The Border Police warns of heavy car traffic at the border with Bulgaria, the estimated waiting time at Giurgiu being 40 minutes.
Queues at customs Giurgiu Ruse – Photo Archive
“Considering that we are in the middle of the summer season and many Romanian citizens travel outside the country’s borders, from the experience of previous years we expect an increase in traffic values during the weekend“, the Border Police sent on Saturday, according to News.ro.
On the Friendship Bridge between Ruse and Giurgiu, traffic alternates on a single lane, in a traffic light system, which contributes to increasing waiting times. Queues are expected both on the way out of the country and on the way in.
“In this sense, at the level of the Territorial Inspectorate of the Giurgiu Border Police, all the measures within their competence were ordered to reduce waiting times and ensure operative control“, added the Border Police.
At this moment, according to the Trafic Online portal, the waiting time is 30 minutes in Giurgiu-Ruse Customs. 4 roads are open in the direction of entry, and 3 traffic roads are open in the direction of exit.
On travel groups on Facebook, users stated that they spent 30 to 40 minutes crossing the Friendship Bridge.
“It went really well, 40 minutes altogether!,” someone commented on Saturday.
“Hello! July 27 Everything went very well: At 12.32: bridge tax, and at 13.08 I passed customs (Bg – Ro).“, someone else added.
Recommendations for travelers
The Border Police recommends using the “Traffic Online” application to check waiting times and suggests using the other border crossing points open internationally:
- Dolj County: PTF Calafat and PTF Bechet (BAC)
- Teleorman County: PTF Zimnicea (BAC) and PTF Turnu Măgurele (BAC)
- Călărași County: PTF Călărași (BAC)
- Constanța County: PTF Vama Veche, PTF Ostrov, PTF Negru Vodă, PTF Lipnița and PTF Dobromir for cars with a permissible weight of 3.5 tons (schedule 08:00-20:00)
“One of the most used alternative routes is the Calafat-Vidin Bridge, located in the western part of the country. This bridge provides an efficient route for drivers wishing to cross the Danube between Romania and Bulgaria. It’s important note that this bridge can get congested at peak times, so planning your journey in advance can be crucial“, informs InfoCons.
News at the Zimnicea Border Crossing Point
Starting from August 1, 2024, a second ferry boat will be put into operation in PTF Zimnicea, operating tandem runs (Svishtov-Zimnicea) between 08:00 and 19:00.
“At the same time, we mention the fact that, on 25.07.2024, the Joint Contact Center informed ITPF Giurgiu about the fact that the passage of vehicles with a maximum width of 2.75 m is allowed on the Friendship Bridge, and the maximum authorized mass of the vehicle and the load being up to to 60 tons, meaning that oversized vehicles CANNOT pass“, the institution also transmitted.
Due to the high temperatures and heavy traffic, there is a first aid point at PTF Giurgiu where paramedics from ISU Giurgiu are ready to provide specialized help in case of need.
To avoid congestion, travelers are encouraged to use alternative border crossings and check waiting times in real time via the Trafic Online app.
“Regardless of the route chosen, it is advisable for drivers to plan their journey carefully and inform themselves in advance about the traffic conditions and the estimated time for the crossing. Also, sources of traffic information, such as mobile navigation apps and transport authority websites, can provide real-time updates on traffic conditions and recommendations for alternative routes.“, the InfoCons portal mentions
