From Sofia to Bucharest it is about 385 km, around 5 h 30 min – via Botevgrad, Pleven and Ruse, over the Danube Bridge to Giurgiu. With YesTrans your dog or cat rides with you in a private car from your address in Sofia to your address in Bucharest or Otopeni Airport – for a move, a family visit or a flight.
Call or message us: +359 897 227 771 (Viber, WhatsApp) · Book online · no prepayment
How the trip with your pet works
- Booking. Call or message us on Viber or WhatsApp. Tell us both addresses, the time, the number of passengers and what pet is travelling – species, rough size and how it will travel (carrier or crate).
- Pickup. The driver comes to your door in Sofia. If you arrive by plane, we meet you at Sofia Airport.
- First leg. From Sofia towards Botevgrad and on to Pleven. This is usually where we make the first break.
- To Ruse and the Danube Bridge. After Byala the road continues to Ruse. Before the bridge we can stop again so your dog can stretch.
- Romania. From Giurgiu to Bucharest it is about 60 km. We drop you at your address, a hotel or Otopeni Airport.
Breaks, water and a calm ride
Five and a half hours in a car is a normal journey for most dogs as long as there are breaks. We suggest a stop every 2–2.5 hours so your dog can walk, drink and relax. Our drivers know the good places along the route – petrol stations with grassy areas and quieter car parks.
Offer water at every stop, and keep food for arrival or a longer break. Cats usually travel best in a closed carrier when nobody disturbs them. If your dog is restless, talk to it calmly and keep something familiar next to it.
In summer, set off early – the Danube plain gets very hot in the afternoon. In winter, bring a blanket for the outdoor breaks.
How to prepare your dog or cat
- A walk before departure. 15–20 minutes outside before getting in the car calms your dog and means fewer stops in the first hours.
- A light meal. Do not feed your pet a full meal for a few hours before the trip. Do not withhold water.
- Water and a bowl. Bring a bottle of water and a collapsible bowl – we offer water to your dog at every stop.
- Familiar things. A blanket, cushion or toy from home in the crate helps your pet settle.
- Cats stay in the carrier. Keep your cat in a closed carrier for the whole journey, including during stops.
- Lead and collar. Your dog should always be on a lead when getting out – petrol stations are busy places.
- Bags and wipes. Pack a small cleaning kit in case your pet is sick on the way.
Which vehicle you get
Our fleet includes around 200 sedans, 50 minivans, 100 vans and 20 S- and E-class cars. When you book, tell us what pet is travelling with you, roughly how big it is and how it will travel – in a carrier or a crate. The dispatcher will then suggest the right vehicle:
- Sedan – for a cat or a small dog in a carrier and up to three passengers with normal luggage.
- Minivan – for a larger crate or more people and suitcases.
- Van – for a big dog in a big crate, two pets or a family with lots of luggage.
- S/E class – a quieter car, when your pet travels in a carrier or a small crate.
The crate or carrier is yours (General Terms, item 50.4) – we do not provide them. Child seats are free of charge if you travel with children.
What to pack for your pet
- your crate or carrier;
- lead, collar or harness with a tag showing your phone number;
- water, a collapsible bowl and a little food for arrival;
- a blanket or mat your pet is used to;
- poop bags, wet wipes and paper towels;
- any medication your pet takes;
- your pet’s documents for the trip abroad.
The crate should be big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around. If your dog is not used to a crate, leave it open at home for a few days before the trip so it can get used to it.
Your pet’s documents
Your pet’s documents (passport, vaccinations, microchip and so on) are the owner’s responsibility – we provide the ride. General background is available in our Bulgarian-language articles on the pet passport for dogs and cats and on documents for travelling to the UK with a dog or cat. Rules change from time to time, so before you travel please check the current requirements with official sources and your vet.
We do not check or issue documents – our job is the ride. Prepare your pet’s papers in advance and keep them at hand during the journey.
Moving to Romania with pets
We are often asked by people relocating to Romania who want to move their luggage, dog and cat in one go. A van is the most practical choice for this – crates, boxes and suitcases fit in together with you. Tell us how much luggage you have when you book and the dispatcher will suggest the right vehicle.
If you travel with two pets, for example a dog and a cat, keep them in separate crates or carriers placed so they cannot stare at each other – both will travel more calmly. If you arrive late in the evening, give us the exact address with entrance and floor so the driver can drop you as close to the door as possible.
Why a private car to Bucharest
- No changes – no train to Ruse, then a bus across the bridge.
- Your pet stays with you for the whole trip.
- Breaks when you want – we stop when your dog needs to.
- 24/7 – you can leave in the evening and arrive in the morning when roads are quieter.
- Otopeni Airport – if you are flying from Bucharest, we drop you right at the terminal.
- Pay after the ride – no prepayment.
Related pages
Same route without a pet (in Bulgarian): transfer Sofia – Bucharest. Starting from Ruse with a dog: Ruse to Sofia and Bucharest with a dog.
More pet-friendly rides: pet-friendly transfers in Bulgaria · Sofia Airport transfer with a dog · Bansko transfer with a dog · Burgas & Varna airport transfer with a pet. Our Bulgarian hub page for all pet transfers: travelling with pets. Rides to neighbouring countries without a pet: transfers to the Balkans and abroad.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Sofia to Bucharest?
About 5 h 30 min for roughly 385 km, plus breaks for your dog.
Can you take us to Otopeni Airport?
Yes. Tell us you are flying when you book and we will drop you at the terminal.
How many breaks do you make?
As many as your dog needs. Usually we stop every 2–2.5 hours for a walk and some water.
Do you transport pets without their owner?
No. We only carry dogs and cats together with their owner. We do not transport animals on their own.
Do we need a crate?
Your pet travels in a crate or a carrier. It is yours – we do not provide one.
When do we pay?
After the ride. No prepayment or deposit.