Burgas Airport

Overview

Burgas Airport (IATA: BOJ) is the primary international gateway to Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast. Serving the city of Burgas and the wider Burgas Province, the airport handles a large volume of charter and low-cost flights during the summer season, transporting holidaymakers to renowned resort towns such as Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Sozopol, and Pomorie. The airport is smaller than Sofia Airport but plays a crucial role in the country’s tourism industry. Most traffic occurs between May and October, with flights arriving from across Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Scandinavia. During the winter months, the airport operates on a much reduced schedule, with only a handful of scheduled services.

Location & Access

Burgas Airport lies approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles) northeast of Burgas city centre, in the Sarafovo district. It is conveniently positioned along the main road connecting Burgas to the northern resorts. The airport’s address is 1 St. St. Cyril and Methodius Street, Burgas 8016.

By Car: The airport is easily reached via the A1 motorway from Sofia (about 4 hours) or along the E87 coastal road. Car rental desks are available in the arrivals terminal. Parking is located directly in front of the terminal building, with short-term and long-term options.

By Bus: Burgas Bus Terminal is about 12 km away, but there are direct bus services (lines 15 and 15A) running from the airport to the city centre and to the main bus station. Buses operate frequently during the summer season. Additionally, many resorts offer pre-booked transfer services or shuttle buses that meet arriving flights.

By Taxi: Licensed taxis are available just outside the arrivals hall. The journey to central Burgas takes around 15–20 minutes and costs a fixed rate (displayed at the taxi stand). For resorts like Sunny Beach (about 30 km north), the ride takes roughly 30–40 minutes.

Facilities

Despite its modest size, Burgas Airport provides a range of facilities comfortable for passengers.

Accessibility: The airport is fully accessible to wheelchair users. There are designated accessible parking spaces, wheelchair-accessible entrances and toilets, and ramps throughout the terminal. Passengers requiring assistance should inform their airline in advance.

Baggage Storage: A left-luggage service is available in the departures hall, allowing passengers to store bags for a few hours or longer.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal. Simply connect to the network and accept the terms to get online.

Toilets and Baby Changing: Clean toilet facilities are located both landside and airside. Baby changing tables are available in accessible toilets.

Other Services: The airport has a small retail shop selling snacks, drinks, newspapers, and souvenirs. A café is located airside, offering light meals and beverages. ATMs and currency exchange counters are also on site.

About the Region

The Burgas region is one of Bulgaria’s most popular summer destinations. The climate is continental with a strong Black Sea influence, meaning warm summers and mild winters. The coast is lined with sandy beaches, and the water is generally calm and shallow.

Sunny Beach is the largest resort, featuring hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and water parks. Just north of it lies the historic town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient Thracian and medieval Bulgarian architecture, set on a small peninsula.

To the south, Sozopol and Primorsko offer a more relaxed atmosphere with charming old towns and beaches. The Burgas Lakes – Vaya, Mandra, and Atanasovo – are important bird-watching areas, especially for migrating Dalmatian pelicans and flamingos. The region also produces wine, honey, and lavender.

Practical Information

Website: burgas-airport.bg

Phone: +359 56 870 248

Operating Hours: The airport is not open every day of the year. It operates primarily during the summer season (roughly April to October) with flights scheduled mostly in the late afternoon and evening – peak hours are typically around 9 pm to 10 pm, when many charter flights arrive. Outside the season, the airport may close or run limited hours; passengers should check flight schedules and the official website for current operational status. The terminal building opens two hours before the first flight and closes after the last arrival.

Currency: Bulgaria uses the lev (BGN). ATMs are available in the terminal.

Language: Bulgarian and English are commonly used in the airport, with signage in both languages.

Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2) in winter; Eastern European Summer Time (EEST, UTC+3) in summer.