Romania removes Friendship Bridge tolls for one-way traffic

Romania has eliminated the crossing fee for the Friendship Bridge (Giurgiu-Ruse) for vehicles traveling from Romania to Bulgaria, effective October 1. This change is part of Romania’s new TollRo electronic road tolling system. The measure aims to reduce traffic congestion and administrative burdens at border points.

However, the fee remains in effect for vehicles traveling in the opposite direction from Bulgaria to Romania. While Romanian authorities have expressed hope that Bulgaria will adopt a reciprocal measure to normalize traffic and stimulate economic and tourism exchanges, the Bulgarian government has not yet made a decision.

In Bulgaria, fees are collected by the Customs Agency, with rates determined by the Council of Ministers. Currently, light vehicles pay 2 euros, while heavy trucks exceeding 12 tons and four axles pay 37 euros. Bulgarian parliamentarians have called on their government to implement similar measures to ensure the bridge is toll-free in both directions.