Owais Crawford
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer season. However, there is no major airport in Sunny Beach itself. The closest airport to Sunny Beach is Bourgas Airport (IATA: BOJ, ICAO: LBBG), which is located only 13-30 km from the resort. Bourgas Airport is the second largest in Bulgaria and has been subject to heavy traffic due to the growing tourism industry in the country. It offers quick access to transport links and motorways, making it convenient for travellers to reach Sunny Beach. Another nearby airport is Varna Airport, which is located about 100-130 km from Sunny Beach.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Closest airport to Sunny Beach, Bulgaria | Bourgas Airport (also known as Burgas or Bourgas Airport) |
| Distance from Sunny Beach | 13.01 miles |
| Other nearby airports | Varna Airport (37.84 miles), Plovdiv Airport (250km), Sofia Airport |
| Airport code | BOJ |
| Location | Southeast Bulgaria |
| Ranking in Bulgaria | Second largest |
| Number of flights | More than 150 flights a day from different European and non-European destinations |
| Operating hours | 24/7 |
| Transport options to Sunny Beach | Rent a car, taxi, intercity bus |
| Taxi price | Starting from €25 |
| Transport options within the airport | Bus transfer from plane to terminal |
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What You'll Learn
Transport from Burgas Airport to Sunny Beach
There is no major airport in Sunny Beach, a popular tourist destination on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. The closest airport is Burgas Airport (IATA: BOJ, ICAO: LBBG), which is about 13 miles from Sunny Beach.
Bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Burgas Airport to Sunny Beach, with tickets costing between $2 and €3. The bus runs from early morning until midnight, with no overnight journeys. The trip takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the number of stops the bus makes. The bus stop is located at the entrance to the airport, and tickets can be purchased from the driver. However, the bus has limited luggage storage, long wait times of up to 40 minutes, and makes multiple stops along the way.
Shuttle
The shuttle is a faster option than the bus, with a travel time of around 22 to 40 minutes. The shuttle departs no later than 15 minutes after a plane arrives, but only if the vehicle is full of passengers. The ticket price is €8, and seats should be booked in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons.
Taxi
Taking a taxi is the quickest way to get from Burgas Airport to Sunny Beach, with an average travel time of 20 to 30 minutes. The average cost of a taxi is around €30, but there have been reports of drivers charging up to €50. To avoid this, it is recommended to pre-book your taxi transfer and agree on a price before leaving the airport. The taxi stand is located in front of the Arrivals Terminal, and payment must be made in cash in the local currency.
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Varna Airport as an alternative
While Burgas Airport is the closest airport to Sunny Beach, located just 30 kilometres away, Varna Airport is another option for travellers heading to Sunny Beach.
Varna Airport is approximately 62 miles or 100 kilometres away from Sunny Beach. It is located on Bulgaria's northern Black Sea coast and is a popular entry point for those looking to explore the region's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. The airport offers a variety of international flights, making it a convenient choice for travellers coming from various parts of the world.
There are two ways to get from Varna Airport to Sunny Beach. The first is by airport taxi, which is the most flexible and convenient option. The trip will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes and will cost approximately €60 (BGN 120). It is important to note that taxis in Varna operate using a taximeter, so the cost may vary. To avoid overcharging, ensure you can see the driver's license, rate card, and taximeter before starting your journey, and discuss the estimated cost beforehand.
The second option is to travel by public bus. You will need to take two buses: bus 409 from Varna Airport to the Varna bus station, and then a second bus directly to Sunny Beach. The total cost for these two bus journeys is €8 (BGN 16) per person. However, buses may not be the best option if you have a lot of luggage, as there is a limit of one piece of hand luggage up to 10 kg and two regular suitcases up to 35 kg each. Additionally, the bus journey can take up to 2 hours and 45 minutes, including wait times.
Varna Airport is a good alternative for travellers heading to Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, offering a range of international flights and convenient transportation options to reach the popular destination.
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Plovdiv Airport as a third option
When travelling to Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, the closest airport is Burgas Airport (BOJ), which is located 13.01 miles from the resort. Another nearby airport is Varna, which is 37.84 miles away. However, Plovdiv Airport, located in central Bulgaria, also offers an option for those travelling to Sunny Beach.
Plovdiv Airport is situated around 250km from Sunny Beach, which is significantly further than the other two airports. However, it is still a viable option for those looking to fly to the region. The airport is small and not very popular, with limited flights from the UK and Russia. However, it can be a good choice for those looking for a bargain, with flights from Stansted Airport in London starting from just €15 if booked a few months in advance.
The airport has seen some investment in recent years, with Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide awarded a 40-year concession on both Varna and Burgas airports in 2006, with investments exceeding €500 million. This has led to improvements in terminal facilities, vehicles, equipment, and expanding apron areas.
Plovdiv Airport has a long history, dating back to the early days of aviation in Bulgaria. In 1937, the French company CIDNA, now part of Air France, chose the airport to build a radio station and signed a contract with the Bulgarian government for its use. Bulgarian staff were employed at the airport, and in 1947, Balkan Bulgarian Airlines began domestic flights between Burgas, Plovdiv, and Sofia.
For those looking to travel to Sunny Beach, Plovdiv Airport offers a third option, with the potential for cheap flights. However, the distance to the resort may be a drawback for some travellers.
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History of Burgas Airport
The closest airport to Sunny Beach, Bulgaria is Burgas Airport (IATA: BOJ, ICAO: LBBG). It is an international airport in southeast Bulgaria and the second-largest in the country.
On 27 June 1937, the French company CIDNA (now part of Air France) chose the area of Burgas Airport to build a radio station and signed a contract with the Bulgarian government for its use. The contract expressly stated that the staff of Burgas Airport would be Bulgarian. On 29 June 1947, Balkan Bulgarian Airlines began domestic flights to and from Burgas, using Junkers Ju 52/3m aircraft.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the airport was expanded and modernised with a concrete runway. The original terminal, Terminal 1, was built in the 1950s and expanded in the early 1990s. However, by the mid-2000s, the airport was struggling to cope with the increase in passenger traffic due to the growth of the Bulgarian tourism industry.
In June 2006, the Bulgarian government awarded Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide a 40-year concession on Burgas Airport, along with Varna Airport, in return for investments exceeding €500 million. Construction on the new Terminal 2 began in December 2011. Terminal 2 now handles all of the airport's passenger traffic and is equipped with 31 check-in counters, three boarding card checkpoints, nine security lanes, and eight departure gates.
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Incidents at Burgas Airport
To get to Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, you can fly into Burgas Airport (IATA: BOJ, ICAO: LBBG). This airport is an international airport in southeast Bulgaria and the second largest in the country. It is located near the northern neighbourhood of Sarafovo, approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) from the city centre.
Burgas Airport has been the site of several incidents over the years. Here is some information about a few of them:
The 2012 Burgas Bus Bombing:
On July 18, 2012, a suicide bomber boarded a bus transporting Israeli citizens to the Bulgarian resort of Sunny Beach. The perpetrator detonated the bomb, killing six civilians and injuring 32 others, including an 11-year-old child and two pregnant women. The bomber, who was also killed, is believed to have had fake US documents and was possibly of Arab origin. The attack was condemned by the United Nations as a terrorist act.
Emergency Landing:
In 2024, a passenger plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Burgas Airport, veering off the track after a timely takeoff from Prague Airport. Fortunately, there were no injuries to passengers or crew, and the incident was reported as minor.
Schengen Flight Arrival:
In April 2024, Burgas Airport witnessed a landmark moment with the arrival of the first Schengen flight, marking a new era of travel convenience and efficiency for passengers travelling through the airport.
Infrastructure Rehabilitation:
In October 2016, Burgas Airport embarked on a rehabilitation project for its taxiways, including taxiways "H" and "A". This initiative was part of ongoing efforts to enhance the airport's infrastructure and improve operations.
Expansion and Investment:
In June 2006, the Bulgarian government awarded a concession to Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide for both Varna and Burgas airports, promising investments exceeding €500 million over 40 years. This decision aimed to address the heavy traffic and expanding passenger traffic at Burgas Airport due to Bulgaria's growing tourism industry.
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Frequently asked questions
The closest airport to Sunny Beach is Burgas Airport (BOJ), which is located 13.01 miles from the resort.
The transfer time from Burgas Airport to Sunny Beach takes around half an hour. You can get a taxi from Burgas Airport to Sunny Beach, which takes around 15 minutes depending on traffic and costs €25. There are also buses from Burgas to Sunny Beach, which stop close to the airport.
Varna Airport is 37.84 miles from Sunny Beach.
Yes, other airports near Sunny Beach include Plovdiv Airport, which is around 250km away, and Sofia Airport, which is the furthest airport from Sunny Beach.
