The passenger transportation market in Poland has changed beyond recognition over the past decade. Today, a taxi app is the primary work tool for drivers: without it, it’s hard to imagine effectively finding rides or planning a schedule. Qiwi Partner has prepared this guide for people who are just considering the possibility work as a driver in Poland and want to know where to start.
How taxi apps work
The taxi app for drivers works on a simple principle: a passenger opens the app to order a taxi, enters the pickup location and destination, and the algorithm then finds the nearest available driver. All the driver needs to do is log into the app, press the “start” button, and wait for a ride request. The entire system—ride dispatch, navigation, and payment—works through the phone.
Several factors directly affect earnings. Dynamic pricing means that during peak hours, when it rains, or late at night on weekends, the cost of a ride can increase two- or even threefold. The passenger rating system rewards drivers with high ratings—over 4.7 points—with more orders. Each platform charges a commission ranging from 12% to 28% of the trip cost. After a few weeks of work, this difference becomes noticeable.
To legally provide transportation services through taxi apps in Poland, a driver must have Class B driver's license with at least three years of experience, valid medical and psychological examination results, as well as a taxi license or a document confirming the right to provide transportation services. Payment partners They often assist with the preparation of these documents, which makes it much easier for foreigners to get started.
Ranking of the 5 Most Popular Taxi Apps in Poland
The taxi app market in Poland is fairly consolidated: a few platforms significantly dominate the rest. Below is an overview of the five main players, taking into account their service areas, commission rates, and terms for foreigners. When comparing platforms, it’s worth paying attention not only to the commission rates but also to the actual number of rides each one provides in your city.
1. Bolt
Bolt, which was known as Taxify until 2019, is now the leader in terms of the number of active drivers in Poland. The Estonian platform operates in dozens of Polish cities, from Warsaw and Kraków to Białystok, Rzeszów, and Toruń. The app Bolt for Drivers It features an interface in Ukrainian and Russian, which is a real advantage for people who have recently arrived in Poland.
Bolt charges a commission of approximately 15–20%. Payment partners can provide daily payouts. The bonus system is active and substantial: drivers can earn additional bonuses for completing a set number of trips during the week. The app interface for drivers is intuitive, and most people get the hang of it within their first day on the job.
| Parameter | Details |
| Commission | fixed at 30.75% |
| Work Location | dozens of cities |
| Interface languages | Polish, English, Ukrainian, Russian |
| Payments | weekly or daily through a partner |
Read more about drivers' earnings How much does a Bolt driver earn?
2. Uber
Uber has been operating in Poland since 2014 and has a particularly strong presence in the country’s largest metropolitan areas: Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań, and Gdańsk. This provides access to a large passenger base, including tourists and business travelers who are accustomed to using the platform. The app Uber for Taxi Drivers offers several service categories: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Van, and Uber Green. Drivers with newer cars can earn significantly more.
The commission is approximately 25–281 TP4T, but the higher cost of the ride for the passenger often offsets this difference. Customer support is available in English and, increasingly, in Ukrainian as well. Document registration is done entirely online, which significantly simplifies the process for people unfamiliar with Polish procedures.
| Parameter | Details |
| Commission | approximately 25–40% |
| Work Location | all of Poland |
| Supported languages | Polish, English, Ukrainian |
| Categories | UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Van, Uber Green |
Read more about drivers' earnings How much does an Uber driver earn?
3. FreeNow
FreeNow is an app Taxis for drivers with a slightly different operating model. The platform serves both traditional licensed taxis and private vehicles. It operates in Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Łódź, simultaneously attracting two categories of customers: those looking for a traditional taxi and those who use the platform similarly to Uber. Thanks to this, drivers can receive a more stable flow of orders. The commission is approximately 20–25%.
Registration involves a few more formalities: you’ll need a taxi license or a partnership with a payment provider. FreeNow is particularly well-suited for experienced drivers or those looking for a more predictable work schedule.
| Parameter | Details |
| Commission | approximately 20–25% |
| Work Location | all of Poland |
| Requirements | a license or a partnership with a payment processor |
Read more about drivers' earnings How much does a Freenow driver earn?
How to Choose the Best App for a Taxi Driver
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The city where you work is a key factor. In Warsaw, all platforms provide a steady stream of rides. In a city with a population of about 200,000, Bolt may have several hundred drivers. Paradoxically, this sometimes means less competition.
Knowing Polish is useful in practice. Bolt and Uber offer support in Ukrainian and English; the list of available options also depends on the documents you have on file. Bolt, Uber, and Freenow accept drivers who work through settlement partner without a taxi license of their own.
Working with multiple platforms is now standard practice among experienced drivers. A common approach is to use Bolt as the primary platform, Uber as an additional source of rides in major cities, and iTaxi or OptiTaxi during periods of lower demand. It’s important to remember: a lower commission doesn’t always mean higher earnings. A platform with a 20% commission that provides twice as many rides can yield a better monthly result than a service with a 15% commission and infrequent orders.
Expert opinion: Which app should you choose to get started?
The choice of platform depends on the city, the driver’s schedule, and their personal goals. When evaluating apps, it’s important to consider not only the commission rate but also the number of rides, the availability of support, the terms of enrollment, and opportunities to earn extra income through bonus programs.
In Qiwi Partner We recommend that beginners try out a few popular platforms and assess their effectiveness in their region. This approach helps you determine which service best meets your expectations regarding income, schedule, and working conditions. Complete the entire process of registration, legalization, and starting work as a driver in Poland. Working through an app is one of the most accessible ways to quickly enter the job market. To get started, you need a driver’s license, a working phone, and a willingness to work.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Online Taxis in Poland
Can I order a taxi without a Polish phone number?
As a passenger—yes. Bolt, Uber, and FreeNow accept foreign phone numbers. To register as a driver through a payment partner, you usually need an active contact number. In practice, most drivers in Poland use a Polish SIM card, as it simplifies document verification and daily communication.
Which companies offer support in Russian or Ukrainian?
Bolt offers support in Ukrainian both in the app for taxi drivers and via email. Uber has an English-language support center and is increasingly providing assistance in Ukrainian, especially in Warsaw and Kraków. FreeNow operates primarily in Polish. If support in a language you understand is a priority, Bolt may be the safer option to start with.
Where can I work as a driver?
App-based driving jobs are available in nearly every city in Poland with a population of over 100,000. Warsaw accounts for over 40% of all app-based rides in the country, making it the most dynamic market. Krakow, Wrocław, and the Tri-City also see strong demand, with seasonal growth in the summer.
For people who have recently arrived in Poland and are looking for work, partnering with a payroll agency is the fastest way to get started. You rent a vehicle, complete the necessary paperwork, and start your first shifts right away.
