Taxi in Rome: Prices, Apps and Practical Advice
- Damian Brzeski
- 5 days ago
- 10 min read
Are you planning a visit to the Eternal City and wondering whether it's better to catch a taxi, order a ride through an app, or use Uber?
Roman transport can be surprising – both with prices and traps for unsuspecting tourists. Before you get into the first car you see, learn the key rules, current rates and tricks that will allow you not to overpay for your trip.
What types of taxis are there in Rome?
Planning to take a taxi around the Eternal City? It's worth finding out how much such a ride might cost in advance.
In Rome, official city fares apply, which depend on the time of day, length of the route, and several additional factors.
Check the prices of the rides you book and what additional charges may appear on your bill.
Licensed White Taxis: How to Recognize Them and Why You Should Use Them
If you're planning on taking a taxi in Rome, start with one basic rule: only use official, licensed taxis.
How to recognize them? All Roman taxis are white and have a distinctive, illuminated "TAXI" sign on the roof. Additionally, on the front doors you will find the city's coat of arms and license number.
Inside the vehicle there should be a taximeter , driver identification, and current fare information (usually on the side window). If any of these things are missing, it's a warning sign.
Only licensed Roman taxis guarantee you the legality of the service, clearly defined prices and the possibility of filing a complaint if necessary.
Dishonest Taxi Drivers: How to Avoid Scams and Overcharges
In Rome, unfortunately, you can still come across illegal carriers, the so-called "taxi pirates". They prey on unsuspecting tourists, especially at Rome's airports , train stations or near tourist attractions.
They offer a "bargain" taxi ride , often without a license, without a taximeter and without the possibility of receiving a receipt.
To avoid them, stick to official taxi ranks marked with an orange TAXI sign or order a ride through an app. Never get into a car that "drives up" on its own and urges you to take a ride. Remember: legal Roman taxis do not accost customers on the street.
Taximeter and counter: mandatory equipment of every legal taxi
Every taxi ride should be billed based on the taximeter reading. Before setting off, check that the meter has been started and is showing the correct starting rate (depending on the time of day).
The taximeter charges according to the distance traveled and/or the time of the stop. If the driver offers you a "price from your head", it is better to decline. The lack of a working meter is the first sign that you may be overpaying.
A receipt for your ride: why you should always ask for one
After the taxi ride is complete, the driver is required to issue you a receipt from the taximeter. You will find on it, among other things, the license number, the duration of the ride, the distance traveled and the total fare. Keep this document!
If you have any doubts or wish to make a complaint, your receipt is your proof .
If your taxi ride is suspiciously expensive, a receipt can help you assert your rights. It also confirms that the ride was made on a legal route and was billed according to Rome city regulations.
Prices and rates for Rome taxis
Before you book a ride in Rome, it’s good to know what affects the price of a taxi . Fares are regulated by city authorities, but they include several variables: time of day, distance, and even the departure location.
Below you'll find the current rules to help you understand how much a taxi ride costs in typical situations.
Taxi Fares in Rome: How They're Charged
In Rome, there is a progressive fare system, which means that the rates change throughout the journey, depending on the distance travelled.
Currently the price of a Roman taxi starts from:
€3.50 on weekdays (06:00–22:00),
€5.00 on Saturdays and public holidays,
€7.50 during night hours (22:00–06:00).
After this amount, the taximeter charges a rate for each kilometer and the time spent waiting (e.g. in traffic jams). The minimum fare for a ride is €9 , even if we only travel 1-2 kilometers. This means that the shortest taxi ride will still cost at least that much.
Night and holiday rates: when higher rates apply
If you plan to take a taxi at night, you should expect higher costs. A higher night rate applies between 10pm and 6am and on public holidays. Just starting the journey is a few euros more expensive.
Fortunately, there is no additional charge for holidays such as Christmas or New Year - everything is already included in the starting night rate.
It is important not to be surprised or cheated by a driver who claims "special Christmas prices".
Additional charges: luggage transport and radio taxi call
The final cost of a taxi ride is also affected by small surcharges. The first large piece of luggage is free, but each additional large piece of luggage may be charged €1 . For ordering a taxi by phone or through an app, the driver may charge €3 to €5 for the ride to your destination.
If you start or end your journey at Termini Station , a flat fee of €2 is charged. For journeys with more than 4 people (e.g. van), there is a surcharge of €5 for each additional passenger.
The average cost of a taxi ride in Rome is usually between €9 and €15 in the city centre , although it depends on the route, traffic and time of day. So it’s worth knowing the basics of fares before you book a ride .
Applications and travel booking
Nowadays, ordering a taxi in Rome no longer requires calling the switchboard or looking for a taxi rank.
More and more passengers are using convenient mobile applications that allow for quick and safe taxi transfers to any location in the city. Check out what options you have to choose from and how to use them.
Taxi booking apps: AppTaxi, Chiama Taxi, FREE NOW
The three most popular taxi apps in Rome are: AppTaxi , Chiama Taxi and FREE NOW . Each of them works with licensed drivers, which guarantees legality and safety.
AppTaxi is a pan-Italian tool that lets you order a ride and pay by card through an app. It operates in many cities and connects to taxi fleets such as Radio Taxi 3570.
Chiama Taxi is the official app of the city of Rome , integrated with the city's switchboard 060609. It is intuitive and works in both Italian and English.
FREE NOW works similarly to Uber, but sends a licensed taxi to pick you up . It lets you track the ride in real time, pay by card, and rate the driver.
All three options are available through the app and support both instant rides and scheduled taxi transfer bookings .
Uber in Rome: How it works and how it differs from traditional taxis
While many people know Uber as a cheap alternative to taxis, in Rome the situation is different. The Uber app offers only premium services (Uber Black, Lux, Van), because local regulations prohibit the use of non-professional drivers.
When ordering an Uber in Rome, you will pay more than for a regular taxi – for example, from Rome Fiumicino Airport to the city centre prices can be over €100 , while Taxis from Fiumicino Airport have a fixed price of €55 .
However, it is worth knowing that Uber cooperates with the itTaxi network, so you can order a ride in a regular Roman taxi.
Booking a Taxi in Advance: When is It Worth It and How to Do It
Although taxis are available 24/7 in Rome, in some situations it is better to book a ride in advance. Booking a taxi transfer is especially useful for early flights, trips from the outskirts or during peak tourist seasons.
You can do it by phone or via the app - both Chiama Taxi and FREE NOW have the option to "Book later", i.e. choose the date and time.
The app will remind you of the upcoming ride, and the driver will show up at the agreed time. This is the best way to guarantee a punctual and comfortable taxi transfer - without stress and waiting for a free car.
Transfers from airports to the center of Rome
For many tourists, their first contact with Rome taxis is right after landing. That's why it's worth knowing what the airport transfer looks like and how much a taxi ride from Fiumicino or Ciampino to the city center costs .
Below you will find practical information about prices, travel times and rules that protect passengers from unfair charges.
Transfer from Fiumicino Airport: Fixed Price and Journey Time
Taxis from Fiumicino Airport offer a fixed, officially set price to the center of Rome – it is €55 , regardless of the time of day or the amount of luggage (up to 4 people). This is a convenient option for anyone flying into Rome Fiumicino Airport , the largest airport in Rome .
The Rome-Fiumicino transfer usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, although it can be longer during rush hour. The ride is operated by an official Rome taxi (with the sign “Roma Capitale”) and the driver cannot change the price at will.
Importantly, there are clearly marked lines leading from the airport to the Roman taxi rank – just follow the signs saying “TAXI”. Ignore people accosting you in the arrivals hall – they are almost certainly illegal carriers.
If your destination is further away from the city centre (i.e. outside the Aurelian Walls), the fare will be metered, but the maximum fare within the GRA ring road should not exceed €80.
Ciampino Airport Transfer: Cost and Options
In the case of Ciampino Airport, there is also a fixed price for the journey to the city centre – €40 . This applies to journeys to the central zone and a maximum of 4 passengers. As with Fiumicino, there are no additional charges for luggage or night time.
Taxis from Ciampino Airport are waiting right outside the terminal – it’s a small airport, so they’re easy to find. Just head to the official taxi rank. The journey takes around 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic.
An alternative might be a bus or train transfer to Rome , but for people with luggage or traveling in a group , a convenient taxi transfer is definitely the most practical choice. Especially since a taxi costs only a little more when the cost is spread over several people.
Both Fiumicino and Ciampino also offer individual transfers that can be booked in advance, e.g. with Kiwitaxi – this is an option for those who value full comfort and a pick-up with a driver waiting with a sign.
Companies and alternative forms of transport in Rome
While Rome taxis are a convenient and accessible option, it's worth knowing other options for getting around the city.
Learn about the largest taxi companies, the offer of renting with a driver and what to do if you are planning a trip outside of Rome. The choice is large, and a well-chosen means of transport can significantly affect the comfort of your stay.
Taxi Companies in Rome: The Most Popular Operators
There are several large taxi companies operating in the city of Rome , including RadioTaxi 3570 , Pronto Taxi 6645 , Samarcanda and Roma Radio Taxi 4994. Each has its own telephone switchboard and fleet of licensed vehicles, but all rides are operated under the same tariff rules.
When ordering a taxi by phone, it is worth knowing that each company may add a fee for arriving to the customer - a maximum of €5.
Some companies, such as Taxi6645 , also allow bookings via SMS or WhatsApp, which may be helpful for people with limited ability to talk on the phone.
Renting a car with a driver: a comfortable alternative to a taxi
In Italy , the NCC (Noleggio con Conducente) service is also popular – private transport by car with a driver. It is a kind of "custom limousine", often chosen by business travelers or those who prefer a higher standard.
These options offer a fixed price set in advance, often with extras like water, Wi-Fi, and an English-speaking driver. They work well for airport transfers or day trips.
The cost of such a ride is usually higher than the price of a taxi , but can be reasonable if split between several people. Example? A transfer from Rome to the airport in a private sedan costs from €60 upwards.
Intercity Transfers from Rome: How to Get to Other Cities
Want to leave the city of Rome and visit, for example, Florence, Naples or Tivoli? Of course, you can take a taxi, but the cost of the taxi ride will then be very high - the meter also counts the return journey.
Instead, consider a private transfer or a Kiwitaxi -type service. For example, a Kiwitaxi driver can pick you up from your hotel and take you to another city for a set price – no surprises. This is a convenient and financially transparent option, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group.
Practical information and safety
A safe and comfortable taxi ride in Rome is primarily a matter of awareness.
Although the city offers many legal transportation options, it is worth knowing the rules, the observance of which will help avoid unpleasant surprises - especially for tourists using a Rome taxi for the first time.
Rome's "limited traffic" ZTL zone: what you need to know about entry restrictions
In the center of Rome, there are so-called ZTLs, or limited traffic zones. Some areas, such as the area around the Pantheon or Piazza Navona, are completely closed to private cars.
Fortunately, Roman taxis are allowed to enter these zones – even during restricted hours.
This is a great convenience because it allows for door-to-door taxi transfers , even where neither buses nor rental cars can reach. Taxis can also use bus lanes, which often significantly shortens travel times through congested streets.
Taxi Travel Scams: How to Avoid Getting Scammed
Despite increasing scrutiny, unfair practices can still be found in Rome. What is worth knowing?
Always choose a taxi from a taxi rank or order one via the app – avoid “touters”.
Check that the taximeter is turned on and shows the correct fare.
After the course, ask for a receipt – it is proof of payment and a basic means of protection.
Don't be fooled by the "no change" mentality - have the exact amount of cash with you.
From 2021, every taxi must have a terminal - refusing to pay by card is a violation of the regulations.
If you still have doubts about the driver’s honesty, make a note of the vehicle’s licence or registration number and report the situation – for example via the Rome city website.
Leonardo Express – a faster alternative to a taxi from Fiumicino Airport
Many tourists do not know that from Rome Fiumicino Airport to the city center you can get not only by taxi , but also... faster!
The Leonardo Express express train runs directly to Termini Station . The journey takes just 32 minutes – without the traffic jams and delays that can happen in road traffic.
This is an ideal solution for those travelling with less luggage or those who want to be in the city centre quickly. Although the price of the Leonardo Express train (approx. €14 per person) is not the lowest, in many cases it is faster than a taxi .
It is worth asking about discounts at the box office when purchasing tickets for a larger group of people.
In summary: choose the option that best suits your needs, but be vigilant – knowing the basics and transportation options is the best way to get your Roman adventure off to a smooth start!
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