How to get a taxi in rome — simple, safe, and stress-free
Start here: how to get a taxi in rome without hassle
If you’re planning your first ride and asking how to get a taxi in Rome, you’re in the right place. In this guide you’ll learn how to spot official taxis, where to find taxi ranks near big sights, which apps actually work, how fares (including airport fixed prices) are calculated, and how to avoid common traps. You’ll also see the options for Uber and how to pay by card like a local.
Short answer: use official white taxis from a taxi stand or book through a reliable app/phone number. For the airports, fixed fares apply under clear conditions—details below.
What official Rome taxis look like (so you don’t get scammed)
Rome’s licensed taxis are white sedans/vans with:
- a “TAXI” roof sign,
- the Comune di Roma crest on the door,
- a license number on the door and inside the car,
- a meter next to the driver.
Avoid unmarked cars or “helpful” drivers who approach you inside stations or the airport arrivals hall. If someone whispers “taxi?” but isn’t standing at the official rank, keep walking.
Where to find taxi stands near the sights (fast pick-ups)
You can’t count on street-hailing everywhere, so your quickest bet is a posteggio taxi (rank). You’ll see an orange TAXI sign and a line of white cars. Handy ranks for travelers:
- Termini Station (main rail hub; multiple ranks at Piazza dei Cinquecento)
- Piazza Venezia (for the Roman Forums/Capitol)
- Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps)
- Piazza del Colosseo (by the Colosseum)
- Piazza Risorgimento (Vatican Museums side)
- Trastevere (Piazza Trilussa / Viale Trastevere)
- Piazza Navona & Campo de’ Fiori (short walks to nearby ranks)
Tip: if the first car in line isn’t yours (e.g., needs a child seat), the driver will wave you to the next one—never skip the queue without the driver’s okay.
The easy way: book by app or phone
If you don’t want to hunt for a rank, apps and dispatch lines work well:
- itTaxi or FREE NOW – popular local taxi apps; request a nearby licensed taxi and see the ETA.
- CHIAMA TAXI 060609 – Rome’s city information number can also dispatch a taxi to your location.
- Radio Taxi numbers you’ll hear from locals: 3570, 6645, 5551, 8822 (tell them your street + building number).
These options send official white taxis. They’re ideal late at night or in residential areas with no rank nearby.
Uber in Rome: what actually works
Yes, you can open Uber in Rome—but it’s not the same as the U.S. model. You’ll usually see Uber Black (licensed chauffeurs/NCC) and, increasingly, Uber Taxi (real Roman taxis that accept trips inside the Uber app). Prices can be different from street taxis, and Black often costs more—but the app experience is familiar if you like in-app payments and driver tracking.
Pro tip: If you’re price-sensitive and flexible, compare an app-booked taxi (itTaxi/FREE NOW) with Uber Taxi and Uber Black before you confirm.
How fares work in the city (and how to read the meter)
Inside Rome, regular rides are metered. There’s a minimum start fare, then distance/time charges, plus small supplements for things like night/holiday rides or extra luggage (when applicable—rules change over time). The most important piece for visitors: airport rides have fixed prices (below), so don’t pay more than the posted city tariff when you qualify for the fixed rate.
Always make sure the meter is on when you start—unless you’re on an airport fixed-fare route.
Airport taxis: the fixed fares you should know
If you’re traveling between central Rome (within the Aurelian Walls) and the airports, the city publishes flat prices. As of the latest updates:
- Fiumicino (FCO) ↔ Rome city center: €55 fixed fare
- Ciampino (CIA) ↔ Rome city center: €40 fixed fare
These prices apply both ways (to or from the airport), for up to four passengers, and include luggage. If your hotel is outside the Aurelian Walls, the driver must use the meter or the published fixed price for specific zones/municipalities. Drivers usually have the printed tariff card inside the cab—ask to see it if unsure.
Paying by card: can I use a credit card in Roman taxis?
In practice, most official taxis carry a card reader and accept credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard; AmEx acceptance varies). Say “carta?” when you get in. If paying by card is important to you, booking via app (itTaxi/FREE NOW/Uber Taxi) can remove the uncertainty, because payment is handled in-app.
Local tip: carry a small amount of cash for tiny hops or if a specific vehicle’s POS is temporarily offline.
How to get a taxi at Rome airports (step by step)
At FCO – Fiumicino:
- Exit your terminal and follow the “TAXI” signs to the official ranks.
- You’ll see white taxis with the Rome crest and a posted board reminding you of the fixed fares (look for “Tariffe Fisse”).
- Confirm the fixed fare with the driver before you put bags in the trunk.
- If you prefer an app workflow, check Uber for Uber Taxi/Uber Black pickups at FCO; the app shows the designated pickup area.
At CIA – Ciampino:
Ranks sit just outside arrivals; the €40 fixed fare to the center applies when your destination is within the Aurelian Walls. If you’re headed elsewhere (e.g., far north of the center), expect the meter instead.
People also ask: quick answers you can trust
Is it safe to get a taxi in Rome at night?
Yes—use official white taxis from ranks or book by app/phone. Share your car number (it’s on the door) with a friend and sit in the back. For solo travelers, using an app with live tracking adds comfort.
How do I call a taxi if I don’t speak Italian?
Open itTaxi or FREE NOW, drop a pin, and confirm. Or dial 060609 and say your address slowly; many operators speak basic English. Hotels and restaurants will gladly call a cab for you as well.
How much is a taxi from Fiumicino to central Rome?
It’s a fixed €55 to addresses inside the Aurelian Walls (the historic center). No extra charge for up to four passengers or luggage.
Does Rome have Uber?
Yes, Uber operates in Rome with Uber Black (chauffeur service) and Uber Taxi (licensed Roman taxis in the Uber app). Availability and pricing vary by time and demand.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Taking an unlicensed car: If someone approaches you inside the terminal or by Termini, decline. Walk to the official rank or book by app.
- Not confirming the airport fixed fare: Say “tariffa fissa, per favore” and confirm the total before bags go in.
- Forgetting the address: Have your full address ready (street + number). Screenshots help if your data signal drops.
- Assuming every taxi takes AmEx: Many do, but not all. If AmEx is a must, ask first or use an app.
- Expecting a cab in tiny lanes: In the old center, some lanes are pedestrianized. The driver may ask you to walk the last 1–2 minutes.
Getting a taxi from Rome’s train stations
- Termini (Roma Termini): multiple ranks in front of Piazza dei Cinquecento. Busy but fast-moving; lines are marshaled on peak days.
- Tiburtina & Ostiense: clear signs to ranks outside the main exits.
- Trastevere & San Pietro stations: smaller ranks; if you land late, consider booking by app so a car meets your train.
If you’re arriving by Frecciarossa from Florence or Naples, it’s worth opening your taxi app a couple of minutes before the train arrives to avoid the rush.
Taxi vs. alternatives (for certain routes)
- To the Vatican before opening time: a taxi gets you close to Viale Vaticano (Museums entrance) without transfers—useful for early tours.
- Late-night returns from Trastevere or Testaccio: taxis are reliable and quick when buses thin out.
- Short hops across the center: consider walking—Rome’s historic core is compact. If you’re tired or it’s raining, a taxi is still a great choice.
Real-life mini-scenarios (so you can copy-paste the play)
1) From your hotel near the Pantheon to Termini at 6:30 a.m.:
Ask reception to call Radio Taxi 3570 or open itTaxi. Driver arrives in ~5–10 minutes; meter fare, card OK.
2) From FCO to a hotel by Piazza Navona:
Walk to the official TAXI rank, confirm “€55 tariffa fissa per il centro, per favore.” Luggage included. Pay cash or card at the end.
3) From a late dinner in Trastevere to your apartment in Prati:
Open Uber and compare Uber Taxi vs Uber Black vs itTaxi. Pick the quickest with in-app pay and live tracking.
How to keep costs sensible (without stress)
- Check distance in Maps first, so you have a ballpark.
- Avoid peak changeovers (e.g., just after big events) if you can—demand spikes.
- Share when practical (max four passengers on the fixed airport fare).
- Use apps to reduce language friction and guarantee card payment.
- Ask for a receipt (“ricevuta, per favore”) if you might expense the ride.
FAQ — quick hits you asked for
Do Rome taxis take kids without car seats?
Italian law allows taxis to transport children without child seats in city limits, but for maximum safety consider a car service (NCC) that can pre-install one.
Is tipping required?
No. Rounding up a euro or two is kind. For great help with luggage or a stroller, a small tip is appreciated.
What if the driver says the card machine is broken?
Offer to pay via app (book a taxi through itTaxi/FREE NOW) or use cash. If card payment was agreed and refused, politely note you’ll call the polizia municipale—that usually resolves it.
Can I pre-book a 4–6 passenger van?
Yes—ask your hotel concierge, or select van/XL options in apps where available. Many taxis are MPVs with space for bags.
Wrap-up: the 30-second plan for stress-free rides
To get a taxi in Rome smoothly: use official white cabs from ranks, or book via itTaxi/FREE NOW (or Uber Taxi/Uber Black if you prefer that ecosystem). Know your airport fixed fares—€55 FCO and €40 Ciampino to/from the Aurelian Walls—and confirm them before you load luggage. Pay by card or in-app. With these basics, you’ll ride like a local and spend more time enjoying Rome.
