Wondering how to take a taxi in Rome?
Find out how to get one, what they cost, whether you should take it to/from the airport, and how not to get ripped off!
Taxi Stands / Rank
The most typical way to get a taxi in Rome is to go to a taxi stand (rank). Look for an orange sign with “TAXI” on it, and you’ll see white city taxis lined up. Just go to the one at the front of the line. If it’s unclear who is first, don’t worry—they have a code of honor and will let you know.
If there are no taxis at the stand, you can wait there as they usually show up soon. However, finding a taxi can be tough on major holidays like New Year’s Eve, during bad weather, or if there’s a strike. Taxi stands are all over Rome: at airports, train stations, and near major tourist sites.
Taxi stands map in Rome
During my trip to Rome, I noticed that most tourist spots had these bright orange signs with “TAXI” written on them. It seemed pretty straightforward, but I still found myself wandering around looking for the exact taxi stand a couple of times.
After some searching, I discovered MapHub, which had exactly what I needed. With their detailed map, I could easily locate Rome taxi stands around the city. It made getting around so much easier and stress-free. If you’re heading to Rome and need a reliable taxi stand map, I highly recommend checking out MapHub. It was a game-changer for me!
Hailing a Taxi
Hailing a taxi isn’t common in Rome. You won’t often find empty cabs driving around. If they’re driving, they usually have a fare, are heading home, answering a radio booking, or getting to the nearest taxi rank.
If you’re exhausted and don’t want to search for a taxi stand, you can try hailing one, especially if you see an empty taxi with the light on. However, they might pass you by or ask where you’re going to see if it’s convenient for them.
Rome City Taxi Booking | Useful Phone Numbers
While you can try waving down a taxi on the street, it’s often more effective to book one in advance, especially if you’re not fluent in Italian. Here are some convenient ways to book a taxi in Rome:
Booking a Taxi
Through Your Host or Hotel Concierge
If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the concierge to call a taxi for you. They are typically happy to help and will ensure the taxi arrives promptly.
By Phone
The most common number to call for a taxi in Rome is 060609. This number connects you to Rome’s taxi service, and they will dispatch the nearest available taxi to your location. Be ready to leave as taxis usually arrive within minutes.
Via the Chiama Taxi Utente App
This official app of Roma Capitale (Click to get the app) is intuitive and available in English. After signing up, you can book a taxi directly from your mobile phone. The app uses GPS to locate you and allows for easy data entry via touch, as well as direct voice contact with the nearest taxi.
Other Useful Taxi Numbers in Rome
066645 – Pronto Taxi
Pronto Taxi, established in 1974, can also be contacted via SMS, WhatsApp, or Telegram at +39 3420093509. For services to/from Fiumicino with pick-up at Terminal 2, you can call 0666182860.
063570 – Radio Taxi
This is the largest taxi cooperative in Rome, offering additional services and ISO 9001 certification. For women traveling alone at night, the “For Her” service operates from 01:00 to 05:00. Call 06.35701 to use this service. They also have an app called “Taxi Sordi” for deaf individuals, developed in collaboration with the National Deaf Authority.
065551 – Samarcanda
With a fleet of 360 units and a 24-hour call center, Samarcanda taxis can be reached at 06.5551.
Taxis usually arrive within 3-5 minutes of the call, so don’t request one until you’re ready to go. You’ll receive the taxi’s ID, usually a city name and a number (e.g., Rimini 15). Ensure you take the correct taxi as the meter starts running once the driver answers the call.
Using Uber in Rome
Yes, Uber operates in Rome, but it may not always be the best option compared to traditional taxi services. Here are some key points to consider:
- Uber drivers are less frequent in Rome compared to other cities, which means you might have to wait longer for a ride.
- Uber rides tend to be more expensive than regular taxis. If budget is a concern, traditional taxi services are typically cheaper.
The Best Apps for Getting a Taxi in Rome
Free Now is an alternative to Uber in Rome, offering many similar conveniences with the added benefit of utilizing local taxi drivers. Here are the key features of using Free Now:
- Free Now partners with local taxi drivers, providing them with an additional business platform while ensuring you get a ride from experienced local professionals.
- When you book a ride, you can see the driver’s name, license plate, and rating, adding an extra layer of security and transparency.
- You can book a ride in advance or call the nearest available taxi when you need one.
- One of the standout features of Free Now is its upfront pricing. You can see the cost of your ride before you book, ensuring no surprises and guaranteeing that you won’t pay more than the quoted price.
- Free Now offers flexible payment options. You can link your debit or credit card to the app for cashless transactions, or you can choose to pay directly in cash to the driver if you select this option.
How to Use Free Now
- Install the Free Now app from your app store.
- Create an account and link your debit or credit card for cashless payments.
- Open the app, enter your destination, and see the estimated fare. Confirm the booking to see your driver’s details and track their arrival in real-time.
- Once you finish the ride, your linked card will be charged automatically for the fare, and you can provide feedback on your experience.
IT Taxi is another app which is also user-friendly. Create a profile, enter your payment info, and it does the rest. When ready for a taxi, open the app, and it finds your location. You have the option to enter your destination, but it’s not mandatory. The app will alert you once a taxi is located, and you can monitor the driver’s location on a m Pay through the app, and tipping is optional.
How Much It Costs to Take a Taxi in Rome?
Here are the fares from the Rome Tourist Board:
- Starting fare Mon-Fri, 6am – 10pm: €3
- Starting fare Sat-Sun and holidays, 6am – 10pm: €5
- Starting fare anytime from 10pm – 6am: €7
Rates increase the further you travel:
- T1: €1.14 per km (up to €11)
- T2: €1.35 per km (from €11 to €13)
- T3: €1.66 per km (after €13)
You can check one piece of luggage for free; each additional piece costs €1. There’s a €2 surcharge for Termini station pickups/drop-offs. There should be a 10% discount for single women at night, although it’s not well-known among drivers.
Cost of Taking a Taxi to/from Rome Airports
- Fiumicino to Rome (inside Aurelian Walls): €50
- Ciampino to Rome (inside Aurelian Walls): €31
- Civitavecchia Port to Rome: €125
Trips starting outside the Aurelian Walls but within the Grande Raccordo Anulare (ring road) can’t exceed €73. The meter will run as per the rates above, with possible add-ons for excess luggage or more than 4 passengers.
Do Taxis in Rome Take Credit Cards?
It is mandatory for Rome city taxis to have POS machines for credit card payments. However, sometimes they might claim the machine is “out of order.” After COVID, many drivers prefer contactless payments. If you don’t have cash, confirm with the driver if you can pay by card before getting in. App-based taxis accept credit card payments, including American Express.
How Much Should You Tip a Taxi Driver in Rome?
Tipping isn’t customary. Rounding up to the nearest Euro is sufficient and appreciated. Over-tipping is seen as overly generous unless the driver provided exceptional service.
Will the Taxi in Rome Be Air-Conditioned?
Air-conditioning in taxis can be hit or miss. Some drivers believe a/c can cause health issues. You can request the a/c to be turned on, and app-based taxis allow you to request an a/c-equipped vehicle. Private car services typically use a/c as most clients are foreigners.
How to Get a Taxi to/from the Rome Airports?
To the Airport: You can catch a city taxi at train stations or call one. Avoid taking private taxis from drivers who approach you.
From the Airport: Grab a white city taxi lined up outside or book a private car service in advance. Avoid taking private taxis from unsolicited drivers.
Fixed Cost for Airport Taxis: The rate is €50 from Fiumicino and €31 from Ciampino to within the Aurelian Walls.
Early Morning Taxis to the Airport: For early flights, ask your hotel concierge to call a taxi when you’re ready. Taxis usually arrive within 5 minutes. If you’re staying in an apartment, find the nearest taxi rank and go there. You can also book a taxi via an app or arrange a private car service for peace of mind.
Taxi vs. Metro to the Termini Train Station in Rome
Taking the Metro costs €1.50 per person but involves stairs and escalators. A taxi to the train station costs €8-15, with a €2 surcharge for Termini. The convenience of a taxi, especially with luggage, often outweighs the cost difference.
How to Know How Much a Taxi in Rome Should Cost?
Most trips within Rome should not exceed €15-20, even at night or on weekends. You can use online fare estimators for accurate cost predictions.
How to respond if You’ve Been Ripped Off by a Taxi in Rome?
- Note the driver’s information and the taxi company.
- Get a receipt.
- Report the incident to the taxi company and the finance police (Guardia di Finanza) if necessary.
- If you’re at a hotel, have the staff help you resolve any disputes.