Taxis & Rideshare in Sofia (2026) - Grab, Uber & More
Taxis and rideshare in Sofia: local taxi apps, Uber, Grab, typical fares, and tips for safe, affordable rides around Bulgaria.
Safety Tips
Yellow cabs rule Sofia. Spot the rooftop TAXI sign and the driver's ID on the dash. Skip any car missing both. Tourist traps like Vitosha Boulevard breed the fakes. Walk on if the signs are absent.
Every legal Sofia taxi runs the meter from a modest starting fare. The moment the driver claims it's broken, say 'Metŭrŭt, molya' and keep saying it. Fixed-price offers are scams. Hold your ground.
Sofians swear by TaxiMe and Maxim. Both apps show driver photo and plate before the car arrives. Tap once to share the ride with a friend. No surprises.
Riding alone or after dark? Slide into the back seat. Share your live location through the app. Ask to be let out at bright spots like the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. Side streets stay dark.
Common Scams to Avoid
At Sofia Airport, some drivers refuse to use the meter and quote inflated flat fares to the city center. Insist on the meter or use the official taxi desk inside the terminal to get a regulated car.
Drivers may claim the meter is 'broken' or switch to a higher night/weekend tariff during daytime. Check that the meter is running and matches the posted daytime rate on the window sticker.
Taxis parked outside major hotels and Vitosha Boulevard clubs often have unofficial 'VIP' stickers and charge double or triple the normal rate. Walk a block to hail a regular cab or use a ride-hailing app instead.