Giurgiu - Romania - Bulgaria - Border Crossing - Ruse - Veliko Tarnovo via I-5, E85

Описание: The road trip from the Giurgiu-Ruse Friendship Bridge to Veliko Tarnovo is a classic Balkan route. It’s a relatively short drive (about 105–110 km) that takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, taking you from the flat Danube plains into the dramatic, rocky foothills of the Balkan Mountains.

1. Crossing the Border: Giurgiu to Ruse
The journey begins at the Danube Bridge, which connects Romania and Bulgaria.

Bridge Toll: You must pay a toll to cross. From the Romanian side (Giurgiu), it is approximately €2–€3 (or the equivalent in RON/BGN).

Border Controls: This is an EU border but not yet a full Schengen land border (as of late 2025), so expect a brief passport and document check. Queues can vary from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak summer transit.

Vignette: As soon as you enter Bulgaria, you must have a digital vignette (e-vignette) to use the national roads. You can buy this at the border terminals or online at web.bgtoll.bg. A weekend vignette costs about 10 BGN (~€5).

2. The Route: Southbound on the E85
After passing through the industrial outskirts of Ruse, you will head south on the E85 (Route 5).

Road Conditions: The road is a well-maintained, mostly two-lane highway. It’s a busy transit artery for trucks, so be prepared for some heavy traffic and limited overtaking opportunities.

The Landscape: The first 50 km is fairly flat farmland. As you approach Veliko Tarnovo, the terrain transforms into rolling hills and limestone cliffs cut by the Yantra River.

3. Essential Stops Along the Way
If you aren't in a rush, there are several UNESCO-grade sites just a short detour from the main road:

Basarbovo Monastery (10 km from Ruse): The only active rock-hewn monastery in Bulgaria. It is built directly into the cliffs.

Ivanovo Rock Churches (20 km from Ruse): A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring medieval frescoes inside caves high above the Rusenski Lom River.

Cherven Medieval Town: The ruins of a massive 14th-century fortress with a perfectly preserved defensive tower and panoramic views of the canyon.

4. Arriving in Veliko Tarnovo
As you descend into the city, the view is spectacular. Veliko Tarnovo is built on three hills (Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora) with houses stacked steeply above the winding Yantra River.

The Approach: You will likely enter via a bridge that offers your first look at the Tsarevets Fortress—the "City of the Tsars."

Parking: The old town has very narrow, cobbled streets. It is highly recommended to find a hotel with dedicated parking or use the public lots near the fortress, as street parking is strictly regulated.