Find out how to use taxis safely in Sofia
which apps we recommend, whether Uber works, what you can expect to pay and practical local tips to help you travel with confidence
Taking a taxi in Sofia is generally safe, affordable and straightforward – provided you use a reputable taxi company or book through a trusted app.
Whether you’re travelling from the airport to your hotel, heading out for dinner, or making your way back late after an evening out, taxis can often be the quickest and most convenient way to get around the city.
The good news is that taxi fares in Sofia are among the lowest in Europe. The even better news is that, unlike many large cities, you don’t need to rely on international ride-hailing platforms such as Uber or Bolt to get a reliable ride.
In this guide, we’ll explain which taxi apps we recommend, how to recognise an official taxi, what to expect when paying, and a few practical local tips that will make using taxis in Sofia easy – even if it’s your first visit.
In this guide you’ll learn
- which taxi apps we recommend for visitors;
- whether Uber or Bolt operate in Bulgaria;
- what taxi journeys typically cost;
- whether drivers speak English;
- how to avoid taxi scams;
- and practical local tips for getting around Sofia with confidence.
Reading time: approximately 5 minutes.
⭐ Our Advice in One Minute
For most visitors, we recommend booking taxis through TaxiMe.
The app is available in English, shows the estimated fare before you book, accepts card payments and connects you with licensed taxi drivers charging standard Sofia taxi rates.
If you’re arriving at Sofia Airport, the official Yellow Taxi service is an equally excellent choice. Once you’re in the city, however, TaxiMe is generally the easiest option for everyday journeys.
Most taxi drivers in Sofia speak little or no English, so booking through an app is usually much simpler than hailing a taxi on the street. Your destination is entered in advance, navigation is handled automatically and there’s no need to explain where you’re going.
Does Uber Work in Sofia?
No. Neither Uber nor Bolt currently operate in Bulgaria.
If you’ve used Uber or Bolt in other European cities, don’t expect them to work after arriving in Sofia.
Fortunately, there are several excellent local alternatives that offer a very similar experience. They allow you to book a licensed taxi through a mobile app, track your driver’s arrival in real time, pay by card and receive an estimated fare before your journey begins.
For most visitors, these local apps are just as convenient as Uber and are widely used by both residents and tourists.
The Best Taxi Apps for Visitors
TaxiMe – Our Top Recommendation
If you’re visiting Sofia, TaxiMe is the taxi app we’d recommend for most journeys.
The app is available in English for both Android and iPhone and offers an experience that is very similar to Uber.
With TaxiMe you can:
- book a licensed taxi within seconds;
- see the estimated fare before confirming your booking;
- track your driver’s arrival in real time;
- pay by card directly through the app or in cash;
- save favourite addresses such as your hotel;
- choose between different vehicle options depending on your needs.
For most visitors, TaxiMe is the easiest and most reliable way to travel around Sofia.
TaxiMe Green
If sustainability is important to you, TaxiMe Green is an excellent alternative.
Instead of a conventional taxi, you can request a hybrid or fully electric vehicle, helping to reduce emissions while still paying the standard Sofia taxi fare.
It’s a simple option if you’d like to make your journey a little more environmentally friendly without paying a premium.
Yellow Taxi
Yellow Taxi is Sofia Airport’s official taxi operator and one of the city’s longest-established taxi companies.
Its mobile app is also available in English, allowing you to:
- book taxis throughout Sofia;
- pay by card;
- follow your driver’s location;
- save frequently used destinations.
If you arrived from Sofia Airport using Yellow Taxi and were happy with the service, you can continue using the same company throughout your stay. The app is reliable and easy to use, although TaxiMe generally has a larger fleet, which often means shorter waiting times during busy periods or after major events.
Volt Premium
If you are looking for a higher-end experience, Volt Premium is worth considering.
The service focuses on premium vehicles and is particularly popular with business travellers and visitors who prefer a little extra comfort.
The app is available in English and offers:
- premium-class vehicles;
- professional drivers;
- card payment;
- advance bookings.
Although journeys are generally more expensive than a standard taxi, the service can be a good option for airport transfers, business meetings or special occasions.
💡 Local tip
TaxiMe has a larger fleet than Yellow Taxi, which usually means shorter waiting times during busy periods or after major events. And if you are travelling during the summer, TaxiMe Green vehicles are often newer models with excellent air conditioning, making them particularly comfortable on hot days.
Which App Should You Choose?
| If you… | We’d recommend… |
| Want the easiest overall experience | TaxiMe |
| Prefer a hybrid or electric vehicle | TaxiMe Green |
| Are travelling to or from Sofia Airport | Yellow Taxi |
| Want a premium experience | Volt Premium |
Typical Taxi Fares in Sofia
Taxi fares in Sofia are relatively affordable by European standards. While the exact price depends on traffic, the taxi company and the time of day, the examples below should give you a realistic idea of what to expect.
| Journey | Typical fare* | Journey time |
| Sofia Airport -> City Centre | EUR 12-18 | 20-35 min |
| Alexander Nevsky Cathedral -> National Palace of Culture (NDK) | EUR 5-8 | 10-15 min |
| Serdika -> Arena 8888 Sofia | EUR 6-10 | 15-25 min |
| Sofia Airport -> Arena 8888 Sofia | EUR 10-15 | 15-20 min |
*Approximate fares as of July 2026. Actual prices depend on traffic, the time of day and the taxi company.
💡 Local tip
Sofia’s city centre is much more compact than many visitors expect.
If you’re travelling between landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Serdika, Vitosha Boulevard and the National Palace of Culture (NDK), walking is often just as quick – and usually much more enjoyable.
For these very short journeys, you may also find that taxi drivers decline the request or that it takes longer to find an available taxi through an app than simply walking to your destination.
Paying for Your Taxi
Paying for a taxi in Sofia is usually straightforward.
If you book through TaxiMe, TaxiMe Green, Yellow Taxi or Volt Premium, you can normally choose between:
- paying by card through the app;
- paying the driver by card;
- or paying in cash.
Although card payments are now common, it’s still worth checking the payment method when booking if you’re not using an app.
Do Taxi Drivers Speak English?
English proficiency varies from driver to driver, but most taxi drivers in Sofia speak little or no English.
Fortunately, this rarely causes problems if you book through an app. Your destination is entered in advance, the driver receives it automatically and navigation is handled electronically.
If you decide to hail a taxi on the street, it’s a good idea to have your destination ready on your phone – either as a Google Maps location or written in Bulgarian.
💡 Local tip
If you’re staying in a hotel, ask the reception to write down the hotel’s name and address in Bulgarian or save the location in Google Maps before you head out for the day.
This can be particularly helpful if you need to hail a taxi on the street or if your phone battery runs low. Many drivers recognise destinations more easily when they’re shown in Bulgarian, especially if the address is outside the city centre.
How to Avoid Taxi Scams
Taxi scams are far less common in Sofia today than they were in the past. However, as in any major city, it is still worth taking a few simple precautions.
To avoid unnecessary problems:
- Book through a reputable taxi app whenever possible.
- Only use clearly marked licensed taxis.
- Avoid accepting rides from people approaching you outside the airport, railway station or bus station.
- Make sure the taximeter is running once your journey begins.
- If something does not feel right, simply choose another taxi.
For most visitors, booking through TaxiMe or Yellow Taxi eliminates almost all of these concerns.
Our Recommendation
If a friend asked us which taxi service to use in Sofia, our advice would be simple:
| If you… | We’d recommend… |
| Want the easiest and fastest overall experience | TaxiMe |
| Prefer a hybrid or electric vehicle | TaxiMe Green |
| Need a taxi to or from Sofia Airport | Yellow Taxi |
| Prefer a premium experience | Volt Premium |
Whichever option you choose, taxis in Sofia are generally safe, reliable and inexpensive by European standards.
For most journeys, booking through a trusted app is the easiest way to travel with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Uber and Bolt do not currently operate in Bulgaria.
Instead, we recommend using local taxi apps such as TaxiMe or Yellow Taxi, which offer a very similar experience and are widely used throughout Sofia.
For most visitors, we recommend TaxiMe.
It has the largest fleet, an English-language interface, reliable service and typically the shortest waiting times, especially during busy periods.
Yes. All of the taxi apps we recommend support card payments, and many taxis also accept contactless payments directly in the vehicle.
If you are hailing a taxi on the street, it is always worth confirming the available payment methods before starting your journey.
Usually not. Sofia’s historic centre is surprisingly compact, and many of its main attractions are within comfortable walking distance of one another.
For very short journeys, walking is often just as fast – and sometimes faster – than taking a taxi. You may also find that drivers decline very short rides or that it takes longer to find an available taxi through an app than simply walking.
Tipping is appreciated but not expected.
If you have received good service, it is common to round the fare up by a small amount or leave around 5-10%, although many local passengers simply round up to the nearest convenient amount.
Final Thoughts
Getting around Sofia by taxi is easy once you know which services to use.
Book through a trusted app, enter your destination before your journey begins and don’t worry if your driver doesn’t speak much English – modern taxi apps take care of almost everything for you.
Combined with Sofia’s compact city centre and excellent public transport network, taxis are a convenient option whenever you need a quick and comfortable ride.
Related Guides
Public Transport in Sofia
Learn how to use Sofia’s metro, buses and trams, understand the contactless payment system, benefit from the €2 daily fare cap and discover which transport option is best for getting around the city.
From Sofia Airport to the City Centre
Everything you need to know about travelling from Sofia Airport by metro, taxi, bus or rental car, including journey times, local tips and practical advice for first-time visitors.
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