Varna Airport serves Bulgaria's main city on the northern Black Sea coast, approximately 9 km from the city center.
It is one of the country's two coastal airports, with significantly more seasonal connections during summer.
How to get to Varna Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to VAR
Parking near Varna Airport
Not far from the terminal is a parking area of limited size.
It is not guarded but is video-monitored; approximately 1.50€/hour (3 BGN), daily ceiling 15-20€ (30-40 BGN); annual subscription for long-stay parking at 250€.
How to get to Varna from VAR
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Varna Airport
Major international car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for exploring the coast beyond Varna.
Bring your licence, passport, credit card and, generally, an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Varna Airport
Airport area and Lake Varna
About 4 km from the airport, with a paid shuttle; by taxi the trip takes just a few minutes.
Best for: Very early departures or late-night arrivals, when a few minutes of transfer matter more than city life.
- Just a few minutes from the airport, handy for dawn flights
- In-house restaurant and snack bar for those with a long layover
- Industrial area west of the city, near Lake Varna, not well suited to a night out
- The old town, 3.8 km away, still requires a taxi
Sea Garden
Bus line 409 from the airport to the centre in about 20 minutes (1.5 euros, every 15-20 minutes from 6 to 23), then a few minutes' walk to the Sea Garden.
Best for: Those who want to stay between the park and the beach, a few minutes from the old town and the Cathedral.
- 500 metres from the sea, in the northern part of the Sea Garden; Treta Buna beach is 800 metres away
- Green, upscale area, quieter than the old town but still central
- Room cleanliness sometimes criticised in reviews
- The Cathedral and the old town are about 3 km away, requiring a short walk or a bus
Albena and the coast to the north
About 40 km and 40 minutes from Varna Airport, by car or taxi only: there is no direct bus.
Best for: Those continuing on to the Albena resort who prefer a quiet base with a private pool rather than central Varna.
- Private pool and garden with a sea view, 6.5 km from the beaches of the Albena resort
- Away from the summer traffic of central Varna and the main beaches
- No direct public transport from the airport: a rental car or a taxi is needed
- Few restaurants in the immediate area, unlike central Varna
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is single. From check-in to gate you generally walk 10 minutes.
Security checks can get longer during peak summer season hours: for international flights you're advised to arrive at least 2-3 hours early in high season.
Map of Varna Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Better to stay in Varna city or Golden Sands?
Varna has a more urban, authentic atmosphere; Golden Sands and Albena (30-40 minutes away) are beach resorts designed for all-inclusive holidays, more touristy but convenient for those seeking only sun and sea.
Q. Are flights to Varna available year-round?
They are much more numerous in summer: always check availability in advance if travelling in the off-season.
Q. Do you pay in euros on the Bulgarian coast too?
Yes, since 1 February 2026 the euro has been the only legal currency throughout Bulgaria, including the coast.
Q. How far is Golden Sands from Varna airport?
About 20-30 minutes by car or taxi heading north along the coast.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
