For an Uber, Bolt or FREENOW driver, navigation is a work tool: a good route saves time and keeps passengers happy. If you are new to Poland and its streets, the right app matters even more. Here is what the main navigation apps actually do, how they work with the driver apps and how to set up your phone safely and legally.
You do not have to install anything extra to start. Each platform has its own approach:
The Uber Driver app has built-in navigation, and you can set a third-party app as your default under Account, App Settings, Navigation. When you tap Navigate, you switch to that app while the Driver app keeps recording trip details so your fare is correct. Tap the banner at the top of the screen to return. Uber also suggests asking the rider about a preferred route.
Bolt's support centre explains how to choose your preferred navigation system: menu, Settings, Navigator, then pick one from the list, and it starts automatically during the job. That article is written for couriers, so check the same menu in your own driver app.
According to a Google Cloud case study, FREENOW built Google Maps navigation directly into its driver app, so drivers can navigate without leaving it.
Start with the built-in option. If you prefer another app, switch the default in settings and test it on a few trips.
Waze describes itself as a community-based traffic and navigation app. Drivers report traffic, crashes, police and hazards such as roadworks, a car on the shoulder, potholes or objects on the road, and Waze uses these reports to suggest better routes. You can also report by voice with the Talk to report option, and you can customise which alerts you see and hear.
Google Maps is the app many newcomers already know from their home country, which makes it an easy start in a new city.
Built into the iPhone and CarPlay. You can download offline maps and still get turn-by-turn directions and arrival times without a signal, in supported areas. Since iOS 14.5 you can report accidents, hazards, speed checks and roadworks.
A free app that lets you download country and region maps and navigate offline once offline mode is on. HERE also offers a separate HERE WeGo Pro app for professional drivers.
Built on OpenStreetMap data and designed for offline use. The free version allows a limited number of map downloads, and paid plans remove the limit.
| Feature | Waze | Google Maps | Apple Maps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offline navigation | No | Yes, downloaded areas | Yes, supported areas |
| Reports from drivers | Yes | Yes, varies by country | Yes, varies by region |
| Car screen | Android Auto, CarPlay | Android Auto, CarPlay | CarPlay |
There is no single best app for everyone. Many drivers combine one app with live reports and one with offline maps as a backup.
Article 45 of the Polish Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym) prohibits using a phone while driving if it requires holding the handset or microphone in your hand. In practice:
Reading Polish addresses. ul. means street (ulica), al. avenue (aleja), pl. square (plac) and os. housing estate (osiedle). An address like "ul. Opolska 12/106" means building 12, flat or office 106. Confirm the entrance with the passenger in the app chat if needed.
We help new drivers get started with Uber, Bolt and FREENOW in 14 Polish cities. You need to be 18+ and hold a Polish category B driving licence, and you can drive without your own car. Our teams speak Polish and English. Read the step-by-step driver guide or apply today.