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You just arrived in Bulgaria’s second-biggest city and you can’t wait to walk around its center. After all, you have heard amazing things about the place. Also, you are in a hurry – you don’t want to miss the Free Plovdiv Tour which is as awesome as the city itself!
Arriving at Central Railway Station
photo: visitplovdiv.com
Against your own better judgment and everything bad you have heard about the Bulgarian trains, you decided to travel this way. Probably, after all, you will be happy with your trip thanks to all the wonderful views you will get on the way. But now you have to make your way to the city center. Don’t worry – you are not far away. Only 1,4 km or 18 minutes walking.
Walking to the city center
When you come out in front of the building of the Central Railway Station
(Bulgarian: Централна ЖП гара) turn your back on it. You will see an underpass on your right and a roundabout behind it. Take the underpass in the direction of the roundabout.
After you’ve come out on the surface follow the paved street called Ivan Vazov (Иван Вазов). It has huge trees on both sides and lots of shoe shops on it – can’t miss it. That street will lead you to a big square in its end.
Here you will find the pedestrian area of central Plovdiv. When you reach the square you will see the Ramada Princess hotel on one side, a big communist building (Post Office) nearby, a Roman Forum in front of the Post Office, and a garden on the other side. Go towards the Roman remains and you will see the pedestrian street with all its shops and cafeterias. If you walk for 2 minutes on it you will reach another square. It has a fountain on it and small bottom-like seats. This is Stefan Stambolov square. You’ve reached your destination. Here you will find the starting point of our tour – the City Hall (the Municipality Building).
A bus to the city center
If you have lots of luggage and you don’t feel like walking there are several public busses you can take from the bus stop in front of the Railway Station. Lines 7, 20 and 26 will bring you on the other side of the hotel called Ramada Princess, which we mentioned earlier. Most people still call it Trimontium – that’s the old name of the hotel – keep that in mind in case you ask where to get off the bus.
When you’re off the bus, you will need to go down an underpass to reach the side of the street where the hotel and the square are.
Arriving at Bus Station South
photo: hebrosbus.com
Most often people arriving in Plovdiv end up here. You just have to keep the instructions for the Railway Station. As you can see on the map, Bus Station South (Bulgarian: Автогара Юг) is 1 minute walking from the Railway Station. The good thing is you are closer to Ivan Vazov street. You can see it on the google maps screenshot.
Arriving at Bus Station Rodopi
photo: lostinplovdiv.com
Same here. Bus Station Rodopi (Bulgarian: Автогара Родопи) is behind the Railway Station so you just have to take the underpass to reach Ivan Vazov street or the bus station of lines 7, 20, 26.
Arriving at Bus Station North
photo: trafficnews.bg
Bus Station North (Bulgarian: Автогара Север) is not as close to the city center as the previously mentioned locations. That is why you will have to take a bus or a cab. There is a bus stop in front of the station. The line that will bring you to the city center is 99 (the bus stop is in front of Lidl). And guess what – this time you will be off the bus on the side of the hotel Ramada Princess. No underpasses!
Arriving at Krumovo airport or by your own car or bike
Luckily we have a whole blog dedicated to the ways to reach Plovdiv’s city center from Krumovo airport. Also, an article about parking adventures in Plovdiv and one about cycling rules in the city.
Important: bus tickets and taxi prices
If you decide to use public transport in Plovdiv, keep in mind that you need to buy a ticket inside the bus. The cost is 1BGN and you can either buy it from the driver or there will be a person selling tickets.
A cab should cost you around 3-4BGN if you come to the center from the main Railway Station, Bus Stations South, and Rodopi. And around 4-5BGN from Bus Station North.
If you need any help, keep in mind that most of the young Bulgarians speak English freely so they will be able to give you directions. Also, if you have mobile internet don’t hesitate to use the application moovit for phones to find the bus lines you need.
Author: Free Plovdiv Tour Guide – Adelina Kalapchieva
Also check:
From Plovdiv Airport to Plovdiv City Center
