Rent a car in Pleven

Pleven is a Bulgarian city whose fate is closely intertwined with the history of Russia. In the late 19th century, one of the largest battles of the Russo-Turkish War took place here, marking a significant moment for all of Bulgaria. Today, numerous squares, parks, and memorials serve as reminders of those times. Here’s what to see in Pleven, the best times to visit the city, and how to travel comfortably.

A rental car comes in handy to visit Skobelev Park and the Kailaka complex, which are located away from most hotels.

Rental prices

Car classes	Price per day	Deposit amount
compact cars	from 6 EUR (12 BGN)	from 150 euros
small cars	from 18 EUR (36 BGN)	from 150 euros
standard	from 20 EUR (40 BGN)	from 200 euros
minivan	from 26 EUR (52 BGN)	from 300 euros
SUVs	from 35 EUR (70 BGN)	from 800 euros
luxury	from 60 EUR (120 BGN)	from 1500 euros

*Prices are valid for November 2024. Check the available cars in the city and review the offers from rental offices.

Closest airports

Airports near Pleven are listed below in the order of their distance from the city. Go to the one near you to book your car and drive to the city in comfort.

Airports nearby	Information	Distance	Travel time
Sofia SOF	+359 29 372 211	160 km	~2 hours
Plovdiv PDV	+359 32 601 127	213 km	~3 hours 30 minutes
Varna VAR	+359 52 573 323	295 km	~3 hours 32 minutes
Burgas BOJ	+359 56 870 248	341 km	~4 hours 15 minutes

Pleven does not have an international airport, so travelers usually come here from Sofia. You can get to the city by train, but for a family or a company of 3 people or more, renting a car is a more preferable option. Besides, Pleven rarely becomes the only point of the route, and it is the car that gives maximum freedom of movement around Bulgaria.

What is needed for renting a car?

To rent a car in Bulgaria, you will need a valid European driving license (no expired licenses accepted, and an international driving permit is not required), a passport, and a Visa/MasterCard for the deposit.

The minimum age is 23, and you must have at least 3 years of driving experience. For drivers under 23, there is an additional fee of 6 euros per day and a double deposit.

Make a reservation for a car rental in Pleven 7 days in advance to get good discounts from the rental company.

How to choose a rental car?

Decide where you will drive: around Pleven, to another city on the highway or on serpentines in the mountains. Number of passengers in the car.

Car Rental offers in Bulgaria

Cities around Pleven

Helpful information

Information	Data
Population of Pleven	120 176 (2022)
Square	85 km²
Language	Bulgarian
Currency	BGN – lv. (Bulgarian Lev)
Country code	+359
Police/ambulance phone number	112 (for free)
Direction of movement	right-handed
Speed ​​limit outside the city	90 km/h (56 mph)
Speed ​​limit within the city	50 km/h (31 mph)
Permissible blood alcohol level	0.05‰ ppm
Availability of access to the sea	No

Weather for a year

The weather in Pleven does not offer any special surprises: summers are not too hot and winters are relatively mild and rainy. Snow sometimes falls in December and January, which is beautiful but dangerous for traveling by car. In addition, it rains a lot during the colder months.

Average temperature by month:

Jan.	Feb.	March	Apr.	May	June	July	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
-1	+1	+7	+12	+18	+21	+23	+23	+18	+12	+5	+1

The period from May to September is the best time to travel. Tourists are welcomed by smart city parks, and daytime temperatures become comfortable for walking without warm clothes. Spring and fall delight with low prices for car rentals and a wide range of options when searching for hotels.

Parking zones in the city

Finding a parking spot in Pleven is quite easy. There are only a few paid areas in the city, and parking on the streets near residential neighborhoods is usually permitted. You can even find free parking in the city center.

The paid blue zone consists of just six streets, along with a few parking lots near train stations, theaters, and other public buildings. Parking in these areas costs 1 lev per hour, and fees are charged only on weekdays from 08:30 to 19:30. Tourists rarely use the parking facilities in the blue zone since payment can only be made via SMS from a Bulgarian phone number.

Pleven Sights

The most notable attractions in Pleven are related to the Russo-Turkish War of 1877. In Bulgaria, this war is referred to as the Liberation War and is honored as one of the main events of the 19th century. It was in Pleven that the Turkish Marshal Osman Pasha was defeated and forced to surrender to the Russian troops.

Skobelev Park

In the city center, there is a museum dedicated to Tsar Liberator Alexander II. The exhibition features cannons and ammunition from the late 19th century, the working office of the Tsar, and personal belongings of Russian generals. The largest city park, located on the southwestern outskirts of Pleven, bears the name of General Skobelev. Amidst the trees, visitors can find camouflaged cannons, and the park’s paths lead travelers to the “Pleven Epic” panorama, which recreates one of the episodes of the siege of 1877.

The Roman basilica in Kaylaka Park

A little to the east lies another pleasant spot for walks – Kaylaka Park. Here, children will enjoy a small zoo, while adults can appreciate the picturesque landscapes and numerous cafes offering interesting cuisine. Additionally, the park features the ruins of the Roman road station Storgozia.

Local cheese “kashkaval.”

It’s worth saying a few complimentary words about the local cuisine. Numerous cafes in Pleven offer delicious espresso and affordable pastries (pastichki). In restaurants and markets, you can find fresh cheeses made from a mix of cow’s and sheep’s milk: brined “sirene” and the firmer “kashkaval.” Meat lovers will enjoy the Bulgarian stew “gyuvech” and various minced meat dishes. A worthy accompaniment to Pleven’s cuisine is inexpensive, yet lively and drinkable wine.