Is There Uber In Bulgaria? Best Uber Alternatives In Bulgaria!

Are you wondering “Is there Uber in Bulgaria?”… Read on!

When I first visited Sofia, I was surprised to find that there were no Ubers available in this European capital. 

This seemed strange since the ride-sharing service is available in many other major cities around the world. But as it turns out, Uber has been banned in Bulgaria for over five years now due to fierce resistance from taxi unions and government inquiries.

So if you’re planning a trip to Bulgaria and were hoping to use Uber to get around, you’ll have to look for alternatives. 

Fortunately, several viable options are available, such as local taxi companies and ride-hailing apps like Yellow Taxis, TaxiMe or TaxiMaxim.

In this article, I’ll cover all your transportation needs while exploring the beautiful country of Bulgaria!

🚗 You’ll need data to use any of these taxi apps. Free WIFI isn’t always available so I suggest using an international eSim to avoid roaming charges. This eSim can be used in 190 countries around the world!

Is There Uber In Bulgaria?

Unfortunately, no. Uber has been banned in Bulgaria since 2015 due to fierce resistance from taxi unions and government inquiries. 

So if you were hoping to use Uber for your travels in Bulgaria, you’ll have to look for alternative options.

Why Is Uber Banned In Bulgaria?

In 2014, Uber began operating in Bulgaria and quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike. However, traditional taxi drivers were not pleased with the competition and launched a fierce resistance campaign which resulted in an inquiry from the government. 

The ban on Uber was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court of Bulgaria. 

All ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are banned. 

Best Uber Alternatives In Bulgaria

As a female solo traveller, I usually feel safer using taxi apps rather than just hailing a cab on the side of the street. 

Apps make it easier to share your exact location with someone if needed and I feel like there is a way to trace the driver if something should go wrong. Taxi apps just give me a greater peace of mind. 

During my time in Bulgaria, I did some research into alternative taxi apps that are operating in the country. I found three reliable apps and all of them are free to download.

Yellow Taxi Sofia

This is the main taxi company providing taxis in Sofia, you’ll see their yellow cabs everywhere!

My first experience with Yellow Taxis wasn’t great, I made the mistake of hailing one down on the street outside my hotel. The driver tried to rip me off and charge me an extortionate price for a quick journey. 

I later booked the same journey, but through the app this time, and the price was less than half of what the original driver had tried to get from me! So I would definitely recommend using the app and paying up front.

Their app is easy to use and is available in English. I found the app to be really similar to Uber and I like that you can choose whether to pay upfront on the app or pay by cash once you’ve got your ride. 

This app is decent and it’s probably the best taxi app in Sofia, but I found that it can be a little glitchy. I had to wait 10 minutes for a driver to accept my ride, but this may have been due to the fact it was late at night and I was slightly outside of the city centre.

TaxiMe

This is one of the most prominent and reliable taxi apps in Bulgaria. The app allows you to easily order a cab from your smartphone, pay with a credit card, and track your driver’s progress as they arrive at your pickup location. 

With TaxiMe, you won’t get charged an extra ‘foreigner fee’ that some traditional taxi companies are known for. Plus, all drivers have reviews so you know exactly who is coming to pick you up.

One thing worth noting is that the app automatically adds a tip to your fare, but it is only small, around 0.60 BGN (~0.30 GBP) and you can alter it if needed.

TaxiMaxim

Similar to TaxiMe, TaxiMaxim is another great option for getting around Bulgaria.

It’s an international company. In Bulgaria, it operates in Sofia, Varna, Burgas, and Plovdiv.

This app allows you to order a cab, track your driver’s progress as they arrive at your pickup location, and pay a fixed price. It also has some good safety features, such as an emergency assistance button in the app. Overall, this is a solid alternative to Uber in Bulgaria.

Download from Google Play Store

Sofia Airport Taxis

When I first visited Bulgaria there was only one official taxi company authorized to serve the Sofia Airport – OK Supertrans. However, during my most recent trip (September 2023) It appeared that Yellow Taxis are now the official airport taxi service.

I’m not sure if OK Supertrans has just rebranded or if these are two separate companies.  OK Supertrans used to be the most copied company by fake taxi drivers so perhaps that is why they have changed to Yellow Taxis.

Getting a taxi from the airport is an easy process. You just need to head to the taxi transfer stand inside the arrivals terminal at the airport. They will then fill out a form with your destination, driver and car details. Take this form to the taxi area outside and find your designated ride. 

This may seem like a bureaucratic process, but it is in place to prevent taxi scams.

Alternatively, you can use the Yellow Taxis app to book your ride.

Other Options For Getting To Sofia City Center From The Airport

While taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Bulgaria, there are also other options available. The country has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trolleys.

I chose to take the metro from the airport to the city centre as I was only travelling with hand luggage, if I had more bags I probably would have gotten a taxi instead.

The metro was convenient and cheap (Just 1.60 BGN – that’s less than 1 euro!) but it did get very crowded at one point!

Even though taxis and public transportation are convenient, it’s crucial for travellers to be aware of the high risk of scams, particularly with unauthorized taxi drivers. It’s important to note that while Yellow taxis are the official airport taxi services, there are often impostors trying to deceive unsuspecting passengers. Stay vigilant!

For this reason, you may feel safer pre-booking an airport transfer. This is the most expensive option,  but it’s also the most comfortable and gives you peace of mind.

Sofia Taxi Prices

A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs 21.50 BGN (€11/£9.45/$12). Whilst getting taxis around the city I have never paid more than 10 euros – unless I was getting scammed!

It is customary to leave a tip – add one or two Bulgarian leva for rides costing less than 10 leva, and two to three leva for rides costing 20 leva.

Taxi Scams In Bulgaria

There are several common taxi scams in Sofia that travellers should be aware of. One of the most common is the “No Meter Scam”, where the driver will conveniently “forget” to turn on the meter and then charge an inflated price at the end of the trip. This can easily be avoided by always insisting that the meter is used.

Another scam is called “pumping” or “Fare Jumping”, where the meter is manipulated to increase the price of the ride. In this case, it’s important to pay attention to the meter and make sure it’s not jumping up rapidly. I’m pretty sure this happened to me, the meter ended up showing a fare of 40 BGN for a journey that I knew should have been 10 BGN maximum!

Some taxi drivers may also try to quote a flat rate instead of using the meter, especially for unsuspecting tourists. This rate is often triple what the actual rate should be. To avoid this, it’s best to ask for an estimate of the fare before getting into the taxi and compare it to the official rates.

Another scam to watch out for is the “Off-Brand Taxis”. These are taxis that may look like reputable brand taxis, but in reality, they have different and inflated rates. They rely on unsuspecting passengers assuming they are getting into a reputable taxi and not checking the price list. Always make sure to check the company name and their official rates before getting in.

The prevalence of taxi scams is one of the main reasons why I prefer to use taxi apps where I can pay upfront and I know that I’m getting into a real taxi.

Rent A Car In Bulgaria

The first time I visited Sofia, my friends and I rented a car to get out of the city and explore the nearby Rila monastery and Sapareva Banya. 

Renting a car was easy and pretty cheap. I think we paid around 15 euros each for rental, gas and insurance. But that was five years ago so prices have probably increased since then. You can check the current rental prices here.

If you want to explore Rila Monastery, Sapareva Banya or Buzludzha then you will need to rent a car or book a guided tour as getting to these places via public transport is virtually impossible.

All three of these places are incredible and I highly recommend you visit them all! I’ve linked some tours below in case you don’t feel confident about renting a car and going solo.

FAQs: Is There Uber In Bulgaria?

Are there Ubers in Bulgaria?

No, unfortunately, Uber is banned in Bulgaria. The Uber Bulgaria ban has been in effect since 2015 due to fierce opposition from taxi unions and government inquiries. This means that if you were hoping to use Uber for your travels in Bulgaria, you’ll have to look for alternative options.

Is Uber Illegal in Bulgaria? 

Yes, uber is illegal in Bulgaria. 

What are the alternatives to Uber in Sofia?

In Sofia, the most popular taxi company is called Yellow Taxis. Their cabs are easily recognizable by their bright yellow color and they can be found all over the city. They also have a user-friendly app available in English, making it easy for tourists to navigate. The app is very similar to Uber, allowing you to choose between paying upfront or paying in cash at the end of your ride.

Is Bolt in Bulgaria?

No Bolt does not operate in Bulgaria since ride-sharing apps like Uber, Bolt and Lyft are banned in Bulgaria.

How to order a taxi in Bulgaria?

To order a taxi in Bulgaria, you can use the Yellow Taxis app or call their hotline. You can also find taxi stands scattered throughout the city or you can directly hail a cab from the street. It’s important to note that some taxis may try to overcharge tourists, so make sure to negotiate the price before getting into the cab.

Do taxis take card in Bulgaria?

Yes, you can pay by card using the taxi apps listed in this article however, if you are hailing a taxi and paying the driver directly then most taxis do not accept payment by card.

What is the best way to get around in Bulgaria?

The best way to get around in Bulgaria is by using public transportation or taxis. The public transportation system in Sofia is extensive and includes buses, trams, and a metro system. Tickets can be bought at kiosks or from the driver/conductor on board.

For shorter distances, walking is also a convenient option as many attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Are taxis cheap in Bulgaria?

Taxis in Bulgaria are generally considered to be affordable and a convenient mode of transportation. However, as mentioned earlier, some taxi drivers may try to overcharge tourists, so make sure to negotiate the price beforehand or use the apps listed in this article for transparent pricing.

How much is a taxi from Sofia airport to the city Centre?

A taxi from the airport to Sofia city centre costs 21.50 Bulgarian lev – roughly 11 euros.

What taxi app do they use in Sofia?

The most popular taxi app in Sofia is Yellow Taxis, which is available in English and offers both upfront payment and cash options. Other popular apps include TaxiMe and TaxiMaxi.  These apps provide transparent pricing and an easy way to order a taxi without having to speak the local language. 

How to get a taxi from Sofia Airport?

Head to the taxi transfer stand inside the arrivals terminal at the airport. They will then fill out a form with your destination, driver and car details. Take this form to the taxi area outside and find your designated ride. This may seem like a bureaucratic process, but it is in place to prevent taxi scams.

Do I need a car in Sofia Bulgaria?

It depends on your personal preference and travel plans. If you plan to stay within the city centre, a car may not be necessary as public transportation and walking are convenient options. However, if you plan to explore more remote areas or outside of the city, a car rental may be beneficial.

Can UK drivers drive in Bulgaria?

Yes, UK drivers can drive in Bulgaria with a valid UK driver’s license. However, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the local driving laws and customs before getting behind the wheel. Driving in Bulgaria may be different from what UK drivers are used to, so exercise caution and follow all rules of the road.

🚗 You’ll need data to use any of these taxi apps. Free WIFI isn’t always available so I suggest using an international eSim to avoid roaming charges. This eSim can be used in 190 countries around the world!

Final Thoughts: Is There Uber In Bulgaria?

Unfortunately, Uber is not available in Bulgaria due to a ban that has been in place for over five years.

However, there are several alternatives such as local taxi companies and ride-hailing apps that make getting around Sofia and other cities in Bulgaria easy and convenient.

So while you won’t be able to use Uber during your trip, there are still plenty of options for transportation. 

If you’re planning a trip to Bulgaria, it’s always a good idea to do some research on the transportation options available in advance so you can plan accordingly. And who knows? You may even discover some unique and interesting ways to get around that you wouldn’t have considered otherwise!

For more destinations and transport guides check out my guides to Uber in Europe and Uber in Croatia.