There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Bourgas into a quick city adventure. From BOJ, the Bus Line 15 can get you into town in around 50 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave BOJ:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Bulgaria. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Bourgas takes about 50 minutes by Bus Line 15. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is BGN. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
Two recommendations for your time in Bourgas:
Start with City Center Walk. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace. Then, if time allows, make your way to Local Market. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at BOJ, check out Airport Lounge or Duty Free Shopping to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
For food in Bourgas, local travelers recommend Local Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Popular Eatery is another popular pick.
Back at BOJ, Airport Cafe is the go-to. Terminal Restaurant rounds out your in-terminal options.
How to Get Into Bourgas
From BOJ, the Bus Line 15 gets you to Bourgas in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Bus Line 15 offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Bourgas layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$6 |
| Meal | ~$11 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$27 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Bourgas, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at BOJ may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Bourgas’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and BOJ is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Bourgas and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at BOJ include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Bulgaria also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Bourgas count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave BOJ. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.