Taxis & Rideshare in Sofia - Grab, Uber & Local Taxis

## Taxis and Rideshare in Sofia Sofia relies primarily on traditional metered taxis for on-demand transportation, as international rideshare apps like Grab don't operate in the city. Licensed taxis are readily available throughout Sofia and can be hailed on the street, found at designated taxi ranks near major landmarks and transport hubs, or called by phone. Look for official taxis with visible company markings, meters, and posted rate cards on the windows. The most reliable approach is using established taxi companies - you can ask your hotel to call one, or use local taxi-hailing apps that connect you with licensed operators. Always ensure the meter is running at the start of your journey, and drivers are required to provide a printed receipt showing the fare breakdown. For visitors unfamiliar with Sofia, pre-arranging airport transfers or asking your accommodation to book taxis can provide extra peace of mind, especially if you don't speak Bulgarian. While street-hailed taxis are generally safe and legitimate, booking through your hotel or a recognized company helps avoid the occasional unlicensed operator near tourist areas. Taxis work well for direct routes across the city, late-night travel when public transport is limited, or when traveling with luggage. For current rates and to compare options, check the booking widgets below which show live prices from available services.

{'tip': 'Always insist the driver uses the meter (taximeter) from the start of your journey, or use official taxi apps like OK Supertrans or Yellow Taxi which show fares upfront. Avoid unmarked taxis or drivers who refuse to use the meter.'}

{'tip': 'Look for official taxi companies with clear company markings, phone numbers, and visible taxi license numbers on the vehicle. Reputable companies in Sofia display rates on the door and provide receipts.'}

{'tip': "Solo travelers should sit in the back seat, share their trip details with someone, and verify the route using a maps app on their phone. If a driver takes an unusual route, don't hesitate to question it."}

{'tip': 'Order taxis through hotel reception, official taxi apps, or by calling established companies rather than hailing unmarked vehicles on the street, especially late at night or at tourist areas where unlicensed operators target visitors.'}

Meter Manipulation: Some taxis may claim their meter is broken or run it at a higher rate than legally allowed. Avoid this by only using official taxi companies with visible company markings and insisting the meter is used from the start. The legal rate should be displayed inside the vehicle.

Airport/Tourist Area Overcharging: Unlicensed taxis or drivers may quote inflated flat rates to tourists, especially at the airport or major tourist sites. Avoid this by using official taxi ranks, pre-booking through your hotel, or using ride-hailing apps that show the fare upfront. Always confirm the approximate fare before starting.

Scenic Route Detours: Drivers may take unnecessarily long routes to inflate the metered fare, particularly with tourists unfamiliar with Sofia's layout. Avoid this by using a GPS app to follow your route, having your destination address written in Bulgarian, or asking your hotel for the typical fare range beforehand.