Nearly 1.5 million cars have crossed the 'Danube Bridge' near Ruse towards Romania in the last year. This is about 10% more compared to the previous year, according to data from the Regional Administration in Ruse. The main factor for the increased traffic is Bulgaria's full membership in Schengen by land, which has been in effect for a year.
On the eve of the series of holidays and days off, traffic on the structure remains calm. Two-way traffic on the 'Danube Bridge' was restored ahead of schedule, and construction and repair works have been temporarily suspended.
"Currently, there are no queues of waiting cars or heavy trucks," said the regional governor of Ruse, Dragomir Draganov.
According to him, after the restoration of traffic in both directions, moderately increased traffic is recorded:
"Around 5,000 vehicles per day pass from Bulgaria to Romania – cars and heavy trucks. About 75% of them are cars and vans. Four toll booths are operating, and at peak times we open two more. The delay for paying the fee is between 15 and 20 seconds."
For the period December 24-26, traffic is expected to reach around 6,000 vehicles per day. Additional toll booths will be opened if necessary.
"We are in constant contact with the 'Customs' Agency. If there is a greater load, it usually comes from the Romanian side, as Romanian tourists often prefer Bulgaria for the holidays," added Draganov.
The fee for crossing from the Bulgarian to the Romanian side remains 2 euros or 4 leva.
"Travelers can pay in both leva and euros. From February 1, 2026, payment will only be possible in euros," the regional governor clarified.
From January 8, repairs will begin on the next 5-6 sections of the bridge. The activities are expected to be completed at the end of June or the beginning of July. The introduction of automatic payment terminals is also planned:
"We are working with the 'Customs' Agency to install machines where drivers will be able to insert 2 euros and the barrier will automatically lift. There will also be one or two toll booths with physical service," explained Draganov.
During this winter season, the cleaning of the 'Danube Bridge' is the responsibility of the Bulgarian side, he clarified:
"All necessary measures have been taken with snow removal and sanding equipment. We are ready for heavy snowfall."
The busiest periods are expected today and after the New Year, when Romanian tourists will be returning from vacation.
"In both directions, the lanes are open. We are taking all measures to ensure that there are no problems with the crossing," assured the regional governor of Ruse.
At the moment, the situation on the Danube Bridge near Ruse remains calm, without the formation of queues, with increased but controlled traffic expected, without tension on the border between Bulgaria and Romania.