WelcomeTaxi provides pre-booked private transfers in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, including direct service from Vasil Levski Sofia Airport (SOF). Arrange comfortable airport transfers to the city centre, hotels, residences, business districts, railway stations, and destinations throughout the Sofia region.
Choose a point-to-point transfer, hourly chauffeur service, or long-distance transfer to Plovdiv, Bansko, Borovets, Rila Monastery, Veliko Tarnovo, and other Bulgarian destinations. Vehicles are available for individuals, families, corporate passengers, and groups, with English-speaking drivers available on request.
How It Works
Choose the route and a vehicle |
| Select service type you need, choose the route (or hourly hire duration), indicate number of passengers and luggage, as well as other necessary details if needed. See the price for different vehicle classes, choose one suitable for you and press Next. |
Choose the payment method |
| Complete the booking form, choose the payment method, press Make Booking button, make online prepayment (if needed) and get email confirmation. When a driver will be assigned to your job, his phone number will be emailed to you. |
The driver meets you with a name tag |
| Your driver will meet you on-site with a name tag at the right time. He will walk you to the car and safely drive you to your destination. At the end of your ride, if needed, you will pay in cash or by card-to-card transfer to your driver. |
Our Benefits
English-speaking drivers
Always available — friendly, professional, and communicative.
Fixed prices — no surprises
Know your fare in advance, with no hidden fees.
Meet & greet included
Your driver will wait at arrivals with a name tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a ride?
We recommend booking your transfer or hourly hire service at least 72 hours in advance. If you don’t have that much time, you can request an urgent transfer — we’ll let you know as soon as possible whether we can confirm it.
What pick-up time should I specify for the transfer?
If your transfer starts from an airport or railway station, please specify your flight or train arrival time as the start of your transfer. This helps the driver organize the meeting more accurately.
If your transfer starts from a hotel to an airport, please indicate the time you wish to be picked up at reception. You’ll need to calculate it yourself, allowing extra time for check-in. We recommend adding about 3 hours before your flight’s departure. For example, if your flight leaves at 14:00 and the trip takes 1 hour, your pick-up time should be 10:00.
How do I know if my order has been accepted?
After submitting your booking, you’ll receive an email with all trip details and your order status as “Waiting”. Once we receive and confirm your payment, the status will change to “Accepted”, and you’ll receive another email confirmation.
If you don’t receive the confirmation email, please contact our support team at office@welcome.taxi.
How do I change my booking?
To make changes to your booking, please contact our support team at office@welcome.taxi.
Important note: Requests for changes made less than 72 hours before your trip may be declined.
How can I cancel my booking?
You can cancel your booking in two ways:
- Via the booking page on our website — use the cancellation number provided in your booking voucher, at least 72 hours before the trip.
- By contacting our support team if it’s less than 72 hours before your ride.
Important note: In case of urgent cancellation, we may not be able to refund your deposit. The free cancellation period is stated in your confirmation email.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed by less than 30 minutes, the driver will adjust their arrival time automatically.
If the delay is longer, please inform the driver directly (their phone number is in your confirmation voucher) or contact WelcomeTaxi Customer Support at office@welcome.taxi. Please include your order number and the new arrival time.
Important note: The driver may charge an additional fee for extended waiting time.
How will I find my driver?
For airport transfers, if you’ve added the meet-and-greet option to your order, the driver will meet you in the arrivals area — right after passport control and baggage claim. You’ll see a name sign with your first and last names (or custom text, if specified in your booking).
Important note: We strongly recommend adding the meet-and-greet option to your airport transfer booking.
For hotel pickups, the driver will wait for you in the hotel lobby. Detailed meeting instructions and your driver’s contact number are provided in your booking confirmation voucher.
How can I be sure that my driver will pick me up?
WelcomeTaxi guarantees that your driver will do their best to meet you on time.
Both you and the driver will have each other’s phone or WhatsApp number. Please keep your mobile phone switched on at the time of pickup. If you can’t reach the driver, contact our support team immediately.
I can’t find my driver. What should I do?
If you can’t find your driver, please double-check the name signs again — the driver may have missed you in the crowd.
Try calling or messaging the driver via WhatsApp. If there’s no response within the meeting time, contact our support team.
If necessary, go to the airport’s Information Desk to arrange a local taxi to your destination.
Important note: If the driver fails to meet you, we will refund your payment.
What Our Customers Say
United Kingdom
Highly recommended taxi service
Airport Transfers and Chauffeur-Driven Travel in Sofia
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, as well as the country’s main political, commercial, educational, and cultural centre. Set at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, the city combines Roman remains, Orthodox churches, Ottoman-era landmarks, broad boulevards, modern business districts, parks, museums, and lively residential neighbourhoods.
WelcomeTaxi provides pre-booked private transfers and chauffeur services throughout Sofia and the surrounding region. Transportation can be arranged between the airport, hotels, private residences, offices, railway and bus stations, conference venues, ski resorts, tourist attractions, and destinations elsewhere in Bulgaria.
Passengers may reserve a direct airport pickup, a city transfer, an hourly chauffeur-driven vehicle, or a long-distance journey. Suitable vehicles can be arranged for individual travellers, families, business passengers, organised groups, and customers carrying additional luggage or sports equipment.
Sofia Airport Transfers
Vasil Levski Sofia Airport (SOF), commonly known as Sofia Airport, is the main international airport serving the Bulgarian capital. It is located east of the city centre and consists of two passenger terminals connected by an airport shuttle service.
A pre-booked private airport transfer provides direct transportation from the passenger’s terminal to the requested hotel, residence, office, railway station, ski resort, or regional destination. The pickup arrangements, passenger count, luggage requirements, and vehicle category are confirmed before arrival.
This service is especially convenient for families, groups, late-night arrivals, business travellers following a fixed schedule, and passengers continuing beyond Sofia. It also removes the need to change between the terminal shuttle, metro, bus, and local transport while carrying luggage.
Private Transfers from SOF Airport
With a private airport transfer, the reserved vehicle is used only by the passenger or travelling party. After collection at the agreed meeting point, the journey continues directly to the confirmed destination without additional stops for unrelated passengers.
Sedans are suitable for individuals and small parties with standard luggage. Families and groups can request minivans, vans, minibuses, or coaches, depending on local availability. Executive vehicles may also be arranged for corporate clients, official visitors, conference delegates, and passengers who prefer a higher service category.
English-speaking drivers are available on request. Although availability depends on the route, date, and vehicle type, requesting this service during booking allows an appropriate transport provider to be selected in advance.
Transfers to Sofia Airport
Private departure transfers can be arranged from hotels, apartments, private residences, offices, ski resorts, and other locations in and around Sofia. Passengers should provide their flight departure time and terminal information so that pickup can be planned with sufficient time for traffic, check-in, security, and baggage procedures.
Road conditions can vary considerably between different parts of the city. Travel from central Sofia may be relatively straightforward outside busy periods, while journeys from western districts, Vitosha-area accommodation, or locations outside the ring road may require additional time.
Passengers travelling from Bansko, Borovets, Plovdiv, or another regional destination should allow a substantial margin for road and weather conditions, particularly during winter.
Transportation from Sofia Airport
Sofia Airport is connected to the city by metro, municipal buses, taxis, rental cars, and private transfer services. The best option depends on the passenger’s arrival terminal, destination, luggage, group size, and travel schedule.
Public transport can be practical for independent travellers staying near a convenient metro station or bus stop. A private transfer provides a complete door-to-door journey and is more suitable when the accommodation is outside the central transport network or the passenger has special requirements.
Sofia Airport Metro
The airport metro station is located at Terminal 2 and provides a fast connection towards central Sofia and other parts of the city. Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 must first use the airport’s inter-terminal shuttle or another form of transportation to reach the metro station.
The metro is a convenient option for travellers carrying limited luggage and staying near a station. Connections within the network provide access to central locations and to Sofia’s principal railway and bus stations.
Passengers whose hotel is some distance from the metro may still need to walk, change to a bus or tram, or take a taxi for the final part of the journey. Families, groups, and travellers with several suitcases may find direct private transportation more comfortable.
Airport Buses
Municipal buses connect Sofia Airport with central and residential areas of the city. Bus services can be economical, but journey times are affected by traffic and passengers may need additional local transportation after reaching the final stop.
Buses are generally most practical for travellers familiar with Sofia’s transport system and carrying little luggage. Routes, timetables, and ticketing procedures should be checked close to the travel date.
Airport Taxis
Official taxis operate from designated areas at Sofia Airport. A regular taxi may be practical for a simple journey into the city when a suitable vehicle is available.
Passengers should use the authorised airport taxi arrangements and avoid accepting unsolicited offers from individuals inside or outside the terminal. The destination should be clearly stated, and travellers should confirm how the fare will be calculated.
A pre-booked private transfer provides more certainty regarding vehicle capacity, pickup procedures, luggage, additional stops, and long-distance travel. It is particularly useful when a standard taxi cannot accommodate the entire group.
Car Rental
Rental cars are available at Sofia Airport for travellers who prefer to drive independently. This can provide flexibility for touring Bulgaria, visiting rural areas, or travelling between several cities.
Within Sofia, however, drivers must consider traffic, paid parking zones, one-way streets, congestion, and limited parking near central hotels. Winter journeys to mountain resorts may require suitable tyres, equipment, and experience with snow and icy roads.
For passengers who do not want to manage navigation, parking, and unfamiliar road conditions, private transfers or chauffeur hire offer a practical alternative.
Transportation within Sofia
Sofia has an extensive public transport network consisting of metro lines, trams, buses, and trolleybuses. These services cover the city centre, residential neighbourhoods, business areas, railway stations, shopping districts, and many visitor attractions.
Central Sofia is also relatively walkable. Major landmarks around Serdika, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Boulevard, the National Palace of Culture, and the city’s historic centre can often be explored on foot.
Private transportation becomes more useful when the itinerary includes several districts, business appointments, suburban hotels, Vitosha Mountain, luggage transfers, or destinations outside the public transport network.
Metro, Trams, and Buses
The Sofia Metro provides efficient connections between many important parts of the capital. Trams, buses, and trolleybuses extend the network into areas not directly served by metro stations.
Public transport is suitable for independent sightseeing and routine urban journeys. Passengers should check current ticketing and validation rules, as well as whether their route requires a change between services.
During peak commuting periods, vehicles can be crowded. Travellers with large suitcases, child equipment, or limited mobility may prefer a reserved door-to-door vehicle.
Regular Taxis and Ride-Booking Services
Taxis are widely available in Sofia and can be ordered through local companies and mobile applications. They are useful for short, spontaneous journeys when passengers do not require a particular vehicle category or advance arrangements.
Visitors should use reputable operators and check that the taxi is clearly marked. Unofficial drivers and misleadingly branded vehicles can create confusion, particularly around airports, railway stations, and busy tourist areas.
A pre-booked service is more appropriate for airport arrivals, important business appointments, larger groups, several planned stops, or journeys beyond the city.
Why Pre-Book a Private Transfer in Sofia?
Pre-booking allows the transport arrangements to be confirmed before travel. The pickup location, date, time, destination, passenger count, luggage, and vehicle requirements are included in a single reservation.
This offers greater predictability than searching for a suitable taxi after arrival. The provider knows in advance whether the journey requires a sedan, executive vehicle, van, minibus, child seat, additional luggage capacity, or transportation beyond Sofia.
A reserved vehicle is particularly valuable for families and groups. Instead of separating into several taxis, passengers can request one vehicle suitable for the entire travelling party.
Advance booking is also recommended for winter resort transfers. Journeys to Bansko, Borovets, and other mountain destinations require consideration of luggage, ski equipment, road conditions, and the selected vehicle.
Corporate passengers benefit from having transportation arranged around their flight and meeting schedule. Companies can also coordinate vehicles for executives, employees, visiting partners, event guests, and conference delegates.
Chauffeur Service in Sofia
WelcomeTaxi offers chauffeur service for passengers who need a vehicle for several hours rather than a single point-to-point journey. The vehicle and driver remain available during the confirmed service period and follow the agreed itinerary.
Hourly hire can be used for business meetings, corporate roadshows, city sightseeing, shopping, private appointments, weddings, restaurant visits, conferences, and events. The service may begin at Sofia Airport, a hotel, a residence, or another confirmed location.
Passengers should provide the expected duration, approximate itinerary, number of stops, passenger count, and any planned travel outside Sofia. This helps determine the most appropriate vehicle and booking conditions.
Corporate and Executive Transportation
Sofia is Bulgaria’s main centre for government, finance, technology, professional services, international organisations, and higher education. Executive transportation can be arranged for visiting managers, consultants, diplomats, investors, and conference participants.
A chauffeur-driven vehicle can operate between the airport, central hotels, offices, Sofia Tech Park, business districts, embassies, conference venues, restaurants, and industrial locations.
For larger delegations, several coordinated vehicles or a minibus may be requested. Providing flight details and the full programme in advance helps organise arrivals, waiting periods, venue transfers, and return journeys.
Private Sightseeing in Sofia
Sofia contains architectural and archaeological landmarks from several periods of its history. Popular attractions include Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Church, the Roman remains around Serdika, the National Archaeological Museum, the Russian Church, Boyana Church, and the National History Museum.
Many central landmarks are located within walking distance of one another. A chauffeur-driven vehicle is especially useful when combining the city centre with Boyana, the foothills of Vitosha Mountain, suburban museums, shopping centres, or several locations in one day.
Passengers should arrange attraction tickets and guided tours separately unless they are expressly included in another service. WelcomeTaxi provides transportation and waiting according to the confirmed itinerary.
Transfers to Sofia Railway and Bus Stations
Sofia Central Railway Station and the adjacent Central Bus Station are important hubs for domestic and international travel. Private transfers can be arranged between these stations, Sofia Airport, hotels, private addresses, and business locations.
A reserved vehicle is convenient for passengers with luggage, families, elderly travellers, and groups connecting between a flight and an intercity train or bus.
Passengers should provide the scheduled train or bus departure time and allow sufficient time for traffic and finding the correct platform or departure area. For arrivals, the service should be booked using the published arrival time and route details.
Regional Transfers and Excursions from Sofia
Sofia is a convenient base for journeys throughout western Bulgaria. Private transfers can be arranged as direct one-way services, return excursions with waiting time, or parts of a multi-day itinerary.
The booking request should clearly state whether the driver is expected to remain during sightseeing. A point-to-point transfer does not automatically include waiting at the destination.
Vitosha Mountain
Vitosha Mountain rises immediately south of Sofia and is one of the capital’s most popular recreation areas. Visitors travel there for hiking, winter activities, viewpoints, restaurants, and access to natural attractions.
Road access and weather conditions vary by season. During winter, snow, ice, parking restrictions, and temporary road controls may affect the nearest possible drop-off point.
A private transfer can be arranged from Sofia Airport or a city hotel to an accessible location on Vitosha. Return pickup should be agreed in advance, particularly outside normal urban operating areas.
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural and religious landmarks and a popular excursion from Sofia. It is located in the Rila Mountains, away from the main urban transport network.
A private vehicle provides direct travel from a Sofia hotel or from the airport. The journey may be booked as a one-way transfer or as a return excursion with an agreed waiting period.
Visitors should check opening times, access arrangements, and seasonal road conditions separately. Appropriate clothing is advisable because temperatures in the mountains may differ considerably from those in Sofia.
Plovdiv
Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-largest city and one of the country’s principal cultural destinations. It is known for its Roman theatre, Old Town, Kapana creative district, museums, restaurants, and event programme.
Private transfers between Sofia and Plovdiv offer direct hotel-to-hotel transportation without the need to reach a railway or bus station. The service is suitable for tourists, corporate passengers, families, and groups.
Transfers can also be arranged from Sofia Airport directly to Plovdiv, allowing passengers to continue east without first entering central Sofia.
Koprivshtitsa
Koprivshtitsa is a historic mountain town known for its traditional architecture, museums, cobbled streets, and connection with Bulgaria’s National Revival period.
Public transport options can be less convenient for a short visit, particularly when schedules require additional transfers. A chauffeur-driven excursion allows passengers to travel directly from Sofia and return according to an agreed programme.
Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo is a historic city in central Bulgaria, known for Tsarevets Fortress, its hillside setting, traditional houses, and importance as a former medieval capital.
A private transfer from Sofia provides direct transportation to hotels, residences, or visitor areas in Veliko Tarnovo. Because this is a longer journey, passengers should allow sufficient time and provide any planned stops in advance.
Ski Resort Transfers from Sofia
Sofia Airport is a major arrival point for winter travellers continuing to Bulgaria’s mountain resorts. Private ski transfers can be arranged to Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo, and smaller winter destinations.
Passengers should provide accurate luggage details, including skis, snowboards, boots, and other equipment. A vehicle suitable for the number of passengers may not automatically have enough capacity for several large equipment bags.
Sofia to Bansko
Bansko is Bulgaria’s largest and best-known ski resort. It is located south of Sofia at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and attracts visitors for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, spa hotels, and year-round mountain tourism.
A private transfer offers direct transportation from Sofia Airport or a city hotel to accommodation in Bansko. This avoids changing at bus stations and makes it easier to travel with winter clothing and sports equipment.
Journey time can increase during weekends, public holidays, heavy snowfall, and peak ski periods. Passengers should provide the complete hotel or apartment address because accommodation is spread across the town and resort zone.
Sofia to Borovets
Borovets is one of the closest major ski resorts to Sofia and is located in the Rila Mountains near Samokov. It is popular for winter sports, mountain holidays, conferences, and summer activities.
Private transfers can operate directly to hotels, chalets, and apartment complexes. During winter, road and parking conditions may affect the precise drop-off point.
Sofia to Pamporovo
Pamporovo is a ski resort in the Rhodope Mountains and is considerably farther from Sofia than Borovets. Private transfers may still be arranged for passengers who require direct door-to-door travel.
The full route should be booked in advance, with sufficient time allowed for mountain roads and seasonal weather. Depending on flight schedules, another Bulgarian airport may sometimes provide a more convenient connection, but Sofia remains an important international gateway.
Long-Distance Transfers from Sofia
WelcomeTaxi can arrange long-distance road transfers from Sofia to destinations throughout Bulgaria. Direct transportation is useful for groups, families, business passengers, and travellers whose final destination is not close to a railway station or scheduled bus route.
Transfers to the Black Sea Coast
Private transfers can be requested from Sofia to Burgas, Varna, Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Sozopol, Golden Sands, and other destinations along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
These are substantial road journeys. Domestic flights, trains, or scheduled coaches may be more practical for some passengers, but private transportation offers direct access to the final hotel or residence and allows planned stops along the way.
Resort names and hotel addresses should be provided carefully because coastal tourism areas often extend across several neighbouring municipalities.
Transfers to Ruse and Northern Bulgaria
Ruse is a major city on the Danube and an important commercial and transport centre near the Romanian border. Private transfers from Sofia may be arranged for business, tourism, family travel, or onward international journeys.
Other northern destinations may include Pleven, Lovech, Troyan, and towns in the Balkan Mountains. Exact addresses and intermediate stops should be included in the quotation request.
Cross-Border Transfers
Sofia’s location makes international road transfers possible to neighbouring countries, including North Macedonia, Serbia, Greece, Romania, and Turkey. Common requests may include Skopje, Niš, Belgrade, Thessaloniki, Bucharest, and Istanbul.
Cross-border journeys require advance confirmation because driver permissions, vehicle documentation, road tolls, border procedures, working hours, and entry rules can affect availability and price.
Passengers are responsible for ensuring that they hold the correct passports, visas, permits, and other documents for every country on the route. Border waiting times cannot always be predicted and should be considered when planning onward flights or appointments.
Useful Travel Information for Sofia
Bulgarian is the official language. English is widely used in many hotels, restaurants, tourism businesses, and international companies, but it should not be assumed that every taxi driver speaks English. An English-speaking driver should be requested in advance when required.
Bulgaria uses the euro. Card payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and many transport services, although carrying a small amount of cash can still be useful.
Sofia has warm summers and cold winters. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are possible during the winter months, particularly on roads leading to mountain resorts.
Traffic can be heavy during weekday commuting periods and around major junctions, shopping centres, event venues, and the ring road. Passengers should allow additional time before airport, train, and bus departures.
Central parking is regulated, and some accommodation is located along pedestrian or restricted-access streets. Providing the complete property name and address helps the driver identify the nearest practical pickup or drop-off location.
Booking Transfers and Chauffeur Services in Sofia
To request transportation, provide the travel date, pickup time, complete pickup and destination addresses, passenger count, and luggage details. Airport bookings should also include the flight number, terminal, and scheduled arrival or departure time.
For chauffeur hire, include the expected duration and approximate itinerary. Ski transfers should specify all sports equipment. Long-distance requests should list every planned stop and the final destination.
Passengers requiring child seats, oversized luggage, several pickup points, wheelchair-accessible transportation, or a specific vehicle category should mention these requirements before confirmation. Special equipment and particular vehicles remain subject to local availability.
Whether the booking is a short transfer from SOF Airport, a chauffeur-driven day in Sofia, a ski resort transfer, or a long-distance journey across Bulgaria, advance reservation provides a clearer and more comfortable transportation plan.


