Using a taxi in Varna
As a tourist visiting the unique holiday destination of Varna on the coast of Bulgaria, a Varna taxi is the safest and easiest way of getting around. You can hail one in the street, pick one up at a taxi stand, call a local taxi number, book one via an app, or for a completely seamless journey, you can pre-book a private taxi with Welcome Pickups.
There are more than a thousand green and yellow taxis floating around Varna, each marked with a “ТАКСИ” or “TAXI” rooftop sign to help you recognize them. Regular taxis seat four passengers and for complete transparency, taximeter prices should be displayed on the windows.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARNA AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE | 8.2 € | 10 € | 10 MIN |
| CITY CENTER TO GOLDEN SANDS RESORT | 14.3 € | 17 € | 22 MIN |
| CITY CENTER TO STONE FOREST | 15.5 € | 18 € | 20 MIN |
| CITY CENTER TO SUNNY BEACH | 73 € | 85 € | 1 H 35 MIN |
Varna taxi prices
Varna taxi rates are calculated using a meter, so when you step inside a local taxi, there should be a visible taximeter. That taximeter will calculate your final fare depending on the distance to your destination and the time of day, plus any time spent waiting or at a stand-still in traffic.
For instance, a taxi from Varna Airport to Varna city center will likely cost you €8.20 (BGN 16). That journey is roughly 9 km and takes 10 minutes in light traffic. On the other hand, a taxi from Varna Airport to the Golden Sands Resort will likely cost €27 (BGN 53) as it is a 36 km trip.
Daytime rates (06:00 to 22:00)
Base rate: €1.33 (BGN 2.6)
Per km rate: €0.66 (BGN 1.30)
Waiting time per minute: €0.18 (BGN 0.35)
Nightime rates (22:00 to 06:00)
Base rate: €1.53 (BGN 3)
Per km rate: €0.77 (BGN 1.50)
Waiting time per minute: €0.23 (BGN 0.45)
*Note that while there are slight price variations between companies, the minimum and maximum fare limits are set by the local council.
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How to get a taxi in Varna
Exploring Varna by taxi is easy since there are always plenty of taxis around, especially in the main city center. While most taxis are yellow or green, these days they can be any color and often have advertisements plastered across the doors. In any case, when hailing one from the street, look for a lit-up “TAXI” sign on the roof which indicates that the driver is free.
Alternatively, you can take a Varna taxi service from a designated taxi rank, recognizable by a blue and white “Taxi” sign. These can be found all over the city, particularly outside transport hubs, shopping malls, and popular tourist spots like the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral and Central Railway Station. Companies often have their own dedicated stands too, for example, Hippo Taxi in Varna is always stationed at the Plaza, Port Varna, and the Central Bus Station.
How to get a taxi from Varna Airport
The official taxi stand at Varna Airport is located outside Terminal 2. Triumph Taxi is the official service provider for the airport and you’ll find one of their representatives inside the terminal at the taxi counter ready to assist you.
How to get a taxi from Varna Central Railway Station
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a taxi at the station. As you exit the building, you’ll find a taxi stand to the right in the main car park and to the left along the main road.
How to get a taxi from Varna Central Bus Station
Taxis park up right in front of the main entrance to the bus station at Bus Bay Number 1. If there are no taxis waiting, Grand Mall is right next door where taxi stands can be found near each exit.
How to get a taxi from Port Varna
After disembarking, you’ll find a small car park next to the Yacht Cub at the exit to the Passenger Terminal, where taxis will be lined up. Just a short walk down the road, there should be another line of taxis next to the bus stop.
How to get a taxi from Independence Square (Ploshtad Nezavisimost)
The streets surrounding Independence Square are largely pedestrian walkways so you will need to walk to the outskirts to find a taxi. From the square, the easiest Varna taxi stand to reach is the one outside the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, where you will find a very long line of taxis waiting throughout the day.
Most popular taxi apps in Varna
As much as you plan ahead, sometimes there may not be a taxi available on the street when you need one which is when a Varna taxi app can come in handy. TaxiMe and Maxim work much the same as Uber, allowing you to book a private driver to come directly to you. If you’d rather use a regular taxi but enjoy the convenience of an app, Hippo and Triumf Taxi both have their own, and Talixo allows you to book both taxis and private vehicles.
For rides to and from the airport, it’s important to know that a car will be available when and where you need one, which is why we recommend booking your Varna Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Useful taxi numbers in Varna
If you’re not staying in the city center or prefer not to have to download an app, you can phone a Varna taxi number instead. Keep in mind that some companies may charge an additional fee for this service. Here are some local Varna taxi numbers you can phone for a pickup:
Triumf Taxi: +359 (52) 644 444
Hippo Taxi: +359 (52) 344 444
Omega Trans Taxi: +359 (388) 888
City Taxi: +359 (878) 388 838
JoyTaxi: +359 (52) 303 030
Viva Taxi: +359 (52) 755 555
Why book a Varna taxi in advance?
For a seamless holiday where you don’t have to worry about getting from A to B, we recommend booking your taxi in advance with Welcome. This way, you won’t have to wait for a phone taxi to be dispatched or worry about unlicensed drivers. With Welcome, you’re guaranteed competitive fixed rates, 24/7 customer service, and friendly, English-speaking drivers. Enjoy a stress-free, on-time pickup from wherever you are in Varna to your next destination.
Varna taxi tips
- Overcharging is quite common in Varna, so be sure to ask the driver for a rough estimation of the price before you get into the taxi.
- Most taxis in Varna don’t come with a baby seat as standard. It’s best to pre-book a taxi or private transfer if you need a car seat.
- If you’re paying in cash, remember that the Bulgarian lev is Bulgaria's currency, not the euro. However, since August 2024, Bulgaria has begun transitioning to the euro and some taxi drivers may start to accept it.
- Credit card payments are widely accepted by Varna taxis but it is best to double-check before starting your ride.
- If you’re traveling with a foldable wheelchair this can be placed in the back.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Varna
Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available in Varna but not as common; most cabs are standard 5-seater sedans. We recommend pre-arranging a private transfer ahead of time with a specialized company or travel agency, to ensure your accessibility needs are catered for. Just be sure to mention that you need a wheelchair-accessible cab when you book.
Varna taxi safety and complaints
Varna as a whole is considered a relatively safe city, and the taxis are no different. However, like in most cities, dishonest drivers and taxi scams do exist. If you have any issues with local taxis in Varna, you can contact the following numbers for guidance:
Varna regional police: +359 (52) 615 166
Varna transport police: +359 (52) 502 550
Make sure you note down the driver’s registration number, details of your journey, and your taxi’s license plate to help with your complaint. Alternatively, you can file a complaint directly with the taxi company.