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Friendship Bridge

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Landmark
—°1
Friendship Bridge (Romania)

Weather…

The Friendship Bridge, connecting Giurgiu in Romania with Ruse in Bulgaria, was the first bridge across the Danube between the two nations upon its opening in 1954. The steel lattice structure spans a total length of 2223 meters and is a double-decker bridge, carrying a two-lane roadway on the upper level and a railway line on the lower level. Built with Soviet assistance, the construction was completed in just two and a half years. A notable engineering feature is the 86-meter central lifting section, which can be raised to allow large ships to pass during high water levels. The bridge is a vital link in the Pan-European Transport Corridor IX, connecting Northern and Eastern Europe with the Balkan Peninsula. Until the opening of the New Europe Bridge in 2013, it was the only direct road link across the Danube between Romania and Bulgaria. Despite its age, it remains a critical infrastructure for cross-border trade and tourism, undergoing continuous maintenance to handle increasing traffic volumes.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1271218232525201371
Rain mm473742426374604652554249

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
E85, 080012 Giurgiu / Ruse
🕒
Hours
24/7
💶
Entry
Bridge toll: approx. 3 EUR (15 RON) for cars
🚌
Transit
International Bucharest-Ruse buses usually do not stop on the bridge
🅿️
Parking
No parking on the bridge; parking at border crossings
Accessibility
Accessible by car, pedestrian paths available but often neglected
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Photos
Photography of border facilities is officially prohibited
Best time
Early morning or night to avoid long truck queues
🎧
Audio guide
no

Geography

Coordinates
43.88640, 26.00780

Facts

  • The bridge was officially inaugurated on June 20, 1954
  • The total length of the structure is 2223 meters
  • It is a double-decker bridge designed for both road and rail
  • The central movable section spans 86 meters
  • The construction was completed in only two and a half years
  • The bridge connects the cities of Giurgiu (RO) and Ruse (BG)

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Sights in the town Friendship Bridge (1)

Plaja Veche Giurgiu🎡 recreation

Located on the shores of the Giurgiu region, Plaja Veche provides a nature-oriented retreat near the Friendship Bridge. The relaxed atmosphere often attracts visitors who want to catch a few rays of sunshine away from the hustle and bustle. A stay here is characterized by leisurely river walks and quiet moments on the shore. Your own sun protection is highly advisable for longer stays in midsummer.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which cities does the Friendship Bridge connect?
The bridge connects Giurgiu in Romania with Ruse in Bulgaria across the Danube.
Is there a toll for crossing?
Yes, for cars the toll is approximately 3 Euro (15 RON) from the Romanian side.
Can you cross the bridge on foot?
No, crossing on foot is not allowed for safety reasons.
When was the bridge built?
It was inaugurated in 1954 and was for a long time the only bridge between the two countries.
Are there border controls on the bridge?
Yes, as Romania and Bulgaria haven't fully joined Schengen for land borders, there are ID checks.
Friendship Bridge: where is it located?
Friendship Bridge is located in Giurgiu, Romania.
Friendship Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Friendship Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Friendship Bridge, connecting Giurgiu in Romania with Ruse in Bulgaria, was the first bridge across the Danube between the two nations upon its opening in 1954.
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