When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Varna?
June, July and August are considered the Bulgarian high season, so airfares will rise. That said, when booked far enough in advance, cheap flights to Varna in the summer are available. For lower rates, book your tickets in the shoulder season when the weather is warm and there are fewer tourists.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Varna?
To find the best rates and save the most money on your flights to Varna, book your tickets four to six weeks before flying. Varna is a great budget destination all year round. You may even be able to find great offers on last-minute flights if you decide on a spontaneous trip. To ensure the best deals, being flexible on your travel dates is a must.
Flying to Varna Airport (VAR)
Currently, there are no direct flights from the UK to Varna. Despite the lack of direct flights, there are still plenty of indirect routes. Turkish Airlines offers flights departing from Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh as well as London Heathrow, all of which include a stopover in Istanbul. Generally, if you want to travel from an airport other than London Heathrow, you will have to travel with Turkish Airlines. Compared with other UK airports, London Heathrow offers a lot more flexibility with travel dates, since there is at least one departure every day (elsewhere, it’s only one every few days). Budget-friendly return flights with a stop in Vienna are also available from Austrian Airlines. You can choose different airlines for each leg; for example, fly with British Airways to Sofia before taking a short, domestic flight the rest of the way with Bulgarian Air.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Varna Airport (VAR) is located 10 kilometres from Varna itself. It has three terminals, although one is now closed. The primary terminal in use is Terminal 2, which deals with most of incoming air traffic. Immigration and passport control is on the ground floor. It is well marked; you just have to follow the signs from baggage reclaim. You can also find a bureau de change here. The check-in desks are location in the public area of Terminal 2. Passengers also have access to a VIP lounge as well as several cafes, restaurants and even a prosecco bar.
Getting to the City from Varna Airport (VAR)
Getting to the city from Varna Airport (VAR) is a breeze. Several big-name car hire companies have booths in the arrivals hall if you’d like to have your own vehicle during your stay. For taxis you can either book online before arrival or speak to an attendant at the company counter in the arrivals hall. Public buses also depart every 15 minutes from the airport, heading to Varna’s city centre. Hop on Bus 409, and in 20 minutes, you’ll be right in the heart of the city.
Why visit Varna?
Looking for a different sort of beach holiday? Well, summertime in Varna is a delight. Temperatures reach a comfortable 28 degrees Celsius, and the sun beats down for almost ten hours a day, which is great for a day of sunbathing. With 20 kilometres of golden, sandy beaches alongside the urban area, relaxing by the sea is a must; so escape the usual tourist traps and experience something new.
Of course, if you fancy doing some sightseeing, then Varna is a real treasure trove. It seems that every ancient European culture passed through here: Greek, Roman, Byzantine and more. The city is even home to one of the largest Roman Thermal Baths in Europe. Although it’s now a ruin, you can still experience a soothing, mineral thermal bath at one of the city’s many spas.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
You do not need a visa when travelling to Bulgaria for tourism purposes if your trip will be less than three months. You are free to enter the country if you're travelling under a UK passport that is valid for the duration of your stay. Bulgarian uses the Bulgarian lev as their currency, which you can buy in the UK before your arrival. You can also wait until you arrive and exchange your cash at a bank. Take English bank notes with you, as they may not accept Scottish or Northern Irish notes.
