Sofia, Bulgaria – Hourly paid parking in the capital’s Blue and Green Zones will be temporarily suspended during the Easter holidays, from Thursday, April 18 through Sunday, April 21, the Center for Urban Mobility announced.
The decision aims to facilitate travel and reduce congestion during one of the country’s most significant public holidays.
The suspension means that residents and visitors alike will be able to park for free in areas typically subject to hourly fees, giving much-needed relief to drivers during the extended holiday weekend.
This measure has become a common practice during major holidays, in line with municipal efforts to ease movement within the city when traffic patterns shift and more people are expected to travel for family gatherings or religious observances.
In addition to changes in parking rules, Sofia Municipality has also introduced adjustments to the city’s public transport services to accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger numbers.
According to a statement from the municipality’s press center, several public transport lines will operate on extended schedules over the holiday weekend.
Notably, on the night between Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20, public transport services will be extended until 01:30 a.m., offering late-night service to support residents returning from Easter church services and events.
This is part of the city’s broader initiative to promote safe and convenient transportation options during holidays and reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads.
Meanwhile, bus line No. 61 will maintain its regular weekday schedule not only throughout the Easter holiday period (April 18–21), but also during the upcoming Labour Day and St. George’s Day holidays, which fall between May 1 and May 6.
The continuation of the weekday timetable is expected to support commuters who may still be working during the holiday period or traveling within the city.
City officials have urged the public to stay informed through the Center for Urban Mobility’s official platforms, where real-time updates on transport schedules and traffic conditions will be provided.
The municipality has also reminded residents to observe traffic regulations and remain cautious, especially with the expected rise in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the festive days.
This year, Orthodox Easter falls on Sunday, April 21, with celebrations traditionally beginning on Good Friday and peaking on Easter Sunday.
The long weekend is expected to see thousands of residents leaving the capital for the provinces, while others will stay in Sofia to attend religious ceremonies and family gatherings.
The temporary suspension of paid parking and the adjustments to public transport services are intended to ensure that Sofia remains accessible and efficient during the busy holiday period.
For further information, citizens are encouraged to consult the official websites and social media channels of the Sofia Municipality and the Center for Urban Mobility.