Taxis in Sofia - How to Travel Safely in 2026

As someone who's been guiding visitors through Sofia for years, I've seen both the best and worst of the city's taxi scene. 

While Sofia's taxi system can be incredibly convenient and affordable, it's also notorious for scams targeting unsuspecting travelers. 

This guide will help you navigate Sofia's taxis like a local and ensure you never overpay.

Scam Taxis in Sofia

Sofia has a persistent problem with copycat taxis that deliberately mimic legitimate services. These fake taxis can charge up to 20 times higher than standard rates—I've heard horror stories of visitors paying €40 for rides that should cost €5.

Common Scam Tactics:

• Copycat companies mimicking OK Supertrans with names like "OK SuperChance," "OK SofiaTrans," "OK Superplus"

• No meter tricks where drivers "forget" to turn it on, then quote inflated flat rates

• Dual meters that switch between "Bulgarian" and "tourist" rates mid-journey

• Deceptive price stickers displaying "5.20 BGN/km" formatted to look like "0.52 BGN/km"

High-Risk Locations:

• Sofia Airport

• Central Railway Station

• Central Bus Station

• Outside major hotels

How to Recognize a Licensed Taxi

Required Features on All Legitimate Taxis:

• Unified price list stickers on all windows, windshield, and dashboard

• Driver's photo ID card displayed on dashboard

• Light indicator on front windscreen (green = available, red = occupied)

• Company name and phone number clearly displayed

• Working taximeter near gear shift or passenger seat

For OK Supertrans Specifically:

• Phone number 9732121 on vehicle (cannot be faked)

• Name in Cyrillic: СУПЕРТРАНС (not "Супершанс" or "Сититранс")

How to Order a Taxi (Safely)

1. By Phone

• Call company directly for guaranteed legitimate vehicle

• Dispatcher provides taxi number and estimated arrival time

• Write down the taxi number and verify it matches the vehicle

• English-speaking dispatchers available at major companies

• Arrival time: 3-7 minutes in central Sofia

2. With an App

• Top apps: Taxi Me, Yellow Taxi, Volt Premium Taxi

• See estimated fare upfront

• Track driver in real-time via GPS

• Pay by card through the app

• Keep digital record of all trips

• Driver details and license plate shown before arrival

3. Grabbing a Licensed Cab Off the Streets (Last Resort)

• Check price stickers on windows BEFORE entering

• Verify driver's ID on dashboard

• Ensure meter starts immediately when engine starts. 

• Exit immediately if meter isn't turned on or rates exceed €1/km

What Are Standard Taxi Rates in Sofia?

Real-World Examples:

• Airport to city center: €4.50-€9 (20-30 minutes)

• National Palace of Culture to Central Railway Station (4.6 km): ~€3.50

• Any trip within the city: Should never exceed €20

Red Flag Rates: €1.80 per km or €2.50 per minute waiting = SCAM

Exchange rate: 1.95 BGN = 1 EUR (fixed)

[PHOTO: Taxi meter display] Alt text: Working taxi meter

Tips for Using Taxis in Sofia Safely

1. Always use an app or call ahead

2. Check price stickers before entering – Anything over €1/km is a red flag

3. Verify the meter is running – Should start ticking the moment the engine starts

4. Know the approximate cost beforehand – Use fare calculators or ask your hotel

5. Carry small bills – Prevents "no change" excuses

6. Check for driver's ID card – No ID = illegal taxi

5 Safe Taxi Companies in Sofia

1. Taxi Me The most popular app-based service with real-time tracking and card payments. Offers Standard, Comfort, Luggage, and Green (eco-friendly) options.

• Rate: €0.40/km day, €0.45/km night

• Phone: +359 16 178 009 294

• App: iOS and Android

2. Yellow Taxi (Yellow 333) Official Sofia Airport contract company with 6+ million annual customers. Advance booking and in-app payment available.

• Rate: Standard Sofia rates

• Phone: 02/91119 or 1219

• App: iOS and Android

• Website: yellow333.com

3. OK Supertrans Most well-known company and only authorized operator from airport taxi lanes. Bright yellow vehicles with blue "OK" logo. Most frequently copied brand—register at airport desk.

• Rate: Standard Sofia rates

• Phone: 02 973 21 21

• Address: ul. "Boyan Magesnik" 1, 1574 Reduta, Sofia

• Website: oktaxi.net

4. Volt Premium Taxi Luxury service with BMW 5-series hybrids, uniformed drivers, and butler-like service. Higher prices but guaranteed quality.

• Rate: Premium (higher than standard)

• Phone: +359 875 777 555

• App: iOS and Android

• Website: taxivolt.bg

5. OK Supertrans Airport Desk Safest option for first-time visitors. Register inside terminal before exiting to guarantee legitimate taxi.

• Location: Arrivals Hall, Terminal 1 & 2, Sofia Airport

• Phone: 02 973 21 21

FAQ

Is Uber available in Sofia?

No, Uber does not operate in Bulgaria. The service was banned nationwide in 2015 after opposition from taxi unions and a government inquiry. Lyft and similar ridesharing apps are also unavailable. Use local taxi apps like Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi instead.

Should I tip taxi drivers in Sofia?

Tipping is customary but modest. Round up to the next leva at minimum. For rides under €5, add €1-2. For rides under €10, add €2-3. Most rides from the airport shouldn't exceed €10, making €1-2 tips standard.

Do Sofia taxis accept credit cards?

Many legitimate taxis accept cards, especially when booked through apps. However, always confirm before the ride begins. Some drivers claim their card machine is "broken"—if you insist on card payment, it often miraculously starts working. Apps eliminate this issue with guaranteed card payment.

What if I get into a scam taxi?

Stay calm. If you notice the meter racing or the driver refuses to use it, ask to be dropped off immediately at the nearest safe location. Only pay what's shown on the meter (if running).

How much should a taxi from Sofia Airport cost?

€4.50-€9 (9-18 leva) to city center depending on exact destination and traffic. Anything over €10 is likely a scam. The ride takes 20-30 minutes. Never accept flat rate fees of €20-40 that some drivers claim are "standard."

Can I book a taxi in advance?

Yes, all major companies allow advance booking by phone or app. This is highly recommended for airport pickups or early morning departures. Volt Premium Taxi specializes in pre-scheduled rides with guaranteed punctuality.

What's the difference between day and night rates?

Night rates (10 PM - 6 AM) are slightly higher than day rates (6 AM - 10 PM). The difference is about €0.10 per kilometer. Make sure drivers don't activate night rates during daytime—this is a common trick.

Are there taxis at Sofia Airport 24/7?

Yes, OK Supertrans operates 24/7 at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Register at their desk inside the arrivals hall for guaranteed service at any hour. Yellow Taxi also services the airport around the clock.

What should I do if the driver doesn't speak English?

Use Google Translate or show your destination on Google Maps. When booking by phone, apps, or through the airport desk, this information is communicated in advance. Most scam attempts happen when there's a language barrier, so having your destination written in Bulgarian helps.

Is it safe to take taxis alone at night in Sofia?

Yes, when using legitimate companies booked through apps or by phone. Avoid hailing taxis off the street late at night. Premium services like Volt offer extra peace of mind for solo travelers with professionally trained drivers and 24/7 customer support.

Can taxis take me outside Sofia?

Yes, most companies offer intercity transfers. Discuss pricing upfront as rates for longer journeys may be negotiated rather than metered. Volt Premium Taxi specializes in airport transfers to ski resorts like Bansko (2.5 hours) and cities like Plovdiv (1.5 hours).

Conclusion

Navigating Sofia's taxi system doesn't have to be stressful. By using apps like Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi, verifying licenses, and knowing standard rates, you'll avoid scams completely. Always check price stickers before entering, ensure the meter runs, and trust your instincts. Most Sofia taxi drivers are honest professionals—but knowing how to spot the bad ones keeps your trip smooth and affordable.