Accommodation

Plan Your Journey

GETTING TO Velingrad

Sofia International Airport (SOF)

The main gateway to Bulgaria, located just 10km east of Sofia city center. Direct flights from most European capitals and connections worldwide.

10 km to City Center

20-40 min Travel Time

2 Terminals

🚌 Transport Options from Airport

Metro (Recommended)

Best Value

💰 Price: 1.60 BGN (~€0.80)

⏱️ Duration: 20-25 minutes

🕐 Frequency: Every 5-10 min

🕐 Hours: 5:30 AM - 11:30 PM

How to Use:

Follow signs to "Metro" in Terminal 2
Buy ticket from machine or booth
Take Line M4 direction "Obelya"
Change at "Serdika" for city center locations

💡 Tip: Buy a day pass (4 BGN) if you plan to explore the city. Bikes are allowed in the last car!

Airport Bus

84 & 384

💰 Price: 1.60 BGN (~€0.80)

⏱️ Duration: 30-45 minutes

🕐 Frequency: Every 10-15 min

🕐 Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Routes:

Bus 84: Airport → Orlov Most (city center)
Bus 384: Airport → Central Bus Station
Stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

💡 Tip: Validate your ticket on board. Inspectors are common and fines are €25!

Taxi

Official Only

💰 Price: 15-25 BGN (~€8-13)

⏱️ Duration: 20-35 minutes

📍 Pickup: Outside arrivals

💳 Payment: Cash or Card

Recommended Companies:

OK Supertrans: +359 2 973 2121
Yellow Taxi: +359 2 91 119
Green Taxi: +359 2 91 199

⚠️ Warning: Only use official taxis from the taxi stand. Avoid drivers approaching you inside the terminal!

Ride Apps

Convenient

💰 Price: 12-20 BGN (~€6-10)

⏱️ Duration: 20-35 minutes

📱 Apps: Bolt, Spark

💳 Payment: In-app (card)

Available Apps:

Bolt: Most popular, best prices
Spark: Local alternative
Uber is NOT available in Bulgaria

💡 Tip: Download the app and set up before arriving. Pickup is at the designated rideshare area.

Car Rental

Freedom

💰 Price: From €25/day

📍 Location: Terminal 2, Arrivals

📄 Required: License + Credit Card

🚗 Best For: Exploring Bulgaria

Rental Companies:

Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt
Local: Top Rent A Car, Choice
Pre-book online for best rates

💡 Tip: Great for post-race exploring! Visit Rila Monastery or the Black Sea coast.

Private Transfer

Premium

💰 Price: €25-40

⏱️ Duration: 20-30 minutes

🚴 Bike: Can accommodate

📋 Booking: Pre-book required

Race Partner Transfer:

Book via our website for special rates
Driver meets you at arrivals with sign
Bike-friendly vehicles available

💡 Tip: Best option if traveling with your bike. Book a bike-friendly vehicle when registering!

🚗 Driving to Velingrad

From Bucharest

~500 km via Ruse / Sofia

~7 hours

From Thessaloniki

~290 km via Serres / Drama

~4.5 hours

From Skopje

~300 km via Kyustendil / Dupnitsa

~4.5 hours

From Belgrade

~530 km via Niš / Sofia

~6 hours

From Istanbul

~500 km via Edirne / Plovdiv

~5 hours

📝 Note: A vignette (road toll sticker) is required for Bulgarian highways. Purchase at border crossings, gas stations, or online at bgtoll.bg. Weekly vignette: 15 BGN (~€8).

Rest & Recover

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

We've partnered with these hotels near the start/finish area. Use code GRANFONDO25 for exclusive discounts!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9.3

Santé SPA Hotel

📍 ulitsa "Lenishta" 1, Chepino

Хотел Santé SPA е разположен на 1,9 км от парк Клептуза, предлага 5-звездно настаняване във Велинград и разполага с градина, ресторант и бар. Осигурени са румсървиз, детски клуб и…

💡 Booking Tips

📅

Book Early: Hotels fill up fast during race weekend. Book at least 2 months in advance.

🏷️

Use Code: Enter GRANFONDO25 at partner hotels for 10-15% discount.

🚴

Bike Storage: Always confirm bike storage when booking. Ask about secure rooms.

🍳

Early Breakfast: Check if the hotel offers breakfast before 6 AM on race day.