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FIRST Rent a Car offers straightforward, professional car rental and transfer services across Bulgaria. Expect personal attention, clear terms with no hidden fees, and a fleet tuned for comfort and reliability. If you need a practical city car, a spacious minivan, or a premium SUV for a longer trip, First Rent a Car has options and people who know how to make the journey smooth.
Why travelers pick FIRST Rent a Car
+359 879 555 999
People come back to First Rent a Car because the team actually cares about the ride. The staff are energetic and experienced in tourism, communications and marketing, which sounds like overkill until you notice how fast they respond, how they explain the fine print, and how they adapt solutions when plans change. The company emphasizes loyalty, transparency, and good communication—not just marketing promises.
What this means for you: clear rental agreements, no surprise charges at return, and a real human to call 24×7 if something goes wrong. That combination saves time and stress—especially when traveling in a country where road rules, tolls or local vignettes might be unfamiliar.
Fleet and vehicle categories — choose what fits you
First Rent a Car maintains a wide selection of vehicles across common rental categories. Each car is chosen for comfort and practical use rather than just looks.
- Economy: Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, Mazda 2 — cheap to run, easy to park in city centers.
- Compact & Standard: Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Mazda 3, Skoda Octavia SW, Opel Insignia — better on highways and for small families.
- Estate & MPV: Hyundai i30 Estate, Citroen C4 Picasso, VW Sharan — for people who pack more luggage or travel with kids.
- Mini vans & Vans: Dacia Lodgy, VW Caddy, Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter — ideal for groups, sports equipment or moving goods.
- SUV & Premium: Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Kodiaq 6+1, Mercedes classes — for rougher roads, mountain trips, or when you want extra space.
Each category includes both manual and automatic options; many vehicles list A/C and seating configurations. The company focuses on cars that are well-maintained, with features that matter in real trips: functioning heating and A/C, stable tires, clear lights and a reliable spare or repair plan.
Transparent pricing and what’s included
Pricing clarity is where First Rent a Car stands apart. Standard quotes include VAT (20%), the driver for transfers, rent for the vehicle, fuel and the vignette when applicable. That removes one major source of frustration at handover: an agreed price vs. a long final invoice.
Typical examples of low-season daily rates (as a reference, actual price may vary by season and availability):
- Economy cars from around €13–€15 per day.
- Compacts and small estates €15–€28 per day depending on transmission and model.
- Standard sedans and station wagons €18–€30 per day.
- Mini vans and 6+1 seating from €28–€45 per day.
- SUV and premium models pricing vary widely, with premium luxury vehicles carrying a higher daily rate.
How booking and pickup work — simple steps that avoid common pitfalls
Booking with First Rent a Car is designed to be direct: phone or email ([email protected], +359 879 555 999), mention pickup location (Sofia Airport Terminal 1 and other points), vehicle category and desired extras. Expect 24×7 online support for last-minute questions.
On pickup follow these practical steps to avoid disputes later:
- Inspect the car together with the agent and take timestamped photos of each side, the interior and the mileage.
- Confirm fuel policy — whether you return full, pay for refill, or are charged a fixed rate — and note it on the rental agreement.
- Ask which insurance is included (basic third-party vs. Collision Damage Waiver) and which optional protections exist. If you plan off-road driving, request explicit permission and coverage details.
- Check that the spare wheel, jack and basic toolkit are present, and that headlights, indicators and tyre tread are fine.
Common mistake: renters accept minor scratches without documenting them. That often leads to charges at return. The rule of thumb: if you see damage and it’s not on the documented inspection list, ask the agent to add it now.
Insurance, deposits and real scenarios from the field
Insurance packaging can be confusing across rental companies. First Rent a Car typically includes standard coverage and offers upgraded options for lower excess. Practical advice from everyday cases:
- If you’re driving in mountainous or icy conditions, take the Super CDW or equivalent — scratches on bumpers and undercarriage damage on steep mountain roads are common.
- For city parking and tight streets, consider theft protection and reduced excess: forgotten mirrors, door dings and wheel scuffs happen often in busy areas.
- When traveling to neighbouring countries, confirm cross-border permission and required documents. One real example: a family driving to Greece without prior permission had to change vehicle at the border; it’s avoidable if you request cross-border clearance during booking.
Deposits depend on the car category and chosen insurance; they are released quickly when the car returns in agreed condition. If an incident happens, First Rent a Car’s 24×7 support helps coordinate paperwork and tow or roadside assistance where needed. That hands-on coordination reduces stress and often the final financial impact.
Transfers, excursions and tailor-made offers
Beyond rentals, First Rent a Car operates transfers and excursions across Bulgaria and to key cross-border points. Their transfer table covers popular routes from Sofia to ski resorts, coastal towns and neighboring capitals. Transfers are often more convenient than public transport when you travel with luggage or a group.
If you need an excursion—say a full-day trip to Rila Monastery or a scenic drive through the Rhodope Mountains—the company will propose a vehicle and driver combination that fits passenger count and luggage. For groups of six or more, minibuses and 6+1 vehicles are available with a professional driver who knows the routes and common traffic bottlenecks.
Practical tips that come from real rentals
From experience working with holidaymakers and business travelers, here are specific, actionable tips:
- Ask for winter tyres if you’re traveling in mountain areas, even if the season is “shoulder”—road conditions change fast in higher elevations.
- Keep a printed copy of the rental agreement and emergency phone numbers in the glovebox. Digital copies are fine, but a paper print in a wet glove compartment is easier to share with police if needed.
- When returning the car late, notify the office. Many disputes come from small delays that become bigger because no one informed the company.
- Use local petrol stations recommended by your driver for filling up before return; some remote stations sell different octane or have long queues that disrupt schedules.
Small practicalities like these save time and money. They reflect the kind of on-the-ground knowledge First Rent a Car builds through daily operations.
Customer service, communication and reputation
What really separates a good rental from a mediocre one is the follow-through: who answers your late-night call if you get locked out? Who arranges an alternative car when yours has a mechanical issue? First Rent a Car positions itself as responsive and personal—staff will often suggest better-suited vehicles when your itinerary changes, or offer transfer combinations that reduce waiting time.
That approach translates into returning customers and positive word-of-mouth. For business travelers who value punctuality and clarity, and tourists who want fair pricing and reliable cars, this combination matters more than the lowest available rate.
Contact, booking channels and support
To book or request a custom transfer, contact the team via phone at +359 879 555 999 or email [email protected]. Sofia Airport pickup (Terminal 1) is a common starting point; the company supports direct airport handovers and hotel meet-ups. Online and phone booking are both supported, and agents will confirm terms and extras in writing.
For destinations not listed in standard transfer tables, they provide tailored offers once they know passenger count, luggage and the desired itinerary. That flexibility is useful for events, corporate travel or complex multi-stop trips.
Final thoughts — what to expect when you choose First Rent a Car
Choose First Rent a Car when you want a straightforward rental experience without surprises. You’ll get clear pricing, a vehicle that matches the purpose of your trip, and a real person available to help if plans change. The fleet suits solo travelers, families and groups, and transfer services cover major tourist and business routes across Bulgaria.
If you value reliability, honest communication and practical local know-how—rather than bare-bones bargain prices with hidden strings—this company is a solid option for travel in Bulgaria.
What documents do I need to rent a car?
You need a valid driver’s license, an ID or passport, and the card used for the deposit. If your license is not in Latin script, an international driving permit is recommended.
Are there any hidden fees?
No — standard quotes from First Rent a Car include VAT and the listed services. Always confirm extras like additional drivers, child seats or cross-border permissions in writing.
Can I drive the rental car outside Bulgaria?
Yes in many cases, but you must request cross-border permission during booking. Insurance and deposit conditions can change for cross-border travel.
What happens if the car breaks down?
Call the 24×7 support number. The company arranges roadside assistance, repairs or a replacement vehicle depending on the situation and coverage.
How do transfers work and what’s included?
Transfers are priced per route and include driver, fuel, rent and vignette. If your destination isn’t listed, contact the office for a custom quote.
Can I add extras like GPS or child seats?
Yes. Request extras at booking so they’re prepared before pickup. Availability may vary by vehicle type.
How is damage assessed at return?
Cars are inspected at return. Document the vehicle on pickup with photos to avoid disputes. If damage occurs, the deposit and insurance determine final charges.
