Bulgaria is a country in southeastern Europe known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. While public transportation options are available, many visitors and residents alike prefer to use taxis and ride-hailing services for their convenience and flexibility. In this article, we will explore how to find and book a taxi or ride-hailing service in Bulgaria, specifically in the capital city of Sofia and major expat locations.
Taxis in Bulgaria
Taxis are widely available in Bulgaria and are often used for transportation around the city, to and from the airport, and for longer trips outside of Sofia. In Bulgaria, taxis are required to have a yellow color and display the company name, registration number, and tariff rates on the side of the vehicle. It is recommended to only use licensed taxis to ensure safety and avoid scams.
How to find a taxi in Sofia
In Sofia, taxis can be easily found on the street, at taxi stands, or hailed via phone or mobile app. Here are some reliable taxi companies and their contact information:
- OK Supertrans: +359 2 973 2121 or via their mobile app
- Radio Taxi 97: +359 2 973 2121 or via their mobile app
- Yellow Taxi: +359 2 91119 or via their mobile app
It is important to note that taxis in Bulgaria are required by law to use a taximeter, and fares are calculated based on the distance traveled and time spent in the vehicle. Tariff rates are displayed on the side of the taxi and should be checked before getting in the vehicle.
How to find a taxi in expat locations
In popular expat locations such as Varna, Burgas, and Plovdiv, taxis can also be found on the street, at taxi stands, or hailed via phone or mobile app. Here are some reliable taxi companies and their contact information:
- Varna: Taxi Varna (+359 52 919 191) or Varna Taxi (+359 52 665 522)
- Burgas: Burgas Taxi (+359 56 910 000) or Taxi 97 Burgas (+359 56 97 00 97)
- Plovdiv: Taxi Plovdiv (+359 32 63 67 67) or Taxi Puls (+359 32 63 63 63)
Ride-hailing Services in Bulgaria
Apart from taxis, ride-hailing services have also gained popularity in Bulgaria in recent years. Uber and Bolt (previously known as Taxify) are the most popular ride-hailing services in Bulgaria.
Uber in Bulgaria
Uber operates in Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia, as well as the coastal cities of Varna and Burgas. To use the service, riders need to download the Uber app, create an account, and enter their payment information. Once signed up, riders can request a ride by entering their pickup location and destination in the app. The app will then display the estimated fare and the expected time of arrival of the driver.
Uber in Bulgaria offers various services, including UberX, UberSELECT, and UberGREEN. UberX is the standard ride-hailing service, which can accommodate up to four riders. UberSELECT offers a more luxurious experience with high-end cars, while UberGREEN provides environmentally friendly vehicles.
Bolt in Bulgaria
Bolt (formerly Taxify) is another popular ride-hailing service in Bulgaria. The company operates in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and several other cities across the country. Bolt can be accessed through their mobile app, which is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store. To use Bolt, riders need to create an account and enter their payment information. Riders can then request a ride by entering their pickup location and destination in the app.
Bolt offers several categories of services in Bulgaria, including Bolt (standard ride-hailing service), Bolt Business (luxury service), and Bolt XL (larger vehicles for groups of up to six passengers). Bolt also offers an electric scooter rental service in Sofia and other cities in the country.
Conclusion
Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient and reliable means of transportation in Bulgaria. While taxis are more common, ride-hailing services offer a modern alternative that has gained popularity in recent years. In Bulgaria, taxis are regulated by the government, which ensures a certain level of safety and reliability for riders. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt offer competitive pricing and are more convenient for riders who prefer to book a ride through a mobile app.