas bus station, then change | | Taxi | 15-25 BGN (8-13 EUR), 15-20 min | 50-70 BGN (25-36 EUR), 30-40 min | Use OK Supertrans or metered taxis | | Private transfer | 20-30 EUR, 15-20 min | 40-70 EUR, 25-35 min | Pre-booked, fixed price | | Rental car | Self-drive | Self-drive | Book ahead in summer | | Tour operator coach | N/A | Included in package | Can take 60-90 min with multiple hotel stops |
Bus 15 runs from the airport to Burgas central bus station. It is cheap and reliable during the day, roughly every 20-30 minutes in summer. However, it does not go to Sunny Beach directly — you would need to transfer at Burgas bus station, which adds complexity with luggage.
Taxis are available outside arrivals. The legitimate ones are metered. Insist the meter is running. A common issue is drivers quoting inflated flat rates to tourists — politely decline and ask for the meter. The rate to Burgas center should not exceed 25 BGN.
Realistic pricing expectations
Bulgaria is affordable by European standards, and Burgas transfers reflect that.
| Route | Taxi (metered) | Private Transfer | |-------|---------------|------------------| | BOJ → Burgas center | 15-25 BGN (8-13 EUR) | 20-30 EUR | | BOJ → Sunny Beach | 50-70 BGN (25-36 EUR) | 40-70 EUR | | BOJ → Nessebar | 45-65 BGN (23-33 EUR) | 35-60 EUR | | BOJ → Sozopol | 55-80 BGN (28-41 EUR) | 45-75 EUR | | BOJ → Pomorie | 25-40 BGN (13-20 EUR) | 25-40 EUR |
Prices increase slightly at night and during peak August arrivals. Private transfers have the advantage of fixed pricing — no surprises regardless of traffic or route.
Late night arrivals
Charter flights to Burgas frequently arrive late — 11 PM, midnight, even 1 AM slots are common in summer. At these hours, Bus 15 does not run. Your options narrow to taxis (still available, drivers wait for late flights) or a pre-booked transfer.
The airport does not close between flights, but it empties out quickly. If your flight is delayed past midnight, having a pre-arranged transfer removes the stress of negotiating with the remaining taxi drivers. Late-night taxi fares may be 10-20% higher than daytime rates.
Families and luggage
Burgas Airport is manageable with children. The terminal is flat and compact — no long walks. Luggage trolleys are available. The real challenge is the onward journey: if you are heading to Sunny Beach with a family of four plus suitcases, Bus 15 is impractical. You would need two bus changes and there is limited luggage space.
A private transfer or taxi is the sensible choice for families. If you need a child seat, request it when booking a transfer — taxis in Bulgaria rarely carry them. Most transfer companies provide child seats free of charge if requested in advance.
Where you meet the driver
For pre-booked transfers, your driver will wait in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. The hall is small enough that you will spot them quickly. If you do not see anyone, step outside — some drivers wait in the parking area directly in front of the terminal.
Taxis line up in a designated rank just outside the arrivals door, to the right. The parking lot is small and close to the terminal — you will not walk more than 50 meters to any vehicle.
Decision helper
Going to Sunny Beach or a resort? Book a private transfer or take a taxi. The bus route requires a change and is not practical with holiday luggage.
Arriving late at night? Pre-book a transfer. Bus 15 will not be running and taxi availability is unpredictable.
Traveling with small children? Book a transfer with a child seat request. Bulgarian taxis do not carry them.
Renting a car? Book well ahead in summer. The airport has several rental desks but availability drops fast in July and August.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Burgas Airport from Sunny Beach?
About 25 km, which takes 25-35 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Is there a direct bus from Burgas Airport to Sunny Beach?
No. Bus 15 goes to Burgas city center. From there you can catch another bus to Sunny Beach, but with luggage it is not practical.
How much is a taxi from BOJ to Burgas center?
A metered taxi should cost 15-25 BGN (8-13 EUR). Always insist on the meter.
Are taxis at Burgas Airport reliable?
Metered taxis from the official rank are generally fine. Avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal offering flat rates.
Can I pay in euros at Burgas Airport?
Some shops accept euros but give poor change rates. Use an ATM to withdraw BGN for the best rate.
What currency should I use for taxis in Burgas?
Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Taxis are metered in BGN. Some drivers accept euros but at unfavorable rates.
Is Burgas Airport open 24 hours?
It stays open for scheduled and charter flights but empties out between late-night arrivals. It is not a 24-hour hub.
Do I need a visa for Bulgaria?
EU citizens do not. Bulgaria joined the Schengen area — check current requirements for your nationality before traveling.
How do I get from Burgas Airport to Nessebar?
Nessebar is about 30 km away. A taxi costs 45-65 BGN, or book a private transfer for 35-60 EUR.
Is there Uber at Burgas Airport?
Uber does not operate in Bulgaria. Use metered taxis or pre-booked transfers instead.
Burgas Airport is small, seasonal, and straightforward. The biggest decision is simply whether you want the cheapest option (bus to Burgas) or the most convenient one (private transfer to your resort). For Sunny Beach and coastal resorts, a pre-booked transfer saves time and removes uncertainty — especially if you land after dark.