Using Docker build step with Podman

Question

The documentation on Container Managers Integrations and Docker Build Runner doesn't provide clear instructions for running the Docker build step with Podman.

Is it possible to use build agents with only Podman installed to run Docker build steps?

Answer

As of TeamCity 2026.1, there is no official support for using Podman with the Docker Build Runner. Related feature request: Support Podman in Docker/Docker Compose runners.

Workaround

1. Install podman-docker on the build agent.
2. Add the following properties to the buildAgent.properties file of the build agent:

docker.server.version=<Podman version>
teamcity.default.сontainer.engine=podman

This allows running Docker build steps in agents with only Podman installed. Confirmed on TeamCity 2026.1.

Additional information

Podman support for the Docker build step