How to Build a Taxi App like Yandex Go in Russia

November 6, 2025

The ride-hailing industry is growing profitably in Russia, and no wonder apps like Yandex Go have completely changed how people travel. This growing demand for Yandex Go among today’s audience has opened a strong business opportunity for modern entrepreneurs looking to scale a business online. If you also want to build a taxi app like Yandex Go in Russia, keep in mind to be careful and build smart strategies. Want to know how to invest in a taxi app clone?

Keep reading this post! Below, we shared a detailed guide on the development steps on how to build a reliable, user-friendly, and profitable taxi app that can compete with giants like Yandex Go.

About The Original App- Yandex Go

Before you build your own taxi app, it’s smart to look at one of the best in the game,  Yandex Go. It’s more than just a ride-hailing app; it’s a full-service platform that makes daily travel effortless for millions across Russia and nearby regions.

Yandex Go connects riders with drivers in seconds. The app is known for its smooth design, fast performance, and dependable tracking system, which makes rides feel safe and convenient.

But what really sets Yandex Go apart is its all-in-one experience. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• It handles ride requests, tracks drivers in real time, and displays estimated fare upfront, all in one tap.
• It offers multi-stop rides, suggesting nearby cheaper pickup spots to save users time and money.
• In many cities, it has expanded into food or grocery delivery, and even scooter rentals, making it a “super app” rather than just a taxi app.
• It’s trusted by millions across Russia and other countries, showing how a great user experience and smart rollout can build a strong brand.

Studying Yandex Go gives you real insight into what works in the ride-hailing space. Use these ideas for inspiration to build a taxi app that feels smooth, reliable, and built for users.

Steps to Build a Taxi App like Yandex Go in Russia

Starting a taxi app like Yandex Go in Russia means making something people trust. You’ll need a plan, a layout that works, and support that lasts. Let’s walk through the steps together:

Market Research & Planning

First off, you’ll look at what rides people use now and what they don’t like about current apps. Ask: What features do riders want? What gets drivers on board? Jot down what your app should offer and how it will stand out. A solid plan helps you move ahead without guessing and keeps your budget under control.

Platform Choice (iOS, Android, or Hybrid)

Next, decide where you want to launch your platform. Android app development partner is a great choice if you want to target a huge user base. And if you want to target premium users, then iOS is a great choice. However, hybrid app development enables businesses to invest in both. And keep in note that each option has an impact on launch speed, reach, and budget.

UI/UX Design

Your app needs to look friendly and work fast. Riders should open the app, book a ride, and feel good while doing it. Clean buttons, clear labels, and smooth navigation matter. A smart layout makes people trust your app and keeps them coming back.

Core Feature Development

Now you build the main features: ride booking, tracking the car, showing drivers, and handling payments. Keep it focused at first. Too many extras early can slow things down and raise costs. Get the essentials done well, then you can add cooler stuff later once users are on board.

Real-Time GPS & Maps

A taxi app without accurate tracking isn’t good. Make sure the map shows the driver’s location, arrival time, and the route clearly. Riders should feel confident that they’re on the right app. In AI Taxi App development, integrating intelligent GPS tracking ensures real-time accuracy and enhances user trust. Good GPS makes your service feel fast, trusted, and familiar.

Payment Setup

How riders pay matters a lot. You’ll want cards, wallets, maybe cash if local habits allow. Make the payment process simple and clean. If paying causes problems, users leave. Keep payment smooth so your app doesn’t just work-it feels reliable.

Testing Before Launch

Before you launch, test everything. Ride bookings, driver logins, and payments-check all. Try on different phones and networks. Catching bugs now means fewer complaints later. When it works well at launch, people say good things, and your app gets trust early.

Launch and Ongoing Support

Finally, you launch. But the work doesn’t stop there. Listen to user feedback, make fixes, roll out updates, and keep your app fresh. A taxi app that improves over time will win in the long run. Your service stays current, and riders stay loyal.

Cost to Develop a Taxi App like Yandex Go

Let’s talk money, one of the most important parts of building a taxi app. The cost varies a lot depending on how you build it and what features you add.

Estimated Cost Ranges

If you want to invest in a simple clone, then it will range from $20,000 to $80,000. However, for a better version- a mid-level app with custom development, expect your budget to be in $50,000 to $250,000.

If your software is fully equipped with smart integrations, APIs, and advanced technologies that compete with well-known taxi apps, then your budget can exceed $350,000.

What Affects the Cost?

• Platform choice (just Android vs. Android + iOS)
• Feature complexity (basic rides vs. multi-service mobility)
• Design quality and user experience
• Location and hourly rate of your development team
• Backend systems and third-party integrations
• Ongoing maintenance, updates, and infrastructure

In short, if you keep things focused, you can build a good app at an affordable cost. If you go all out, the budget will rise, but the payoff can be bigger.

Conclusion 

Overall, launching a taxi app like Yandex Go in the Russian ride-hailing industry has high business potential. Let’s be honest: building a profitable platform requires careful planning, a clear design, and continuous support. Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to invest in a clone, what matters most is choosing the right development partner.

And that’s where RichestSoft, the Top Taxi Booking App Development Solutions, comes in. Our team is aware of the specific trends in the Russian market. We build effective strategies and help businesses at every development stage, from planning and consultations to testing and long-term assistance. With RichestSoft as a partner, you can smartly build and develop your taxi app concept into a powerful, scalable, and successful business.